Enjoy Christmas in Tolosaldea, see out the year in the heart of Gipuzkoa.
In the Basque Country, Christmas is traditionally celebrated around the table, and also in Tolosaldea. But it is also a time for stories and tales. The magic of Olentzero and Mari Domingi, and the renewing power of Christmas Eve water.
Special Days
December 24. Christmas Eve
You can see groups of friends and especially children singing Christmas carols from house to house dressed in traditional costumes. In general, people gather to have dinner. In many municipalities of Tolosaldea, Olentzero arrives at the end of the afternoon.
December 25. Christmas
The day begins with the excitement of the gifts that Olentzero has left and we gather to eat.
December 31. New Year’s Eve
We gather for dinner and begin the new year by eating 12 grapes, with the chimes of twelve o’clock.
January 1. New Year
Many Basques have the custom of beginning the year in the mountains, Uzturre, Txindoki, Hernio… and at midday we eat lunch.
January 5th, Epiphany Eve
In many municipalities, the Epiphany Parade is celebrated.
January 6th. Epiphany Day
Opening presents and eating the typical roscón.
Who is Olentzero?
Most countries have some mythological character who comes to wish a Merry Christmas and announce the New Year. Such as Father Christmas, Santa Claus, the Three Wise Men and Saint Nicholas, among many others.
Olentzero originally has a very direct relationship with fire. He is the character of the celebration of the winter solstice. Olentzero is a charcoal burner. The fire that burns the old is the representation of renewed strength.
Some say that Olentzero was abandoned in the forest and that Amalur (Mother Earth) rescued him.
Others say that he is the last jentil (a character from Basque mythology who is represented as a man of great size and strength), the only one left when Kixmi (Jesus) was born, the one who came down from the mountains to give the news.
Where to eat at Christmas?
Special days in our restaurants
Tolosaldea maintains the custom of celebrating dinners on December 24 and 31 at home, and most restaurants will remain closed on those days, as well as meals on December 25 and January 1.
But on other special days, there are those who will prepare delicious meals for you and also those who will sell you some dessert.
December 24
Ostatu de Orexa (10:00-21:00)
Alhóndiga. Tolosa (08:00-21:00)
Sidrería Eguzkitza. Tolosa (Lunch).
Hernialdeko ostatua. Hernialde (Lunch)
December 25
Hernialdeko ostatua. Hernialde (Lunch)
December 31
Orexa Ostatu (10:00-21:00)
Alhóndiga. Tolosa (08:00-21:00)
Hernialdeko ostatua. Hernialde (Lunch)
January 1
Hernialdeko ostatua. Hernialde (Lunch)
January 6th
- Orexako ostatua (10:00-21:00)
- Zirta. Larraul
- Casa Julian. Tolosa.
- Altzoko Ostatua. Altzo
- Eguzkitza sagardotegia Tolosa (bazkaria).
- Hernialdeko ostatua. Hernialde (Bazkaria)
Where to buy Roscón de Reyes and artisanal nougat?
They will be closed on December 25th and January 1st, and open in the morning on January 6th.
Shopping in Tolosaldea
Here you will find Christmas gifts, specialties and everything you need.
Do you also want to decorate your Christmas table with products from Tolosaldea?
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Opening hours
From Tuesday to Friday
11:00 — 14:00 /
16:00 — 18:00
Saturdays
10:00 — 14:00 /
16:00 — 18:00
Sundays
10:00 — 14:00
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