Christmas on the Costa Blanca is a truly magical time of year, where the warm Mediterranean spirit blends beautifully with festive traditions. From sparkling Christmas fairs to charming markets, this region transforms into a winter wonderland for locals and visitors alike. If you're looking for something truly special this season, the towns of Jávea, Calpe, and Moraira offer a wealth of events and activities for everyone to enjoy.
In Jávea, the festive season kicks off with a variety of cultural activities organised by the Town Hall and Tourist Office. Throughout December, visitors can enjoy children's workshops, craft markets, carol singing, and musical concerts, with venues ranging from the Old Town to the Port and Arenal areas. Highlights include visits from Father Christmas, traditional Valencian concerts, and vibrant craft markets brimming with seasonal treats and handmade goods. The streets of the Historic Centre come alive with music, including the traditional dulzaina and drums, while children can participate in workshops and creative activities. On 5th January, the town celebrates the Three Kings Fiesta with a grand procession, where the Three Kings arrive by boat in the Port of Jávea, followed by a lively parade through the town to deliver gifts to eagerly awaiting children.
Over in Calpe, the annual Christmas Fair in the Old Town is a family favourite. Running from 6th to 10th December, the fair offers a festive atmosphere with a range of stalls selling food, drink, and Christmas gifts. Live entertainment, dancing, and activities for children make this a wonderful outing for the whole family. The carol singing and festive cheer are sure to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.
Moraira and Teulada also join in the festive celebrations with their own unique traditions. Around 15th December, the towns host events leading up to the Three Kings Fiesta. Letters to the Three Kings are collected in late December, and on 5th January, the grand Three Kings Parade lights up the streets. This procession is a highlight of the festive calendar, with colourful floats, music, and a magical atmosphere that captivates young and old alike.
The Costa Blanca’s festive charm is only enhanced by its mild winter weather, allowing you to enjoy outdoor Christmas markets and events without the chill of traditional northern European winters. Whether you're browsing the craft markets, enjoying live music, or experiencing the joy of the Three Kings Fiesta, Christmas on the Costa Blanca offers something truly unforgettable.
Wishing you a festive and joyful holiday season,
Christmas traditions in Spain, particularly on the Costa Blanca, bring families and friends together over extraordinary food. The holiday season kicks off with the Christmas Eve feast, or Nochebuena, where tables are filled with delights such as cured jamón ibérico, seafood platters featuring prawns and clams, and rich pâtés served with freshly baked bread. For the main course, dishes like roasted lamb, stuffed turkey, or the traditional local seafood fideuà (a noodle-based alternative to paella) are shared and savoured. In many homes, the meal concludes with an array of festive desserts, including the iconic turrón, a nougat-like sweet made from almonds and honey that originates in the Alicante region, as well as crumbly polvorones and mantecados.
The festivities don’t stop there. New Year’s Eve is marked with the tradition of eating 12 grapes, one for each chime of the clock at midnight, to bring luck for the year ahead. As the season draws to a close, Epiphany on 6th January brings another beloved tradition: the Roscón de Reyes. This sweet, ring-shaped cake, often filled with cream or custard, is enjoyed with family as gifts are exchanged in honour of the Three Kings.
This time of year sees the region’s natural bounty come alive, with oranges and clementines taking centre stage. The Costa Blanca is famous for its citrus fruits, and the winter months provide the sweetest and juiciest varieties, which are enjoyed fresh or used in desserts and drinks. Persimmons, or kakis, are another seasonal delight, often eaten as a simple sweet treat or tossed into festive salads. Pomegranates add a burst of flavour and colour to seasonal dishes, while artichokes, pumpkins, and squash find their way into hearty winter stews and soups. Leafy greens such as chard and spinach are at their best, and chestnuts are roasted to perfection on street corners, filling the air with their inviting aroma.
Mushroom lovers will also be delighted by the local varieties available during December. Foraged from the valleys and mountains of the Costa Blanca, mushrooms like the prized rovellons (wild milk caps) are a seasonal treasure, often featured in rice dishes and stews. Locals often make the most of these wild treasures, celebrating the arrival of cooler weather with simple but delicious recipes that highlight the natural beauty of the ingredients.
The Marina Alta region continues to solidify its reputation as a haven for high-level cuisine. While no new Michelin stars have been awarded for 2025, a notable addition has emerged among the restaurants recommended by the Michelin Guide for the upcoming season.
Situated in the old town of Pedreguer, Ausiàs Restaurant captures attention with its striking façade and meticulously designed contemporary interior. Helmed by the talented duo of chef Ausiàs Signes and his partner Felicia Guerra, the establishment offers two tasting menus—Valentina and Ausiàs March—both featuring an optional tripe dish. Their innovative approach revitalises Mediterranean cuisine, emphasising local and regional ingredients.
Mark your calendars because LoretoFest is returning to Xàbia during the December long weekend! Centred around the official celebration of the Virgin of Loreto on 10 December, this vibrant event promises to bring life and energy to the Duanes de la Mar district while raising vital funds for next year’s patron saint festivities. For the second consecutive year, the Comissió de Festes is organising LoretoFest, offering a mix of fun and festive activities to delight locals and visitors alike. The event will take place on 6 and 10 December, aligning perfectly with the start of the Christmas season, which officially kicks off in Xàbia during the Constitution and Immaculate Conception holidays.
This year's LoretoFest is also part of the first-ever Fira Solidària, an initiative driven by the Xàbia Port merchants' association. The solidarity fair will be held on Saturday, 7 December, adding another layer of community spirit and holiday cheer to the weekend.
LoretoFest is not just about festivities, it’s a chance to support the Comissió de Festes, ensuring the success of their activities throughout the year and setting the stage for a spectacular 2025 celebration. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this is a wonderful opportunity to soak up the festive atmosphere, support the local community, and welcome the holiday season in style. Don't miss it!
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