Illustration of four felt children crafting at a small wooden table in a room with decorated Christmas trees and snowmen (Auto Sacramental y Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos de Santillana del Mar)

Auto Sacramental y Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos de Santillana del Mar

2026 dates not announced yet. Details are from 2025.

Santillana del Mar in Cantabria comes alive with the 'Auto Sacramental y Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos,' a festival of national tourist interest. This event features a two-and-a-half-hour 'Auto Sacramental' with nine scenes, followed by a spectacular Three Kings Parade with four more scenes. Around 500 participants, including pages, soldiers, and angels, along with floats, horses, and camels carrying the Three Wise Men, bring the story to life through the historic town streets.

Details

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Plan Your Visit

Tickets

FREE

Ages

All ages

Going?

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families, cultural enthusiasts, tradition lovers

Vibe

Festive, traditional, community-oriented

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

📷 📷 📷 📷 📷 (4/5)

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, as the event is popular and draws large crowds to the historic streets.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking through the town's historic streets to follow the different scenes of the 'Auto Sacramental' and parade.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress in layers, as January in Cantabria can be cool.
  • Bring a camera to capture the vibrant costumes, floats, and the magical arrival of the Three Wise Men.
  • Consider public transportation or carpooling, as parking in Santillana del Mar can be limited during major events.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Festival declared of national tourist interest
  • Features 500 participants, 5 floats, 20 horses, and 10 ponies

Links & Contact

Run by Turismo de Cantabria

Contact

Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide, not the organizer of this event. For tickets, entries, vendor spots or questions, contact the organizer directly through their contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'Auto Sacramental'?

The 'Auto Sacramental' is a traditional religious play that depicts the story of the Three Wise Men, performed in multiple scenes throughout the town.

What is the 'Cabalgata de Reyes Magos'?

It is the Three Kings Parade, a festive procession featuring floats, costumed participants, and the arrival of the Three Wise Men, following the 'Auto Sacramental'.

Is there an admission fee for this event?

No, admission to the 'Auto Sacramental' and the 'Cabalgata de Reyes Magos' in Santillana del Mar is free.

How long does the event typically last?

The event lasts approximately 4.5 hours, with the 'Auto Sacramental' taking about 2.5 hours and the parade adding another 2 hours.

What is the best way to get to Santillana del Mar for the event?

Santillana del Mar is accessible by car and bus. It's advisable to check local transport schedules and consider arriving early due to potential crowds.

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

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