What to do in the Basque Country Events Agenda December 2019

THINGS TO DO IN BILBAO, SAN SEBASTIAN, VITORIA-GASTEIZ, BIARRITZ, BAYONNE, RIOJA OR PAMPLONA.

Our selection of best art, sport & cultural events in the Basque Country during December 2019.

Fuenteovejuna Ballet - Laurencia.
Kursaal Auditorium
In San Sebastian. December 15th.
Regarding arts, congress and exhibits in Basque Country:
  • In Guetaria. Cristobal Balenciaga: Fashion and Heritage. Contexts Fashion and Heritage maintain a paradoxical dialogue that contrasts the ephemeral and the permanent. A conversation that, nevertheless, converges in the designer. Cristobal Balenciaga Museum. From March 1st, 2019 to January 20th, 2020.
  • In Bilbao. J. S. Elkano. Behind the footprint. He delves into the biography of Juan Sebastian Elkano (1487 / 88-1526), and allows him to follow his vital mark, before, during and after the first circumnavigation of the Earth. Maritime Museum. From June 26th, 2019 until June 26th, 2020.
  • In Bilbao. Dantzaldia festival. 20th edition of the Dance Festival. La Fundición Room, Azkuna Zentroa, Rekalde Room… From September 26th until December 12th.
  • In Bilbao. Thomas Struth exhibition. Extensive sample of the German photographer. Guggenheim museum. From October 2nd until January 19th, 2020.
  • In Vitoria-Gasteiz. 44th International Theater Festival. They have room for all genres, from classical theater to the most avant-garde. Main Theater. From October 3rd until December 1st.
  • In Billbao. Soto: The fourth dimension. Retrospective of the work of the Venezuelan painter Jesus Rafael Soto. Guggenheim Museum. From October 18th, 2019 - February 9th, 2020.
  • In Guetaria. The show “Fabiola from Belgium. A royal wedding”proposes to explore the history and concrete context of this iconic piece, the wedding dress of Fabiola de Mora y Aragón. Cristobal Balenciaga Museum. From October 25th until December 15th.
  • In Bilbao. Kunsthalle Bremen masterpieces: from Delacroix to Beckmann. Collection of sculptures, engravings and drawings, focused on art in Germany and France from the 19th century until the middle of the 20th century. Guggenheim museum. From October 25th, 2019 until February 16th, 2020.
  • In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Bernaola Festival is an important cultural event whose objective is to spread the diversity of the music of the 21st century. Different places in the city: Artium, Jesús Guridi Conservatory of Music ... From October 27th to December 3rd.
  • In Bilbao. TX Festival 2019. 38th International Puppet Festival. Champs Elysees Theater. From November 24th to December 1st.
  • In Bilbao. Great Recital Soloists: Beethoven, Brahms, Bartók, Piazzolla and Ravel. Bilbao Symphony Orchestra. Euskalduna Palace. December 2nd.
  • In Bilbao. Kukai Dance: "Nightlife". The best modern dancers of the Basque Country today. Arriaga Theater. December 2nd and 3rd.
  • In San Sebastian. Euskararen Eguna. Basque Language Day. Different events are organized throughout the city. December 3rd and 4th.
  • In San Sebastian. Basque Country Symphony Orchestra: Ravel. Kursaal Auditorium. December 4th and 9th.
  • In Durango. Durangoko Azoka. Durango Fair. The Durango Basque Book and CD / Record Fair is an event held annually. It is considered the biggest showcase of Basque culture as it is an ideal place to find out about works from Basque publishers and record companies. This event is a meeting place for Basque speakers and those interested in Basque culture. From December 5th until 8th.
  • In Vitoria-Gasteiz. TANTAI 2019 - V Bonsai Contest / Exhibition. Biennial event on bonsai art. Europe Congresses Palace. From December 6th until 8th.
  • In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Araba Encounter. Massive gathering of amateur and computer professionals, who seek to exchange knowledge and perform, for several days, all kinds of activities related to computers. The event is complemented with games, contests, conferences, workshops, etc. Europe Palace of Congresses. From December 6th until 9th.
  • In Bilbao. Fun and Serious Game Festival. Bilbao Exhibition Center. The Fun & Serious Game Festival is Europe's biggest videogame event and has become a reference point for the industry. Bilbao Exhibition Centre. From December 6th until 9th.
