In just over a month, Vigo will once again glow with its celebrated Christmas celebration, with the lights expected to shine around 40 days from now. The city’s council began installing the festive lighting in August, and this week the popular Cíes Market opened at Alameda. With these steps underway, Mayor Abel Caballero announced a highly anticipated date on Monday: the Christmas lighting will be switched on on November 19.
Vigo to illuminate Christmas in 40 days
During an interview on Spanish television, the mayor of the city spoke about the traditional grand moment of turning on Vigo’s Christmas lights for 2022, as has become customary, on the second-to-last Saturday of November. Minutes later, he confirmed the plan at a daily press briefing. The Assembly is progressing smoothly and on schedule.
The mayor invited everyone to participate in this annual act, noting that it marks the moment when Christmas truly begins for the city. Vigo is renowned for having some of the most iconic and luminous holiday displays. It appears this year will follow the familiar sequence: Porta do Sol, the main stage, will once again anchor the central festivities near Sireno, while visitors will also enjoy the newly redesigned pedestrian plaza.
As the date was announced, the mayor emphasized a strong focus on energy savings given the current economic context. He indicated that the city intends to keep electricity consumption down, with projections showing a reduction of about 14.6% by shortening daytime hours and extending closing times in a coordinated fashion.
“Christmas is a culture of entertainment, community spirit, and the joy of children. We will preserve it,” he stated. He also noted that the celebrations would begin later in the evening this year, typically around 20:30, while planning would proceed with some flexibility before the main act.
The announcement arrived on the same day that Conxemar’s impact on Vigo’s hotel sector was confirmed. Between the previous Tuesday and Thursday, the fair brought near full occupancy to the city and its surroundings, a trend officials expect to repeat on the 19th and on other dates because the Christmas appeal remains immense.
Similarly, several hotel chains reported rising demand in the city center, with inquiries and bookings climbing from Casco Vello to Vialia. The overall mood I center is one of anticipation as visitors begin to surge into the area for the festive period.
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One hotelier noted that 92 rooms were still available on three mid-December dates, while another property on Constitution Bridge was nearing full occupancy. The axis around Maria Berdales reported a steady flow of calls this Monday morning to confirm dates and reservations.
In the heart of Vigo, NH and Exe properties reported a rise in inquiries as guests prepare to see the newly decorated streets. Other establishments along Carral Street were also busy, with regular customers planning their stays. The prevailing expectation is for a full house, with room rates around 80 euros for two people late in the evening as a promotional offer becomes available.
The city is actively preparing for a peak season that blends tradition with modern vibrancy. Shops and markets are positioning themselves to welcome families and visitors who come to enjoy the illuminated avenues, festive music, and the sense of community that defines Vigo’s Christmas experience. Local voices highlight the importance of keeping the event accessible to all, ensuring a joyful and safe holiday for residents and travelers alike. The period also underscores the resilience of the city’s economy as tourism and hospitality teams gear up for a busy stretch that promises memorable moments across the port city.
As planning continues, spectators and travelers from around the region are encouraged to plan ahead, aligning their visits with the opening of the market and the early stages of the lights. The coordinated effort between the council, market organizers, hotel groups, and local businesses aims to deliver a festive atmosphere that resonates with both locals and visitors, sustaining Vigo’s reputation as a welcoming Santa-season destination. The celebration is poised to be a bright centerpiece of the city’s winter calendar, drawing families, couples, and curious travelers to the heart of Vigo for a memorable holiday experience.
Overall, this year’s events are set to capture the same charm that has defined Vigo’s Christmas in past seasons, while also embracing opportunities for energy efficiency and enhanced public spaces. The countdown to November 19 marks not just the lighting switch-on, but the start of a season of social connection, cultural events, and the shared joy of the holidays.