The Camino de Santiago at Christmas

Tips for doing the Camino de Santiago at Christmas, analyzing how the festive dates affect the availability of services, the atmosphere on the route, and the weather conditions, with planning recommendations, equipment, and stages to enjoy a different and more tranquil experience.

 

Christmas is a time of year when the Camino de Santiago generally does not receive many pilgrims. During the Christmas period, it is customary to gather with family and friends, as many return home for the holidays. This, combined with the arrival of winter, with cold, rain, and perhaps snow and storms, explains why these are not the preferred dates for pilgrimage. However, and although you may not imagine it, there are powerful reasons to embark on the pilgrimage adventure during these significant dates. In this article, we will explore what it means to walk the Camino de Santiago at Christmas, including its pros, cons, and some advice.

Pilgrims at Christmas

As mentioned, dear pilgrim, few pilgrims choose to walk any Jacobean route at Christmas, that is the reality. This does not mean that there are none, and they are generally experienced pilgrims who already know the Camino de Santiago at other times of the year. They understand what it entails to walk the Camino in winter: basically, adverse weather conditions and fewer services available.

Snowy mountain of O Cebreiro, on the French Way

The routes of the Camino de Santiago at Christmas, which one to choose?

It is true that it is advisable to choose a route that runs through paths where the weather forecast is likely to be milder than in others. One must always keep in mind that it rains a lot in Galicia. Regarding accommodations and open services, it would be best to choose routes that are traditionally more popular throughout the year. The likelihood of finding available services and accommodations will be higher than in other less traveled routes annually.

At the end of December, the Ways that offer a better climate and more services are the Portuguese Route and the French Way. Shall we play it safe and comfortable, or perhaps venture into the unknown?

Playing it safe: the Portuguese Way

The Portuguese Way and its coastal variant come from 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 in Galicia. Therefore, the cold you might encounter on more northern Ways is thus reduced.

Being very busy routes annually, you can still find operational shelters, guesthouses, and hotels during Christmas, such as in the last 100 kilometers from Tui. Moreover, there are people who travel during the Christmas holidays, and this period remains a time of year with certain tourist demand.

Panoramic view of Tui in winter from Valença do Minho, on the Portuguese Way

Playing it comfortable: the French Way

On the other hand, the French Way is the leader in terms of pilgrim traffic. Although it is a colder Way than the Portuguese Route, as it is further north, it perhaps offers more services.

It is important to consider where you want to start this Way. We care about you, and we do not recommend starting from Saint Jean Pied de Port, Roncesvalles, León, and O Cebreiro. Why? You will face high passes and mountain ports of over 1,000 meters above sea level: snow, wind, and freezing cold, along with guaranteed storms and poor visibility. It is a risk you should not take and could postpone for another time of year.

On the other hand, completing the last 100 kilometers from Sarria during Christmas is indeed a good idea. At just over 700 meters above sea level, it is difficult to find snow on this route, although not impossible. It will be cold and there may be morning fog, but this can be resolved with good pilgrim clothing and accessories. As for accommodations, we insist, this is the most traveled Camino and the best supplied with shelters, so you will have no problem.

To the adventure

Regarding the rest of the Caminos, of course you can do them, but you must consider that in some the weather can be very harsh. We are referring to the Primitive Way, as well as some sections of the Northern Way. The Winter Way, although very suitable for Christmas, passes through some high areas and may pose complications. In terms of services, it may give you problems during this low season, as it is not a very crowded route. The same happens with the English Way, the Silver Way, the Sanabrés Way, or the Way to Finisterre and Muxía.

To take into account

Of course, we only provide you with advice that comes from our experience, but you can take the Camino you want. Just keep them in mind and plan your adventure well: check the weather reports and book accommodations before you set off. Additionally, there will be fewer hours of sunlight for walking, something you need to consider when planning your stages.

The Plaza del Obradoiro at Christmas

These disadvantages are also accompanied by advantages that may encourage you to pilgrimage at Christmas, so let’s go through them!

The benefits of pilgrimage at Christmas

We are very positive and always find the good side of things. At Christmas, you will find few pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago. This is a great advantage if what you seek is escapism, introspection, intimacy, reflection, and finding yourself. On the other hand, many people wish to disconnect and have an alternative Christmas, and in that regard, the Camino de Santiago is a very good option.

Moreover, the landscapes you will encounter in the countryside will offer you beautiful winter scenes. If you are lucky enough to find a bit of snow, it is a nice touch and always adds value. You will also pass through towns and cities with their Christmas lights, which will provide you with all the warmth you need.

The Christmas lights of Vigo, on the Portuguese Way of the Coast

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 that a very important episode in the history of the Camino de Santiago is celebrated, the Traslatio. Every December 30th, this episode is celebrated, with mass and botafumeiro included in the Cathedral of Santiago. You can time your arrival in Santiago to coincide with this day, thus having an exceptional end to the year.

Moreover, many pilgrims who spent a Christmas on the Way sleeping in shelters have shared a secret with us. Many times, Christmas dinners are celebrated in them with a fraternal and fun atmosphere, where you can feel at home, but with new people. Who knows, a Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve of pilgrims can be very inspiring.

"Ande ande ande… ¡I'm going to Compostela!"

That’s how the carol sounds, but with our pilgrim version. You can make the Camino de Santiago singing to Christmas, a magical experience.

Happy Way, pilgrim!