Lorraine Williamson
While much of Spain is still clearing away autumn leaves, Alicante is already shimmering with festive light. The Costa Blanca capital has decided not to wait for December — instead, Christmas 2025 officially begins on Friday 21 November, when the city’s streets, squares and seafront will burst into colour.
The early start reflects Alicante’s growing ambition to lead Spain’s festive calendar. Local traders welcome the decision, which the city council says is timed to support shops and restaurants ahead of the Black Friday weekend, traditionally one of the busiest retail periods of the year.
Record-Breaking nativity scene returns
The jewel of Alicante’s festive celebrations — the Belén Gigante — is also making an early appearance. This monumental Nativity scene, recognised by the Guinness World Records as the largest in the world, has become an international attraction since its debut in 2020.
Standing tall in Plaza del Ayuntamiento, the figures tower between ten and seventeen metres high. Joseph, the tallest, anchors the composition surrounded by Mary, the baby Jesus, and the Three Wise Men. The scale alone transforms the historic square into a surreal winter stage, a blend of devotion and artistry that captures Alicante’s flair for spectacle.
Installation begins in mid-November, with the figures rising one by one until the full scene is unveiled on 20 November. The grand opening follows on Sunday 23 November, accompanied by live music, a dazzling light show, and a crowd of locals marking the start of the city’s six-week celebration.
Streets closed for celebration
From the evening of the inauguration, traffic will be banned from Alicante’s Town Hall Square and surrounding streets. Buses will be rerouted, and only public and emergency vehicles will have limited access until 6 January 2026.
The pedestrianisation aims to make the area safer and more welcoming for families, with the council planning to keep parts of the new layout permanently after the holidays. Stalls, local artisans, and children’s entertainment will fill the space, turning the city centre into a festive promenade.
A city transformed by light
As soon as dusk falls, Alicante’s Avenida de la Constitución glows in a canopy of golden light. From 7.00 pm every evening, the city sparkles until the early hours — 1.00 am on most nights and 4.30 am on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and the night before Epiphany.
Locals recommend visiting early in the evening to avoid the crowds that gather for the light show, which has become a highlight for both residents and visitors across the Costa Blanca. From November to Epiphany, Alicante’s old town radiates festive warmth, its blend of modern sparkle and traditional celebration perfectly capturing the Spanish holiday spirit.
Spain’s festive rivalry
Across the country, cities are racing to outshine one another. Barcelona will flick the switch on 22 November, illuminating Passeig de Gràcia with avant-garde designs and playful Catalan touches, including the cheeky “caganer” figure hidden in its Nativity scenes. Málaga, meanwhile, will unveil a new show called Natividad de luz on 28 November, transforming Calle Larios into a glowing cathedral of light, while Valencia plans to decorate the city with over 270 illuminated arches and 45 Christmas trees.
Yet few can rival Alicante’s combination of artistry and atmosphere. Its early launch, record-breaking Nativity, and commitment to community-led festivities have made it a trailblazer in Spain’s Christmas calendar.
Alicante’s festive spirit leads the way
By switching on its lights before any other major city, Alicante has staked its claim as the country’s unofficial capital of Christmas cheer. For visitors, it’s an invitation to experience Spain’s festive season at its most vibrant — where the Mediterranean air feels warmer, the streets shine brighter, and the joy of the season arrives just a little sooner.