Murcia in winter: Christmas plans and places to visit

If you’re into charming cities without the crowds, Murcia in winter will win you over, hands down. Low season suits it down to the ground: mild weather, a festive vibe without the crush and that Mediterranean rhythm that invites you to stroll, savour and snap photos of everything.

Plus, Murcia at Christmas shines with lit-up streets, cute markets and nativity scenes that look straight out of a film. And between plans, a pastel de carne or a caldo con pelotas to warm you up. A brilliant plan, right?

Murcia at Christmas: atmosphere and traditions

When evening falls and the lights come on, Murcia changes face. Gran Vía Alfonso X El Sabio dresses to the nines and Plaza Circular raises its giant tree—one of the most iconic sights of the Murcian Christmas. Plaza de la Catedral (Plaza del Cardenal Belluga) blends art and tradition with the Belén Municipal (“Municipal Nativity Scene”), usually installed around the Palacio Episcopal.

The Christmas lights switch-on in Murcia doesn’t yet have an official date, but it usually happens between late November and early December. What we can confirm is there’ll be a great atmosphere to kick off the festive season. From then on, a whole programme of activities pops up across the centre—and that festive buzz that carries you from square to square without checking the time. Murcia at Christmas is a full sensory stroll.

Christmas markets in Murcia

If you’re the “buy with your heart (and eyes)” type, take note. The Christmas markets in Murcia take over key squares like Plaza de Santo Domingo and Glorieta de España (also known as Glorieta del Ayuntamiento, “City Council Glorieta”), where stalls usually gather selling crafts, decorations, local products, toys and traditional sweets. Must-tries to nibble or take home: almond cordiales, alfajores murcianos, turrón and all the sweet artillery these dates call for. And don’t worry about luggage space—you can always take an extra piece or more with OUIGO PLUS and OUIGO FULL.

You should also drop by the Muestra de Artesanía de Navidad on Gran Vía Alfonso X El Sabio—an absolute local classic at this time of year. There’s also usually a family-friendly Christmas fair with rides at La Fica. It’s called Navilandia, perfect if you’re travelling with little ones. Dates shift slightly each year, but it typically runs from early December to Epiphany.

Christmas trees and decorations in Murcia

Murcia’s Instagrammable podium at Christmas has several musts:

• Plaza Circular, with its monumental tree and light-and-sound shows. Check times close to the date—it’s genuinely worth it.
• Plaza de la Catedral, where the Belén Municipal and the lighting on its spectacular Baroque façade give you that classic Christmas combo.
• Gran Vía and Trapería, with garlands and canopies of lights that invite you to wander slowly (eyes firmly up).
• Puente de los Peligros (Puente Viejo, “Old Bridge”), with the Segura reflecting the lights and the city-centre silhouette as a backdrop.

Friendly tip: head out in the early afternoon to wander calmly and catch that golden-hour shot.

Christmas activities in Murcia

The programme changes every year (and there’s plenty still to be confirmed this year), but some constants never fail: light shows, concerts and family plans spread across the centre. There’s usually an ice rink and temporary attractions in central areas or at La Fica—check the municipal listings to line up times.

Cultural routes

Winter is high season for culture and low season for queues. A better combo is hard to beat. Build this route for a perfect day:

• Morning of art and heritage: Catedral de Murcia and, if you fancy, climb the tower for deluxe panoramas. The interior blends styles and the nativity scene during the Christmas period adds extra charm.
• Museo Salzillo: a must to understand Murcia’s Baroque sculptural genius. At Christmas the experience multiplies, with two 18th-century nativity scenes that leave you speechless.
• Real Casino de Murcia: Modernism, stained glass, courtyards and more on Trapería—an elegant corridor linking the Cathedral and Plaza de Santo Domingo.

Between stops, wander through Platería, Santa Catalina and Plaza de las Flores. You’ll find tapas, life and terraces to recharge.

Local gastronomy

Murcia in winter is all about warm, hearty flavours. Add these classics for a cosy boost:

• Caldo con pelotas: Murcia’s festive stew, with its well-spiced meatball. Pure comfort.
• Pastel de carne: crisp puff pastry with a juicy filling. A year-round tradition, perfect when it’s cooler.
• Michirones: a stew of dried broad beans and meat with a touch of heat—revives anyone.
• Christmas sweets: almond cordiales, cabello de ángel and alfajores murcianos. Dangerously moreish.

Where to try them, hassle-free: the area around Plaza de las Flores and Santa Catalina is packed with bars and restaurants. Mercado de Verónicas is also a great spot to buy local produce and see why the huerta (“market gardens”) rules here.

Murcia in winter: climate and temperature

Forget the polar winter. In Murcia, average winter temperatures sit around 12–16 °C, with frequent highs of 16–18 °C and lows of 6–8 °C. Bright days, little rain and plenty of reasons to be outdoors.

As for clothing, go for layers: T-shirt, light layer and jacket. Pack comfy trainers for long walks and a compact waterproof just in case. By midday you’ll be shedding layers if the sun’s out.

Tips for visiting Murcia in winter

• Best time: the December bank holiday and the weeks up to Epiphany bring the most festive atmosphere. If you prefer absolute calm, go from the second week of January onwards.
• Make the most of low season: museums without queues, easy bookings and friendlier prices.
• Combine Christmas and culture: do your nativity-route in the morning, tapas at lunchtime and museums or a concert in the afternoon. After dark, stroll under the lights on Gran Vía and finish with a photo at Plaza Circular.
• More ideas nearby: if you’ve time, check what to do in Murcia and around. There are nature routes and charming villages.

FAQs about Murcia in winter

What to wear in Murcia in winter?

Light layers, a mid-weight jacket, comfy trainers and a packable waterproof. The sun warms up during the day, but evenings are cooler—go prepared.

Tip OUIGO!: don’t worry about luggage space in winter. With OUIGO PLUS you’ve got one extra piece of luggage included, plus XL seat selection and access to OUIFUN. Want even more comfort? With OUIGO FULL you get all that, + two extra pieces of luggage, the ability to change date and time with FLEX! and a refundable ticket.

When do the Christmas lights switch on?

Usually between late November and early December. The exact date varies—check the Ayuntamiento de Murcia (“City Council”) listings a few days before.

Where are the biggest markets?

In the centre, Plaza de Santo Domingo and Glorieta de España stand out, along with the Muestra de Artesanía de Navidad. Navilandia—the family Christmas fair at La Fica—is also well worth it.

Is visiting Murcia in low season a good idea?

Yes: fewer tourists, more availability, better prices and kind weather for walking. You’ll want to come back!

How to get to Murcia by train

Getting to Murcia by train is the most comfortable (and sustainable) way to land in the centre with energy to start your plan. With OUIGO, you can connect Madrid and Murcia in under 3 hours, with intermediate stops like Albacete and Elche, and some services also stopping in Alicante. You’ll arrive at Murcia del Carmen station, a short walk from the centre, with city buses and taxis right outside.

On our website you’ll find tickets from €9—plan and book ahead, especially for winter dates with higher demand. Once you’re there, Murcia in winter is best enjoyed unhurried… and hungry for good things. Shall we go?