In Asturias, Christmas lights shine between mountains and green valleys. During this special time of year, the region offers much more than a celebration: it provides a complete experience, filled with deep-rooted traditions, original decorations, and endless activities to enjoy with your loved ones. Indeed, no one can deny that Asturias breathes a magical air during the Christmas festivities. A truly unique atmosphere. ✨ And we haven’t even mentioned its rich gastronomy yet!
During this season, a blanket of snow covers numerous towns in the region, adding extra charm to the enjoyment of these dates. Incredibly Christmassy landscapes that can also be used to practice sports such as skiing or snowboarding. Additionally, these winter settings also offer the possibility of spending fun days playing in the snow and enjoying sledding. An ideal plan if visiting Asturias with the little ones in the family!
And as if the impressive landscapes and perfect weather for the season weren’t enough, in Asturias, during these dates, the festive atmosphere becomes even more welcoming thanks to its numerous Christmas markets. These markets emanate delicious aromas of roasted chestnuts and hot cider, offering a unique sensory experience. But what really stands out is the warm hospitality of the local people, who, known for their kindness, enthusiastically share the deep-rooted customs that have endured from generation to generation in this charming area.
Tradition with a Taste of Cider
Christmas in Asturias is infused with the sweet and fruity aroma of cider, the local drink that flows in both the hearts and glasses of Asturians during these special dates. Whether in the warmth of home or in the bustling Christmas markets, cider is the undisputed protagonist. So, get ready to raise your glass and immerse yourself in this delicious tradition that unites everyone in a festive toast.
Beyond cider, the streets of Asturian cities and villages are dressed with twinkling lights and sparkling decorations for Christmas. Christmas markets display local crafts, delicious cheeses, and typical products of the region. Not to mention a tradition as deeply rooted in Asturias as that of nativity scenes, with even living nativity scenes where magic comes to life with characters characteristic of Asturian culture. Here we leave you some of the most beautiful traditions of Asturias at Christmas!
- Nativity Scenes in Asturias
Asturias, with its deep-rooted nativity scene tradition, displays a great diversity of nativity scenes throughout the region during Christmas. Highlights include the Nativity Scene Route in Villaviciosa, the nativity scenes of Covadonga, and the charming life-size Nativity Scene in Luanco. Additionally, for hiking enthusiasts, Asturias offers summit nativity scenes with impressive views, such as Bustabernego in Coaña and Castrillón in Boal. Also noteworthy is the living Nativity Scene in Cue, Llanes, with a Christmas dramatization on January 5th. In Asturias, there’s a Nativity Scene for all tastes during the festive season.
- Christmas in Rural Areas
In the charming villages of Asturias, such as Santibanes de la Fuente (Aller), each neighbor enthusiastically engages in the “Santibanes de Cuentu at Christmas” initiative, decorating the village uniquely in various locations. Places like Aciera, Tene, Andrín, San Esteban, Vioño, or Tiós offer unique Christmas experiences: their traditional houses and numerous hórreos look especially striking. Moreover, in these and other Asturian villages, you can find during Christmas everything from heartwarming surprises to Santa Claus’s house or lively markets. Here, the magic of Christmas is experienced amidst rural landscapes and the collaborative spirit of the community.
- L’Anguleru
L’Anguleru, the Asturian Santa Claus 🎅, celebrates its fifteenth anniversary this year as a charming Christmas tradition in Asturias. It emerged in 2008 to revive the Asturian tradition. This character represents the eel fishermen, a characteristic occupation of various Asturian localities. Furthermore, in the past, many eel fishermen used their earnings to buy Christmas gifts for children.
L’Anguleru comes from the Sargasso Sea and arrives in Asturias in December to prepare and travel through the 78 councils, ensuring that his vessel, L’Angulina, is ready to deliver gifts on Christmas Eve. With the help of Llendadores and Llendadoras, led by Lolina, the rulera, L’Anguleru distributes gifts in a magical flat-bottomed boat. His transformation into a magical being occurs between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, thanks to the light of the Nataliegu, a magical oak log that is burned that evening.
- Winter Masquerades
In Asturias, winter masquerades are a deeply rooted tradition in the Christmas festivities. Thanks to community collaboration, some have been recovered, such as Os Reixes, Aguinaldeiros, and Sidros, which are celebrated around Christmas. The Guirria in San Juan de Beleño (Ponga) stands out, an unchanged masquerade over time, which emerges every January 1st. Masked and escorted by horsemen, the Guirria, like a superhero for the New Year, gives kisses to women and faces obstacles with ash and sticks, while the aguinalderos accompany him on his incursion through the streets of San Juan.
The Authentic Spirit of the Mountain
If you think Christmas in Asturias is just about decorations and feasts, think again! The Asturian mountains offer an idyllic winter landscape for those seeking a dose of adventure. Imagine gliding down the ski slopes of Pajares or Fuentes de Invierno, where excitement merges with natural beauty. Or exploring the snowy trails of Picos de Europa National Park. Christmas here is an experience that is not only seen but felt in every step!
- Adventure Activities to Gift for Christmas
And if you want to gift adventure in Asturias… Set aside conventional gifts and offer your loved ones incredible experiences. Surprise them with our Gift Vouchers 🎁 so they can enjoy fun and exciting activities such as Sella River descent, canyoning, jet ski tours or buggy rides, caving… at the time that suits them best. If you fell in love with Asturias and its landscapes during Christmas, you’ll surely want your family or friends to experience them to the fullest on their next visit to the region. Make their stay memorable with gifts full of adventure!
The Magic Unfolds Throughout the Natural Paradise
Asturias transforms into a magical stage during Christmas, offering a unique experience that spans from the coasts of Gijón or Ribadesella to the mountains of Cangas de Onís.
- Gijón at Christmas:
Gijón transforms into a charming corner during Christmas, with varied activities: Christmas village, markets, concerts, and children’s activities. The city fills with festive joy.
- Avilés at Christmas
Avilés becomes the “City of Christmas” with events for all ages, featuring concerts and activities at the NAvilés venue in La Exposición. It includes an ice rink, workshops, shows, and attractions
- Christmas in Oviedo
The capital, Oviedo, lights up with elegance during Christmas. Don’t miss the unique Christmas charm it offers. Explore the city to marvel at its imposing historic buildings, enjoy concerts, immerse yourself in Christmas markets, participate in children’s activities, and discover much more.
- Llanes at Christmas
Llanes celebrates Christmas with lights, a Christmas market, nativity scenes, New Year’s Eve preparations, visits from Santa Claus and Prince Aliatar, the Grand Three Kings Parade, children’s attractions, and the Luck Drum at the Casino.
- Cangas de Onís at Christmas and Ribadesella at Christmas
Cangas de Onís celebrates Christmas with events at the Culture House, a route to the nativity scene on Pico Moro, concerts and activities on Christmas Eve, events for New Year’s Eve and Three Kings Day, camps, and the Nativity Scene contest.
Meanwhile, Ribadesella fills with Christmas magic with lights, cultural events, a market, children’s activities, a charity race, receptions for Santa Claus and Prince Aliatar, a Sports Gala, the Three Kings Parade, and competitions with prizes for shop windows and decorations. Join the celebration!
Discover the magic of Christmas in Natural Paradise! 😉