As December approaches, all the cities in Galicia are adorned with the typical Christmas lights. Garlands of lights and large illuminated trees are placed in cities and towns, once again showing us what the Camino de Santiago is like during Christmas. Traditionally, the Christmas lights are turned on at the end of November or the beginning of December, bringing that special magic that Christmas has.
In this article, we want to inform you about the Christmas lights on the Galician Jacobean routes, what they will be like and when they will be lit. In the case of a specific city and a certain Caballero, they are true tourist attractions and can even be seen from outer space.
Galician Christmas Lights on the Camino in 2024
As you probably know, doing the Camino at Christmas allows you to enjoy one of the most important Christmas lights in Spain, which are in Galicia. However, we can admire many more in all the cities and towns through which the various Jacobean routes pass. Let’s learn more about the main Christmas lights on the different Jacobean paths, one of the attractions of doing the Camino de Santiago in winter.
Christmas Lighting in Vigo
Since 2017, the Christmas lighting in Vigo has been making news every year. Its mayor, Abel Caballero, is making a strong commitment by investing heavily, so much so that it has become a top-tier tourist attraction at Christmas.
Since the end of the last century, the streets of the olivic city, where the Portuguese Coastal Way passes, have been illuminated. But what its mayor has achieved in recent years is to offer “the most important Christmas that Vigo has ever had.” And he adds, “we are going to witness one of the tourist phenomena that has never been seen before in Spain.”
What to See and Do in Vigo’s Christmas Lighting
Since November 16th, the important Christmas lights have been inaugurated once again in Puerta del Sol in Vigo. The star of the show is the large Christmas tree of lights, over 45 meters tall, and accessible from the inside.
Also highlighted are the luminous structures spread across the streets, with more than 11.5 million LED lights covering over 400 streets. Various Christmas decorations will be on display, as well as Christmas markets, a photo booth, Santa Claus and the Three Kings’ booths, exhibitions, and even a circus, among many other surprises. And as a grand finale, the huge Ferris wheel offers a breathtaking panoramic view.
Of course, entertainment is guaranteed with the Christmas activity program in Vigo. You can’t miss it.
The Christmas lights in Vigo are nationally famous
Christmas Lighting in Santiago de Compostela
In Santiago de Compostela, the Christmas lights may not surpass those in Vigo, but the city does have its traditions and classic elements. Like a route along the Camino de Santiago, kilometers of light blankets adorn the historic center and other parts of the city. The large Christmas tree in Plaza del Obradoiro is a staple of the Christmas decorations and lighting in the Jacobean capital.
With the lighting of the Christmas decorations on November 29th, Santiago doesn’t want to fall behind. After the Apostle’s and Ascension celebrations, Christmas is the third most important event in the city. Streets, squares, and rural areas will be illuminated with hundreds of lights. Additionally, there will be light postcards in the Alameda, the Christmas Market, and the Star Market. The traditional nativity scene at San Fiz de Solovio will also be featured, along with many others, and events such as concerts, the San Silvestre race, New Year’s Eve parties, and much more will take place.
Of course, a complete program of activities will enliven the Christmas season in Compostela. In addition, in the Cathedral, there will be a guaranteed Botafumeiro on December 30, the feast of the Traslatio. Here all the Ways converge, and if you take any route, like the French Way from Sarria, you will be lucky to enjoy this celebration.
The Obradoiro Square is the main space for Christmas celebrations in Santiago de Compostela
Christmas Lighting in A Coruña
The city of A Coruña also offers its own Christmas lights. On December 5th, in María Pita Square, where the English Way passes through the city of crystal, the Christmas lights will be turned on. This year, one of the main Christmas attractions will be a structure in María Pita Square representing the crowns of the Three Kings, becoming a popular photo spot. The Marina will remain the official ‘photocall’ location, with its iconic light ball, and the Obelisk will host the tree that lights up Los Cantones, with a new, more vibrant aesthetic, topped with a star symbolizing the Christmas spirit.
A Coruña, the city of glass, also becomes a city of light at Christmas
Christmas Lights in Other Galician Capitals
The Christmas lights in other Galician cities along the Camino are also very much worth seeing.
- Ferrol, where the English Way also begins, showcases spectacular lights that highlight its historic architecture. On December 1st, in Plaza de Armas, you can enjoy the lights of the large Christmas tree over 20 meters tall.
- Lugo, where the Primitive Way passes through, will turn on its Christmas lights on December 5th in Plaza Mayor, along with a photo booth.
- Ourense, on the Sanabrés Way, will debut its lights on December 5th in Plaza Mayor, featuring the grand Christmas tree.
- Pontevedra will also inaugurate its lights on December 5th in Plaza de España, where the grand Christmas tree will not be missing. If you choose the the Portuguese Way from Tui, you can enjoy this beautiful Christmas lighting.
The Tradition of Christmas Lights
In Roman times, streets were already lit for the Saturnalia, a festival in honor of Saturn, the god of agriculture. It was celebrated between December 17th and 24th, while December 25th was the day of the Unconquered Sun and the winter solstice. The night was dangerous in Rome, and to celebrate safely, the urban space was illuminated. Something similar happened in ancient Nordic culture with the Yule festival, which also celebrated the change of season.
“The night turned into day as people lit the streets in the best possible way with torches, lanterns…,” explains historian Néstor F. Marqués in relation to the Saturnalia festivities in Rome.
The tradition of Christmas lights dates back to very ancient origins
Origin of Christmas
In the year 313, Emperor Constantine “legalized” Christianity in Roman society. In 325, the First Council of Nicaea established December 25th as the date of Jesus’ birth. Later, Pope Julius I confirmed this decision. Finally, Christmas was declared by Pope Liberius in the year 354. The term Christmas comes from the Latin “nativitas,” meaning birth, and the popes intended to Christianize the Roman pagans by replacing their festivals with others. What better way than to celebrate the birth of the Son of God!
How the First Christmas Lights Originated
In the 18th century, in the homes of the German upper class, it became customary to decorate Christmas trees with candles or lanterns. This custom would gradually spread throughout Europe.
At the end of the 19th century, with the development of electricity and electric light, the first Christmas tree decorated with electric light appeared. In 1882, Edward Hibberd Johnson, a partner of Thomas Edison himself, invented special bulbs for Christmas trees. Initially, these bulbs were somewhat expensive and only accessible to the wealthy.
Because of this creation, he is considered the father and inventor of Christmas lights, did you know that?
It wasn’t until the 1930s that they became more affordable to more social classes and their use began to become widespread. Finally, from the second half of the 20th century, Christmas lights became popular. So much so that in addition to homes, they began to adorn houses, shops, buildings, and streets. Think of American movies: North American culture has been a big fan of Christmas lights since the 1960s. This custom would gradually reach Europe, and even Japan, by the end of the last century.
Illuminating Your Way at Christmas
If there is something that we stand out for at Viajes Camino de Santiago, it is helping each pilgrim to create experiences they will never forget. And it’s never too late to let yourself be illuminated by the Camino Xacobeo, whether in a group or on your own. Do you need more information about what we can offer you? We invite you to discover why we are the agency specialized in the Camino de Santiago best rated by users.
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