Things to Do in Zaragoza in December

December Weather in Zaragoza

10°C (51°F) High Temp

3°C (37°F) Low Temp

20 mm (0.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Christmas markets transform Plaza del Pilar into a festive wonderland - 40+ wooden stalls selling local crafts, churros con chocolate, and artisanal gifts from December 8-January 6
Drastically fewer tourists mean you can admire the Basilica del Pilar without crowds - morning visits often have the main altar area nearly empty
Perfect hiking weather in nearby Moncayo Natural Park - crisp 8°C (46°F) temperatures ideal for the 12 km (7.5 mile) summit trail without summer heat
Indoor cultural season peaks with special exhibitions at Goya Museum and extended evening hours at Aljafería Palace until 8pm through December

Considerations

Cierzo wind can be brutal - this dry, cold northwestern wind reaches 50+ km/h (31+ mph) and makes temperatures feel 5-7°C (9-13°F) colder
Many outdoor tapas terraces close or reduce hours significantly, limiting the famous Zaragoza bar-hopping experience
Daylight is limited to 9 hours (sunrise 8:20am, sunset 5:30pm) restricting outdoor sightseeing time

Best Activities in December

Basilica del Pilar and Historic Quarter Walking Tours

December is perfect for exploring Zaragoza's crown jewel without summer crowds. The basilica's interior stays a comfortable 15°C (59°F), and you can actually photograph the famous Virgin's pillar without waiting. Cold weather makes the 2 km (1.2 mile) historic center walk refreshing rather than exhausting.

Booking Tip: Free entry to basilica, but book tower climbs 2-3 days ahead (€5 range). Audio guides available in multiple languages. Best visited 10am-noon when lighting is optimal for interior photography. See current guided tour options in booking section below.

Aljafería Palace Winter Exhibitions

This Moorish palace offers special December programming including evening illuminated tours. Indoor temperature controlled environments perfect for escaping the cierzo wind. The palace's Islamic art collection pairs beautifully with December's contemplative atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Extended winter hours until 8pm through December. Book online 5-7 days ahead for evening tours (€8-12 range). Combined tickets with Goya Museum offer good value. Check booking widget for current special exhibitions and tour times.

Moncayo Natural Park Winter Hiking

December transforms Spain's highest peak outside the Pyrenees into a winter wonderland. Crisp 8°C (46°F) temperatures make the challenging 12 km (7.5 mile) summit trail comfortable without summer heat. Often snow-capped peaks provide stunning photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically €45-65 including transport from Zaragoza. Book guided hikes 10-14 days ahead through certified mountain guides. Weather can change rapidly - tours cancel if winds exceed 60 km/h (37 mph). See current hiking tour options below.

Traditional Christmas Market and Food Tours

Zaragoza's Christmas markets run December 8-January 6, featuring local specialties like ternasco (young lamb), borage dishes, and migas aragonesas. Indoor market halls provide warmth while sampling regional wines. Perfect season for hearty Aragonese cuisine.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically €35-55 per person, book 5-7 days ahead. Markets are free entry but bring cash for purchases. Best visited 11am-1pm or 6pm-8pm when vendors are most active. Current food tour options available in booking section.

Goya Museum and Art Quarter Indoor Cultural Tours

December's cold weather makes this the perfect time for Zaragoza's exceptional indoor cultural scene. The Goya Museum features the world's most complete collection of Francisco Goya's engravings, while nearby galleries showcase contemporary Aragonese artists.

Booking Tip: Museum passes €12-18 cover multiple venues. Book combined cultural tours 3-5 days ahead. Many museums offer free entry first Sunday of month. Guided art tours typically €25-40. See current museum tour options below.

Ebro River Valley Wine Tours with Winter Tastings

December is harvest celebration season in nearby Campo de Borja and Cariñena wine regions. Wineries offer special winter tastings of new vintages paired with seasonal foods. Indoor tastings provide perfect escape from cold winds.

Booking Tip: Half-day wine tours typically €65-95 including transport and tastings. Book 7-10 days ahead as December is popular for wine tourism. Many tours include traditional Aragonese lunch. Licensed operators required for alcohol service - see booking options below.

December Events & Festivals

December 8 - January 6

Christmas Markets at Plaza del Pilar

Over 40 wooden stalls selling Aragonese handicrafts, local food specialties, and holiday gifts. Features live nativity scenes and traditional carol performances. The iconic basilica provides a stunning backdrop for evening market visits.

Early December

Feast of Our Lady of the Pillar Extended Celebrations

While the main festival is October, December features special commemoration masses and cultural programming at the Basilica del Pilar. Includes traditional Aragonese folk performances and extended museum exhibitions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Heavy winter coat and wind-resistant outer layer - the cierzo wind makes 5°C (41°F) feel like -2°C (28°F)

Waterproof boots with good grip - cobblestones in old quarter become slippery when wet

Warm hat and gloves essential - December averages 10+ windy days above 40 km/h (25 mph)

Layered clothing system - indoor heating in museums and restaurants can be 20°C (68°F) warmer than outside

Compact umbrella for light rain - 10 rainy days typical but usually brief showers

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support for uneven historic streets

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 30% faster

Lip balm and moisturizer - dry cierzo wind causes chapping within hours

Small backpack for day trips to nearby attractions like Moncayo park

Light scarf that can double as head covering when visiting religious sites

Insider Knowledge

Avoid Plaza del Pilar between 11am-2pm on weekends during Christmas market season - locals shop early morning or evening to avoid tourist crowds

Download the 'Zaragoza Card' app for real-time updates on museum closures and transportation delays due to weather - essential during December wind storms

Book restaurants before 9pm - many traditional establishments close earlier in December due to reduced tourist traffic and locals eating earlier in cold weather

Use the underground parking at Plaza San Francisco rather than street parking - protects your car from hail and strong winds, plus direct access to pedestrian areas via tunnels

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating the cierzo wind - tourists often pack for cold but not for sustained 50+ km/h (31+ mph) winds that make outdoor sightseeing miserable

Planning too many outdoor activities - December daylight is only 9 hours, and weather can force indoor alternatives

Expecting summer opening hours - many attractions reduce hours significantly in December, and some outdoor venues close entirely