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With the inauguration of the nativity scene in the Plaza Mayor and the visit of Saint Nicholas, Christmas begins in l'Alfàs

Last Friday afternoon, Saint Nicholas, Sinterklass, visited l'Alfàs del Pi, fulfilling one of the Christmas traditions of this cosmopolitan town in the Marina Baixa, where for many years now, the Lions Club has been in charge of organizing a magical afternoon in collaboration with the City Council, making the visit of Saint Nicholas one of the first Christmas events in l'Alfàs and also the most eagerly awaited by the child public.

If the Three Wise Men leave the East and arrive on the night of January 5, Saint Nicholas leaves Spain for Holland, a journey he begins when he finishes his tour of the streets of l'Alfàs.

At dusk the Christmas lights were switched on and the municipal nativity scene in the Plaza Mayor was inaugurated, with the participation of the Coral L'Alfàs Canta. The Councillor for Culture, Manuel Casado, took the opportunity to remind those people who set up a nativity scene in their homes or commercial establishments that they can take part in the competition organised jointly with the Department of Commerce: 'L'Alfàs en Nadal', a competition also for decorating Christmas trees and shop windows, to involve citizens in the beautification of exteriors and contribute together to making the streets, homes and establishments of the town feel full of excitement.

Although the most important thing is to participate, different prize categories have been established, ranging from 350 euros to 40 euros, in recognition of citizen collaboration, a fundamental element when it comes to decorating the municipality. Of course, those interested must submit their registration in advance at the House of Culture. The deadline for registration will end on December 13.

🌴 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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With the inauguration of the nativity scene in the Plaza Mayor and the visit of Saint Nicholas, Christmas begins in l'Alfàs

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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