Christmas in Cantabria: 10 family plans for an unforgettable holiday

Why Cantabria is one of the best destinations to enjoy Christmas with your family

At this time of the year, Christmas in Cantabria is one of the most special family experiences. The region has become an ideal destination for enjoying festive celebrations full of magic, thanks to its welcoming atmosphere, the beauty of its villages and the variety of activities designed for all ages, which make every moment an unforgettable memory.
And since, at the Hotel Boutique Palacio de Caranceja, we want to help you make this the most exciting family Christmas of your life, here is a selection of Christmas activities with children that are perfect for the whole family.

1. Take part in the Auto Sacramental and Cabalgata de Santillana del Mar

If there is one place where Christmas is celebrated with a special magic, it is Santillana del Mar. Every 5th of January, its cobbled streets are transformed into a living stage thanks to the traditional Auto Sacramental and Cabalgata de Reyes (Three Kings Parade), declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest, a distinction that reflects the importance and cultural value of this unique event in Spain. 
More than 400 residents take part in this open-air performance that winds its way through the historic quarter, recreating biblical scenes with a level of detail that amazes both adults and children alike. Children are fascinated to see how the medieval village is transformed into Bethlehem, with characters, animals, music and an atmosphere that seems straight out of a fairy tale. 
The final arrival of the Three Kings, parading between torches and applause, is one of those moments that will be remembered for a lifetime. A perfect plan to share with the family and start the year surrounded by tradition and excitement. 

2. Experience the ancient magic of La Vijanera de Silió 

If you are looking for a different, surprising and traditional activity to enjoy with your family, La Vijanera de Silió is an experience you will never forget. Held every first Sunday in January, this winter masquerade—declared a Festival of National Tourist Interest—is one of the oldest and most unique celebrations in Cantabria. 
Children are amazed to see the mythological characters parading through the streets of the village: the colourful Zarramacos, the impressive Bear, the ever-enigmatic Madama, and the amusing Mancebo. Each figure has its own meaning and is part of a tradition that symbolises the victory of good over evil and the welcome of the new year. 
The festive atmosphere, the sounds of cowbells and the handmade costumes make La Vijanera a true cultural spectacle. It is an ideal way for children to discover Cantabrian roots and legends while enjoying a unique festival full of colour, energy and excitement.

3. Enjoy the Magical Christmas Park in Cartes

Looking for a plan that combines fun, lights and magic? The Christmas Magic Park in Cartes is a must-see. During the festive season, this theme park is transformed into a colourful world, with 
activities, shows and decorations that capture the essence of Christmas. 
Children can meet Father Christmas and his elves, visit decorated houses, take part in creative workshops and enjoy attractions specially designed for them. What's more, the illuminated atmosphere and Christmas music 
create the perfect setting for the whole family to immerse themselves in the magic of this special time of year. 
It is a perfect plan for combining leisure and Christmas spirit, letting the little ones' imaginations run wild while the adults enjoy a stroll full of lights, charm and unforgettable moments. 

4. Take a ride on the Magic Christmas Lift in Santander

For a different kind of Christmas experience in the city, the Magic Christmas Lift in Santander is an activity that the whole family will love. This lift, transformed during the festive season, offers a journey full of lights, projections and special effects that envelop young and old alike in the Christmas spirit. 
As they ascend, children enjoy interactive stories, festive music and the feeling of travelling to a magical world full of surprises. Adults can also take the opportunity to admire the views of the illuminated city and capture unique moments in memorable photos. 

5. Enjoy the 3rd Torrelavega Puppet and Object Festival

For those seeking a combination of creativity, fun and culture, the III Torrelavega Puppet and Object Festival is a must-see event. This event will feature companies from different parts of Spain, offering small-scale shows designed to captivate both children and adults. 
The shows will be staged in iconic locations around the city, such as the Rincón de las Artes, the Concha Espina Municipal Theatre and the Plaza Mayor, and best of all, they will be free and open to the public, allowing the whole family to enjoy them without any worries. 
The little ones will be fascinated by the puppets, marionettes and animated objects that come to life in each performance, while adults will enjoy the ingenuity and staging of each company. It is an ideal plan for experiencing Christmas in a cultural and entertaining way, creating cherished memories and unique moments with your children.

6.Get ready to be amazed at the Cartes International Magic Festival.

For families looking for magic and fun, the Cartes International Magic Festival is an event that cannot be missed on your Christmas calendar. This event brings together magicians from all over the world, who amaze the audience with tricks, interactive shows and acts that leave both children and adults speechless. 
The shows are held in the Torreón de Cartes Park, creating a welcoming atmosphere full of mystery where the imagination of the little ones runs wild. In addition, the festival is designed so that the whole family can enjoy it comfortably and up close, encouraging participation and interaction with the artists.

