What Makes the Winter Camino Worth It

By Blaise Jirak

Read Camino de Santiago stories, reflections, and practical pilgrimage advice from Varsity Caminos.

The Best Things About Going on the Camino in the Winter

I know right now we are heading into the middle of summer, but I LOVE Christmas. It is one of my favorite times of the year. Last year was the first time I had been to Spain over the Christmas season, and basically Spain took all the things I love about Christmas and put them on steroids.

Most people think the Camino will be cold and wet during the winter, which it will be a little colder and wetter. But there are some huge upsides that you also get when you brave the winter months. You get the Christmas lights, the food, the traditions, the celebrations, and honestly, some pretty nice walking weather.

So here are some of the best things about going on the Camino in the winter.

1. The Christmas Lights

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First off, the lights. Christmas lights in Spain put our light shows to shame in the U.S. They have these giant light trees that are probably 80 feet tall, and every street is absolutely decked out with Christmas lights. I know that is not exactly how the expression “decked out” is supposed to be used, but it is true.

Every city feels like it is fully decorated. Then you have the Christmas markets full of food, gifts, and other fun things to buy or try out. It makes the whole country feel alive in a way that is hard to explain until you are actually walking through it.

2. New Year’s and Three Kings Day

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Another huge part of our winter trip is that we get to celebrate New Year’s and Three Kings Day in Spain. Three Kings Day, or the Epiphany, isn’t really a big deal in the United States, but in Spain it is one of the biggest holidays of the year. The celebration rivals Christmas itself.

There are parades, traditions, and the whole country is celebrating. When we walk into Santiago this year, we will be able to see the parade and take part in it, which is something most Camino pilgrims never get to experience.

The 12 Grapes Tradition

New Year’s is also really fun in Spain. Spaniards have this tradition where at midnight you are supposed to eat 12 grapes, one for every ring of the bell. If you can do it, it is supposed to bring good luck for the year.

They also have amazing fireworks. Disclaimer: if you come on this trip, you may be woken up by Spain trying to light the sky on fire with fireworks. You have been warned.

3. Churros con Chocolate

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And I haven’t even started talking about the special food. The crown of the Christmas celebration is churros con chocolate. I think our group last year probably ate at least 500 of these over the whole trip.

After walking in the cold, there really isn’t a whole lot better than sitting down for a big plate of warm churros and thick Spanish hot chocolate. It is one of those little things that becomes a big memory from the trip.

4. Nativity Scenes and Catholic Traditions

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Another awesome thing is that the Spanish go all out when it comes to Nativity scenes. You will walk into these little churches, and in one of their side altars there will be a Nativity scene so large and ornate that it takes up more space than a car.

Many churches also have the tradition of kissing baby Jesus and singing songs to celebrate the return of the King. It is one of those things that makes Christmas in Spain feel so much more alive and Catholic than what most of us are used to back home.

5. The Walking Weather

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On a more personal note, I really hate walking in the middle of the summer. Once it gets past 80 degrees, I am just constantly sweating. The nice thing about the winter Camino is that the walking is much cooler.

It is typically about 4050 degrees during the day, which is pretty perfect for me. Being from Kansas, where winter is usually around 2030 degrees, Spain feels like a nice little break from the cold.

I can put on a light jacket and be good to go. It is cold, but not too cold, and it is not so warm that I am sweating the whole time I walk.

6. The Whole Trip Feels Different

So yes, the Camino in the winter can be a little colder and wetter. But you also get Christmas lights, Christmas markets, churros con chocolate, New Year’s in Spain, Three Kings Day, fireworks, Nativity scenes, Catholic traditions, and some really nice walking weather.

We will be taking another group this winter season, and I cannot be more excited about it. If this is something you would be interested in going on, please let us know. Spots filled up pretty quickly last year, and I would love for you to be part of it.

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Merry Christmas... OOPs NVM