Christmas in Oviedo: things to see and do
Christmas lights and switch-on
The shopping streets, Calle Uría, Plaza de la Escandalera and the old town are popular places to enjoy the Christmas lights. For 2026, the Christmas lights switch-on is expected on Friday 27 November; the exact time and venue have yet to be officially confirmed.
Nativity scene exhibitions
One of Oviedo’s most cherished Christmas traditions is the nativity scene exhibition at Plaza de Trascorrales, inside the former Trascorrales Market. Since 2015, the Oviedo Nativity Scene Association has organised displays here, including a large-scale nativity scene and other exhibits renewed each Christmas. Nativity scenes can also be seen elsewhere in the city, including near the Cathedral and in churches and cultural venues. Dates and opening hours for 2026–2027 have yet to be confirmed. More information is available from the Oviedo Nativity Scene Association.
Christmas window displays and local shops
Decorated shop windows add to the festive atmosphere in shopping areas. When Christmas window-display competitions or campaigns are announced, this page will provide the rules, participating businesses and results published by the organisers.
Christmas markets and crafts
In previous years, the Christmas market has occupied spaces around the Cathedral, Plaza Porlier and nearby streets, with stalls selling crafts, gifts, sweets and seasonal goods. A Christmas craft fair is also often held in Campo de San Francisco; in some editions it has been known as Rosaleda de Artesanos. For 2026–2027, published plans envisage attractions in La Rosaleda, an ice rink on Paseo del Bombé and a food and drink area on Paseo de la Herradura, subject to final confirmation. The plans refer to 112 installations in total, including 106 commercial stalls (46 craft stalls, 44 Christmas goods stalls and 16 food stalls) around the Cathedral and nearby streets. Published general opening hours are 12:00–22:00, subject to changes. Check municipal information for final stall allocations and opening arrangements.
Christmas attractions in Campo de San Francisco
Published plans for the 2026–2027 season envisage a covered ice rink of at least 500 m² on Paseo del Bombé, a Ferris wheel over 12 metres tall and children’s attractions in La Rosaleda, and a food and drink area called Winter Garden on Paseo de la Herradura. General attraction hours have been reported as 10:00–22:00, with a maximum ice-rink price of €9 per person per hour. Winter Garden is expected to operate until 23:00 Sunday–Thursday and until midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and the eve of public holidays. All details remain subject to final confirmation.
Concerts, carols and children’s activities
Choirs, musical groups, cultural centres and performance venues may offer recitals, family shows, workshops and special events. You can also check the Oviedo events calendar for other cultural events during the season.
Three Kings Parade
The afternoon of 5 January is traditionally devoted to the arrival of the Three Wise Men. Check the official announcements each year for the parade route, starting time, traffic restrictions and access advice.
Christmas flavours
Nougat, marzipan, chocolate, traditional pastries and festive food complete the Christmas experience. To discover local cuisine, visit our section on Asturian gastronomy.
📷 Create your Oviedo photo album
Have you taken photos of Oviedo’s Christmas lights, nativity scenes or special festive moments? Bring your favourite pictures together and create your own photo album to keep the memories of your visit.
Christmas in Oviedo 2026–2027: events calendar
The following calendar is arranged by period and will be updated with dates, times, venues and official links as events are announced.
Sources for future updates: Oviedo City Council, Asturias Tourism and the Ovetus cultural events calendar.
Visiting Oviedo at Christmas
A walk around the Cathedral and the old town combines historic sights with the festive atmosphere. To plan your journey, see how to travel to Oviedo and the events calendar.