Have you already purchased your Hamiltons Real Estate home in Spain, or are you expecting to do so soon? Are you wondering what you can expect from Christmas in your new home? One thing is for sure – Christmas on the Costa Blanca is full of light, music, carols and festive celebrations, with the added bonus that it will probably still be sunny and relatively warm during the day. For many people who have recently purchased a property on the Costa Blanca, or are considering buying a property in Spain, experiencing a Mediterranean Christmas is one of the unexpected highlights of owning a home here.
Christmas lasts for almost a month in Spain, with two Bank Holidays in the lead-up to Christmas itself. As a predominantly Catholic country, many traditions and celebrations take place on different days to those in the UK and other parts of Europe. With a thriving international community now living across the Northern Costa Blanca in towns such as Moraira, Javea, Benissa, Calpe and the Jalon Valley, there are also plenty of new traditions to discover and enjoy. Whether you have chosen a villa, apartment, townhouse or finca, living on the Northern Costa Blanca offers the opportunity to experience these wonderful traditions year after year.
One of the many benefits of buying a property on the Costa Blanca is that Christmas doesn't have to mean spending the festive season apart. Thanks to the excellent connections from both Alicante-Elche Airport and Valencia Airport, family and friends can easily fly over to enjoy Christmas and New Year in the Spanish sunshine.
In Spain, the 6th of December is Constitution Day, celebrating the country becoming a constitutional monarchy and democracy in 1978. However, many residents from other parts of the Catholic and Christian world will also be celebrating the first day of Christmas because the 6th of December is St Nicholas' Day.
St Nicholas was a 4th-century Bishop from Turkey. As a young man he inherited a considerable fortune, and his innate kindness led him to help the poor and secretly give gifts to those in need. Many legends surround his life, and it is difficult to know which are true, but it is believed that he died on 6th December. Many European countries therefore celebrate St Nicholas on this day. For example, in the Netherlands children leave their clogs out on the evening of 5th December to be filled with presents ready to open the following morning. In other countries his legend lives on through Santa Claus, Father Christmas or Kris Kringle.
The next celebration takes place on the 8th of December with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which celebrates the belief that the Virgin Mary was conceived without original sin. Across Spain the day is marked with religious ceremonies, parades and special events, making it another important date in the country's festive calendar.
Throughout December, cities, towns and villages across the Costa Blanca are beautifully decorated with festive lights, and Christmas trees are erected in the main church squares. Local choirs, bands and charities organise carol concerts in churches, theatres and open-air plazas, creating a wonderful atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.
Many towns also install a Belén (Nativity Scene) close to the church. Some of these displays are incredibly elaborate, complete with lighting effects, flowing water and moving figures, attracting visitors from neighbouring towns throughout the festive season.
Traditional Christmas markets are another highlight, where visitors can browse handcrafted gifts, seasonal decorations and local produce while vendors roast chestnuts, filling the streets with the unmistakable aromas of Christmas. Whether you are living permanently in Spain, enjoying your holiday home or planning to buy a property on the Costa Blanca, these festive markets are a wonderful way to embrace local traditions. For homeowners and those viewing property on the Costa Blanca during December, these events also provide the perfect opportunity to experience the welcoming atmosphere of the local communities before making the move.
The Christmas lottery, El Gordo, takes place on 22nd December and attracts participation from almost everybody in Spain. The draw is followed throughout the morning as the winning numbers are famously sung by schoolchildren, creating one of the country's most recognisable Christmas traditions.
The prize fund is shared amongst thousands of winners, and those fortunate enough to hold a winning ticket often celebrate their good fortune in the streets of their town with neighbours, family and friends.
Christmas is, of course, a time to gather with family and friends to enjoy one another's company over exceptional food, and Spain certainly knows how to celebrate. Christmas Eve (Noche Buena) is one of the most important evenings of the festive season, with restaurants and hotels offering extraordinary menus before Midnight Mass.
Traditional meals often begin with a selection of tapas-style starters including Ibérico ham, seafood and regional cheeses, followed by soups, roast meats, stuffed turkey or freshly prepared fish. To finish there is usually an irresistible selection of desserts before tables are filled with festive favourites such as turrón, marzipan and traditional Spanish shortbread.
Following Christmas Eve celebrations, many Spanish families spend Christmas Day relaxing together at home. However, across the Northern Costa Blanca there are also many restaurants, hotels and bars offering excellent Christmas Day lunches, making it easy for both residents and visitors to enjoy the occasion. Many people searching for property for sale on the Costa Blanca are pleasantly surprised to discover that restaurants remain vibrant throughout the festive season, making Christmas an enjoyable time to visit the area, explore different towns and experience the lifestyle before deciding where to buy a home in Spain.
