Winter on the Costa Blanca feels very different from Northern Europe. Days are often sunny, temperatures are mild, and instead of heavy coats you see people walking along the promenade with coffee and scarves. December and January are some of the most atmospheric months to visit: Christmas markets in Costa Blanca, street festivals, ice rinks and the famous Three Kings parades bring every town to life.
This guide covers the best winter events and festivals in Costa Blanca, including Alicante, Benidorm, Altea, Calpe, Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa and nearby Valencia, with a practical focus for visitors and people considering buying property in Costa Blanca.
Why Visit Costa Blanca in Winter?
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- Mild climate on the Costa Blanca – many days around 15–20°C, perfect for exploring without summer heat.
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- Local Spanish atmosphere – most visitors are Spanish families, so you experience real life, not only high-season tourism.
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- Lower prices for travel and accommodation – ideal if you are also viewing real estate in Costa Blanca.
For foreign buyers thinking about relocating or investing in Costa Blanca property, winter is the best time to see how towns feel outside the busy season and to meet a local real estate agency while enjoying the events.
Alicante: Christmas by the Sea
In Alicante City, the heart of the celebrations is around Plaza del Ayuntamiento and the elegant Explanada de Españapromenade.
Alicante Christmas Market & Lights
The main Alicante Christmas market usually appears around the Town Hall square and along central streets such as Paseo de Federico Soto, with wooden stalls selling:
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- handmade decorations
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- local turrón and traditional sweets
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- toys, jewellery and gift ideas
A huge nativity scene and tall Christmas tree by the Town Hall create an impressive backdrop for evening walks along the Costa Blanca coastline.
Alicante Three Kings Parade – 5 January
On the evening of 5 January, Alicante hosts a spectacular Cabalgata de Reyes (Three Kings parade in Alicante). Floats, dancers and the Three Kings pass through the city centre and finish near the Town Hall and harbour, throwing sweets to children along the way. It’s one of the most important winter events on the Costa Blanca.
Valencia: Big-City Markets & Modern Winter Fair
Just over an hour from many Costa Blanca resorts, Valencia is perfect for a day trip.
Valencia Christmas Markets in the Historic Centre
You’ll find some of the best Valencia Christmas markets and light displays around:
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- Plaza de la Reina
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- Plaza del Ayuntamiento
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- Plaza de la Virgen
Stalls offer crafts, ceramics, local food products and design items – ideal if you’re looking for special gifts from Valencia and Costa Blanca.
Mercado de Colón & City of Arts and Sciences
Inside and around Mercado de Colón, a beautiful modernist market hall, you’ll find gourmet stalls and stylish decorations.
A more modern winter fair often appears at the City of Arts and Sciences, combining food trucks, children’s activities and sometimes an ice rink in Valencia or small funfair.
Valencia Three Kings Parade
Valencia also celebrates 5 January with a large Three Kings parade that typically starts near the port and ends in the historic centre. It’s very impressive, especially for families considering relocation to Valencia or Costa Blanca.
Benidorm: Christmas Square & New Year by the Beach
Benidorm is famous for nightlife in summer, but winter is surprisingly family-friendly.
Benidorm Christmas Square
The central Plaza de SS. MM. los Reyes de España is transformed into “Plaza de Navidad”, the main Benidorm Christmas market and fair, with:
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- festive stalls
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- children’s rides and shows
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- a large Christmas tree and light displays
There are often extra activities along Avenida del Mediterráneo and around Plaza Triangular.
New Year’s Eve on Levante Beach
Benidorm celebrates New Year’s Eve on the Costa Blanca with concerts and fireworks, usually centred on Levante Beach. It’s a lively option if you want to welcome the new year by the sea while exploring Benidorm property and holiday homes.
Altea & Calpe: Local Markets in Charming Old Towns
Altea Christmas Market
In Altea, smaller Christmas markets and events take place in the Old Town, especially around Plaza de la Iglesia by the blue-domed church. Expect local crafts, music and a very cosy atmosphere with views over the bay. It’s one of the most picturesque places for anyone searching for Altea real estate or a second home in Costa Blanca.
