A Festive Day in Alicante - Churros, Castle Views, and Christmas Lights
- Amy
- 2 days ago
- 12 min read
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Alicante is one of the standout cities in Spain’s Valencian Community, a gorgeous gem on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. Known for its stunning beaches, the historic Santa Bárbara Castle, and an infectious festival scene, the festive vibes were exactly what lured us to Alicante in December. Part of the iconic Costa Blanca, this city shines in more ways than one during the holidays!
And what better time to visit than when the city is buzzing with festive cheer? Decked-out streets, nativity scenes galore in churches and museums, churros at every corner, and tapas bars overflowing with life, it’s got all the Christmas vibes you could hope for. With over 1,200 streets lit up, you’ll find it hard to resist soaking in the magic of every little detail.
But did Alicante steal my heart? Not quite. To me, it carried shades of Abu Dhabi’s easy seaside glamour. The wide palm-lined promenades, sparkling marinas filled with yachts, and well-dressed people out for an evening stroll. It’s a vibe many travelers absolutely love, but after living in the United Arab Emirates for seven years, it felt a little familiar. I found myself craving a bit more cultural and historical depth, but well not every place can give you that feeling of discovery.
A Festive Day in Alicante - Churros, Castle Views, and Christmas Lights
That said, the festive atmosphere, the food, and the gorgeous landmarks made it worth the trip! So let’s dive into everything you need to know if you’re visiting Alicante for the holidays, from must-see attractions to the best food spots and Christmas activities. Ready to explore? Let’s go! 🎄✨
Table of Contents: A Festive Day in Alicante - Churros, Castle Views, and Christmas Lights Elche - The Place to Stay Parking and Getting Around Alicante 10:30 - Castillo de Santa Bárbara 12:30 - Lunch at Bodeguita 1999 14:00 - Exploring Alicante
16:00 - Churros at Santa Faz Churreria Esplanade of Spain (Explanada de España) La Casa Mágica de Papá Noel (Christmas Fair) Alicante Marina Rambla Méndez Núñez 19:00 - Ice Skating Rink in Plaza del Toros Dine in Style! Museums Closing Thoughts |
Elche – The Place to Stay
Instead of staying in Alicante, we chose to base ourselves in Elche, a smaller and quieter town just 25–30 minutes from Alicante by car. During the holiday season, hotels in Alicante can get quite expensive and parking is often limited or paid. In Elche, we found our stay much better value. We booked Port Jardín Milenio, a comfortable hotel surrounded by palm trees and gardens, and we also had free parking, which made getting around very easy. Staying in Elche gave us the best of both worlds, peaceful evenings and lower prices, while still being close enough to enjoy all the Christmas festivities in Alicante whenever we wanted.
Parking and Getting Around Alicante
After a leisurely breakfast, we drove to the city center in our rental car. We parked our car at Parking San Cristóbal, which is right next to Calle San Francisco. It’s one of the most convenient places to leave your car if you want to explore the city center on foot. The cost is usually around 14 to 16 euros for a full day.
Parking SABA Maisonnave is another convenient option in the city centre, and a full day costs around €13. Most parking garages in Alicante charge between €1 and €2 per hour. Street parking is available but limited, and free spots in the centre are quite difficult to find. If you prefer free parking, there are “park-and-ride” areas on the outskirts, for example in the San Gabriel neighbourhood, where you can leave your car and then take public transport into the centre.
Alicante’s city centre is very walkable. Most of the main sights such as Calle San Francisco, Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Basílica de Santa María, the Explanada de España promenade, and the Port are all close to each other, so you can easily explore them on foot. |
You can also rent a car to explore the Costa Blanca region at your own pace. Car rentals are available at the airport and in the city center. BOOK CAR RENTALS HERE.
10:30 - Castillo de Santa Bárbara
Christmas morning in the city was slow and peaceful, so we took it easy and headed out by late morning to visit the Castillo de Santa Bárbara, a fortress perched atop Mount Benacantil that offers stunning views over the city and the Mediterranean. It was first built in the 9th century when the Moors ruled this region. Over the years, it has been expanded and rebuilt by different rulers, which is why it has layers of history in its walls. Although the castle was closed on Christmas Day, the walk up to it was worth it for the panoramic view alone!
If you walk to Plaza del Ayuntamiento (10 minutes from the famous Mushroom street Calle San Francisco) and then follow signs to the castle lift, which is inside the Postiguet beach tunnel, you will make it to the top of the hill in no time! You have to pay a small fee for the castle lift, except for people with reduced mobility and senior citizens, for whom it is free. Otherwise, you may also get your hiking boots on for a 30 minute up-hill walk. First, you walk through the old town, then climb the hillside path to the fortress. You can also hail a taxi which will cost you €5-7 for a 5 to 7 minutes trip to the hilltop.
