Home » Destination News » Bilbao Lights Up Northern Spain with Christmas Charm, Pintxos Trails, and Flights Cheaper Than a Train Fare, Here Is What Travelers Need To Know

Published on
October 31, 2025

Bilbao lights up northern spain with christmas charm

Bilbao sets an easy holiday scene for London travellers this winter. The Basque capital’s riverside Christmas market lights up near the Arriaga Theatre, while direct flights from London typically land in under two hours—quick enough for a weekend of pintxos, gifts, and sparkling city walks.

Why Bilbao works for a Christmas weekender

The Christmas market operates beside the Old Town, placing stalls, lights, and heritage in one compact area. Official tourism listings note the historic market on Calle Bailén and seasonal stalls along the Ripa/Muelle de Ripa waterfront near the Arriaga Theatre, with trading days that span early December to early January most years. This puts festive browsing steps from Casco Viejo’s “Seven Streets,” Gothic landmarks, and covered food halls—ideal for combining shopping with culture.

Getting there in under two hours

Direct flights from London to Bilbao generally clock about 1h45–2h in the air, depending on winds and airport of departure. Airline and aggregator pages show multiple weekly services, with November often the value month for deals. On some dates, fares have been advertised under £30, making spontaneous trips plausible if travellers can pack light and book early.

Landing made simple: airport to city in one hop

Bilbao Airport (BIO), managed by AENA, is small and efficient. The Bizkaibus A3247 shuttle links the terminal with Bilbao Intermodal, Plaza Moyúa and Gran Vía in around 20–35 minutes, running every ~15–20 minutes through most of the day. Official city tourism pages list the same A3247 itinerary, so first-time visitors can ride straight to the centre for Old Town hotels and the market area.

What to see around the market

  • Calle Bailén & Ripa Quay: seasonal huts selling crafts, decorations and regional produce, within sight of the Arriaga’s neo-baroque façade.
  • Casco Viejo “Siete Calles”: the medieval grid that anchors Bilbao’s identity, with easy lanes for pintxos crawls and gift shopping.
  • Arriaga Theatre & Cathedral of Santiago: signature heritage stops that frame the market circuit and lend photogenic backdrops.

Impact on business travel and leisure tourism

For business travellers, Bilbao offers short flight times, a walkable centre, and reliable airport transfers, allowing day-and-a-half trips that still include client dinners in Casco Viejo. For leisure visitors, the market-Old Town-museum triangle (Arriaga–Siete Calles–Guggenheim/Museum of Fine Arts zone) reduces transit time and maximises time on foot, a major advantage for short festive breaks. City improvements around Plaza Euskadi also ease links between museums and promenades, adding pleasant detours between meetings or market strolls.

Quick tips for travellers

  • Fly light: pick hand luggage to keep fares low and speed airport exits.
  • Go contactless, carry some cash: stalls often accept cards, but small notes speed purchases at busy times.
  • Time your meals: popular pintxos bars in Siete Calles peak 13:30–15:30 and evenings—go early or late.
  • Stay central: Casco Viejo or Abando hotels place you between market stalls and river walks.
  • Mind your pockets: as in any crowded market, keep phones and wallets secure and use zipped bags.

Step-by-step mini-plan (48-hour Christmas break)

  1. Book a morning flight from London; aim for arrival before noon (typical flight time ~1h45–2h).
  2. Ride the A3247 bus to Plaza Moyúa; check in or store bags near Abando/Casco Viejo.
  3. Walk the market loop via Bailén and Ripa Quay, then continue into Siete Calles for pintxos.
  4. Evening river stroll to the Guggenheim’s terrace for lights and photos; dine back in the Old Town.
  5. Day two museums: Museum of Fine Arts and riverside parks; pick up last-minute gifts at the market before a late-afternoon return.

Practical details at a glance (official)

  • Christmas market area: Calle Bailén and Ripa quay, near Arriaga; typical season early Dec–early Jan.
  • Old Town: “Siete Calles” heritage district, pedestrian-friendly.
  • Airport info: AENA Bilbao (BIO) for flights, lounges, accessibility and real-time updates.
  • Airport bus: Bizkaibus A3247 to city centre.

Key points

  • Sub-two-hour direct flights from London make Bilbao a viable weekend Christmas market break.
  • Festive stalls set up by the river near the Arriaga Theatre and along Calle Bailén, steps from the Old Town.
  • AENA-managed airport and the A3247 shuttle simplify arrivals and departures.
  • November and early December often show the best flight values on some dates.