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When I set off to spend the weekend in Almería, Spain in the middle of December, I was expecting more sea and sun than festive vibes. However, I quickly discovered that Christmas in Almería city is a huge affair. From light displays to letting kids take over the main shopping street, there’s A LOT going on. Here’s a guide to all the best Christmas spots in Almería.
Almería City at Christmas
Cathedral Plaza or Plaza de la Catedral
This was my first stop on my festive tour of Almería. I had seen it on the Almería Instagram page and knew I had to visit. In the center of the plaza they have constructed a tunnel of lights stretching from one end to another. The light patterns and colours change in time to music. The local nuns were there welcoming people to the tunnel and watching the enjoyment it brought the community. The surrounding palm trees are wrapped in lights as well. When I visited there was instrumental music playing and it was completely otherworldly. It tends to get packed with kids and families so it can be hard to take a good photo, but it’s a wonderful experience all the same. It’s not all about photos after all haha.
Passeo de Almería (Main Shopping Street)
Passeo de Almería, the main shopping street, turns into a playground for children on the weekends in December. And not in a terrible way, it’s super fun and heart warming. They close off a huge portion of the main street to traffic and fill it with bouncy castles, blow up football pitches and more for families and children to enjoy. There are lights lining the street as well from top to bottom. It all makes for a magical atmosphere while shopping or stopping for a coffee on the main shopping street of Almería.
When you get to the top of Passeo de Almería at Peurta de Purchena you’ll find a giant light up Christmas tree and stars hanging everywhere as if they’re floating above the street. Not to mention, poinsettias absolutely everywhere. A local told me that they just planted them everywhere at the start of December. I had foolishly assumed they were always there! I was just so impressed with the effort they put into doing up the city for Christmas.
La Rambla (Av. Federico García Lorca)
This wide street has a long green pedestrian area right down the middle and that’s where all the Christmas goodness happens. There’s a Christmas market on throughout the day and evenings for most of December and it’s full of food and craft stalls. Grab a waffle drizzled in chocolate, browse the stalls and enjoy. During my time in Almería there was also an ice rink in the middle of La Rambla, which I was NOT expecting in the heat of Spain.
If you walk down La Rambla towards the water you’ll find the I Love Almería sign (always good for a photo). Behind the sign, there is a huge, walk-through, Christmas candle made from lights. Another twinkly addition to the incredible lights that make Christmas in Almería city so special. And that’s not all, I discovered a giant slide in front of the sign too. It was all done up to look like a snowy mountain and kids had to grab a rubber ring and slide down from the top. Another family friendly addition to the festivities in Almería.
Mercado Central de Almería
The central food market in Almería may not seem the obvious choice for Christmas decorations, but inside it is decorated immaculately with a towering tree, presents and garlands. You can pick up bouquets of poinsettias at the market as well as all sorts of edible treats. The entrance on the side of Calle Rambla Obispo Orberá is particularly festive with a beautiful tree of lights out front.
Christmas in Almería VIDEO
No matter where you go in the city, Christmas in Almería city does not disappoint. Down every side street you’ll find different lights hanging over you. Snowflakes, ribbons, baubles and beyond! I only spent 48 hours in Almería but I was able to fit in so much festive fun. For more info about Spain make sure to check out the official tourism site.
DISCLAIMER
**Spain UK sponsored this trip. However, all opinions are, as always, my own.**
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This is beautiful! I didnt expect Christmas without snow can look so nice.