Spain, Europe

Seville in December

Christmas lights, nativity markets, and mild days. The holiday week brings Spanish visitors.

GoodMild, highs near 62F (17C), some rain

Plaza de Espana, Seville — SevillePhoto: Carlos Delgado, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit Seville. Christmas lights, nativity markets, and mild days. The holiday week brings Spanish visitors.

Weather: Mild, highs near 62F (17C), some rain
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 2 of 5

What December is like in Seville

December is mild, with highs near 62F (17C) and some rain. The city is festive, with Christmas lights, nativity markets, and sunny afternoons that are pleasant for walking. Crowds are moderate most of the month, but the holiday week brings many Spanish visitors. Nights are cold, and older hotels can feel chilly.

It suits families and couples who want a festive trip without freezing weather. It is less ideal for anyone who wants warm evenings or the spring blossoms. For lower prices, avoid the holiday week and go in early December.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Seville this month.

Christmas lights

The old town streets light up for the season, and evening walks are festive.

Nativity markets

Markets selling nativity scenes and figures fill the squares, a local tradition kids enjoy.

Mild winter sightseeing

Sunny afternoons make the cathedral, the Giralda, and Plaza de Espana comfortable.

What to pack for December

A warm jacket for cold nights
A compact umbrella
Comfortable walking shoes
Layers for sunny afternoons

Our timing tip

Visit in the first two weeks of December for the lights and markets before the holiday week crowds.

Book Seville for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Seville
Opens a hotel search for Seville in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Seville
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Seville
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Seville for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Christmas nativity markets

Late November to early January

Nativity scene markets and lights, with the Three Kings parade on January 5.

Things to do in Seville

Full guide

Real Alcazar

A royal palace still in use, with extraordinary Mudejar halls and gardens. Book timed tickets well ahead in spring.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Seville Cathedral and the Giralda

The largest Gothic cathedral in the world, with Columbus's tomb and ramps to the top of the tower.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Plaza de Espana

The grand tiled semicircle in Maria Luisa Park. Early morning and late afternoon light are best, and cooler.

Tickets and tours →

Metropol Parasol (Las Setas)

The giant wooden canopy with a rooftop walkway. Go at sunset for the view over the old town.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Casa de Pilatos

A beautiful noble palace mixing Mudejar and Renaissance styles, often less crowded than the Alcazar.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Triana and flamenco

Cross the river for ceramics workshops, the market, and evening flamenco shows.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Book the Alcazar's first entry slot and the cathedral right after opening. Tour groups build by 10:30am.
Plan around Holy Week and the Feria if you do not want them. The weeks just before or after offer the same spring weather at far lower prices.
Eat and move on Spanish time: sights in the morning, rest in the afternoon heat, and tapas from 8:30pm or later.
Stay in Triana or near the Alameda rather than directly in Santa Cruz for quieter nights and more local bars.

Know before you go

Many shops close in the afternoon, roughly 2pm to 5pm, and reopen into the evening. Big chains and the main sights stay open through the day.
In August, some family-run restaurants and shops close for a week or more while owners take holidays.
During Holy Week, procession routes block streets and some sights change hours. The cathedral has special schedules.
During the Feria, many local businesses keep short hours because the city is at the fairground.