This is the Christmas 2024 in San Sebastián Program
CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
This year’s Christmas program will include, as a novelty, the “Gabonak Zuretzat” initiative from the Youth Department, showcasing various activities taking place across the city’s neighborhoods.
Among the most noteworthy activities this year:
INTERNATIONAL DRONE SHOW FESTIVAL: Three international drone performances in La Concha Bay. Open to the public, who can gather on the beach.
Dates: 29 and 30/11
Times:
- November 29: 6:45 PM
- November 30: 6:30 PM, 6:45 PM, 7:45 PM, and 8:00 PM
Location: La Concha Bay
FIRST BAE RIDE: The first tricycle ride to enjoy the city during Christmas for elderly people with mobility issues – Bizikletaz Adinik Ez.
Date: 02/12
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Market Igloo
SUSTAINABILITY WEEK: A campaign with schoolchildren in collaboration with the Cristina Enea Foundation. Activities to raise awareness about sustainability.
Dates: 09/12 – 19/12
Location: Urumea Square
ESPAZIOA INAUGURATION: On International Human Rights Day, ESPAZIOA will be inaugurated with five sculptures by Donostia-based artist Iñigo Arístegi.
Date: 10/12
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Esplanade in front of the EKINN building
NATIVITY DAY:
Date: 20/12
Times:
- 12:00 PM: Demonstration at the Igloo by volunteers.
- 5:00 PM: BAE Visit: Diorama explanation at the Igloo.
- 5:30 PM: BAE Visit: Walk and stop at the Nativity Association cabin at Labayen.
- 6:00 PM: BAE Visit: Walk around the Nativity scene at Gipuzkoa Square.
GABONETAN MUSIKA: A series of musical concerts in various city neighborhoods, including free performances by the Orfeón Donostiarra choir at San Ignacio Church (Gros) on December 27 and in Altza on December 28.
Dates: 23/12 – 29/12
Times: Various times
Locations: Different venues across the city
GABONAK HONDARTZAN: A day to promote sports and physical activity, culminating in a beach clean-up to teach children about the importance of sustainability.
Date: 30/12
Time: 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: La Concha Clocks
Lighting Ceremony
Representatives of Donostia at the Olympic Games will lead the Christmas lighting.
Iñigo Llopis, Fernando Mitxelena, Pau Etxaniz, and Miren Lazkano, alongside Maialen Chourraut, will light the Christmas decorations on Friday, November 29, from the City Hall terrace, transforming Alderdi Eder into an Illuminated Forest. The event will feature a performance by Mikel Erentxun and conclude with a 300-drone display over the bay, part of the International Drone Show Festival. In case of bad weather, the drone show will be rescheduled for Saturday with new international collections.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTING AND DECORATION
The City Council, through Fomento de San Sebastián, will decorate the city with over 500 illuminated elements, including 175 arches, 181 lampposts, 216 decorated trees, and several special installations. The main novelty is a 12-meter-tall Luminous Ball on Zurriola Avenue, which will be walkable inside and feature light shows every 30 minutes from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Other highlights include the Luminous Fir Tree in front of the City Hall terrace and the Christmas almond trees.
CHRISTMAS MARKET
The Christmas Market will open this Friday with 65 stalls set up along the Urumea promenade and Ramón Labayen Square. This year’s market will feature new decorations and a food corner with five stalls. The stalls will offer typical Christmas products, with several dedicated to solidarity and inclusive associations such as Zaporeak and the Ukrainian Support Collective.
CHRISTMAS FAIR
The Christmas Fair will include a 32-meter-high Ferris Wheel at Alderdi Eder, a Sled Ramp on Federico García Lorca promenade, and a Christmas Train in Cervantes Square. Additionally, the tree at Ramón Labayen will be decorated and accompanied by two children’s attractions.
SOLIDARITY AND SUSTAINABILITY
The Christmas campaign will focus on solidarity and sustainability, with collaborations with associations such as Zaporeak, Bizikletaz Adinik Ez, and organizations supporting the Ukrainian community. Measures will be taken to reduce the carbon footprint, including the use of renewable energy, LED lighting, and ecological attractions. The market will also reduce lighting hours and feature stalls made from recycled materials.
Detailed information and the full program are available on the official website https://donostiagabonetakoazoka.eus.
