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Alicante is gearing up for a magical start to its Christmas season with a series of exciting events beginning next week. The city will switch on its Christmas lights early on Friday, November 21, aiming to boost traditional shopping before Black Friday weekend, says Councillor Cristina Cutanda.

 

Just two days later, on Sunday November 23, the centrepiece Giant Nativity Scene, listed in the Guinness World Records since 2020, will open in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (Town Hall Square). This event also marks the beginning of the pedestrianisation of the square, closing it to regular traffic until after the Three Kings’ Day celebration on January 6. Only buses and taxis will be allowed once the festive season concludes, ahead of a planned €490,000 redevelopment of the plaza.

 

Assembly of the Nativity Scene starts early on Monday, November 17 and runs through to Thursday November 20. The construction follows a special sequence, with Balthazar the first figure to go up, followed by Saint Joseph, the Virgin Mary, Gaspar, Melchior, and the baby Jesus.

 

In addition to this grand display, Alicante will also unveil other festive Nativity scenes: one in the City Hall entrance opened Thursday November 27, and the Community Nativity Scene in Plaza de la Muntanyeta, unveiled a day earlier during Nativity Scene Night, a popular event celebrating the art of the belenes, organised with the Alicante Nativity Scene Association.

 

The council has also announced a fresh tender for the ongoing care and management of the Giant Nativity Scene figures from 2026 to 2028, with a slightly increased budget of €114,000 over two years and the option to extend for another two.

 

The combination of early lights, giant festive installations, and pedestrian-friendly public spaces promises a warm and joyful start to Christmas for Alicante’s residents and visitors alike.

 

 

 

Image: Ayuntamiento de Alicante