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Benidorm officially begins Christmas in a crowded Plaza de Sus Majestades los Reyes de España

It's officially Christmashas arrivved in Benidorm. On Saturday afternoon, Santa Claus arrived at l'Hort de Colón where he will spend, like any other tourist, his Christmas holidays. It was at 6:00 p.m. when l'Hort de Colón opened its doors to the queens of the Festes Majors Patronals, Angélica Morenilla and Daniela Talavera, to their courts of honor and to hundreds of neighbours and visitors who gathered there.

The mayor of Benidorm, Toni Pérez, the Festival Councilor, Mariló Cebreros, along with other members of the municipal corporation have accompanied the top representatives of our festivals on their tour. The regional deputy, José Ramón González de Zárate, the new president of the Commission, María Dolores Cano, and the president of the Association of Penyes 'Verge del Sofratge', Ramón Cano, did not miss the meeting either.

After the reception at l'Hort de Colón and the relevant photos with Santa Claus, the queens and authorities went to the Plaza de Sus Majestades los Reyes de España where, shortly before 7:00 p.m., the countdown to the inauguration began of the Plaza de la Navidad, the epicenter of the Christmas festivities, which will remain open until January 7. Like other years, hundreds of people gathered and were waiting to enjoy a show of light, fire and color that filled all attendees with excitement, especially the little ones.

The queens of the Festes Majors, together, have declared the Christmas Square inaugurated together with the mayor Toni Pérez by pressing the protocol button to turn on the Christmas lighting, which has been accompanied by great applause from the attendees and which has ended with the launch of a fireworks display.

The Christmas Plaza has shone in all its splendor with its ice skating rink, its children's attractions and its food stalls, which have been at full capacity to the enthusiasm of the minors and families who have gathered.

The varied and complete BeniNadal program can be consulted online from the Benidorm City Council website, by clicking on the following link: Click Here

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🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Overview

This week across Benidorm, Altea, Albir, Finestrat, and La Nucía is mainly:

Weekly markets and street trading

Live music in bars and small venues

Early spring coastal tourism activity (boat trips, promenades)

Small cultural events and exhibitions

Gradual build-up toward May festivals in Benidorm

BENIDORM – Events and Activity

Markets and street life

Wednesday and Sunday main street markets (large general markets for clothing, food, and goods)
Old Town craft stalls operating in the evenings
Night markets becoming more active as tourist season builds

Cultural activity

Early preparations and signage for the Medieval Market coming soon in central Benidorm
Small pop-up performances in Old Town squares (musicians, street entertainment)

Nightlife and entertainment

Live music every night across the main strips (cover bands, tribute acts, karaoke)
DJ sets and bar entertainment increasing toward peak season
Rooftop bars and terrace venues reopening more consistently

Overall feel

Benidorm is in an active pre-summer phase with strong nightlife and steady tourist flow.

ALTEA – Cultural and coastal atmosphere

Old Town and culture
Art galleries and artisan shops open daily
Small exhibitions and cultural displays in local venues

Live music

Acoustic and low-key live music in bars around Old Town and seafront areas
Occasional weekend performances in Irish and cocktail bars

Sea activities

Boat trips operating from Altea harbour including:
Coastal cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Swimming stops depending on weather conditions

Overall feel

Quiet, scenic, and cultural with a strong focus on relaxation rather than nightlife.

ALBIR / ALFÀS DEL PI – Mixed expat and local activity

Markets

Friday weekly street market with food, clothing, and household goods
Nearby Sunday markets in Altea also attract visitors from the area

Live music

Regular pub and bar entertainment, especially in Irish and rock-themed venues
Weekly live bands and acoustic performances across multiple venues

Cultural venues

Casa de Cultura hosting small theatre events, exhibitions, and community activities
Regular local group meetings and social clubs

Overall feel

Balanced area with both relaxed daytime atmosphere and active evenings.

LA NUCÍA – Local and sporting focus

Markets

Sunday rastro (large flea market with antiques, tools, clothes, and food stalls)
Entertainment
Occasional live music in local bars, mostly weekends

Sports activity

Large sports complex hosting training camps, tournaments, and weekend events

Overall feel

Quiet residential town with activity concentrated around weekends and sports events.

FINESTRAT – Beach and market lifestyle

Markets

Tuesday and Saturday markets in La Cala area with a mix of local produce and goods

Beachfront activity

Beach bars and restaurants increasingly open in the evenings
Sunset dining season beginning again

Entertainment

Low-key live music in beachfront bars rather than organised events

Overall feel

Relaxed coastal town focused on beach life and casual evenings.

OVERALL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest area with nightlife, markets, and entertainment

Altea: cultural, scenic, and relaxed

Albir / Alfàs del Pi: balanced mix of live music and expat social life

La Nucía: local, quiet, and sports-focused

Finestrat: beach-oriented and low-key

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Benidorm officially begins Christmas in a crowded Plaza de Sus Majestades los Reyes de España

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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