Cristina Morte Landa
Skating rink, sleighs, Santa Claus, a huge Wishing Tree … Zaragoza ‘s Plaza del Pilar will continue to be the epicentre of Christmas for another year, with a magical atmosphere full of lights, colours and gifts to share with family and friends. A host of activities will take place from 29 November to 6 January, making it, once again, the most visited space during the most magical time of the year.
Christmas shines in one of the largest pedestrian squares in Europe and the only one to have two cathedrals. Here you can meet Santa Claus, visit one of the largest nativity scenes in Spain, go sledding or show off your ice skating skills. Everything is ready to enjoy one of the most magical times of the year.
THE BETHLEHEM OF JUDEA
It is one of the largest nativity scenes in Spain, one of the most visited attractions (last year more than 300,000 people visited it) and a must-see at every Christmas in Zaragoza. It has around a hundred life-size figures, more than 100 plants and flowers, a stream, a Ferris wheel and a mill and, ultimately, a walk through an authentic Souk of Merchants.
One of the main novelties this year is the Nativity scene, which has been enlarged to accommodate the Holy Family. Alongside them, the three Wise Men, Herod’s Palace and the moment of the Annunciation can be seen on a pleasant walk through Christian tradition.
This giant Nativity scene also becomes an interactive place with a game of clues that will allow families to solve a great mystery prepared by the “Gnomus” , the protectors of nature belonging to the Tribes of the Park.
The ROYAL MAILBOX
Another of the most visited places (especially by children) is the Royal Mailbox. In October, the little ones in the house start to get a little nervous about what they will add to their letter to Father Christmas and the Three Wise Men, as well as doing some good deeds so that Their Majesties and Santa Claus can see it.
Santa’s elf and the Royal Postman will collect letters from the little ones on the afternoons of December 12 to January 4 (closed on December 24, 25 and 31).
CHRISTMAS MARKET
Stories, workshops, music, carols, theatre and entertainment take over the Christmas Fair every year . In its 15th edition, more than 70 activities will take place at the fair between November 29 and January 6. One of the most emblematic places of the Christmas Fair is the craft market.
And what can you find at this Christmas market in Zaragoza? More than forty stalls selling crafts and agri-food products where you can buy everything from aromas to accessories, as well as Aragonese gastronomic products, leather goods and toys for the little ones.
DREAMLAND
Dreamland is a favourite space for the little ones in the house. This magical corner begins with a decorative arch of lights and vegetation, where visitors can stop for the traditional “kiss under the mistletoe”. Inside, there is Santa ‘s House, a perfect place to experience the magic of Christmas with Santa Claus and his helpers.
Among the most exciting activities at DreamLand are the two-story Venetian carousel and the Christmas Express, a train that travels through this world full of colors and lights. In addition, this year there is a new and exciting attraction: “Sweet Palace”, a course with slides and obstacles for the little ones to show off their skills.
CHILDREN’S AND ECOLOGICAL ATTRACTIONS
With the smell of hot chocolate, cotton candy and lights everywhere, children find in the Plaza del Pilar a place where they can have fun and explore everything (even more so when there is no school in the area). But, without a doubt, if there is a favorite place for them there, it is the ecological attractions.
There they can take a ride on ecological ponies and also on a small Ferris wheel intended for the little ones in the house.
WISHING TREE
A better job, health, finding love, a trip to a dream place, more money, passing an exam… There are many wishes that fill the New Year every year and one of the places to hang them and make a magical moment out of it is the Tree of Wishes in Plaza del Pilar in Zaragoza.
Many people hang their wishes on this giant fir tree every year, hoping that they will come true with the arrival of the New Year. In addition, the most curious can always take a look at the cards to see what it is that people are longing for.
THE LARGEST ICE SKATING RINK IN THE CITY
For many, Christmas is not Christmas without ice skating, and doing so with the Basilica del Pilar in the background and thousands of lights making the square a magical place is something special. The ice skating rink is one of the main attractions of this Christmas square and you only have to see the long queues that form to show off your skills on the skates.
BIG SLEDGE SLIDE
The sled slide is one of the most notable attractions in the Plaza del Pilar during Christmas in Zaragoza . It stands out for its design inspired by a snowy mountain, with a length of 38 meters. Visitors can enjoy the experience using single or double pneumatic sleds, ideal for sharing moments with the little ones. The slide lanes are illuminated with LED lights, creating a magical effect that stands out especially at dusk. In addition, a curtain of lights that simulates a “star shower” frames the sides.
BOOKS THAT MATTER
A great literary secret Santa takes place in the Plaza del Pilar every Christmas. There, book lovers only have to bring a well-wrapped book (with a dedication included) to exchange it for another. The magic is in discovering new and interesting books with which to spend Christmas between the pages. This book exchange will take place between December 26 and 30.
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