Christmas is a time of year when the Camino de Santiago doesn’t typically receive many pilgrims. This is because during the holiday season, it’s common for people to be with their family and friends, as many return home for Christmas. This, combined with the arrival of winter with its cold, rain, and possibly snow and storms, explains why these are not the preferred dates for pilgrimage. However, and even though you may not imagine it, there are compelling reasons to embark on the pilgrim adventure during these special dates. In this article, we will explore what it entails to do the Camino de Santiago at Christmas, including its pros, cons, and some advice.
Pilgrims at Christmas
As I mentioned, fellow pilgrim, few pilgrims set out to walk any of the Jacobean routes during Christmas, to put it plainly. This doesn’t mean they don’t exist, and they are generally experienced pilgrims who already know the Camino de Santiago during other times of the year. They understand what it involves to do the Camino in winter: essentially, adverse weather conditions and fewer services available.
Snowy mountain in O Cebreiro, on the French Way.
The Camino de Santiago routes at Christmas, which one to choose?
It is indeed advisable to choose a route that follows paths where the weather forecast is generally milder than in others. It’s important to keep in mind that Galicia experiences a lot of rain. Regarding accommodations and services that are open, it would be wise to select routes that are traditionally more popular throughout the year. The likelihood of finding available services and accommodations will be higher than on less-traveled routes annually.
In late December, the Caminos that offer better weather and more services are the Portuguese Route and the French Route. Shall we go for safety and comfort, or perhaps for adventure?
Safety first: the Portuguese Camino
The Portuguese Camino and its Coastal variant originate in Portugal and enter Galicia from the south. These routes offer more pleasant temperatures, averaging between 8°C and 15°C in Portugal, about 5°C lower once you’re in Galicia. This reduces the cold you might encounter on more northern ways.
Since these routes are heavily traveled throughout the year, you can still find hostels, guesthouses, and hotels operating during Christmas, especially along the last 100 kilometers from Tui. Additionally, some people travel for vacations during Christmas, and this period remains a time of the year with a certain level of tourist demand.
Panoramic view of Tui in winter from Valença do Minho, on the Portuguese Way.
For comfort: the French Way
On the other hand, the French Way leads in terms of pilgrim traffic. Despite being a colder route than the Portuguese one, as it’s further north, it perhaps offers more services.
You should consider where you want to start this Camino. We want the best for you, and we do not recommend starting from Saint Jean Pied-de-Port, Roncesvalles, León, or O Cebreiro. Why? High mountain passes and peaks above 1,000 meters await you: snow, wind, freezing cold, and assured storms, along with low visibility. It’s a risk you shouldn’t take and could save for another time of the year.
On the other hand, undertaking the last 100 kilometers from Sarria at Christmas is a good idea. With just over 700 meters above sea level, it’s hard to find snow on this route, although not impossible. It will be cold, and there may be morning fogs, but these can be addressed with appropriate clothing and pilgrim accessories. As for accommodations, we insist, it’s the most traveled Camino and the best supplied with accommodations, so you won’t have any problems.
The adventurous option
As for the rest of the ways, you can certainly do them, but you must consider that the weather can be very harsh in some of them. We are referring to the Primitive Way, as well as some sections of the Northern Way. The Winter Way, although suitable for Christmas, passes through some high areas and may give you complications. In terms of services, it might pose problems during this off-peak season, as it is not a very crowded route. The same goes for the English Way, the Via de la Plata, the Sanabrian Way, or the Finisterre and Muxía Way.
Things to consider
Of course, we only offer advice based on our experience, but you can choose the Camino that suits you. Just keep them in mind and plan your adventure well: check the weather forecasts and book accommodations before you set off. Additionally, there will be fewer hours of daylight for walking, something you need to consider when planning your stages.
The Obradoiro Square at Christmas.
These disadvantages are also accompanied by advantages that may encourage you to embark on a pilgrimage at Christmas, so let’s go over them!
The benefits of pilgrimaging at Christmas
We are very positive and always find the silver lining in things. At Christmas, you will encounter few pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. This is a great advantage if you’re looking for escapism, introspection, intimacy, reflection, and a chance to find yourself. On the other hand, many people desire to disconnect and have an alternative Christmas experience, and in that regard, the Camino de Santiago is an excellent choice.
Furthermore, the landscapes you will encounter in the countryside will offer beautiful winter scenes. If you’re lucky enough to find a bit of snow, it’s a nice bonus. You will also pass through towns and cities with their Christmas lights, which will provide all the warmth you need.
Christmas lights in Vigo, on the Portuguese Coastal Way.
Very important is the spiritual contribution you can feel on the Camino de Santiago during the Christmas season. The word “Christmas” comes from Latin and means “birth”, and as you know, it celebrates the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, who is closely related to the Apostle Santiago. In relation to the latter, it is precisely at Christmas when a very important episode in the history of the Camino de Santiago is celebrated, the Traslatio. Every December 30th, this episode is commemorated, complete with a Mass and the swinging of the botafumeiro in the Cathedral of Santiago. You can time your arrival in Santiago to coincide with this day and have an exceptional end to the year.
Furthermore, many pilgrims who have walked the Camino and stayed in hostels during Christmas have shared a secret. Often, these hostels organize Christmas dinners with a fraternal and enjoyable atmosphere, where you can feel at home but with new people. Who knows, a Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve among pilgrims can be very inspiring.
Ho, ho ho!!!! Go to Santiago!!!!
That’s how the carol goes, but with our pilgrim version. You can walk the Camino de Santiago while singing to Christmas: perhaps alone or accompanied, with your dog, even on a bike or in a group. Walking the Camino at Christmas, like Santa Claus and the Three Wise Men heading to our homes every year, is a magical experience.
Happy journey, pilgrim!
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