  • In Bilbao. Mendi Film Festival. Cinema and activities related to mountain, adventure and risk sports, including: talks, exhibitions and conferences in the streets of the capital of Biscay. From December 6th until 15th.
  • In San Sebastian. The Messiah of Handel, one of the most performed works in the history of classical music. The Orfeón Donostiarra and the Santa Cecilia Classical Orchestra. Kursaal Auditorium. December 7th.
  • In Bilbao. Bryan Adams: "Shine a Light Tour". Canadian singer Bizkaia Arena, BEC. December 10th.
  • In Bilbao. Anne Etchegoyen. It interprets own creations and also traditional Basque songs hitherto sung by men, but with new arrangements. Arriaga Theater. December 10th.
  • In Bilbao. Basque Country Symphony Orchestra: Ravel. Euskalduna Palace. December 11th.
  • In Bilbao. Osa + Mujika. Sum of two creative worlds, dance and scenery / costumes: Jaiotz Osa + Xabier Mujika. Azkuna Zentroa - Alhóndiga Bilbao. December 12th.
  • In Bilbao. Lucas & Arthur Jussen (piano duo), and Bilbao Symphony Orchestra: Haydn, Poulenc and Stravinsky. Euskalduna Palace. December 12th, 13th and 16th.
  • In Biarritz. Gospel for 100 Voices - World Tour 2019. Gare du Midi Theater. December 14th.
  • In San Sebastian. Köln concert. Works by Vivaldi, Corelli, Geminiani, Avison and Telemann. Kursaal Auditorium. December 14th.
  • In San Sebastian. Fuenteovejuna Ballet - Laurencia. Kursaal Auditorium. December 15th.
  • In Bilbao. Ballet: The Nutcracker. Moscow State Ballet. Euskalduna Palace. December 15th.
  • In Bilbao. Municipal Band of Txistularis of Bilbao. The txistu is a traditional Basque instrument. OB room. Euskalduna Palace. December 18th.
  • In Bilbao. Carmen - Moscow State Ballet. Auditorium. Campos Eliseos Theatre. December 18th.
  • In Bilbao. Dream Journey. Great National Acrobatic Circus of China. Campos Elíseos Theater. December 19th and 20th.
  • In Bilbao. Musical comedy: The young Frankestein. Teatro Arriaga, based on the delirious homonymous 1974 film by Mel Brooks.With great success on Broadway, the West End and Madrid. From December 19th until 29th.
  • In Bilbao. Grand Christmas Concert - The Nutcracker Tchaikovsky:
  • 5th Beethoven Symphony. Euskalduna Palace. December 20th.
  • In San Sebastian. Carmina Burana the most famous work of Carl Orff. It will be accompanied by the 9th Beethoven Symphony. Great Symphony Orchestra and Choir. Kursaal Auditorium. December 21st.
  • In Bilbao. Carmina Burana the most famous work of Carl Orff. It will be accompanied by the 9th Beethoven Symphony. Great Symphony Orchestra and Choir. Auditorium. Euskalduna Palace. December 22nd.
  • In Bilbao. Swan Lake - Moscow State Ballet. Auditorium. Euskalduna Palace. December 25th.
  • In San Sebastian. Ballet Pinocchio - Moscow State Ballet. Ballet for children. Kursaal Auditorium. December 27th. 17:00.
  • In San Sebastian. The Nutcracker - Moscow State Ballet. Ballet for children. Kursaal Auditorium. December 27th. 8pm.
  • In Biarritz. Season Dance - Malandain Ballet Biarritz: The Pastoral. On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the birth of Ludwig van Beethoven and at the invitation of the Bonn Opera - the composer's hometown, Thierry Malandain creates a new ballet entitled La Pastorale. Gare du midi Theater. December 27th and 28th.
  • In Bayonne. The Band from New York: The revenge of Bruno. The craziest burlesque duo of the 21st century, which dynamite the international variety with panache, returns with a new show stuffed with novelties! The Luna Negra. From December 27th until 31st.
  • In Bilbao. The Boys of the Choir. The Saint Marc de Lyon Choir. Famous children's movie songs of all time, as well as songs from their usual repertoire. Auditorium. Euskalduna Palace. December 28th.
  • In San Sebastian. UNICEF concert. Orfeón Donostiarra (Concert choir based in San Sebastián). Orphanage for children and young people. Kursaal Auditorium. December 28th.
