Things to Do in Zaragoza in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Zaragoza
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Practically zero tourists compared to summer months - you'll have the Basílica del Pilar and Aljafería Palace nearly to yourself on weekday mornings, which means actual time to appreciate the Mudéjar architecture without tour groups blocking every photo angle
- December brings Zaragoza's Christmas market season, and unlike the overcrowded German markets, the Plaza del Pilar market (typically Nov 29-Jan 6) offers local Aragonese crafts, turrolico (regional nougat), and ternasco lamb sandwiches without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds you'd find in Barcelona or Madrid
- Hotel prices drop 30-40% compared to peak spring season - mid-range hotels in Casco Histórico that cost 120-150 EUR in May go for 70-90 EUR in December, and you'll actually get your choice of rooms instead of whatever's left
- Winter light in Zaragoza is genuinely spectacular for photography - the low sun angle between 9am-11am creates dramatic shadows on the Roman walls and Mudéjar towers, and the crisp air means visibility stretches all the way to the Pyrenees on clear days
Considerations
- The cierzo wind is no joke in December - this northwest wind can gust 40-60 km/h (25-37 mph) for days at a time, making that 10°C (51°F) feel more like 2°C (36°F) and turning any riverside walk along the Ebro into a genuinely unpleasant experience. Locals literally plan their routes to avoid wind tunnels between buildings
- Daylight is limited to roughly 9 hours (sunrise around 8:15am, sunset by 5:30pm), which means you're racing the clock if you want natural light for outdoor sightseeing - that Aljafería Palace visit needs to happen before 4pm or you'll be touring in twilight
- Many smaller tapas bars and restaurants take extended holiday breaks between Dec 23-Jan 7, and unlike major tourist cities, Zaragoza doesn't have enough tourist infrastructure to compensate - you might find your researched restaurant list suddenly half-closed without warning
Best Activities in December
Mudéjar Architecture Walking Routes
December is actually ideal for exploring Zaragoza's UNESCO-listed Mudéjar towers because you can walk comfortably in the cool temperatures without the 35°C (95°F) summer heat that makes afternoon sightseeing miserable. The low winter sun creates incredible contrast on the geometric brick patterns of San Pablo, La Magdalena, and San Gil towers. Start around 10am when the light is perfect and the cierzo wind typically hasn't picked up yet. Most walking routes cover 4-6 km (2.5-3.7 miles) through the old quarter.
Tapas Crawls in El Tubo District
December is prime tapas season in Zaragoza because locals actually go out more in winter evenings than summer (when everyone escapes the city). El Tubo's narrow streets offer natural wind protection, and the 7pm-10pm tapeo hour is when bars are packed with locals ordering cañas (small beers, 1.50-2 EUR) and pinchos (2-4 EUR each). The seasonal specialties in December include callos (tripe stew), migas con uvas (breadcrumbs with grapes), and borraja (a local vegetable that's only available November-February). Budget 25-35 EUR per person for a proper crawl hitting 4-5 bars.
Pyrenees Day Trips
December offers surprisingly good access to the Pyrenees from Zaragoza - you're only 150 km (93 miles) from proper mountain scenery, and while ski season is just starting, the lower valleys have excellent hiking in crisp conditions. The Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park stays accessible (weather permitting) and you'll see snow-capped peaks without the summer crowds. Day trips typically leave 8am and return by 7pm. Temperatures in the mountains range 0-8°C (32-46°F) at accessible elevations.
Goya Museum and Art Route
December's short daylight and occasional rain make this the perfect month for Zaragoza's indoor cultural offerings. The Goya Museum holds the world's most complete collection of his engravings, and the winter months mean you can actually spend time with the works instead of rushing through crowded galleries. Combine this with the Museo de Zaragoza (free admission) and the Caesaraugusta Roman museums for a full art and history day. The heated museum spaces are also welcome refuge when the cierzo wind is particularly brutal outside.
Christmas Market and Festival Experiences
The Plaza del Pilar Christmas market typically runs late November through early January and showcases Aragonese crafts and food specialties you won't find elsewhere in Spain. Unlike generic European Christmas markets, this one features regional products - turrolico (local nougat), somontano wines, ternasco (young lamb) products, and handmade ceramics from Muel. The market operates roughly 11am-9pm daily, with extended hours on weekends. Combine this with the Belén del Ayuntamiento (City Hall nativity scene, one of Spain's largest) and evening light displays along the Ebro for a full festive experience.
Wine Tours to Cariñena and Campo de Borja Regions
December is actually harvest-plus-two-months, which means the new wines are just being evaluated and winemakers have time to receive visitors before spring planting season. The Cariñena DO (40 km/25 miles south) and Campo de Borja DO (60 km/37 miles northwest) produce robust Garnachas and Tempranillos that pair perfectly with winter weather. Vineyard landscapes are stark and beautiful in winter, and you'll get more personal attention at bodegas than during busy summer months. Tours typically include 3-4 winery visits with 8-12 tastings total.
December Events & Festivals
Feria de Belenes (Nativity Scene Fair)
This traditional fair brings artisans selling handmade nativity figures, moss, cork landscapes, and miniature buildings to Plaza del Pilar. It's genuinely local - you'll see Zaragozan families shopping for pieces to add to their home belénes, not just tourists taking photos. The craftsmanship is remarkable, with some figurines hand-painted in traditional Aragonese dress. Prices range from 5 EUR for simple shepherds to 200+ EUR for elaborate artisan pieces.
Belén del Ayuntamiento Opening
The City Hall unveils one of Spain's largest and most elaborate nativity scenes, typically featuring 100+ figures and occupying an entire hall. The 2026 version will likely follow tradition with Aragonese landscape elements - miniature versions of local landmarks mixed with traditional Bethlehem scenes. Free admission, open daily through early January. Evening visits (after 6pm) are less crowded and the lighting is more atmospheric.
Nochevieja (New Year's Eve) at Plaza del Pilar
While not unique to Zaragoza, the New Year's celebration at Plaza del Pilar draws 15,000-20,000 locals for the traditional twelve grapes at midnight (one with each bell chime). The atmosphere is genuinely festive rather than tourist-oriented, with families and friend groups bringing their own cava bottles. The plaza offers giant screens showing the Puerta del Sol broadcast from Madrid. Arrive by 11pm for decent positioning - earlier if you want to be near the front.