In the midst of a heatwave, with temperatures nearing 30 degrees Celsius and beaches still packed, Vigo has once again begun the countdown to its Christmas celebrations . This Wednesday, July 29th, municipal workers started installing the first decorations at Porta do Sol, the epicenter of a display that attracts millions of visitors each year. Mayor Abel Caballero presided over the event and assured attendees that the 2026-2027 edition will be "the most spectacular in history," although, as is tradition, he did not reveal the exact date of the lighting ceremony or the main surprises.
The Galician city, which has become a tourist and social phenomenon, is thus kicking off its unique race towards Christmas with an investment in lights and decorations exceeding twelve million LED points. Mayor Caballero recalled that Vigo was the one that "created 21st-century Christmas" and promised that this year it will take a qualitative leap: "Things are going to happen that have never happened before." Meanwhile, the first passersby are already encountering a huge golden arch in the shape of a gift, a snowman, and a reindeer, welcoming the most anticipated season.
A display of lights and record-breaking figures
The City Council has detailed that more than 12 million LED lights will illuminate 500 streets , transforming them into veritable "Christmas corridors" with different decorative motifs on each one. The decorations will include around 7.000 elements, most notably 2.700 trees illuminated with cool lights that, according to the mayor, do not harm the vegetation. In addition, 1.500 ornamental arches and large-format decorations, some reaching five meters in height, will be installed.
One of the most anticipated attractions is the giant Christmas tree at Porta do Sol. Although Mayor Caballero hasn't revealed its exact height, he has assured everyone that "it will once again be the tallest in Spain and the world." Last year, the illuminated cone measured 45 meters, and all indications are that this year it will surpass that mark. Walkable structures will also play a key role , with tunnels and immersive elements up to 40 meters long that will allow visitors to immerse themselves in the magic of Christmas.
Secret news and international reach
The mayor has announced "major new features" for this year's celebration, but has preferred to keep them secret to prevent other cities from copying them. "It's the best-kept secret on the planet," he joked. Among the clues he dropped, he indicated that Vigo will create the Christmas of the second quarter of the 21st century , a significant leap forward compared to previous years. He also invited all of Spain and the world to visit the city when the lights are switched on, presumably in mid-November, although the official date has yet to be confirmed.
Caballero took the opportunity to highlight the international impact of Vigo's Christmas brand. He recounted how local businesspeople are greeted in China with the expression "Vigo, the city of lights" and reiterated his invitation to New York Mayor Eric Adams to see the city's Christmas lights. "He's the second-best mayor in the world," he said, adding that if Adams visits, he can bring the model to the Big Apple. Last year, Vigo received five million visitors during the two-month Christmas season, a figure the City Council hopes to surpass this year.
A phenomenon that transcends borders
For Caballero, Christmas in Vigo is "an indescribable sociological phenomenon." A city of 300.000 inhabitants has become the world epicenter of Christmas lights, and its success has inspired other municipalities. "When we started, Christmas in public spaces was in decline. Today, all cities light up and try to do their best," he stated. The mayor congratulated the municipalities that have revived the tradition, although he made it clear that Vigo continues to set the pace.
The installation will continue over the next few months, with new features being revealed gradually until November. Meanwhile, locals and tourists can already see the first decorations in Porta do Sol, where the famous giant tree will begin to take shape. The countdown to the most anticipated Christmas of the year is underway , and Vigo is preparing to shine once again as the city of lights.