Christmas in Alicante: Discover Plans and Events for the Holidays
The Christmas season in Alicante is already underway, transforming the city and its surroundings into a destination full of magic, tradition, and entertainment for all ages. This year, the capital of Alicante offers a program packed with activities from late November until the arrival of the Three Kings, combining monumental nativity scenes, craft markets, lights, and cultural events.
Lighting of Christmas Lights and Nativity Scenes
The Christmas lights are switched on at the end of November, illuminating more than 130 points throughout the city, including main shopping streets and iconic squares. Plaza del Ayuntamiento hosts the Monumental Nativity Scene, a spectacle that combines lights, sound, and large-scale figures, while the nativity scenes spread across the historic center allow visitors to discover corners full of tradition.
Activities for Children
The Casa de San Nicolás, located in Plaza Séneca, welcomes children to deliver their letters and enjoy workshops and educational activities until December 24. In addition, the Children’s Fair in the same square offers attractions, workshops, and entertainment throughout the day, making it an ideal plan for families.
Christmas Markets and Fairs
Throughout the city, Christmas markets and gastronomic fairs take place, including the Christmas Market on Paseo de Federico Soto and the Rabasa Fair, open until January. Visitors can enjoy artisanal products, traditional sweets such as turrón and marzipan, and a wide variety of local gastronomic options.
Historic Center Walks and Lights
Alicante’s historic center transforms into a stage full of lights, nativity scenes, and Christmas decorations. Walking through its streets allows visitors to enjoy the architecture and the lighting that adorns the main squares and avenues. Highlights include Plaza de los Luceros, with its giant Christmas tree, and the pedestrian area of the old town, perfect for exploring on foot.
New Year’s Eve
On December 31, the city offers special activities for families, including rehearsal of the bell chimes and events in public squares. At night, Alicante fills with a festive atmosphere to welcome the New Year, with celebrations in Plaza del Ayuntamiento and the old town, where locals and visitors follow the tradition of eating 12 grapes with the bell chimes.
Three Kings Parade
The Christmas season culminates with the arrival of the Three Kings on January 5. The parade departs from the port around 5:00 p.m. and travels through the main streets of the city, offering a show of music, floats, and candy distribution. This event is one of the most anticipated moments for both residents and visitors.
Alicante presents itself as an ideal destination to enjoy Christmas and New Year, offering cultural activities, markets, nativity scenes, and traditions that allow people to experience the essence of the holidays in a safe and family-friendly environment. For both first-time visitors and those residing on the Costa Blanca, the Christmas season is a unique opportunity to experience tradition and local life.
