Would you like to enjoy a different Christmas Holiday with your children?We have some ideas and plans to make your visit an unforgettable experience.

Visit San Sebastian, Basque Country, the city recently awarded by Conde Nast Traveller as the 5^th destination in the world to be discovered and enjoy with your family any of these plans

Christmas crafts fair: here you will find all kind of products made by local craftmen: soaps, purses, footwear, toys… You can enjoy this fair that takes place behind the Buen Pastor Cathedral from the 18th of December to the 5th of January, from 10.30-14.00 and 16.30-20.30

Santo Thomas Fair: in each village of Gipuzkoa Santo Thomas’ day is an important day for the locals. But in San Sebastian it is also one of the biggest celebrations of the year. The 21st of December the city turns into an enormous country market of which Txistorra (fresh chorizo-like sausage) is the star. The city is full of stalls offering all kind of food and craft wares, mostly made by local famers. You can’t miss the opportunity to taste our delightful cheese, honey, txistorra sausage, cider and cakes.

But food is not the only star, in the Constitution Square you will also find a market where the best vegetables and livestock is shown. This tradition comes from the mid-19th century, when the farmers of the province had to pay their yearly rent to the owners of the land they worked. As they use to wear their best clothes for this day, nowadays you will find out that locals are dressed up as ancient Basque farmers.

This day is a great opportunity to taste Basque products, listen to traditional music and to live this important day along with the locals.

The Basque “Santa”: Olentzero is the name of the traditional character of Basque Christmases who brings children gifts as Santa Claus does in other cultures. He is a charcoal-maker who lives in the hills. He receives children’s letter asking for presents for Christmas Day. Moreover, groups of neighbors usually parade an Olentzero puppet through the streets on Christmas Eve, singing carols. You will find those parades in each village of Gipuzkoa, but one of the biggest ones takes place in San Sebastian. Help your children to write their letters and come to San Sebastian to meet Olentzero.

Nativity Scene in the Plaza Gipuzkoa: The whole garden area is occupied from the beginning of December by the traditional Nativity scene. This square has been the setting of this scene for more than 50 years. The whole family will enjoy this fabulous view full of different figures standing a meter tall

Outside San Sebastian:

Pin Pan Pun Children’s Christmas fair:  as every year, Ficoba (Irun) organizes a children’s Christmas fair from the 22th of December to the 4th of January. Here, the whole family can enjoy together the variety of attractions, workshops, games and fun.  It is open from 15.00 to 20.00 and closed the 24th, 25th of December and the 1st of January. (link a la web de Ficoba)

Christmas Market in Ordizia: the traditional market in Ordizia is one of the most known markets in the province, but the Christmas Market is the second most important event of the year for this village. The 24th of December, Ordizia is going to turn into a large exhibition space, a must for the lovers of Basque products and a meeting point for buyers and local sellers.

This is another great opportunity to live an unforgettable experience where the whole family can enjoy the different exhibitions and competitions of animals, traditional dances and music and taste local products.

Have a look at this proposal that Hagoos has designed for you and your family!