  • In San Sebastian. Oh Happy Day! Alabama Gospel Choir. Kursaal Auditorium. December 29th.
  • In Bilbao. Russian Army Choir, Ballet and Orchestra. More than 100 artists set the stage with their voices, their dances and their music. Auditorium. Euskalduna Palace. December 30th.
  • In San Sebastian. Johann Strauss - Great New Year Concert. Strauss Festival Orchestra. Kursaal Auditorium. December 30th.
  • In Bilbao. Alare !. Great moments of Basque opera. BOS- Bilbao Symphony Orchestra and Choral Society of Bilbao. OB room. Euskalduna Palace. December 30th.
  • In Biarritz. The Grand Cabaret of New Year's Eve. Troupe Anna Smile & Co. More than 20 artists (singers, singers, dancers, dancers, acrobats ...) offer a modern and revisited version of Cabaret. Gare du midi Theater. December 31st. and 28th.

The Christmas rounds of Marijeses. Since the sixteenth century.
Church of Santa
Maria. 
In Guernica. From December 16th to 24th.
Best Basques traditions and festivities:
  • In Mirandaola / Legazpi. The visit to the Olentzero. He is a character in Basque Christmas tradition. Excursion that begins in the Museum of the Basque Iron, then by the park of Mirandaola, in search of Olentzero and ends in the ironworks of Mirandaola. From November 2nd until December 23rd.
  • In Errezil. Fair of the Ibarri apple. Exhibition and sale of local products. A practical demonstration of how cider was once made is organized. December 1st.
  • In Bayonne. Noël 2019. Local events throughout the city. From December 1st to 31st.
  • In Saint-Jean-de-Luz. Noël 2019. Local events, Concert, Youth Audience Show, Procession, Parade. December 1st until January 5th.
  • In Bilbao. Traditional nativity scenes. 13 nativity scenes of different formats and styles. Museum of Steps. From December 1st until January 7th.
  • In Bilbao. Traditional nativity scenes. The Church of San Nicolás, the Cathedral of Santiago, the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art, the Mercado de la Ribera, the Basque Museum and the Bilbao Maritime Museum show the public more than 50 nativity scenes composed of almost 800 handmade figures. From December 1st until January 7th.
  • In San Sebastian. Christmas Market. The Buen Pastor Cathedral Square and the Urumea riverside walk. Inspired by Centraleurope Christmas Markets, this Christmas Fair has a wide commercial offer, leisure space, its activities program…. From December 1st. until January 7th.
  • In Laguardia. Articulated nativity scene. One of the few baroque nativity scenes with movement that are preserved today. Set of 73 pieces of which most are Rococo style. Church of Santa Maria de los Reyes. From December 1st until February 7th.
  • In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Ardoaraba: Wine Fair. Route of bars and presentations of pintxos and wine tasting of Rioja Alavesa. The shops on the street will be from December 4th until 8th.
  • In Durango. Euskal denda. XXIV Professional fair of the Basque artisan sector. Exhibition and sale of crafts and agro-food. From December 5th until 8th.
  • In San Sebastian. Sagardo Apurua. Little cider. Boulevard (Next to the kiosk). The freshly made cider is transported through the Urumea river to Donostia. Afterwards, a party is celebrated on the culture and customs of the cider. From December 6th until 8th.
  • In Guernica - Lumo. Snail Day. Tasting and tasting snails. Horticultural fair. Exhibition and sale of Basque handicrafts. December 7th.
  • In Mendaro. Agricultural and livestock fair. XXV Kontzezio Azoka. Exhibition and sale of various products. Exhibition of cattle. IX Cider contest. December 7th.
  • In Urretxu. Agricultural Fair of Saint Lucia. Contest of birds (chickens and capons), fruits and vegetables. Wine competition of Rioja Alavesa and honey from Gipuzkoa. Crafts Fair. December 13th.
  • In Zumarraga. Cattle and agricultural fair of Santa Lucia. Prizes: equine (beef horse fitness, "pottoka", mountain horse of the Basque Country), birds (chickens and capons), fruits, vegetables, pippin apple. Exhibition of country products, machinery, hardware, crafts, leather goods.... December 13th.
  • In Bilbao. GABONART. XXXVI Christmas Craft Fair. Exhibition and sale of craft products. From December 13th until January 6th, 2020.
  • Workshops related to agriculture and livestock. December 15th.
