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More than 3000 people visit the magical gardens and Santa Claus' house in La Nadala

Children's characters from Frozen, horses, elves and dance, magic and balloon bending shows have surprised young and old alike on the tour through the magical gardens decorated with lights, Christmas decorations and snow.

Santa Claus arrived in Vila Joiosa yesterday. The procession traveled through the streets of the city center from the Marta Baldó sports center, passing through Colom i Barranquet street, until arriving at La Barbera. Santa Claus rode on a horse-drawn cart and was accompanied by the Tribalia Dansa ballet, children's characters, elves and the Els Valerios group. Upon arriving at La Barbera, the Yabai Dansa ballet accompanied Santa Claus to the entrance of the house, where Mayor Marcos Zaragoza was waiting for him and he was greeted with a fireworks display.

More than 3000 people visited Santa Claus in his house in the magical gardens of La Nadala. Young and old alike toured the gardens of the Barbera house museum, where they lived an interactive experience set in the magic of Christmas. Along the walk, they enjoyed magic and balloon bending shows, greeted the children's characters from Frozen under the snow, met Santa Claus' horses and elves, enjoyed the performances of the Evi Ruiz ballet and an infinity of Christmas fantasies and surprises, until they arrived at Santa Claus' house, where his sleigh was also installed and many gifts were piled up. Santa Claus greeted all the children, who gave him their wish list and had their pictures taken with him.

The councilor for Festivities, Jaime Santamaría, highlights that "this year we have included more novelties in the magical gardens, with more lights, more decorations and children's characters with whom the little ones have been able to interact so that they can enjoy the magic of Christmas. We have expanded the route and have introduced many more Christmas elements to surprise young and old, since last year it turned out to be a great success and this year too since 3,200 people visited Santa Claus on this first day".

🌴 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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More than 3000 people visit the magical gardens and Santa Claus' house in La Nadala

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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