Every December, the streets of Valencia come alive with dazzling displays of Christmas lights, marking the official start of the city’s festive season. This year, the lights will be brighter and more beautiful than ever and the anticipation really is greater than ever. Valencia´s Christmas lights switch-on ceremony, known as El Encendido de las Luces Navideñas will be held in the heart of Valencia and will kick off tomorrow, Wednesday, 4th of December.

Our blog today will dive into all the exciting details of Valencia’s Christmas light switch-on, giving you a full breakdown of tomorrow’s event and the festive itinerary. From the official ceremony in Plaza del Ayuntamiento to the spectacular decorations across the city, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know.

Colourful light displays

Like every year, the Christmas lights in the Plaza de Ayuntamiento in Valencia is one of the most awaited events, transforming the heart of the city into a festive wonderland. The grand square will be illuminated with thousands of colorful lights, including twinkling displays on the iconic town hall and a large, beautifully decorated Christmas tree at the center. The ceremony will start at 7:30pm and will carry a special meaning this year.

The lights switch on will be more than just a celebration this year; it will serve as a moment of reflection and remembrance, honoring those affected by the DANA. Reflecting community spirit, the ceremony will bring together the Falleras Mayores, the artist Rei Ortolá, and the choir from the Iturbi Municipal Conservatory. In addition to the main ceremony at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Christmas trees are also expected to be installed in different neighborhoods and towns across the city, bringing the holiday spirit to every corner of Valencia.

The central ice rink!

Another of the city’s most beloved attractions during the Christmas season is the ice rink, which will once again transform the Plaza del Ayuntamiento into a hub of festive activity. Each year, the merchants from the historic center of Valencia take on the responsibility of organizing and installing the rink, which will be available to the public from December 6th. Whether you’re an experienced skater or a beginner just looking to enjoy the atmosphere, the rink is a favorite for people of all ages. Make sure not to miss out on all of the fun!

Grab some sweet snacks!

I think we can all agree that one of the highlights of Christmas is indulging in delicious food and drink, right? In Valencia, no Christmas experience is complete without a visit to a Churrería. These traditional Spanish food stalls offer freshly made churros, often served with a thick, rich hot chocolate perfect for dipping. The warm, crispy churros provide comfort on chilly winter days, making them the ideal snack to enjoy while strolling through the streets. you can expect more than just the traditional churros.

You can also expect other sweet treats such as porras, which are thicker, fluffier versions of churros (also perfect for dunking in hot chocolate) and some places also serve a variety of festive pastries, such as buñuelos (fried dough balls) often dusted with sugar, and sometimes filled with chocolate or cream. There is too much to choose from, we know!

Make sure to also follow both our Instagram and Facebook pages to stay up to date with all of the upcoming Christmas events in Valencia, as well as our cultural activities and Spanish classes.