It’s going to be a bit of a low-key Christmas everywhere this year, and Spain is no exception with most traditional events and celebrations cancelled.
But, if you want to feel a bit festive despite the current restrictions, there are still some fun Christmas themed things you can do here on the Costa Blanca.
First of all, though, let’s take a look at the latest rules as we approach the Christmas and New Year period.
Covid rules in Spain, Christmas 2020
Coronavirus plans for Christmas in Spain have been approved by the Government and cover the festive period which lasts from Christmas Eve until Three Kings on 6th January. The rules are as follows:
- Limits on social gatherings has been increased from 6 to 10 people on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
- The curfew has been extended until 1:30am on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve to allow people an extra hour to get home.
- Each autonomous community will be required to close their borders to limit movement between 23rd December and 6th January, however “travelling to visit family and close friends” is a valid reason to cross into other regions.
- Students returning home from university for the holidays are advised to limit social interactions for the ten days before their visit home to limit the risk of infection.
- Restaurants can open over the festive period but with the same limits that are currently in place, i.e. limited capacity and a maximum of six people per table.
Things to do on the Costa Blanca this Christmas
Unfortunately, all sporting events, ringing in of the bells on New Year’s Eve, and Three Kings parades on 5th January have been cancelled this year so as not to attract crowds.
Other traditional activities such as Nativity Scenes and Christmas concerts can still go ahead as long as social distancing can be guaranteed and occupation is limited to 50% of the usual capacity.
If you’re looking for some Christmas activities on the Costa Blanca, here are some festive suggestions for you…
Visit local Christmas markets
While the bigger Christmas markets have been cancelled this holiday season, many towns will be holding small local events such as Christmas craft markets in local bars and restaurants. These are a great place to grab some cards and gifts, and you can usually find these events by checking the Events tab on Facebook and in local Facebook groups.
See the Christmas lights
The Christmas lights have gone up in most towns and villages on the Costa Blanca now. Whilst many towns haven’t had an official event to turn on the lights this year, it’s lovely to take a walk through your town to look at the lights and the Christmas trees in the town square.
Visit the Belénes
Belénes (nativity scenes) are a popular Christmas tradition in towns across Spain and you can usually find these in your local church square from early December. Many towns have put their scenes out this year as normal, though busier places may have a queuing system in place.
Some of the best nativity scenes locally are Rojales and Torrevieja (below).
Go ice skating in Torrevieja
Torrevieja will be home to a natural ice rink over the Christmas period, and in place until 10th January. The ice rink will be in a tent at the Torrevieja fairgrounds next to the Levante Dique, and open from 12:00 to 22:00 each day.
Visit the record breaking nativity scene in Alicante
This year’s nativity scene in Alicante has been awarded two world records, for being the tallest ever nativity scene and also the largest in the area. Located in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the scene features an 18ft Joseph plus smaller figures of Mary and Baby Jesus, and covers an area of 56.02 square meters.
Go for a winter beach walk
All beaches in the Alicante province are open and a sunny winter day in Spain is perfect for a walk along the beach. Bars and restaurants on the promenades are open as normal, and the chiringuito beach bars on Cala Bosque and La Caleta beaches on the Orihuela Costa are open every day all year-round.
Whatever you do this Christmas on the Costa Blanca, we hope you have a lovely time!
