Christmas in Asturias
Winter is one of the best times for a break in northern Spain. Christmas in Asturias has a distinctive atmosphere, combining welcoming villages, mountain scenery and local traditions.
We have prepared a four-day Christmas route for families, couples or friends.
Christmas in Asturias is a complete experience: resident-made decorations, handcrafted nativity scenes, illuminated hórreos, large trees, lively markets and seasonal food. December and January are both excellent months to visit.
The route combines tradition, nature, characterful villages and the atmosphere of Christmas, creating memories that go beyond a simple sightseeing trip.
🎄 Recommended itinerary (4–5 nights)
- Day 1: Santibanes de Cuentu
- Day 2: La Piñera and Gijón
- Day 3: El Cuto and Oviedo
- Day 4: Aciera, Tene and Fresnedo
🌿 Day 1: Base in Santibanes de Cuentu
Start and base your Christmas route in Santibáñez de Murias, Aller, a peaceful village in Asturias' Central Mountains surrounded by woodland and winter scenery. The main Christmas destinations are around 40 minutes away.
Every December, residents decorate their houses and streets, turning Santibanes into a small Christmas destination. Activities are organised every weekend during the event period; the programme appears alongside this section.
Distance: on foot, within Santibanes itself.
Where to eat: Ca'l Xabu, Casa Morán, Arrocería El Corral and La Traída in Güeria.
The Xplorable map below shows many of the decorations created by residents. A few remain hidden so that you can discover them during your visit.
🌿 Day 2: La Piñera and Gijón
On day two, combine resident-made Christmas decorations in central Asturias with the lively urban atmosphere of Gijón.
La Piñera is a small village in Gozón whose residents decorate homes and land extensively at Christmas. Visit respectfully so the experience remains positive for both residents and visitors.
Distance: 50 minutes and 60 km from Santibanes.
📌 The day balances rural and urban Christmas: quiet villages, traditional decorations and a lively city centre.
- 1. La Piñera (Gozón): walk through streets and houses filled with lights and decorations created by residents.
- 2. Vioño (Gozón): visit La Casa de la Navidad, a light display with detailed decorations for adults and children.
- 3. Gijón in the afternoon and evening: explore the Menax market, the Ferris wheel and carousel at Begoña, the lights around Plaza Mayor, San Pedro and El Náutico, and the ice rink at El Solarón before dinner.
🌿 Day 3: El Cuto and Oviedo
Day three combines rural Christmas traditions in Siero with the lights, markets and festive atmosphere of Oviedo.
El Cuto, known as the Little Lapland of Siero, has been transformed by three residents with a nativity scene set into the rock and carefully decorated streets.
Continue to Oviedo in the afternoon. Parking del Vasco is a central option for walking to Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Trascorrales, Plaza Porlier and Escandalera.
📌 The day combines local creativity, urban lights, food and highly photogenic Christmas settings.
Distance: 50 minutes and 60 km.
Where to eat: reserve ahead in places such as Gascona, known for cider and Asturian food, or Tierra Astur.
🌿 Day 4: Aciera and Tene
Finish the route with some of the most attractive decorated villages in central Asturias: Aciera, Tene and Fresnedo.
Aciera in Quirós has become a major Christmas stop, with illuminated streets and houses, resident-made decorations and a welcoming atmosphere.
Nearby Tene adds small decorative details that make its streets feel like a Christmas story and is easy to explore on a short walk.
📌 The final day focuses on small storybook villages where community creativity and tradition come together.
Distance: 1 hour and 50 km.
Aciera is illuminated from 6 December to 6 January.
Guest experiences
“An incredible stay. A fully recommended apartment, beautiful views and complete disconnection. Ángel was very attentive and always available.”
“A ten-out-of-ten apartment with everything needed for a weekend. Ángel looked after us throughout our stay.”
“My partner and I spent some wonderful days here. The accommodation is in a dream setting: beautiful, clean, tidy, comfortable and with incredible mountain views. Ángel was charming, attentive and recommended lovely places nearby. We will recommend it and return.”
“A charming apartment with wonderful mountain views, in an exceptional setting for walking, hiking or simply resting. Ángel is a kind host who makes sure you have everything you need. I recommend it without hesitation.”
“We rested extremely well and felt at home. Ángel checked on us every day and dealt with every request immediately. Thoughtful details, including breakfast items for several days. Fully recommended.”
A storybook Christmas in Asturias
Stay in Santibanes de Murias, a peaceful village in Aller close to some of Asturias' most distinctive Christmas destinations.
A four-to-five-night experience combining decorated villages, urban markets and quiet mountain scenery.
Receive up to €300 off your stay at La Fuente de la Quintana until 31 December.