It’s the most wonderful time of the year and whether you live in Spain or are visiting for some Winter sun, you may be wondering what’s happening near you over the Christmas and New Year period.
The run up to Christmas Day is a bit of a quieter affair in Spain compared to many other countries, but you will still find plenty of festive fun to join in with.
If you are spending time on the Costa Blanca this Christmas, here are some things to add to your festive to-do list:
Visit a Christmas Market
There are many Christmas markets held around the area, with Benijofar’s Mercadillo de Navidad being held on 16th & 17th December in Parque Cañada Marsá. A good tip is to check local Ayuntamiento Facebook pages for details of Christmas Markets in your area.
See the Christmas lights
Every town and village has their own beautiful displays of Christmas lights and trees. Take a walk into your nearest town square to see for yourself.
Visit a Belén / Nativity Scene
The belén is a detailed nativity scene that you will also find in most town squares. These elaborate set ups feature figurines of Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, The Three Kings, and many others. If you are in Spain over Christmas you must check out one or 2 of these.
Buy a lottery ticket
The Spanish Christmas lottery, known as El Gordo or ‘The Fat One’ is held on the morning of December 22nd and is the biggest lottery in the world in terms of total prize money! It’s estimated that 75% of the Spanish population buy a lottery ticket at Christmas with each Spaniard spending an average of €70 euros on tickets.
Visit the largest Nativity Scene in the World
If you are spending Christmas on the Costa Blanca then pop to Alicante to see the world’s largest nativity scene! Located in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the figures of Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, and the Three Kings reach an impressive 59 feet tall and made it into the Guiness book of World Records.
Celebrate Christmas Day on the beach
If you have no plans on Christmas Day, why not join the annual Christmas Day beach party in La Zenia! Thousands of people descend on Cala Bosque beach with BBQs and Christmas hats to celebrate Christmas Day in Spain.
Celebrate New Years eve with the locals
If you are still in Spain on New Year’s Eve, known as Nochevieja, head to your nearest town square to count in the new year. Grapes are usually handed around with each person having 12 grapes, one for every strike of the clock. If you manage to eat all twelve grapes in the 12 strikes before midnight, you are guaranteed good fortune for the New Year! Fantastic firework displays will be on after the last strike of midnight.
Watch a Three Kings Parade
In Spain the arrival of the Three Kings on the evening of January 5th is a bigger celebration than Santa’s visit on Christmas Day! Most towns will hold their own parades with the Three Kings often riding into town on horseback – or sometimes on camels. Sweets will be thrown into the crowds, and the parades feature floats, costumes, dancing, music, and fireworks.
Whatever you plan to do this Christmas, we hope you have a great time.
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2024 from all the team at Benigest.