  • In Anglet. Christmas market. Approximately forty artisans, songs, music, presentations, creative workshop for children ... Cinq Cantons Square. December all month.
  • In Guernica. The Christmas rounds of Marijeses. Since the sixteenth century. A pre-Christmas traditions. They begin on December 16, nine in the morning before usual. The songs begin at four in the morning and for about two hours the night is filled with gentle melodies. Church of Santa Maria. From December 16th to 24th.
  • In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Christmas Farmers' and Craft Market. Exhibition, sale and tasting of agricultural and livestock products mainly from Alava producers. Contest and exhibition of birds. December 19th.
  • In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Candle Night. On Friday before Christmas Eve the fire announces the arrival of Christmas. More than 15,000 candles decorate the streets and main squares: Matxete Square, The Arquillos, Saint Miguel Balcony, Burullería Square... December 20th.
  • In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Mazoka - Market of Drawing and Illustration. Graphic festival of lovers of drawing and illustration, and various related parallel activities: musical performances, workshops, lectures, demonstrations, etc. Old Water Deposit. From December 20th until 22nd.
  • In Tolosa. Christmas Fair. XXII edition. Sale and exhibition of different products. Black pudding contest. December 21st.
  • In Bilbao. Agricultural fair. LXXII Edition of the Saint Thomas Fair. Exhibition and contest of products of the hamlet. Arenal. December 21st.
  • In San Sebastián, Azpeitia, Errenteria, Irun, Hondarribia, Usurbil, Arrasate/Mondragón, Mutriko, Tolosa and Lekeitio. Feast of St. Thomas. Popular festival with gastronomy, Basque sports, traditional music,... waiting for Christmas. December 21st and 22nd.
  • In Barakaldo, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Irún and San Sebastian. Children's Christmas Park. Wide range of activities to enjoy in family, especially for the children of the house. Bilbao Exhibition Center (December 18th - January 5th). BAKH of Vitoria-Gasteiz (December 24th to January 6th). Kursaal San Sebastian (December 22nd - January 4th). FICOBA Irun (from December 26th until January 4th).
  • In Guernica - Lumo. Contest of the Basque Country of snails. XLIII Edition. Tasting, demonstration and gastronomic competition. Snails, choriceros peppers ... December 22nd.
  • In Vitoria-Gasteiz, Bilbao and San Sebastian. The Olentzero and Mary Domingi Cavalcade is celebrated on December 23th and 24th.
  • In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Belen MonumentalPopular tradition since 1962. Composed of more than 200 human figures, buildings and hundreds of animals and accessories. Florida Park. From December 23rd until January 6th, 2019.
  • In San Sebastian. Olentzero, a character in Basque Christmas tradition, will greet the children of San Sebastian before visiting each home to drop off presents. December 24th.
  • In Galdames. Ogi Eguna XXXII Craft bread fair. Exhibition and sale of bakery products: flour, Basque cake, muffins ... etc. Craft bread contest. Exhibition and sale of craft products. December 24th.
  • In Ordizia. Christmas Fair. Errezil's Reineta apple contest. Contest and exhibition of nuts and fruits. Exhibition of turkeys, capons, geese ... Sale and exhibition of farm products. December 24th.
Regatta of the rooster. Bizkaia Bridge. December 21st.
Regarding Basques and others sports:
  • In Vitoria-Gasteiz. Ice skating in the White Virgin Square. From December 15 until January 6th. From 10 in the morning to 10 at night.
  • In Gexto, Sestao and Portugalete. Regatta of the rooster. About a hundred ships of the cruise class and J 80 will leave from the basin of the Benedicta de Sestao to cross the emblematic Bizkaia Bridge. December 21st., noon.
  • In Vitoria-Gasteiz. 42nd Half marathon. Sunday, December 22nd.
  • In Vitoria-Gasteiz. 37th San Silvestre Career. Tour the city center on the afternoon of the last day of the year: December 31st.
  • In San Sebastian. 34th San Silvestre Career. Antiguo Neighborhood (exit) / Easo Place (goal). 8,650 meters by the Antiguo, Gros, Center and Amara. December 31st.
And remember, if you are thinking to come to Bilbao, San Sebastian, Rioja, Vitoria, Pamplona or anywhere else in the Basque Country, you can get a better understanding on our culture and traditions with a local guide.

 contact Aitor Delgado Basque Private Tour Guide

Enjoy the Basque Country!