Multiple markets take place around Bilbao during Christmas. The 21st of December, for instance, we celebrate Santo Tomás Market. It’s the perfect event to purchase quality foods. On this day, the Plaza Nueva is transformed into a huge market with music and incredible entertainment enjoyed by everyone. We also have `Gabonart´, the arts and crafts fair. The stands there offer ceramics, jewellery, toys, toys, leather, carved wood, textiles… Don´t miss The Ribera Market to make the best Christmas purchases and prepare unforgettable lunches and dinners. 

Nativity scenes are popular attractions in Bilbao during the Christmas period. There is a long tradition in Bilbao of assembling these Nativity scenes. In 1958, a group of nativity scene friends, created the Nativity Scene Association of Biscay. This was the start for a group that has a permanent exhibition of its heritage comprising approximately 800 nativity scene figures, distributed in 51 complete sets. When the Christmas period approaches, the richness and originality of all of his craftsmanship is shown to the public in different spaces. 

The 23rd of December, Olentzero, a singular character in Basque popular culture, comes down to the city from his farmhouse accompanied by fantastic characters from Basque mythology. He receives the children who want to talk about their presents. The other important date is the 5th January. Children make sure their shoes are squeaky clean before going to of the Three Wise Men parade. The highlight are the adorned carriages, the theatres, the dancing and the thousands of sweets thrown to the crowd. A warning for those who misbehave: they also bring coal.