Dreaming of a Christmas getaway but haven’t booked yet? Don’t worry—Cádiz, with its magical mix of Andalusian charm and festive cheer, is waiting for you. Whether you want to stay in a historic boutique hotel, relax by the beach, or retreat to a cozy countryside villa, there are still fantastic last-minute deals available. This guide will help you find the perfect place to stay while soaking up the holiday spirit of this enchanting coastal city.
We’ll start with the most popular hotels but scroll down for details about what is happening in Cádiz during the Christmas holidays including the lights, markets and the Three Kings Parade.
Or, just go straight to last minute deals in Cádiz over at Booking.com
Old Town Cádiz: Budget-Friendly Gems in the Heart of the City
- Why It’s Perfect: The Old Town of Cádiz buzzes with Christmas magic, from twinkling plazas to festive markets. Plus, last-minute deals on smaller boutique stays are often easy to find.
- What to Expect: Easy access to the Christmas market at Plaza de San Antonio, where you can enjoy mulled wine and listen to traditional Spanish Christmas carols.
Top Picks for Deals:
Hotel Argantonio: This charming boutique hotel often offers discounts closer to Christmas. Its Andalusian decor and central location are ideal for festive vibes.
Casa Nautilus: Affordable yet cozy, this guesthouse provides a homely atmosphere with stylish touches. (Popular for couples.)
Beachfront Bargains: Affordable Luxury by the Sea
- Why It’s Perfect: Escape the holiday rush with a beachfront view. Last-minute deals often pop up as luxury hotels try to fill their rooms.
- What to Expect: Morning walks along La Caleta Beach followed by sunset dinners overlooking the Atlantic.
Best Deals Right Now:
Hotel Playa Victoria: Known for its spacious rooms and festive packages, this hotel frequently offers last-minute promotions.
The Parador: 10 minutes walk from the centre of Cádiz, the modern and stylish Parador de Cádiz is set in a smart, contemporary building.
El Puerto de Santa María: Quiet Getaways with Discounted Rates
- Why It’s Perfect: Located just a short drive from Cádiz, this charming town offers a quieter alternative with excellent value on last-minute stays.
- What to Expect: Explore Andalusian “zambombas” (traditional Christmas singing gatherings) and enjoy local sherry tastings at nearby bodegas.
Top Budget Options:
Los Cantaros Hotel: A cozy hotel that’s known for its competitive last-minute prices and excellent service.
Casa de Huéspedes Santa María: A quaint and affordable option with a welcoming holiday ambiance.
Luxury Apartments: Last-Minute Comforts at Great Rates
- Why It’s Perfect: Apartments offer a flexible and affordable alternative, often with excellent discounts for late bookings. Perfect for families or groups.
- What to Expect: A cozy space to prepare your own festive meals while enjoying Cádiz’s bustling streets.
Best Christmas Apartment Deals Available in Cádiz:
Apartamentos Maier: Modern and centrally located apartments, often with last-minute discounts for multiple-night stays.
La Posada del Mercado: Stylish apartments close to the vibrant Mercado Central, perfect for foodies.
Tips for Finding the Best Last-Minute Deals in Cádiz
- Check Booking Apps: Platforms like Booking.com or Airbnb often highlight last-minute deals for Cádiz accommodations.
- Call Directly: Many hotels offer unpublished discounts if you call them directly.
- Flexible Dates: Staying a few days before or after Christmas often unlocks lower rates.
- Look for Package Deals: Many hotels include festive dinners or excursions in last-minute offers.
The Three Kings Parade and Christmas Festivities in Cádiz
The Cádiz City Council is organising the Christmas 2024/2025 festivities under the theme “A Cinematic Christmas”. The celebrations started on 30th November with the inauguration of the Christmas Lighting and culminate with the traditional Cabalgata de Reyes Magos (Three Kings Parade) on the 5th of January.
Christmas 2024/2025 Festivities Programme
The Christmas programme kicks off on Saturday, 30th November, at 7:00 PM with the official inauguration of the Alumbrado de Navidad (Christmas Lighting). This will feature a light and sound show in the Plaza de San Juan de Dios, with a performance by the Virgen del Rosario music band from Cádiz, preceded by a children’s show.
You can download the Programme on the Cádiz town hall website here.
The Christmas lights will be switched on from 6:30 PM to midnight daily, except on 24th and 31st December and 5th January, when the lights will stay on until 3:00 AM.
Additionally, there will be two light and sound shows daily in the Plaza de San Juan de Dios and the Plaza de la Catedral.
The “A Cinematic Christmas” programme includes a variety of events, such as:
- Eco-friendly Christmas Lights: Daily light and sound shows illuminating 65 streets and 22 squares, extending to previously unlit neighbourhoods in Extramuros.
- Christmas Parks: One in San Antonio and another in Plaza de España, designed for children.
- Craft Fair in the Cathedral plaza.
- “Cádiz, a City of Books”: Special activities in local libraries.
- Christmas in the Neighbourhoods: Daily themed events featuring a different children’s film character, with animations, photo opportunities (photocalls), workshops, and games.
- Symphony of Christmas: A music series.
- A Cinematic Christmas: Seven children’s musicals with characters like Moana (Vaiana), Frozen, Tadeo Jones, or Santa Claus (Papá Noel).
- Christmas Scenes in the artisanal gallery of El Pópulo.
- Special Programme at the Museum of Las Cortes.
- Children’s Pre-Bells (precampanadas infantiles) in San Juan de Dios and the Pre-Uvas de Morera at the Gran Teatro Falla.
- Magic Tent (Carpa de la Magia) in Plaza Ana Orantes.
- Movie-Themed Parade of the Three Kings.
Three Kings Parade 2025
The highlight of the festivities is the Three Kings Parade (Cabalgata de Reyes), featuring a film theme with floats inspired by children’s movies such as The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, Frozen, Beauty and the Beast (La Bella y la Bestia), An Enchanted Christmas (Una Navidad Encantada), and The Smurfs’ Christmas (Los Pitufos en Navidad), among others.
On Sunday, 5th January, the day begins early with visits by the Three Kings (Sus Majestades) to various organisations, associations, and key locations in the city, including:
- Hospital Puerta del Mar
- Aspademis Association
- Jesús Abandonado
- Matías Calvo Residence
The parade will then wind its way through the main avenues of Cádiz, finishing in Plaza de San Juan de Dios. The route combines Extramuros and the historic city centre, distributing approximately 16,000 kilograms of sweets to the people and families lining the streets.
The procession includes over 10 floats, musical groups, street performers (pasacalles), escorts on foot, and numerous costumed participants, making it a grand and festive celebration.
Schedule for the Three Kings Parade 2025
- Date: Sunday, 5th January
- Time: From 5:00 PM
Parade Route:
- Glorieta Ana Orantes
- Cayetano del Toro
- Avenida Ana de Viya
- Avenida de Andalucía
- Plaza de la Constitución
- Cuesta de las Calesas
- San Juan de Dios
Upon reaching Plaza de San Juan de Dios, the Three Kings (Sus Majestades los Reyes Magos de Oriente) will walk through the square and enter the Cádiz Town Hall to bid farewell to the gathered children from the Municipal Balcony (Balcón Municipal).
After the traditional greeting and invitation to the following event, the procession will move to the Convent of Santo Domingo for the customary adoration of Baby Jesus (Niño Jesús) by the Three Kings.
With its festive charm and relaxed vibes, Cádiz is an ideal destination for a last-minute Christmas getaway. Start checking for deals now to secure your spot and make this holiday season unforgettable!
Need more tips on Visiting Cádiz? Check out the home page of Visiting Cádiz here and start exploring!
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