If you book at least one hour in advance, you can enjoy a guided tour of the castle, which gives you special access to the Old Dungeons, Cistern and Hospital. You can walk through old courtyards, lookout towers, tunnels used during past battles, and exhibitions that showcase the story of Alicante’s past. The English tours are conducted at 10.30 AM and 8.00 PM everyday, while the Spanish tours are condcuted at 11.30 AM and 9.00 PM everyday.
There are also Dramatised or Theatrical Tours, where guides dressed in historical costumes lead you through the castle. They act out stories and events from the past, making the history of Castillo de Santa Bárbara feel real and immersive. You can book the theatrical tours online through the official website, or directly at the castle’s information desk up to 30 minutes before the tour starts. New tour dates are released at the end of each month for the month ahead. Tours usually take place on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 9:00 PM.
Castle Timings: Typically, the castle is open daily from 10 AM to 8 PM, but be sure to check for holiday closures if you’re visiting in December. In Summer, the castle is open until 11 PM and in Winter until 6 pm only.
The official castle website is very helpful. It has all the details about the different tours, directions on how to reach the castle, and information on transport options with prices and schedules.
If you’d like a relaxed and guided experience, I recommend this Santa Bárbara Castle tour with wine tasting. I’ve linked it here so you can book easily. BOOK HERE.
12:30 - Lunch at Bodeguita 1999
I was so glad to have reserved a table at Bodeguita 1999 because, trust me, it’s a popular spot during the holidays! Known for its mouthwatering steaks and traditional paella, this place offers a fantastic mix of flavors. We tried their famous Spanish paella along with a variety of tapas, perfect for both meat lovers and vegetarians. The grilled veggies, aubergine in honey, croquetas de bacalao (salted cod croquettes), and entrecôte (rib-eye steak) were all hits. For wine lovers, their selection pairs beautifully with the food. This was a culinary highlight of the trip!
14:00 - Exploring Alicante
After lunch, it was time to soak in more of the city’s history and holiday spirit.
Calle San Francisco (Famous Mushroom Street)
We began our walk from Calle San Francisco, the colourful Mushroom Street lined with small boutiques, gelato shops, and cozy cafés. It’s a short street, easy to stroll, and fun for kids because of the big mushroom sculptures.
Alicante Town Hall (Ayuntamiento de Alicante)
We walked to the main road and turned slightly left toward Plaza del Ayuntamiento, where the Alicante Town Hall stands with its two tall towers. This beautiful baroque building in the heart of the city showcases Alicante’s rich civic history. The grand facade and the stunning inner courtyard are definitely worth seeing.
Do not miss the city’s Guinness World Record-breaking nativity scene, which will be located in Plaza del Ayuntamiento (Town Hall Square). It’s a large and impressive display, and one of the main winter highlights in Alicante. The nativity is usually set up in early December and remains on view until around January 6.
The Town Hall is open from Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, and entry is free. It’s a must-see for architecture buffs.
Basilica of Santa Maria (Oldest Church in Alicante)
After spending some time in the square, we followed the pedestrian path uphill to the Basílica de Santa María, the oldest church in the city with warm stone walls and lovely architectural details. A true gem in Alicante, this 14th-century church was built on the site of a former mosque and is known for its Baroque architecture and serene atmosphere. It’s one of the oldest churches in the city. The basilica is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, but hours can vary during the holidays.
Barrio de Santa Cruz (Most Charming part of Alicante)
From the Basílica de Santa María, you’re already just steps away from Barrio de Santa Cruz. Just slip into the little lanes behind the basilica and walk uphill toward the colorful steps. In a few minutes, you’ll arrive in the most charming part of Alicante. There were these white-washed houses, flowerpots on every wall, bright blue and red tiles, and cute narrow streets winding up the hill. Such a picturesque, pretty and quiet place to live in!
Concatedral de San Nicolás (St. Nicholas’ Co-Cathedral)
We continued walking further into the old town and made our way to the Concatedral de San Nicolás. You’ll notice it by its beautiful blue dome rising above the surrounding streets. This 17th-century cathedral is one of Alicante’s main landmarks and a lovely example of Baroque architecture. We were lucky to arrive just as the Christmas decorations were up, with churchgoers dressed in festive outfits. During Christmas, the area outside the cathedral is decorated with fun festive displays. This one shows including Sinterklaas / Papá Noel-style figure arriving by boat, which connects to Alicante’s history as a port city. The Latin inscriptions on the stone wall you see behind it is the front of the Concatedral de San Nicolás.
The cathedral is open from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and again from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Entry is free, though donations are always welcome.
16:00 - Churros at Santa Faz Churreria
No Christmas in Spain is complete without indulging in churros, and we found the perfect spot at Santa Faz Churreria. Santa Faz Churrería is a small, local favorite tucked inside the historic center of Alicante, just a few steps from the Town Hall. I like these kind of classic, no-frills charming places that makes it feel authentic and welcoming, rather than large, touristic kinds. The churros are made fresh throughout the day, crisp and golden, and best enjoyed dipped in a cup of thick hot chocolate. It’s the kind of place where you stand at the counter with the locals, chatting, watching the churros being cut and fried, and simply enjoying the moment. Aah, what a delight! The freshly fried churros, dusted with sugar and dipped in thick, hot chocolate, were just what we needed after all that exploring.