Calpe Christmas Market
In Calpe, festive stalls are usually set up around Plaza Mayor and along Avenida Gabriel Miró, the town’s main shopping street. These markets feel more local and relaxed, ideal for combining with a walk along the seafront or a hike near the Peñón de Ifach rock. Winter is also a comfortable time to view Calpe apartments and villas for sale.
Torrevieja & Orihuela Costa: Promenades and Shopping Centres
Torrevieja Christmas Events
In Torrevieja, Christmas lights and events centre on Plaza de la Constitución (by the main church) and the nearby Paseo de la Libertad next to the marina. You’ll find:
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- nativity scenes
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- stalls with sweets and gifts
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- concerts and children’s activities
These events give a good feeling for everyday life if you’re exploring Torrevieja real estate or planning a winter stay.
Orihuela Costa & La Zenia Boulevard
On the Orihuela Costa, the open-air shopping centre La Zenia Boulevard becomes a winter hub with a big Christmas tree, decorations, live shows and sometimes a small ice rink or special kids’ area. It’s a convenient base for shopping, dining and viewing properties in Orihuela Costa.
Other activities besides the Christmas Market
Christmas Concerts & Church Events
Across Costa Blanca, churches and cultural centers hold classical music concerts, children’s choirs, and special holiday readings. Notable locations include Alicante’s Concatedral de San Nicolás, Altea’s blue-domed church, and Orihuela Cathedral.
New Year Beach Runs & Marathons
Cities like Torrevieja, Benidorm, and Alicante host various San Silvestre runs in the final week of December — fun races where participants often dress in costumes. Some towns also organize New Year’s Day beach swims, a tradition for locals and expats.
Three Kings Parades (January 5)
Winter festivals end with one of Spain’s biggest celebrations: the Cabalgata de Reyes. Every town in Costa Blanca hosts its own parade with decorated floats, fireworks, dancers, and candies thrown to the crowds. The largest parades take place in Alicante, Elche, Torrevieja, and Benidorm.
Ice Rinks & Christmas Trees in Costa Blanca
Every year details change slightly, but typical locations for temporary ice rinks and main Christmas trees in Costa Blanca include:
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- Alicante – near Plaza del Ayuntamiento or the harbour area
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- Valencia – at Plaza del Ayuntamiento and the City of Arts and Sciences
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- Benidorm – in the central Christmas Square (Plaza de SS. MM. los Reyes de España)
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- Torrevieja / La Zenia Boulevard – small rinks or winter-themed attractions for children
Always check each town hall’s website (Ayuntamiento) or local tourism office for this year’s exact dates and opening times of Costa Blanca winter events.
Practical Tips for Enjoying Winter Events in Costa Blanca
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- Check dates each year – markets and parades run from late November to early January, but exact days vary from town to town.
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- Arrive early for parades – especially the Three Kings parades in Costa Blanca, popular spots fill quickly.
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- Dress in layers – it can be warm in the sun during the day and quite cool after sunset.
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- Combine events with property viewings – winter is an ideal time to see different Costa Blanca towns and neighbourhoods before deciding where to buy a property in Spain.
Thinking About Buying Property in Costa Blanca?
Winter festivals show one of the best sides of life here: community, family atmosphere and outdoor living even in December and January.
If you’re planning to buy property in Costa Blanca or want to explore areas like Altea, Calpe, Benissa, Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa or Valencia, Real Estate Guru can help you:
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- understand which town suits your lifestyle and investment goals,
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- organise Costa Blanca property viewings around your holiday plans,
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- guide you through the full buying process in Spain for foreign buyers, from first visit to notary and keys.
Get in touch with Real Estate Guru – licensed real estate agency in Costa Blanca and we’ll help you combine your winter trip with a clear, well-organised look at the Costa Blanca real estate market.
