Christmas has arrived in Vigo, becoming a popular destination for families looking to enjoy the Christmas season. The 2026-2027 programme combines major shows, children's activities and festive spaces where visitors can stroll, discover decorations and make the most of the school holidays. Alongside the lights illuminating hundreds of streets, this year's celebrations introduce new attractions and relocate some of the city's most popular Christmas venues.

If you're wondering what to do with children during the festive season, here's a guide to some of the main activities and new attractions to enjoy Christmas in Vigo.

Disney+ brings a new parade to Christmas in Vigo

One of the biggest highlights this year is the arrival of Disney+ in Vigo's Christmas programme. The collaboration includes a large-scale parade along García Barbón Street, featuring enormous inflatable figures inspired by well-known Disney characters, accompanied by music, choreography and performers in costume.

The opening parade is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, starting at 5:00 pm. The route begins near the Isaac Peral junction.

The collaboration also includes a three-dimensional illuminated installation on Policarpo Sanz Street, featuring lighting effects and visual displays. It adds another attraction to the Christmas walk through the city centre.

The Christmas tree in Porta do Sol and its light shows

The heart of Christmas in Vigo is once again Porta do Sol, home to the city's giant illuminated Christmas tree. The official Christmas lights switch-on is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, at 8:00 pm.

The tree is one of the must-see attractions for families visiting Vigo. Its lights and musical displays make it one of the city's busiest festive locations. Light and sound shows are scheduled for 6:00, 7:00, 8:00, 9:00 and 9:50 pm.

Christmas decorations extend across around 500 streets and squares, featuring more than twelve million LED lights. Visitors can discover illuminated figures, arches, decorated trees and plenty of festive photo opportunities along the way.

Vialia welcomes the Cíes Market and new attractions

Another major change this year is the relocation of the Cíes Market from Alameda to the outdoor square at Vialia. The market features stalls selling gifts, Christmas products and food.

The area around Vialia is also becoming an important family entertainment destination. Its outdoor space will feature a giant Ferris wheel and several children's attractions, including:

- Santa's Christmas train.
- A children's motorbike track.
- A Mario Bros-inspired circuit.
- Jumping attractions.
- A traditional carousel.
- The giant Christmas Ferris wheel.

This is one of the areas worth including in a family visit, especially if you want to combine a stroll around the market with some fun rides.

Ice skating and karting at Samil

Christmas in Vigo also offers activities for families who enjoy sports and outdoor fun. Ice rinks and a karting area will be set up at Samil Beach, providing an opportunity to enjoy some exercise during the school holidays.

Before visiting, it is advisable to check the opening times, prices and admission requirements, as these may vary depending on the day and activity.

The Christmas Circus returns to Coia

The Christmas Circus is back as part of Vigo's family entertainment programme with its show, O Máxico Reino dos Xoguetes (The Magical Kingdom of Toys).

The circus tent will be set up on Avenida de Castelao in Coia, with performances scheduled from December 4, 2026, to January 10, 2027.

It is a great alternative for families looking for an indoor festive show, with entertainment especially appealing to younger visitors.

The Nativity Scene Exhibition: a family Christmas tradition

The Casa das Artes will once again host Vigo's traditional monumental Nativity Scene exhibition. The display will also include a children's Nativity scene, individual scenes, a photography exhibition and a space for family pictures.

The exhibition is expected to open in early December, after the building's other scheduled uses have finished. Guided tours for schools are also planned.

It is a peaceful and free activity that allows visitors to discover one of the city's most cherished Christmas traditions.

 Santa Claus, the Royal Messenger and neighbourhood markets

Children will also be able to visit the areas dedicated to Santa Claus and the Royal Messenger, located around Policarpo Sanz. These are among the most eagerly awaited attractions for children who want to hand in their Christmas letters and take photographs with these festive characters.

Christmas celebrations extend beyond the city centre. Markets and activities will also reach other neighbourhoods, with events planned in O Calvario and Bouzas. The wider Christmas cultural programme will include performances and activities in different parts of Vigo.

 The Christmas boat and tourist trains

Among the different ways to explore the city is the Christmas boat, which is scheduled to operate from November 20 to January 4.

Tourist trains will also offer visitors a different way to admire Vigo's Christmas lights. Three routes are planned: two through the city centre and another in the As Travesas area.

These are interesting alternatives for families who want to enjoy the festive lights without having to walk the entire route.

A Christmas season to discover Vigo with children

The 2026-2027 celebrations offer plenty of reasons to plan more than one visit: from the Disney+ parade and giant Christmas tree to the attractions at Vialia, the ice rinks at Samil, the circus in Coia and the monumental Nativity Scene.

To avoid unnecessary journeys, a good idea is to organise visits by area: spend one afternoon exploring the city centre and its lights, another enjoying the attractions at Vialia, and save a separate day for Samil or Coia.

The programme will continue to be updated over the coming weeks with practical information about opening times, prices and activities. Before planning each visit, it is advisable to check the latest details for each attraction.

Vigo is once again offering a Christmas season full of family activities and new experiences, making children an essential part of the city's festive celebrations.