The International Jury of the Capital and European City of Christmas 2022 contest, meeting in Madrid telematically, has unanimously decided the European Capital of Christmas 2022 award to the cities of Génova (Italy) and Donostia/San Sebastián (Spain).

The International Jury chaired by José María Gil Robles —ex President of the European Parliament— and integrated to Ambassador Mr. Henning Wegener (Germany), Mr. Joaquim Orlando Massena (Portugal), Ms. Mercedes Guillamón Duch (Spain) assisted by the President of European Christmas Cities Network Mr. Alberto Gutiérrez Alberca and the Tourism Marketing expert Mr. Miguel Plaza Nieto decide to expressly congratulate the municipalities for the high technical level of the projects presented, their proposals and the commitment of these cities to the values ​​of Europe of Christmas.

Christmas in Europe is a time of special significance where the deep values ​​of integration, tolerance, coexistence, and peace that are at the heart and origin of the European project are revealed. To promote a distinction for the «European Capitals of Christmas» is to promote peace, coexistence and harmony. A powerful element of integration and knowledge of the values ​​of Europe among its citizens

The European Capital of Christmas award was created in 2017, obtaining in its award ceremony the sponsorship of the European Parliament and since then cities such as Lieja (Belgium), Torrejón de Ardóz, Medina de Rioseco, have been awarded. Valkenburg (Holland) and Majadahonda. This award helps cities, and is an effective support tool in their positioning as a benchmark for the values ​​of Christmas, as well as in their tourist and economic development.