Boxing Day (St Stephen's Day) is not celebrated in Spain, so the next major event is Noche Vieja, New Year's Eve. As in many countries, the evening is celebrated with family meals, parties and the traditional countdown to midnight. However, Spain has one very special tradition that everyone should experience at least once.
As the clock strikes midnight, locals eat 12 grapes – one for each stroke of the clock. This long-standing custom is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year, making it a fun and memorable way to welcome the New Year. Many towns and coastal resorts across the Costa Blanca also organise spectacular fireworks displays once the New Year has arrived, providing a wonderful atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. If you are planning a viewing trip during the winter months, New Year celebrations are a fantastic way to experience the friendly atmosphere that makes the Northern Costa Blanca such a desirable place to live.
In the UK that would often mark the end of the festive season, but not in Spain or many other countries. Here, one of the most important celebrations is still to come with the arrival of the Three Wise Men (Kings) – Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar – on the Eve of Epiphany.
Across Spain, including many towns on the Northern Costa Blanca, the Three Kings arrive by horseback, camel or, in coastal towns, by boat before parading through the streets to the delight of children and adults alike. During the procession they throw sweets into the crowds, creating one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the Christmas season.
Children then head home for an early night while the Three Kings magically deliver gifts during the night through windows, balconies and chimneys, ready to be opened on 6th January.
In Moraira, along with many other local towns, families gather in the main square following the Three Kings parade, where children can receive presents from the Kings in person. Parents need to find out in advance where gifts should be delivered for the Three Kings to present to their children, with details usually available through local schools or community organisations. Many towns also conclude the evening with an impressive fireworks display following the 5th January celebrations.
Community events such as these are one of the many reasons why families choosing to buy property on the Costa Blanca quickly feel at home. Whether you are relocating permanently or purchasing a holiday home, joining local traditions is a wonderful way to become part of your new community.
Epiphany in Spain is a family celebration, with loved ones gathering to enjoy a home-cooked meal together. The festivities conclude with one final seasonal tradition – the delicious Roscón de Reyes, or Three Kings' cake. This sweet brioche-style ring, decorated with colourful glazed fruits to resemble a royal crown, is enjoyed throughout Spain and has become an essential part of the Epiphany celebrations.
There you have it – a Christmas season to be enjoyed by everyone, with plenty to look forward to. From festive lights, Christmas markets and traditional Spanish celebrations to memorable meals with family and friends, music, parades and a genuine sense of goodwill, Christmas in Spain offers a unique experience for both residents and visitors.
For those feeling particularly adventurous, many coastal towns even organise Christmas Day and New Year's Day swims, with hardy participants taking a refreshing dip in the Mediterranean to start the festivities or welcome the New Year.
If you are considering buying a property on the Costa Blanca, experiencing Christmas here is just one of the many lifestyle benefits that attract buyers from across Europe. Whether you are looking for a villa with sea views, a traditional finca, a modern apartment, a townhouse or a permanent family home, the region offers an exceptional quality of life throughout every season of the year. Visiting during the festive period also gives you the opportunity to explore different towns, enjoy the local atmosphere and discover which area best suits your lifestyle.
Here at Hamiltons Real Estate, we have been helping clients buy property on the Costa Blanca for many years. From villas and apartments to fincas, townhouses and luxury homes across Moraira, Benissa, Javea, Calpe, the Jalon Valley and the surrounding areas of the Northern Costa Blanca, our experienced local team understands that finding the right property is about much more than bricks and mortar. It is about embracing the Mediterranean lifestyle and becoming part of a welcoming community. We encourage you to enjoy the festive season here; it may be different from the traditions you are used to, but there is certainly plenty to celebrate. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas 2023 and the Happiest New Year in 2024.
Yes. Christmas in Spain includes many unique traditions, including Constitution Day, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, El Gordo, Noche Buena, the New Year's Eve grape tradition and the arrival of the Three Kings on 5th January.
Yes. Many towns including Moraira, Javea, Benissa, Calpe and other communities across the Northern Costa Blanca host Christmas markets, festive lighting displays, concerts and family-friendly events throughout December.
Many buyers enjoy visiting during December because they can experience everyday life outside the busy summer season. Christmas markets, local celebrations and mild winter weather provide an excellent opportunity to explore the different towns before buying a property on the Costa Blanca.
Although evenings can be cool, the Costa Blanca often enjoys mild, sunny winter days, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy coastal walks, outdoor cafés, festive events and the relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle throughout the Christmas season.
Updated by the Hamiltons Real Estate team - July 2026
