During the Christmas holiday of 2022, head to Alicante. It’s a great destination to enjoy delicious food everywhere with the whole family, go shopping, hike in nature, and bask in the good weather. In Spain, people *love* the holidays. Alicante has a huge light show, and just a 20‑minute drive from the city center you’ll find the nicest Christmas market in the area.

In this blog: the very best local tips for the whole family. Restaurants in Alicante and surroundings, the Christmas market in Jijona, a unique hike, and a theater show for young and old. Wishing you a wonderful festive season!

(this is an updated article from 2021)

Christmas in Spain

In Spain, Christmas consists of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Christmas Eve is called “Nochebuena” and Christmas is “Navidad.” Nochebuena is actually almost more important than Christmas Day. People have an extensive dinner and, just like in the Netherlands, many visit church—especially the older crowd. **Christmas in Alicante** is not to be missed. There are all kinds of (outdoor) activities for young and old.

1) Christmas lights show in the city center

This year Alicante has invested heavily in Christmas lighting in the city center. 2.6 million LED lights turn on every evening. It’s wonderful to see! On the Town Hall square, not only do the letters “Feliz Navidad, Bon Nadal” sparkle, there’s also a huge Christmas tree.

On the Explanada stands the world’s largest Christmas bauble. Every evening families line up here to take photos. This bauble is 12 meters high and has 8,116 lights. Energy use has been considered, of course: the city decided to keep the special energy‑saving lights on each night from 7:00 p.m. to midnight. You can admire the lights on all the major streets of **Alicante**.

The Explanada and Plaza del Ayuntamiento in Alicante center

2) Christmas market in Jijona, 3–8 December

Do you have a rental car on the Costa Blanca? Then visit the Christmas market in Jijona—also called “Xixona” in Valencian. It’s about a 30‑minute drive from Alicante center. Note that it’s quite a bit cooler than in **Alicante** center because it’s further inland. So bring a winter coat.

At the market you’ll find a living nativity scene, and there’s plenty of *turrón* for sale—the typical Spanish nougat. A festive train runs through the center, there’s music, local entrepreneurs offer their products, and there’s lots to eat and drink. Highly recommended. Jijona itself is worth a visit anyway.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrsa3o8ITRw

3) The best restaurants with Christmas menus in Alicante

In Spain you won’t be doing tabletop grilling for Christmas—you’ll want to truly eat well with the whole family, preferably among the locals. And if you’re ready to splurge a little, these are my recommendations for the holidays:

Finca Santa Luzia (in San Juan Pueblo)
La Ereta (by the castle of Alicante)
Populi (in Playa San Juan)

If you’re with the whole family and want to keep a closer eye on the little ones (in every sense), then go to these family‑friendly restaurants:

Brel (El Campello) Italian—with a surprising twist. And right on the beach, so the kids can play after dinner.
Mi Casa (San Juan) Enjoy paella cooked over a wood fire among the locals.
Vila Bandida (Paella with a view of Alicante, right on the beach)

(For people with a food intolerance I previously wrote a blog. Check the tips here.)

The fantastic view at the Orcheta reservoir

4) Out and about: Orcheta reservoir hiking route

I’ll write a separate blog soon about “Pantano Amadorio,” because this is definitely a top spot on the coast! You’ll also find the location in the **free Alicante Like a Local App**, of course. The route to get there is already fun. Drive via the village of **Aigües de Busot**. In the winter months (February) the almond trees here are in full bloom. A beautiful sight—you’ll see these trees all along the route. Follow the signs to “**Túnel en la Roca**.”

Park the car where you can’t drive any further. From there it’s a few minutes on foot and you’ll see the dam in the distance. You then walk through a tunnel and across the reservoir, with stunning blue water. On the other side you can **have a picnic**, skip stones, gaze over the water, and enjoy the sun on your face. The entire route is flat, so it’s suitable for the whole family. The walk to the other side of the dam is about half an hour.

5) Christmas show for the whole family

At the theater in Alicante (which is worth a visit anyway) there’s a Christmas show for the whole family in December and January: “El sueño de Miliki,” or “Miliki’s Dream”—about a 7‑year‑old boy who dreams of becoming a clown. The show runs on various dates between 22 December and 8 January and tickets start at €17.50. **Buy tickets here.**

During the COVID period I also wrote a **blog about the holidays**, for everyone who couldn’t travel at the time. It still contains useful tips for anyone who loves Spain—Spanish music, tasty food, and a Spotify playlist!

**PS:** Have you read about the “house of Santa Claus” in Alicante? That’s right—it exists. But you have to request tickets as early as October. It’s fully booked every year! And to be honest, it’s not *that* spectacular.

FELICES FIESTAS!!!

Want even more local tips? Then download my **free “Alicante Like a Local” app**, now available in all app stores. Or download my **E‑book with the best local tips for the Costa Blanca!**

5 Family Christmas Holiday Tips in Alicante