CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS IN ALICANTE
Christmas in Alicante is one of the most heart-warming celebrations of the year, a period full of magic, tradition and special moments. From the end of November, the extraordinary switching on of the Christmas lights transforms the city into a luminous setting that invites you to enjoy every corner.
Among the main attractions is the majestic Monumental Nativity Scene, recognised in the Guinness Book of Records, as well as the cosy Casita de San Nicolás, where children enjoy unforgettable experiences. Another particularly emotional moment comes on the 6th of December, with the traditional procession in honour of Saint Nicholas. medium;”>, with the traditional procession in honour of Saint Nicholas, patron saint of Alicante.
The Christmas Fair and the Children’s Fair provide fun for all ages, while sports lovers will find their place in the San Silvestre Solidarity Run, the Navi Fitness or the Christmas Crossing.
The year ends with the Children’s New Year’s Eve Party, the rehearsal of the chimes and the celebration of New Year’s Eve, while the grand finale comes with the Three Kings and their spectacular parade on 5 January through the city centre.
Celebration in honour of Saint Nicholas
Every 6th December, Alicante celebrates the feast day of its patron saint, Saint Nicholas. The day begins with a mass in the Co-Cathedral and continues with a solemn procession that culminates in the traditional Vow of the City to the saint.
The day concludes with an impressive Parade of Moors and Christians, which starts at the Plaza de los Luceros and ends at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Monumental Nativity Scene
The Monumental Nativity Scene is one of the great attractions of Christmas in Alicante. Since 2019, it has been part of the Guinness Book of Records. This nativity scene, featuring the Virgin Mary, the Baby Jesus, Saint Joseph and the Three Wise Men, is set up in the Town Hall square and is accompanied by majestic angels distributed throughout the city, creating a magical itinerary that can be visited from the end of November until 7 January.
Location: Town Hall Square.
Municipal Nativity Scene and Other Nativity Scenes
The tradition of nativity scenes is one of the hallmarks of Christmas in Alicante. Of particular note is the Municipal Nativity Scene, with large figures and biblical themes, installed in the Town Hall and created by the Association of Nativity Scene Makers of Alicante.
Other essential nativity scenes are the Social Nativity Scene in Plaza de la Montañeta, created by renowned nativity scene artists, and the one in the Junta Mayor de Semana Santa, located in the Palacio El Portalet. All of them bring together handcrafted pieces that reflect the cultural essence of the city and the magic of the Adoration of the Magi. >.
Opening hours:
- Monumental Nativity Scene. Opening on Sunday 23rd November at 7pm in the Town Hall Square, preceded by a light and sound show.
- Nativity scene in the Town Hall entrance hall. Opening on Thursday 27 November at 7 pm.
- Nativity scene at the La Montañeta Social Centre. Opening on Wednesday 26 November at 7 pm.
- Nativity scene at El Portalet Palace by the Holy Week Board. Opening on Thursday 4 December at 7 pm.
House of Saint Nicholas
The House of Saint Nicholas is one of the most magical places for children during Christmas. It opens its doors on 29 November
Location and dates:
Plaza de Séneca.
From 29th November to 24th December.
By appointment only (from 20 November) at this link.
Christmas Sports Activities
Christmas in Alicante also invites you to enjoy sports in a festive atmosphere. The more active can take part in the Navi Fitness at the Concha de la Explanada; in the Christmas Crossing, for swimmers who set off from Postiguet Beach; or in the traditional >, for swimmers departing from Postiguet Beach; or in the traditional San Silvestre Solidarity Run, a fun charity race where runners of all ages take part in fancy dress, running through the heart of the city.
Locations, dates and times:
- Navi Fitness: Sunday, 14 December, at the Concha de la Explanada. From 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Christmas Crossing: Sunday 21 December, departure from Postiguet Beach, at 9:30 a.m..
- Sant Silvestre Solidarity Race: Friday 26 December, departure from Rambla Méndez Núñez, at 7.30 pm. Registration: available soon at this link.
Camping and Horseback Riding with the Royal Porters
From 26 December to 4 January the beloved Royal Letters Camp, where children can deliver their letters to the Three Wise Men and enjoy a magical experience. Visits require an appointment, available from 18 December > at this link.
Children will have another opportunity to submit their wishes on 4 January, at the end of the Cabalgata de las Carteras Reales, which runs from Plaza de España to the pedestrian area where the Explanada and La Rambla meet.
Location, dates and times:
- Campamento de las Carteras Reales: Plaza de Gabriel Miró, from 26 December to 4 January, by appointment.
- Cabalgata de las Carteras Reales (Royal Carriage Parade): From Plaza de España to the end of La Rambla, on 4 January, starting at 6:00 p.m.
New Year’s Eve in Alicante
New Year’s Eve in Alicante combines tradition and celebration. On the night of 31 December, the intersection of the Rambla and the Portal de Elche is filled with a festive atmosphere. To the rhythm of the music, residents and visitors wait together for the chimes to ring in the new year. >, the intersection of La Rambla and Portal de Elche is filled with a festive atmosphere. To the rhythm of music, locals and visitors wait together for the bells to ring so they can eat the 12 lucky grapes. The celebration continues with performances and fireworks until 4 a.m.
Children’s New Year’s Eve
Designed so that the little ones can also experience the magic of seeing out the old year, the Children’s New Year’s Eve is celebrated on the 31 December in the morning, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. At 12:00 noon, there will be a rehearsal of the New Year’s Eve chimes, accompanied by entertainment, a photocall, inflatables and a children’s show.
Three Kings Parade
The arrival of the Three Kings is one of the most eagerly awaited events. Every 5th of January, the traditional parade fills the streets of the city centre with colour and fantasy. Advance ticket sales are available at this link (vivaticket.es) from 10 a.m. on 26 December, as well as at the Plaza de Toros.
The event begins with the arrival of Their Majesties at the port at 5 p.m. The procession then heads to Avenida de la Estación, from where at 7 p.m. the parade will depart for the Town Hall Square. There, Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar will greet the little ones from the stage, filling the night with excitement and anticipation.
A tradition that combines history, joy and the most authentic Christmas spirit.
Complete Christmas programme 2025-2026:
Available here.
Turrón, a sweet treat from Alicante
Turrón, a sweet treat from Alicante
Nativity Scene Museum
Nativity Scene Museum
Christmas Fair
Christmas Fair
Dates and opening hours: From 28 November to 18 January 2026. Weekdays: From 5 pm to midnight. Fridays, Saturdays and the eve of public holidays: 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. Sundays and public holidays: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. From 20 December to 6 January: 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
Turrón, a sweet treat from Alicante
Turrón, a sweet treat from Alicante
Find out moreNativity Scene Museum
Nativity Scene Museum
Find out moreChristmas Fair
Christmas Fair
The Alicante Municipal Tourist Board and Beaches provides users with the following contact details for any queries regarding Christmas activities taking place in the city until 6 January.
TOURIST OFFICES: +34 965 177 201 +34 965 125 633 |
The Alicante Tourist Board is not responsible for any changes to the programme that may occur.
