Santo Tomás Fair in San Sebastián: the most local celebration you can experience in Donosti

If you’re in Donosti in December and planning to join a Free Tour, there’s one date you absolutely can’t miss: December 21st. On that day, the whole city transforms into a huge open-air rural market. The smell of txistorra fills the air, people dress in traditional baserritarra outfits, stalls line the squares with local products, and everyone—locals and visitors—takes to the streets to celebrate.

It’s one of those festivals that doesn’t need much advertising—it’s lived, felt, and contagious. Picture yourself with a talo and txistorra in hand, a cup of cider, and music all around.

In this article, we’ll tell you the essentials: when it takes place, where the best vibe is, what you absolutely have to try, and how to combine it with your walking tour around San Sebastián.

What is Santo Tomás and why is it a must if you’re visiting Donosti?

Santo Tomás is more than a fair: it’s the perfect excuse to see a different side of Donosti. If you’ve already fallen for its elegance, grand buildings, and calm seaside walks, get ready to see the city flip the script. On December 21st, San Sebastián bursts with rural energy, festive spirit, and the irresistible smell of txistorra, as thousands gather for a one-day-only celebration.

Locals treat it as a tradition, but for visitors, it feels like you’ve stumbled upon a secret. There are no huge billboards—just word of mouth and the unmistakable buzz in the air.

And yes, it only happens once a year. So if you’re here when it does, you’re in luck. Here’s what you need to know so you don’t miss a thing.

When is it celebrated and where’s the action?

The Santo Tomás Fair takes place on December 21st, and only that day. From early morning to sundown, the city center becomes a vibrant mix of crowds, food, and music. The heart of the action is Plaza de la Constitución in the Old Town, but the festive vibe stretches across the Boulevard, around the San Martín Market and beyond.

You don’t need a map—just follow the crowd, the smell of txistorra, and the sound of the trikitixa. If you’re doing a Go Local tour in the morning, you’ll walk right into the fair as soon as it ends.

It’s the perfect day for wandering: history with a guide, a talo in hand, and the kind of atmosphere that only happens once a year in San Sebastián.

A bit of history to understand what you’re seeing

What’s now a massive celebration started out simply: the day farmers from the countryside (baserritarras) came into the city to sell their products before Christmas. They brought the best of their harvest, livestock, cider, cheese… and set up right in the streets.

Over the years, it evolved into one of the city’s most beloved events, but the heart of it remains the same: celebrating the link between rural life and the city. That’s why you’ll see wooden stalls, people dressed as traditional farmers, animals in cages, and a contagious joy in the air.

It’s like a country fair dropped into the middle of the city—and knowing this helps you see it not just as a party, but as a tribute to Donosti’s rural roots.

What you can’t miss: talo, txistorra and that unique atmosphere

If there’s one image that sums up Santo Tomás, it’s this: a warm talo stuffed with sizzling txistorra, a cold cup of cider in a reusable cup, and the smoky smell of grills floating through the air.

The rural market stalls offer everything from honey to cheese, but the star of the show is the talo. Expect long but cheerful queues, smoke rising from the griddles, and smiling locals enjoying their yearly treat.

All of this while traditional music plays, someone breaks into a dance with a trikitixa, and the streets buzz with energy. It’s easy to lose track of time and just soak it all in.

Local tip: come hungry, wear comfortable shoes, and be ready to eat on the go, walk a lot, and enjoy like a true local. This isn’t a spectator event—it’s meant to be lived.

 

What else happens that day besides eating?

Even if txistorra steals the spotlight, Santo Tomás is about more than food. A simple stroll will show you why: suddenly you’ll spot a herri kirolak demo, with someone lifting stones or chopping logs like it’s nothing. A little further, a group gathers around traditional Basque dancers and live music.

In one corner, kids are petting rabbits, chickens, or goats, and nearby, you’ll find craft stalls and hands-on activities. It’s got the vibe of a small-town fair, but blown up Donosti-style.

This is the kind of event that feels made for everyone: some come to buy cheese, others to catch up with friends, and many just to wander and enjoy. The mix of smells, sounds, and shared excitement creates a rare kind of community feel that you really have to be there to understand.

How to fit the Fair in if you’ve already booked a Free Tour

Combining your Free Tour with Santo Tomás is super easy. If your tour is in the morning, it’s perfect to hang around afterward: you’ll already be familiar with the streets, know your way around the Old Town and Boulevard, and you’ll see the fair with fresh cultural context from the guide.

If your tour is later, arrive early and snack your way through the fair before the tour starts. No need for complicated planning—you’re already in the right place at the right time.

And if you’re unsure, just ask your guide—they’ll be happy to point you in the right direction. Because honestly, there’s no better way to wrap up the day than with txistorra, music, and the most local of vibes.

Tips to enjoy it like a local

First of all: if it rains, the fair still happens, so bring an umbrella or raincoat and embrace it—this is Donosti in December, after all. A warm layer won’t hurt either, especially if you’re standing around munching on something delicious.

Expect long lines around lunchtime (roughly 1 to 3 PM), but that’s part of the fun—chatting, breathing in the grill smoke, snapping photos… and when it’s finally your turn, that talo tastes even better.

Bring a bit of cash too, just in case, as not all stalls take cards—and you don’t want to miss out because of a payment hiccup.

And most importantly: don’t over-plan it. Wander, follow the noise and smells, go wherever catches your eye. That’s how we locals do it.

Other Christmas plans nearby to keep the day going

Once you’ve had your fill of talo and txistorra and the fair starts to quiet down, the day’s far from over. A walk around the port with your camera in hand, watching the sun dip over the bay, is the perfect way to keep soaking in Donosti.

From there, head toward Alderdi Eder, where Christmas lights and a vintage carousel create a magical setting—ideal for a photo or just to stand and watch.

And if you still have room, the Old Town is right there waiting. A couple of pintxos, a glass of txakoli, and that rare feeling of having experienced something truly local and unique.

You don’t have to go far—everything’s close, everything flows at the relaxed pace of someone who’s not rushing, just exploring with wide eyes.

If you want someone to tell you all about it with passion, we’re here

Santo Tomás is one of those celebrations that hit all five senses—and it makes even more sense when someone has already told you the stories of the city, its people, and its traditions.

On Go Local’s Free Tours, we help you see San Sebastián in a new way, notice the little details, understand why this city celebrates the way it does, and what lies behind a talo stand or a Basque song echoing through the square.

If you’d like us to share those stories with you, and help you find your way before diving into the fair, we’d love to show you around. Because we enjoy sharing what we love—and Santo Tomás is, without a doubt, one of those days that makes Donosti feel even more like home.

Now that you know what’s waiting for you… care to join the tour?