Christmas Lights Switch-On in San Sebastián 2025: Full Festive Programme & the 500-Drone Sky Show

🚁 Switch-On Report: 500 Drones and Izaro’s Voice Light Up Donostia

Were you at Alderdi Eder last night? If you couldn’t make it, here is how San Sebastián has raised the bar once again.

Last night, the city kicked off the 2025 Christmas season with an event that the local press is already calling “historic.” Under the theme ‘Donostia Ametsetan’ (Donostia Dreaming), the sky over La Concha Bay was transformed into a breathtaking digital canvas. The main talking point was undoubtedly the technological display: 500 drones — a significant leap from the 300 used last year — painted 3D figures and visual narratives about our history, all perfectly synchronized with pyrotechnic effects.

But it wasn’t just about the tech. The emotional heartbeat of the night was provided by the singer Izaro, who performed songs from her album Gabonetan, creating a magical atmosphere just moments before the lights went on. The event also featured Iñaki Gabilondo, a legendary broadcaster, who did the honors of pushing the button in a tribute to the centenary of radio in the city. As reported by outlets like Noticias de Gipuzkoa, the show managed to “move the crowd once again,” with thousands of locals packing the city center. It confirms that this aerial ballet has firmly established itself as an essential tradition. It was a powerful, elegant, and uniquely local start to the holidays.

Did you miss it? Catch the full spectacle in the video below and experience the magic for yourself:

Full Festive Programme

The countdown to Christmas in San Sebastián has officially begun. On Friday 28 November at 7:30 PM, the city will flip the switch on its spectacular festive lights, launching six weeks of magic that run until 6 January. This year’s headline act? A 500-drone light show over the Bay of La Concha – the biggest aerial display in northern Spain – complete with 3D animations, live music and fireworks.

Whether you’re a local planning your diary or a visitor booking a winter break, this is your ultimate guide to the San Sebastián Christmas 2025 season: lights, markets, ice rinks, concerts and insider tips.

A Basque Christmas Tradition with Global Appeal

San Sebastián’s Christmas lights are more than decoration – they’re an economic engine. Last year, the campaign generated €24.7 million for local businesses, accounting for up to 20% of annual turnover in the city centre. In 2025, the City Council and Fomento de San Sebastián have gone bigger: over 500 light installations across 100 streets, energy-efficient LEDs and a clear sustainability focus.

The Big Switch-On: 28 November, 7:30 PM

Location: Alderdi Eder gardens, facing City Hall and La Concha beach. Who flips the switch? Local Olympic athletes (past stars include swimmer Iñigo Llopis and canoeist Maialen Chourraut).

But the real star is the 500-drone spectacle – 200 more than 2024. Watch as programmable LED drones create moving 3D figures above the bay, synced to an original soundtrack and pyrotechnics. One single, unrepeatable show – no encores.

Pro tip: Arrive by 6:00 PM. The area is pedestrian-only; expect road closures. Rain? The drones fly anyway.

An 18-metre Christmas tree will then shine in Alderdi Eder until Epiphany.

A City-Wide Light Trail

• Old Town (Parte Vieja): Unified lighting across every street – perfect for pintxo-hopping under the glow.
• Avenida de la Libertad: A tunnel of “falling stars”.
• San Marcial Street: Giant illuminated arch.
• Iconic façades: City Hall, Hotel María Cristina, Victoria Eugenia Theatre and – new for 2025 – the Bretxa market entrance.
• Total stats: 169 arches, 181 lamppost motifs, 227 illuminated trees, 5 interactive floor elements.

The Giant Ferris Wheel (open since 14 November) offers panoramic night views, while the 12-metre glowing sphere on Zurriola Beach now features external LED snowflakes and internal hanging ornaments that light up in choreographed shows.

Christmas Market & Winter Village

Gabonetako Azoka – 28 Nov to 6 Jan

• 71 wooden chalets (6 more than last year) split between Ramón Labayen (34 stalls, 13 food-focused) and Paseo de Francia (37 stalls).
• Local crafts, Basque sweets, solidarity gifts and the Lurkolektiboa artisan collective.

New in 2025:

• Covered ice rink (30×10 m) opposite the North Station.
• Christmas Train through a snowy village with Santa.
• Trineo ramp still available for kids.

Full Festive Calendar (Highlights)

Extra family fun at the Prado Christmas Park (natural ice rink, workshops, nativity route).

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Transport: Use Dbus or Euskotren. Park at Bretxa or Boulevard.
• Stay: Book central (Old Town or Gros) early – hotels like María Cristina run Christmas packages.
• Eat: Pair lights with cider at the market or a festive menu in the Old Town.
• Sustainability: Support local makers; use public transport.
• App: Download “San Sebastián Turismo” for interactive maps and live updates.

Final Word

The San Sebastián Christmas lights switch-on 2025 is more than an event – it’s a love letter to the city’s soul: elegant, family-friendly and proudly Basque. Save the date, wrap up warm and let the Bay of La Concha light up your winter.

Share your favourite San Sebastián Christmas memory in the comments. Follow us for daily updates.

Author: Descubre Donostia