What is the best time of year to visit Seville?
Winter and Spring are my favorite times to be in Seville! In winter is there are less tourists which means no waiting in line to see attractions like the Cathedral, Alcazar Palace, Seta, Plaza de España, etc. Also, it’s never gets too cold so it’s a much more appealing European destination during this time of year. If you’re planning to visit Seville in winter make sure to check out each attractions’ schedule ahead of time because sometimes they close earlier in off-season.
Seville’s Holiday Season
The holiday season in the city brings new sounds, smells, and tastes along with it! You’ll hear and see a variety of music groups and street performers in the Casco Antiguo as well as enjoy the taste and smell of the incense and roasted chestnuts (called castañas) sold on all the busiest shopping streets. There’s also a nativity scene market (mercadillo de belenes) near the cathedral where you can buy little figurines and decorations to create the perfect setup for the Holy Family in your home. The main holiday attraction in Sevilla is the mapping light show projected onto the city hall (Ayuntamiento) in Plaza de San Francisco. Usually there’s a laser and light show (The Spirit of Christmas) from mid-December to early January. Many people go shopping on and around Calle Sierpes (near Plaza del Salvador) as well, so if you’re looking for some last minute Christmas presents be sure to check it out!
Christmas lights in the city
I have yet to find another city that rivals the holiday light decorations featured in Seville during the months of December and January. The photos below (apart from the first one) are from the Sevilla Tourism Facebook page so be sure to check out their website for more info!
When I lived in Seville I loved to walk around the city at night to see all the lights!
Avenida de la Constitución
The light show projected on the Ayuntamiento (city hall) with the Cathedral in the background!
The special LED light display in Plaza del Salvador, right outside my front door!
Grab a beer in the plaza and enjoy the show! 🙂
The Metropol Parasol (aka The Seta) in Plaza de Encarnación
There are SO MANY different lights to check out, in Plaza de Encarnación the Metropol Parasol (aka The Seta) is lit up with fun holiday colors and there are different artisan stands and kiddie attractions to check out too! Really the best thing to do this time of year is wander around the city, shopping on Calle Sierpes, stopping at different plazas for drinks and tapas, and enjoying the view!
Take this article with you—save to mobile device
Leave a comment