7. Have fun at the Christmas Park in Cabezón de la Sal 

Ready for a magical afternoon? The Christmas Park in Cabezón de la Sal is the perfect outing for the whole family. During the festive season, Conde San Diego Park is transformed into a veritable Christmas Factory, filled with lights, activities and decorations that spark the imagination of young and old alike. Children can take part in workshops, games and shows designed especially for them, while adults enjoy the festive atmosphere, music and charm of the illuminated park. What's more, all activities are free and open to the public, allowing you to enjoy a carefree day out with your family.

It's the perfect way for little ones to experience the magic of Christmas, creating unforgettable memories and fun moments that the whole family can share.

8. Discover the most visited nativity scenes in Cantabria 

Is there anything more traditional at Christmas than setting up a nativity scene? 
Cantabria offers a wide variety, from small, handcrafted displays to large nativity scenes with highly detailed scenes that fascinate young and old alike. 
Among the most notable, we can mention two perfect examples to visit with the family: 
The Barcenaciones Nativity Scene, a traditional display with great detail, full of figures, animals and scenes that recreate the story of the birth of Jesus through replicas of buildings, houses and emblematic places in the village. 
The Mario and Nati Nativity Scene in San Vicente de la Barquera brings the Nativity to life by winding its way through the streets and buildings of this charming fishing village. Every corner is a surprise, and children (and adults too!) can't help but smile as they discover the fun characters that fill each scene with magic.

9. Stroll through Santander's Christmas Market

A visit to Santander's Christmas Market is a must if you want to immerse yourself in the city's festive spirit. From 5 December to 6 January, Plaza de Pombo is filled with 46 stalls offering traditional products, crafts, toys and decorations for the festive season, creating a magical atmosphere that will delight young and old alike. 
Children enjoy discovering the stalls, sampling traditional seasonal sweets and taking part in activities designed especially for them, while adults can find unique gifts and gourmet products. The lights, music and decorations make this market the perfect setting for a family stroll and creating unforgettable memories. 
It is an ideal plan for combining Christmas shopping, leisure and fun, immersing the whole family in the charming and festive atmosphere of Christmas in Santander. 

10. The Magical Christmas Factory in Liérganes

This year, Santa's elves and the Three Kings' pages will work side by side on a mystery that they will have to solve with your help. Will you help them? The setting for this mystery and various children's workshops (such as personalised Christmas baubles and Christmas slime) will be  The Magic Christmas Factory located in the  Palacio de la Rañada, in the beautiful town of Liérganes. 

 Where to stay during your Christmas holiday in Cantabria? 

Your best option, without a doubt, is the Palacio de Caranceja Boutique Hotel, an oasis of tranquillity and style in the heart of Cantabria, perfect for families who want to enjoy an unforgettable holiday. 
After a day exploring nativity scenes, markets and Christmas shows, there is nothing better than returning to this little paradise that combines the charm of a 17th-century stately home with the comfort and warmth of a contemporary hotel, designed for those who appreciate details and tranquillity.

Perfectly located among Santillana del Mar, Comillas and San Vicente de la Barquera, the Palacio de Caranceja is the ideal starting point for discovering the best Christmas activities in Cantabria, all less than half an hour away by car. 
The spacious, bright and carefully decorated rooms invite you to relax after a day of family activities. Every morning, breakfast with local products and homemade pastries becomes a real ritual to start the day with energy. 
The hotel offers gardens and terraces where you can enjoy a moment of calm while the children play, and friendly, attentive service that makes guests feel at home. In addition, the hotel team can help you plan your Christmas itinerary, recommending the best markets, nativity scenes and family events and informing you of the best last-minute plans! 

Cantabria: a family destination all year round

Between visits, Cantabria invites you to savour its essence: 
• Beaches: golden sands and perfect waves in Suances, Comillas or Liencres. 
• Charming villages: cobbled streets in Santillana del Mar or the rural charm of Bárcena Mayor. 
• Gastronomy: anchovies from Santoña, sobaos pasiegos (sponge cakes) and cocido montañés (mountain stew). 
• Nature: routes between cliffs, mountains and forests in the Oyambre or Saja-Besaya Natural Parks.

With the Palacio de Caranceja as your base, you can combine leisure, culture, nature and family moments, enjoying a Christmas full of emotions, tradition and unforgettable memories.