Vigo likes to get an early start on Christmas. And it’s hardly surprising: filling its streets and squares with almost 12 million LED lights and installing those enormous festive structures takes time. Preparations begin in July, and you don’t have to wait too long for the big switch-on, which usually takes place between mid and late November. Christmas is serious business here: Vigo doesn’t simply celebrate it—it multiplies it by a thousand.

Once you arrive in Vigo, all you need to do is wait for nightfall to immerse yourselves in the city’s Christmas magic. No, you won’t have to go looking for it—it will come and find you. Bear in mind that you’ll be exploring a city with around 500 illuminated streets, some 3,000 lit-up trees and attractions for all ages.

With so much to see, you might appreciate a few must-do suggestions to help you decide where to begin. Head to Porta do Sol. This is where you’ll find the giant Christmas tree, one of the city’s most iconic festive attractions. Every year, it transforms the square with its illuminations and spectacular light and colour shows.

From there, as you stroll along García Barbón, Policarpo Sanz, Príncipe and Urzáiz streets, you’ll come across huge illuminated sculptures and festive displays. Along the way, you’re likely to spot a magical float, a snowman, a Christmas palace, a North Star or a bear holding a present, among many other figures. Everything is impressively large and, of course, constantly illuminated. In short, the wow factor is guaranteed. The festive programme also usually includes Santa’s grotto and a visit from the Three Kings’ royal postman. Make sure the little ones remember to bring their letters.

If you’re determined not to miss a thing, there’s no need to plan a marathon route around the city. Simply take a ride on the Ferris wheel—yes, Vigo has one of those too, and yes, it’s also enormous—and admire from above how Christmas spreads throughout the city. Once you’re back on the ground, take a look around the children’s funfair or spend some time gliding around the ice rink.

You’ll find plenty of souvenirs at Cíes Market, a charming Christmas market inspired by those found in northern European cities, complete with wooden stalls, strings of lights, handmade products and the ever-present aroma of festive treats.

It’s not unusual for any meal in Galicia to turn into a feast—and even less so at Christmas. Make sure your table is filled with lacón con grelos (salted pork shoulder with turnip greens), cod with cauliflower, seafood or roast capon. Of course, we’d completely understand if you also wanted to order—or buy to take away—a generous helping of empanada. How could you resist? And to finish, it has to be something sweet. Alongside the traditional festive favourites found throughout Spain, such as turrón and polvorones, make sure you try the filloas. To give you an idea, they’re similar to crêpes and yes, you can also have them with chocolate.

Sercotel Tres Luces brings plenty of comfort to your Christmas break in Vigo. To begin with, it’s located in the heart of the city’s main shopping district, making it the perfect base for having everything close at hand. That includes a comfortable, peaceful night’s sleep after hours spent exploring streets that become especially lively at this time of year. If you need more space, we have family and studio rooms. The latter include a small kitchenette, although once you discover that we also have a restaurant, you’ll probably want to stop by and sample some of the dishes on our menu. Do the same at breakfast: come down and enjoy our buffet. And there’s no need to worry about the car—the hotel has a car park, subject to availability.