Seville in winter: Christmas plans and places to visit

Seville in low season is an unexpected love affair. Christmas in Seville has its own rhythm—lights, nativity scenes, markets and that roasted chestnut aroma guiding you through the city centre—while the rest of winter invites you to discover the city at a gentler pace. Museums without the crush, quiet courtyards, sunlit squares and a warming tapas crawl that feels like a hug and a plan all at once. If you’re weighing up a winter trip to Seville, here’s a spoiler: it’s a resounding yes.

Seville at Christmas: atmosphere and traditions

When December arrives, Seville dresses for the season. The streets of the historic centre light up, shop windows brim with festive décor and Christmas trees preside over the most iconic squares. Between carols, nativity scenes and light-and-sound shows, the city becomes a perfect destination for families, couples and friends.

So if you’re considering a low-season visit, Christmas could be your moment. Temperatures are mild, crowds are lighter than in spring and prices are generally kinder. You’ll also have more room and time to savour essentials like the Catedral, the Alcázar and Plaza de España—no rush.

Christmas markets in Seville

If your perfect plan is “shop, nibble, shop again”, Seville’s Christmas markets are your natural habitat. On Avenida de la Constitución you’ll find one of the most emblematic spaces of the Sevillian Christmas: Feria del Belén. It’s where figures, houses and accessories for nativity scenes reach expert level—whether you’re building a small one or you’re team Belén XXL.

Mercado de Artesanía Creativa, in Jardines de Cristina, is another must at this time of year. Local artisans sell their creations directly at the stalls, with a wide variety of ceramics, leather goods and wooden toys. Ideal if you’re after original, one-of-a-kind gifts.

Setalandia, the Christmas market at Plaza de la Encarnación, is a great option if you’re travelling with family. You’ll find dozens of stalls with all kinds of festive décor and activities like an ice rink and a wooden-horse carousel.

Another highlight to consider is the Nervión Christmas market on Calle Luis de Morales, where artisan products, festive decorations and food trucks mix so nothing’s missing from your visit. A similar combo awaits at the Alameda de Hércules market, where crafts, decorations and gastronomy come together throughout the festive period.

Whatever you choose, go with time to spare, leave room for hot chocolate with churros and don’t underestimate the power of roasted chestnuts to warm your hands and your mood.

Christmas trees and baubles in Seville

If your feed’s crying out for magic, the city centre will deliver—Seville goes all in on festive decoration. For now, the Ayuntamiento hasn’t confirmed this year’s locations for the trees and Christmas baubles, but previous editions have lit up places like Puerta Jerez, Plaza de Cuba, Plaza Nueva, Santa Justa station and Avenida de la Constitución.

Between lights, historic façades and streets like Sierpes and Tetuán, the festive stroll becomes Instagrammable at every turn. Top tip: start just after sunset for that sky that looks so spectacular in photos.

Christmas activities in Seville

Beyond markets and decoration, Christmas in Seville brings handcrafted nativity scenes (don’t miss the municipal one), choral concerts and church recitals, among many other activities.

Winter cultural routes

Winter is the perfect excuse to take in Seville’s great monuments at a relaxed pace. The Real Alcázar, the Catedral and the Giralda shine with fewer queues and more time to appreciate their details. Archivo de Indias and Museo de Bellas Artes (an absolute gem, with rooms that steal your heart) are a ten-out-of-ten plan when the day is crisp. If you like going deeper, plan visits to San Luis de los Franceses, Hospital de los Venerables, Casa de Pilatos or Palacio de las Dueñas. And of course, save one morning for the Santa Cruz neighbourhood and another for Triana.

Typical winter gastronomy in Seville

In the Sevillian winter, your body calls for comfort food. Nothing beats a good cocido andaluz to warm up, with that broth that resets you before you carry on, or menudo gitano—a stew with various chopped meats, chickpeas and a tomato-and-onion sofrito. Or why not bacalao con salsa de tomate—gentle, flavourful and perfect for cool lunchtimes.

Between strolls, you’ll likely fancy some pescaíto frito or, if you’re a sandwich person, don’t miss the iconic serranito: hearty, quick and the kind of fix that sorts lunch in no time.

For a sweet finish, Christmas rules: mantecados and polvorones (those from Estepa are next-level), roscos de vino, pestiños and roscón de Reyes, which arrives in January. If you want more foodie inspiration, here’s a guide to typical Sevillian cuisine.

Seville in winter: climate and temperature

In Seville, winter temperatures usually sit between mild highs and crisp lows. As a reference, December and January often range from 5–8 ºC at night to 15–17 ºC during the day, while February lifts the mood with the odd midday at 18–19 ºC. There are rainy days, but plenty of sunny ones too—with that light that means terrace time even in winter. Translation: jacket, layers and a will to walk.

Tips for visiting Seville in winter

• Best time: December for peak festive atmosphere; January and February for calmer city days and low-season prices.
• Make the most of it: book monument tickets in advance, visit museums in the middle of the day (pleasant temperatures) and leave neighbourhood routes for sunny afternoons.
• Get around easily: Seville is great for walking, but for longer distances use metro, bus or tram and avoid driving in the historic centre. Arriving in Seville by train saves traffic and drops you a short hop from everything you want to see.

How to get to Seville by train with OUIGO

Travelling to Seville by train with OUIGO means comfortable, fast and drama-free: tickets from €9, timetables designed to fit your schedule and direct arrival at Santa Justa station, just a stroll from the centre. Book easily on the website or app, with different fares to suit your needs—just do it in advance if you want the best price. Step off the train, breathe… and Seville begins.

FAQs about Seville in winter

What to wear in Seville in winter?

Several layers, a light-to-mid jacket and comfy shoes for walking. Mornings and evenings are cooler, but by midday you’ll usually want to take a layer off. If it rains, a waterproof and a small umbrella will keep you enjoying without interruption.

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?

In 2026, Seville’s Christmas lights will switch on on 28 November—so you know from when to plan your trip.

Where are the biggest markets?

Most stalls are concentrated at Feria del Belén (Avenida de la Constitución), Mercado de Artesanía Creativa (Jardines de Cristina) and Setalandia (the Christmas market at Plaza de la Encarnación). Nervión’s market (Calle Luis de Morales) and the one at Alameda de Hércules are also well worth a visit.

Is visiting Seville in low season a good idea?

Yes. Fewer people, more calm, good walking weather and more favourable prices. Monuments are far more enjoyable when you have time and space. In winter, Seville lowers the volume… and you hear it better. See you on board!