What To Do In Palencia In December: Christmas, Lights And Must‑See Cultural Plans of Hotel Castilla Vieja in Palencia. Official Website.
What to do in Palencia in December: Christmas, lights and must‑see cultural plans
Palencia transforms in December. The crisp Castilian chill invites you to bundle up nicely — but also to enjoy a city that feels peaceful, welcoming, and perfect for a festive winter getaway. Far from the bustle of larger capitals, the Christmas season here unfolds at a gentler pace: soft lights, artisan markets, hearty food and cultural activities on every street. Stay at Hotel Castilla Vieja in the heart of town, and everything is within strolling distance.
A walk under lights: Palencia’s festive glow
From late November the city begins to glow. Stroll under the illuminated archways of Calle Mayor, make your way to the Plaza Mayor or wander towards the Salón — the city becomes a fairytale setting when darkness falls. Trees sparkle, shop windows shine, and the soft glow feels like a warm embrace.
Christmas markets & festive fairs: gifts with character
In the heart of the city, the Plaza Mayor hosts Palencia’s Christmas market every December. Wooden stalls brim with handmade crafts, local delicacies and seasonal decorations — perfect for finding meaningful gifts with a story. Walking among the booths, you’ll catch the scent of carved wood, freshly baked sweets and woollen scarves, all crafted with care. It’s the essence of what to do in Palencia in December: explore, support local artisans and soak up the city’s seasonal spirit.
Nativity scenes and traditions: Christmas the Palencia way
One of the most heartfelt traditions is touring the nativity scenes from the XLVI Antonio Lafuente Christmas Crib Competition, organised by the city council. This year the route goes beyond church cribs, including window displays from shops, local businesses and non‑profit groups — turning the city into an open‑air exhibition. Each nativity has a unique style: maybe music, special lighting, moving figures or handmade details. It’s a lovely plan for families, couples or cultural explorers. From your base at Hotel Castilla Vieja you can walk to most of them — a festive route that feels authentic and full of charm.
Culture for every taste: enriching winter plans
December isn’t just about lights — it’s about history and art too. Visit the Cathedral (known as “The Unknown Beauty”), whose quiet grandeur shines even brighter in winter. The Cristo del Otero, especially after dark, offers spectacular views wrapped in seasonal calm. The Diocesan Museum, the Lecrác cultural centre with Christmas exhibitions, and the Principal Theatre — with its winter concerts, plays and shows — complete a varied cultural itinerary for art lovers.
Winter walks: discover Palencia on foot
Even in winter, Palencia invites you to stroll at your own pace. Calle Mayor, with its arcades and traditional shops lit by festive lamps, is an ideal wandering spot. Nearby, the Salón Park transforms into a peaceful winter retreat: bare trees, crisp air, and quiet benches invite reflection. Crossing over the river Carrión on the old bridges, with fog rising at dusk and lights reflecting on the water, feels like stepping into a winter painting. Easy, quiet, unforgettable — for those who look with gentle eyes. Best of all, from Hotel Castilla Vieja you can reach these spots on foot. In Palencia, walking is part of the Christmas magic.
Winter flavours: Palencia’s hearty kitchen warms the soul
December calls for comfort food. Think roast lamb, hearty Castilian soups, beans, chorizo, blood sausage, and savoury stews. Sweet treats like mantecados, rosquillas or flaky pastries complete the tradition. Tapas bars around Calle Mayor, Plaza Mayor and Calle Don Sancho stay cosy with cheerful locals, perfect for lunch or a warming night‑out. Pair it all with a glass from DO Arlanza or Cigales and you have the perfect winter feast.
Nearby escapes: beautiful villages under an hour away
Palencia isn’t just a destination — it’s a gateway. A short journey and you find yourself in another time. In Frómista, the Romanesque church of San Martín stands serene, a monument on the Camino de Santiago path. Ampudia feels like a storybook village: its majestic castle, ancient porticoes and historical streets whisper of knights and noble courts. Further away, Baltanás hides a unique wine‑cellar quarter carved into hillsides — atmospheric and unexpected. Up north, Aguilar de Campoo combines sacred Romanesque art with the sweet scent of freshly baked cookies from its famous biscuit factories. These half‑day trips add depth and discovery to your December stay in Palencia.
Hotel Castilla Vieja: your cosy retreat in the city heart
After a day of lights, history and flavours, you’ll want a place to rest where comfort meets simplicity.
, just steps from Calle Mayor, offers exactly that. Ideal location, welcoming rooms, friendly staff — the perfect base for a December stay. Whether you stroll to markets, cross bridges, visit museums or sip local wine, everything starts and ends here.