What to do in Vigo at Christmas with Mar de Ons

At Christmas, Vigo undergoes a complete transformation, becoming a haven of Christmas lights and decorations that attract visitors from all over the world. Every corner of the city is decorated to the nines to celebrate the most magical time of year. From the squares to the historic buildings, everything shines brightly, enhancing Vigo’s architectural beauty and festive spirit. 

This Galician city turns into a perfect destination to enjoy a unique Christmas holiday. If you are visiting the city of lights this Christmas and are not sure what to do in Vigo, at Mar de Ons, we give you 4 ideas for fascinating plans to enjoy on board our boats, for a few unforgettable days on the Galician coast. 

If you would like to find out more about these plans, timetables and dates available, visit our website and book your tickets for all the experiences and trips that we recommend below. Plus, if you are travelling in a group, write to to organise a really fun group trip, where you will also benefit from group discounts. 

One of the essential plans not to be missed in Vigo at Christmas is the evening cruise on board our Barco do Nadal Christmas boat, which is now in its fourth year and has been enjoyed by 11,000 people already. This tourist attraction is a favourite among visitors thanks to its originality and the fact it exudes a festive spirit which is perfect for those who love this time of year. This trip is available from November to the beginning of January. In addition, from our Barco do Nadal, decorated in 70,000 micro-led lights, Christmas trees, wreaths, Royal Post Box, a sledge and much more, you can enjoy Vigo’s skyline, with the Ferris wheel and large Christmas tree of the Praza Porto do Sol as the icing on the cake. 

This evening cruise on board our boat “Mar Vigo”, which is decorated in lights at this time of year, lasts for one and a half hours and will enable you to enjoy this visual spectacle of lights from the sea. Plus, you’ll be able to dance to the beat of Christmas music and enjoy the company of : Father Christmas, the Grinch or the Royal Paige, depending on the day. This makes this activity perfect for all audiences, families, couples, groups of friends, etc. This décor and , creates the ideal setting to take some fantastic photos and create the best memories of Christmas in  Vigo.

On this cruise along the Vigo estuary, you will be able to see Vigo’s iconic sights, including the enormous tree with the huge star on top, the Ferris wheel and the infamous Range bridge. Under this bridge, our passengers always make a Christmas wish, filling our Barco do Nadal with excitement and enthusiasm. It’s a unique way to enjoy Vigo’s lights, away from the crowded streets and with the peace and quiet that only the sea can offer.

This Barco do Nadal departs from Vigo Maritime Station and returns later to the same point located in the centre of Vigo. You can using public transport or by walking from the main tourist areas of the city. If you are arriving by car, we recommend you don’t park in the centre, since it is difficult to find parking here. At Mar de Ons, we give you a solution to this: head to Cangas by car and park there, since you can take our regular ferry from Cangas, which and leave you in the same place where you can catch the Barco do Nadal. In addition, we recommend you arrive at least 15 minutes before the departure to guarantee a problem-free embarkation.

Check the dates and times that our Barco do Nadal departs The price is: €18 for adults in November with a special offer and €20 in December and January. For children, it costs €13 (aged 3-12 years). 

For the first time, in 2024, Mar de Ons is also offering evening meals on board O Barco do Nadal, on Saturday evenings at 22.30. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy Christmas in Vigo and its views, while enjoying the typical flavours of Galician gastronomy. Whether you are looking for a meal as a family, with friends, with your partner or an incredible ,  this is the best option: original and delicious. A perfect option to celebrate this time of year in great company and in festive and exclusive surroundings.

You can and prices available for this activity on our website. It’s bound to become one of the most treasured memories of Christmas in Vigo. Enjoying a meal on board our Barco do Nadal while sailing at sea is one of the most beautiful experiences to do in Vigo at Christmas. 

The fantastic plans above are evening activities on the ría Vigo estuary, but here at Mar de Ons we also offer trips and experiences to do in Vigo during the day, to enjoy its wonderful scenery in the sun. One of the trips that tourists enjoy most is the trip with a guided tour of the Cíes Islands, a natural paradise situated on the Vigo estuary. These breathtaking islands belong to the and are famous for their natural beauty and rich biodiversity.

Although it might seem like this plan is only possible in summer, many choose to visit the Cíes Islands at Christmas, because its hiking trails and every corner exude peace and quiet and natural charm at this time of year too. What’s more, the temperatures are ideal for hiking, taking photographs and enjoying the of the Cíes Islands. If you are coming to Vigo at Christmas, you simply cannot miss the chance to visit this destination with our ferry company, Mar de Ons. Our team of guides will teach you to appreciate the details of this idyllic destination. 

You can book a trip with a guided tour to the Cíes Islands during the low season (from 15th September to 15th May, except for Easter) through Mar de Ons. However, in the high season, in summer, you need to request authorisation from the Galician Government (Xunta de Galicia).  

You can catch the boat to the Cíes Islands from different ports (Cangas or Vigo) and at different times, and you can view these on our website. After , which include a guided tour of the Cíes Islands with our team of guides, you should send your personal details by email to comercial@mardeons.com so we can process your authorisation to visit the islands. On special dates, like public holidays or at weekends, make sure you book your tickets in advance, since they usually sell out quickly. 

The fourth idea for a plan to enjoy in Vigo at Christmas is visit the Island of San Simón, situated in the Ría de Vigo estuary. This is a destination bursting with history, natural beauty and legends. Known as the “Island of Thought”, it will offer you unrivalled views of the estuary, with the Cíes Islands and iconic Rande bridge as a backdrop. Declared Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC in Spanish) and protected within the Natura 2000 Network, it is an ideal place to explore with the help of our professional guides. 

Here at Mar de Ons we organise to discover the secrets and history of this island. Our expert guides will immerse you in stories of monks, prisoners and the battle of Rande, while you discover its nature and restored heritage. The trip includes the ancient monastery, quarantine station (lazareto) and the prison, and ends with some free time to explore the island. The boat trip will also offer you some spectacular views.

Don’t wait any longer, book now on our website and get ready to enjoy your unique experience on the

These are the 4 fantastic plans to enjoy in Vigo at Christmas on board our boats, on the Vigo estuary. Plus, at Mar de Ons, we are offering you a discount of 10% on your second trip with us. In other words, if you book your day trip to the Cíes Islands or the Island of San Simón with us and, in the evening, you fancy ending the day with a plan to round it off, like the O Barco do Nadal (also available with an evening meal), you’ll get a 10% discount when you indicate your tracking number of the first trip!