If you’re wondering whats on in Alicante this week, the period from Monday 29 December to Sunday 4 January is one of the most atmospheric of the year, with New Year celebrations, family-friendly daytime events, music, markets and the build-up to the Three Kings.
This weekly guide sits alongside our full listings of events and activities across the city and is written for visitors staying centrally, as well as those planning a winter break from home.
Whats on in Alicante this week: events and things to do
Monday 29 December
Alicante Comercio pop-up morning – San Gabriel (San Gabriel, Calle La Era)
10:30–13:30
This is a small local pop-up market and workshop morning, organised to support neighbourhood shops. Expect Christmas-themed activities for children, simple games, photo opportunities and light entertainment. It’s relaxed, family-focused and aimed mainly at locals, but visitors are very welcome.
New Year and Reyes events in Alicante
Wednesday 31 December – New Year’s Eve
Children’s New Year’s Eve (Nochevieja Infantil) – La Rambla / Portal de Elche (Centro)
10:30–13:30
A daytime New Year celebration designed for families, with children’s entertainment and a fun “practice countdown” so younger kids can enjoy the tradition earlier in the day.
👉 https://alicanteturismo.com/events/nochevieja-infantil/
New Year’s Eve street party and midnight grapes – La Rambla / Portal de Elche (Centro)
From around 23:00 until the early hours
Alicante’s main New Year’s Eve celebration takes place on La Rambla, with music, dancing and the traditional twelve grapes at midnight to welcome the New Year. Grapes are usually handed out on the night — which is useful, because trying to find an open supermarket at 23:55 is… optimistic.
👉 https://alicanteturismo.com/events/nochevieja-en-alicante/
Thursday 1 January
New Year’s Day Concert – Teatro Principal de Alicante
(Centro, Plaza Ruperto Chapí)
19:00
A traditional New Year’s Day Concert, inspired by the Vienna style, featuring music associated with Strauss and the classic New Year repertoire. A good option for anyone who loves this tradition but can’t quite justify Vienna prices.
👉 https://alicanteout.com/conciertos-y-festivales-en-alicante/gran-concierto-de-ano-nuevo-en-el-teatro-principal-de-alicante-2/
Sunday 4 January
Cabalgata de las Carteras Reales – letter collection parade
From 18:00
This parade forms part of Alicante’s Three Kings tradition. The Carteras Reales (the Kings’ messengers) travel through the city collecting the letters children have written to Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar, asking for their presents.
The route runs from Plaza de España (near the Monumento al Foguerer y Barraquer), down Rambla de Méndez Núñez, finishing at Fondo Rambla, where the formal letter-collection takes place.
This happens the night before the main Three Kings Parade, which takes place on Monday 5 January.
👉 https://alicanteturismo.com/events/campamento-y-cabalgata-de-las-carteras-reales/
Christmas markets and festive attractions
Rabasa Christmas Fairground – Recinto Ferial Rabasa
Alicante’s largest Christmas attraction, with rides, fairground games and food stalls, running throughout this week and into January. It’s lively, noisy and popular with families.
Getting there: buses L04, L07, L09 and L11 from the city centre, or taxi.
👉 https://alicanteturismo.com/events/feria-de-navidad/
Christmas Market – Paseo Federico Soto (Centro)
Set on the palm-lined Paseo Federico Soto, directly opposite El Corte Inglés, this small Christmas market focuses on handmade items such as jewellery, soaps and decorative gifts. It’s a pleasant central stop and a nice place to buy small Christmas presents — and if it all gets a bit chilly, El Corte Inglés is right there for a tactical retreat indoors.
👉 https://alicanteout.com/agenda-turismo-y-aire-libre/feria-de-navidad-alicante-2025-2026/
Tardeos Navideños – Plaza de Toros area (Plaza España)
Festive afternoon music sessions running through the end of December, bringing DJs and live music to the area around the bullring. Formats and timings vary by day, so checking the programme before heading over is recommended.
👉 https://tardeosnavidenos.com/
Dancing and social plans
Salsa and bachata classes – Escuela de Baile La Terreta
A centrally located dance school offering regular salsa and bachata classes during the week. A good option for visitors who want a proper class rather than a late-night social.
👉 https://www.salsavida.com/event/spain/comunitat-valenciana/alicante/alicante-city/weekly-salsa-and-bachata-classes-at-escuela-de-baile-la-terreta/
Bachata social – Sausalito (Marina area)
A regular bachata social, usually running every couple of weeks. Dates can change, so it’s best to check the current listing shortly before going.
👉 https://www.salsavida.com/es/guides/spain/comunitat-valenciana/alicante/alicante-city/calendar/
La Iguana Culture Group meetup
A bi-weekly social and cultural meetup at La Iguana Bar. As dates vary, checking the current schedule before attending is advised.
👉 https://www.meetup.com/es-ES/la-iguana-culture-group/events/312303995/
Walking, culture and low-key plans
For visitors wondering whats on in Alicante this week beyond headline events, these quieter options are well worth keeping in mind.
Palacio de la Diputación – Christmas lights and nativity exhibition
A beautiful, elegant building situated between Alicante train station and Plaza Luceros. During Christmas it’s traditionally decorated and hosts a nativity exhibition, making it a rewarding stop on a city-centre walk.
👉 https://www.dip-alicante.es/
Christmas Day beach walk or picnic (idea)
A relaxed stroll along Postiguet or San Juan, or even a small picnic, can be a surprisingly pleasant way to spend part of Christmas Day thanks to Alicante’s mild winter weather.
Real ice skating in Elche
A seasonal ice rink with real ice, offering an easy half-day trip from Alicante for something a bit different.
👉 https://pistadehieloelche.es/es/
Alicante walks without a car
Several easy half-day walking routes that can be enjoyed without hiring a car, ideal during the quieter holiday days.
👉 https://thisisalicante.com/alicante-walks-easy-half-day-routes-you-can-enjoy-without-a-car
Self-guided walking tour of Alicante
A flexible way to explore the city’s history at your own pace, particularly useful during bank holidays when opening hours can vary.
👉 https://voicemap.me/tour/alicante/spain-s-city-of-light-alicante-s-history-and-highlights
Hidden corners and small discoveries
Slowing down and wandering often reveals a different side of the city. There are plenty of smaller details and overlooked corners that reward a more unhurried approach.
👉 https://thisisalicante.com/hidden-treasures-of-alicante/
Cinema and shopping
Cinema and shopping are often overlooked when planning whats on in Alicante this week, but both are useful over the holiday period.
VOSE cinema – Plaza Mar 2
Films shown in original language with Spanish subtitles run every week at Plaza Mar 2. Listings change weekly.
👉 https://www.plazamar2.com/cines/kinepolis
Plaza Mar 2 Shopping Centre
A large indoor shopping centre with international brands, cafés, restaurants and a cinema — particularly useful during the Christmas–Reyes period when smaller shops may keep irregular hours.
👉 https://www.plazamar2.com/
24-Hour pharmacies (Farmacias de Guardia)
If you need medical supplies or prescriptions outside regular shop hours, Alicante has a network of 24-hour “farmacias de guardia” that rotate daily. These are official pharmacies designated to stay open through the night, weekends and holidays, so you’re never stuck without essentials like pain relief, plasters or basic medication.
To check which pharmacy is on duty on a specific day and address details, use the official directory: https://farmacias365.com/farmacias-de-guardia/alicante
