Celebrating the Holiday Season in Valencia: Events and Activities

As Valencia begins to recover from the devastating floods that affected so many lives, the city is coming together to rebuild. Christmas lights are brightening the streets and festive markets are now opening across the city. Many events include charity initiatives to help those most affected by the recent floods.

This post is an ongoing list of holiday events, updated regularly. So, check back to see what’s happening this holiday season.


Christmas Markets

Valencia has a host of holiday markets throughout the city in December and January. Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular ones:

  • Plaza Reina Artisans Market
    Explore dozens of stalls featuring handmade artisan products. Runs daily until January 6.
    • Morning: 10:30–14:00
    • Evening: 16:30–21:00
  • Mercado Colón Christmas Market
    A curated selection of handmade crafts and artisanal goods from December 16–22.
  • Mercado Central Christmas Market
    Running from December 10–January 4, this market will take place in a plaza near Mercado Central (exact location TBD). More details here
  • Mercado de Tapinería
    Enjoy shopping, food, and festive activities from December 19–January 5. Event info
  • Kings’ Market in Cabanyal
    Find last-minute bargains on clothes, toys, and food at Mercado Cabanyal from January 3–6.

Christmas Fairs and Events

From circuses to holiday fairs, Valencia offers plenty of festive fun for all ages:

  • Christmas Fair at the Port
    Located at the old Estación del Grau (between Avenida Francia and Ingeniero Manuel Soto). Ferris wheel, bumper cars, games, and more. Open from December 6 – January 19.
  • City of Arts and Sciences Christmas Fair
    From December 13–January 6, enjoy food, children’s workshops, and handicrafts at the Umbracle. A charity stall will accept toy donations for children affected by recent floods.
  • Plaza del Ayuntamiento Festivities
    Decked with Christmas lights, the Christmas Train and Ice Rink up until early January.
  • The Christmas Ship
    Docked at Tinglado 2 in the Marina from December 6–January 4, this cruise offers kids’ activities and festive fun with characters like Santa Claus and the Grinch. Schedule and tickets
  • Circus Shows
    • Circo Wow: Aquatic-themed show at Plaza de Toros. Details
    • Circo Alaska: Beauty and the Beast adaptation at L’Horta de Senabre. Details
    • Circo Wonderland: Inspired by Up, this circus near the Bioparc features acrobats and trapeze artists. Details
  • ExpoJove
    Valencia’s Children and Youth Fair at Feria Valencia offers activities, music, and entertainment from December 22–January 4. Full program
  • Parque Central – Nadal Solidari Christmas Park
    Valencia’s Central Park will become a Christmas wonderland for kids this year. Expect fair rides, games, and performances from December 26 – January 4 from 11:30 – 20:30. Free admission. More information here.

Christmas Music

Valencia is ringing with festive music this season, with many performances near Christmas markets to enhance the holiday spirit.


Christmas Charity Events

Valencia’s holiday celebrations include many ways to give back to those affected by the recent floods.

  • Santa Motorcades

Valencia Weekend Events: 19 – 22 December 2024

Weekend Events in Valencia

This weekend, the holiday spirit is in full swing, with plenty of family-friendly events and festive activities. Here’s a quick guide to what’s happening in Valencia. For a more extensive list of holiday markets and seasonal celebrations, check out our post on Celebrating the Holidays in Valencia.


Valencia’s Book Fair is Back

Postponed due to the recent floods, the Valencia Book Fair returns from December 19–22 at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Celebrate literature with book signings, workshops, and more.


Music Highlights

Palau de la Música
The Nadal Solidari series continues with the following performances:

  • December 19: The Valencia Orchestra performs ballet classics, including Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake and Stravinsky’s The Firebird.
  • December 21: Jazzy Christmas features international and Valencian jazz artists.
  • December 22: Free concert by Amores Percussion Group. Reservation required.
  • December 22: The Musicians of the Louvre perform Strauss’s Der Fledermaus (The Bat).

La Rambleta
Enjoy Christmas jazz concerts on December 22:

  • Barret Jazz Big Band performs swing and Latin jazz.
  • Kaos Band offers a modern jazz twist.

Centro del Carmen
The Poliritmia Mediterranean Music Festival runs from December 21–29, featuring sound installations and concerts celebrating Mediterranean music.

San Juan de Hospital Church
A charity concert supporting flood victims takes place on December 21, featuring the Barlovento Choir.


Children’s Events

TEM Theatre
On December 21–22, enjoy Juegos de Bauhaus, a modern dance and music performance for kids exploring abstract art concepts.

City of Arts and Sciences
Starting December 21, the City of Science will host a series of interactive science workshops for children throughout the holiday season.


Charity and Volunteering

Papanoelada Motorcycle Parade
Join the annual Papanoelada motorcycle parade on December 22 to raise funds for charity.

Albufera Lagoon Cleanup
Volunteer to help clean flood debris from the Albufera lagoon:

  • December 20 and 28: Sign up to lend a hand and support flood recovery efforts.

Enjoy your weekend and happy holidays! ?