The fresh Cantabrian air blends with the aroma of hot chocolate and freshly roasted chestnuts, announcing that winter has arrived in San Sebastián. The city glows with warmth and light, inviting you to stroll through its streets and discover corners filled with charm.

At Villa Favorita, every view tells a story. From the shimmering Old Town to the Alderdi Eder gardens, where the Ferris wheel reflects the city’s magic, every corner becomes the perfect backdrop for unforgettable moments. On the 28th, the La Concha Promenade came alive with excitement as the city awaited the flight of 500 drones that, through light and movement, announced the start of Christmas and filled the bay with an atmosphere that invited everyone to dream.

December continues its course, bringing with it the most cherished traditions. On December 21, the city celebrates Santo Tomás with a festive atmosphere that invites you to immerse yourself in Basque culture. Traditional music and trikitixas fill the squares with joy, while stalls serving talos with txistorra and cider create a gastronomic experience that warms the soul. Every note, scent, and flavor brings us closer to the region’s history and roots.

The magic becomes even more present on the 24th, when the A Tempo Choir arrives at Villa Favorita to gift us a moment of beauty. Their warm, precise voices will envelop the hotel in an intimate atmosphere that encourages you to pause and feel the emotion of Christmas Eve. And once the sun sets, only a few steps away at the Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra, guests are invited to celebrate Christmas Eve with a special dinner where the warmth of the ambience and an exquisite culinary proposal come together to create an unforgettable evening by the sea.

December 31 dawns with a special air. Early in the morning, the A Tempo Choir will return to fill Villa Favorita with melodies that embrace and accompany, a gentle gesture that extends the magic of these days. Later in the morning, the city comes alive with the traditional San Silvestre race, a route that invites participants to explore its most iconic corners before bidding farewell to the year. And upon returning, the serenity and elegance of Villa Favorita await like a warm embrace: here, every detail is designed to turn winter in San Sebastián into a sensory experience, where the city and the hotel blend together to create lasting memories.

The evening continues just nearby, at the Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra, where New Year’s Eve dinner and party unfolds in an intimate, refined atmosphere, perfect for ending the year by the sea, savoring a carefully crafted gastronomic experience where every dish blends textures, aromas, and flavors that linger in the memory.

And as the festive spirit invites you out into the city, San Sebastián’s Christmas markets become an essential stop for those who appreciate tradition and craftsmanship. Amid beautifully decorated stalls, visitors discover local delights: nougat, cheeses, honey, and sweets that capture the essence of the city. It is also the ideal place to find a gift with soul—a unique piece that reflects the spirit of the season. And for those looking to share more personal, relaxing moments, Villa Favorita’s gift vouchers offer exclusive experiences: from stays with artisanal breakfast to packages that include wellness sessions in our Relax & Beauty by La Perla cabin, where essential-oil massages and revitalizing treatments transform self-care into a ritual of pleasure and serenity.

From all of us at Villa Favorita, we wish you a joyous holiday season and hope you experience the true essence of San Sebastián during this magical time of year.