Esplanade of Spain (Explanada de España)
From there, we walked downhill toward the sea and reached the Explanada de España promenade in about five minutes. The Esplanade of Spain promenade? One of Alicante’s most iconic spots, the Esplanade of Spain is a palm-lined promenade with a beautiful mosaic tile design that stretches along the coastline. It’s a lovely place for a leisurely walk, offering fantastic sea views and a laid-back atmosphere. We noticed many outdoor cafes bustling with holidaymakers. Chocolatería Valor is located here! Valor is a historic chocolate house, originally founded in 1881, and they take their chocolate seriously. Chocolatería Valor is one of the most beloved places in Alicante to enjoy thick, rich Spanish hot chocolate and freshly made churros. We couldn't stop for churros here, because we already had our fill, although it was very tempting to have a second round, but we instead made a pitstop for coffee at D’Tablas. It’s known for its simple tapas served on small wooden boards (the famous tablas). They have outdoor seating, so if you have kids with you, the children can enjoy the rides, small games, while you enjoy a drink, a quick bite and explore the stalls selling souvenirs and cute keepsakes.
You can even take a boat tour to Tabarca Island from the Esplanade, which makes for a fun day trip. For a charming seaside adventure, consider this round-trip ferry tour to Tabarca Island from Alicante - BOOK HERE.
Right next to the promenade there was a Christmas fair.
La Casa Mágica de Papá Noel
This is Alicante’s festive Santa’s House, set up during the Christmas season. It is designed especially for children, with decorated rooms, lights, interactive displays, and of course, Santa himself greeting families. Kids can walk through the house, write letters, take pictures, and enjoy a cozy Christmas atmosphere. The kids went straight for the mini roller coasters, small rides, and cotton candy stalls, and before we knew it, two hours had passed happily just enjoying the atmosphere. The entrance is typically free or low-cost, though queues can get long on weekends.
Alicante Marina
From the fair, we continued our walk down toward the waterfront. The mood of the city changes as you get closer to the sea. The streets open up, the breeze gets cooler, and suddenly you find yourself at the Alicante Marina. After all the exploring and splurging at the Christmas Fair, we just wanted to slow down and simply take in the moment.
We sat by the edge of the marina for a while, watching the yachts sway gently and the sky turn soft shades of orange and pink as the sun began to set. It is calm, relaxed, and incredibly scenic, and it is only a short walk from Rambla Méndez Núñez and the Explanada de España.
Rambla Méndez Núñez
We walked back into town via the Rambla. Rambla Méndez Núñez is a wide, tree-lined avenue that connects the old town to the sea. It’s a bustling street full of cafés, small shops, and everyday city life unfolding around you. We stopped here for a quick coffee break, simply watching people.
19:00 - Ice Skating Rink in Plaza del Toros
After eating all that churros, we werent really feeling dinner. So, instead we decided to head to the Pista de Hielo in Plaza del Toros. We decided to take the kids to the temporary ice rink, set up in the historic bullring. It offers a unique and fun experience with an outdoor skating area and a toboggan run! To be open likely from December 1 to January 8, it’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit, with 45-minute skating sessions available daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
If you have some extra time and want to do something a little different, you can visit the Alicante Bullring and the Bullfighting Museum. It gives a glimpse into the history and tradition of bullfighting in Spain, along with access to the arena itself. It’s not a long visit, so it’s easy to fit into your day. You can BOOK IT HERE.
Dine in Style!
La Tasca Del Barrio is a small, cozy restaurant tucked inside the old town, perfect for a slow meal after exploring the historic center. Order a mix of their Mediterranean tapas, the grilled calamari, seafood paella, and patatas bravas are all excellent. You got me hungry again!
Restaurante El Buen Comer is a Traditional Spanish Kitchen. A a place for good, hearty, home-style Spanish food. It is not fancy, and that is part of the charm. You’ll see families, grandparents, and locals eating here, which is always a good sign. Their gazpacho and baked fish dishes are especially comforting. If you’re trying to taste something very local, the arroz dishes (rice casseroles) are a solid choice.
Museums
If you’re into museums, don’t miss the Museo The Ocean Race for sailing enthusiasts, the MUBAG Museum of Fine Art, and the Museu de les Fogueres showcasing the sculptures from the local Fogueres festival. Alicante has something for everyone, from art lovers to history buffs!
Closing Thoughts
Alicante has plenty to offer during the holidays. While it may not have swept me off my feet, the mix of Christmas cheer and Mediterranean charm definitely made it a memorable trip. Ready to dive into your own Alicante holiday adventure? Let the magic of Christmas in Alicante take over! 🎄✨
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