Home > What to do at Christmas in Ponferrada: lights, magic and the traditions of El Bierzo
What to do at Christmas in Ponferrada: lights, magic and the traditions of El Bierzo
Hotel Ponferrada Plaza
If you’re thinking about a winter break in the north and wondering what to do at Christmas in Ponferrada, Christmas 2025 is looking especially bright, magical and full of plans for everyone. The capital of El Bierzo turns, for a month and a half, into a small winter stage: illuminated streets, festivals, competitions for the little ones, hearty food and a family atmosphere that is hard to find in overcrowded destinations.
In this guide you’ll find the key things to do in December in Ponferrada and a comfortable place to stay so you can enjoy it all at your own pace.
Christmas lights in Ponferrada
The big starting point of the festive season will be 29 November, when Ponferrada switches on its Christmas lights. This year, the City Council is once again fully committed to the illuminations, an investment that is justified by the huge number of visitors and the buzz it creates in the streets.
For a month and a half, the city will be decked out with thousands of lights adding colour to the historic centre, Calle del Reloj, the most iconic squares and the main shopping area. It’s the perfect time for an evening stroll, starting in the old town and continuing towards the Town Hall area and Avenida del Castillo, with the Castillo de los Templarios as a backdrop.
If you’re after quieter plans, simply walking under the Christmas lights in Ponferrada is already a plan in itself: photos, shop windows, café terraces with heaters and that mix of dry winter cold and local Bierzo atmosphere that defines the whole of December.
Markets, ice rinks and a family-friendly atmosphere
Among the main things to do in December in Ponferrada, the Christmas markets are a must. In the centre you’ll usually find stalls selling:
- Local crafts and handmade gifts.
- Christmas decorations.
- Typical products from El Bierzo, sweets and roasted chestnuts.
Son perfectos para encontrar detalles especiales y llevarte un poco del Bierzo en la maleta.
They’re ideal for picking up special little gifts and taking a bit of El Bierzo home in your suitcase.
To round things off, there’s the ice rink set up in the Town Hall square, which has become one of the most popular spots during the festive season. Skating as a family, soaking up the atmosphere from the sidelines and finishing off with a hot chocolate is one of those classics that never fail.
In neighbourhoods such as La Rosaleda you’ll often find fairground rides and children’s areas too, stretching the afternoon out between lights, music and the laughter of the youngest ones.
“Vive la Magia” International Festival
One of the major highlights of Christmas in Ponferrada 2025 is once again the
Among the most eye-catching performances are:
- Jean Philippe, a French illusionist specialising in balloon magic, with his show Atchoum in different venues around the city.
- Celio Amio, a Japanese magician presenting Wakatta, a show performed entirely in Japanese at the Museo de la Radio, with limited seating where the audience even learns a few words of the language.
- The Canarian magician Jessica Guloomal, who will perform at Sala Río Selmo, strengthening the presence of women in a world where there are still very few female magicians.
The festival is spread across civic centres, care homes, the hospital, various neighbourhoods and a marquee in Plaza Fernando Miranda, so that the magic literally reaches every corner. There are also
If you enjoy culture, this festival is one of the strongest reasons to visit Ponferrada at this time of year.
Bercian Christmas traditions: competitions, Mago Chalupa and the parade
Bercian Christmas traditions are very much alive, and it shows especially in the children’s and youth events programme. Among the highlights:
-The 38th “Cartas a los Reyes Magos” (Letters to the Three Kings) competition, aimed at pupils up to 8 years old. The winning letter will be read on 5 January at the official welcome ceremony for the Three Kings.
-The 35th Youth Christmas Story Competition, with age categories (9–11, 12–14 and 15–17).
Throughout the festive season, the undisputed star is Mago Chalupa, ambassador of the Three Kings in Ponferrada. He visits schools, collects letters and keeps alive that very special bond between the city and children’s excitement.
Christmas is rounded off with sporting activities, a big children’s gala, the official reception for the Three Kings and the traditional Cabalgata, the
To make the most of all these plans without sacrificing rest, you need accommodation that is comfortable, well connected and quiet. Hotel Ponferrada Plaza is located in Ponferrada’s commercial area, in a peaceful setting yet within perfect walking distance of the centre, so you can enjoy the full Christmas atmosphere without relying on the car.
The hotel has 40 rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi, television, air conditioning and minibar, as well as a restaurant serving local produce, a café, a complimentary gym for guests, a garden for events and function rooms of various sizes . There is also free outdoor parking and a secure paid car park, which is very handy if you are driving during the busy festive season.
So if you’re looking for a Christmas break with lights, magic, Bercian traditions and a hotel where you can truly switch off, Ponferrada is a very safe bet.