What will the Advent markets be like in Bilbao? Program and important information in one place

The Bilbao Christmas Markets return to the Ripa Pier, right next to the Gabonart markets.

Here, you will find stalls, traditional crafts, and a wonderful Christmas atmosphere all in one place. 

Enjoy an unforgettable trip with your family and friends that will enrich you with many magical experiences. 

Bilbao Christmas Markets

The Bilbao Advent Markets offer a unique experience that mixes wonderful traditions with modernity in a festive and welcoming environment.

This market has recently gained popularity and is expanding its offer every year. This year, you can look forward to the markets on the Ripa pier, where you will find 26 stalls decorated with Christmas lights. Each of them you can buy something different, from delicacies to handmade products that you can buy for your loved ones as a Christmas gift.

Close to the Ripa pier market, you can enjoy the Garboat craft fair, where you can find the best Basque artisans. They offer unique pieces made of ceramics, wood, leather or textiles.

All these unique products reflect the cultural richness of local and national crafts.

Advent Markets on the Ripa Pier

From December 5th until January 5th, you can look forward to 26 stalls decorated with typical Christmas motifs. This market is becoming increasingly popular, and this year, it will be expanded with more stalls full of Christmas decorations and good food. 

The market also features a 4,843-square-foot children’s Christmas tent (Factory of Christmas Dreams) that offers many shows and activities for children under 12.

It is divided into two areas: the Magic Forest, suitable for children under 6, and the Ganbara zone, suitable for children under 12.
In the Magic Forest, there is a playroom, workshops, and a mailbox where children can leave a note with their wishes. In Ganbara, older children can listen to stories and create something of their own.

The Christmas tent for children is open as follows:

• Monday to Friday: 4:00 PM – 8:30 PM
• Weekends and Holidays: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
• December 24, 2024: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• December 31, 2024: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• January 5, 2025: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Closed on: December 25, 2024 – January 1, 2025 – January 6, 2025

When and where will it all take place?

What can you look forward to?

• Regional delicacies in the form of traditional Basque dishes such as pintxos, txakoli (local wine) or sweets such as Goxua
• Handicrafts from local and distant artisans, including ceramics, textiles and jewellery from local artists
• Musical performances in the form of live music from Basque bands and traditional folk dances
• Wine and tapas tastings at special stands offering combinations of tapas and wines from different regions of Spain
• Cultural workshops where you will have the opportunity to learn the basics of Basque cuisine, dance or work with local materials
• Children’s activities in the form of interactive entertainment for children, including creative workshops and games
• Farmers’ Market: Offering fresh local products, from cheese to seafood and organic vegetables.
• Themed tours in the historical context of Basque culture and local traditions associated with the market
• Ice skating rink where young and old can have fun
• The Festival of Lights is part of a special evening program with lighting and accompanying effects that ends some days of the market
• A wide range of souvenirs that you can buy at the stalls with other unique gifts that combine modern design with traditional motifs

Gabonart Craft Fair

The fair is just a short distance from the main Christmas market on the Ripa pier, on the Arenal.
It showcases unique pieces made of ceramics, wood, leather, and textiles. The aim is to highlight the importance of preserving crafts and allow customers to acquire exclusive products. 

The market will feature more than 50 stalls, which will be open from December 13. You can visit some of the stalls until midnight.
On December 31st, you can visit the markets from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. On December 25th, 2024 and January 1st, 2025, the craft fair, as well as the Christmas market on the Ripa pier, will be closed.

Take a walk along the Ripa Christmas pier with us: 

Bilbao Christmas Market 2 360º