10 Things to Do in Benidorm in December

Benidorm is in itself a privileged city, its beaches, the sea and the many options it offers for all types of visitors, such as couples, families with children, groups of friends or even if you are travelling alone, make it an exceptional tourist destination. I invite you to discover all that this incredible Spanish city has to offer if you visit it in December.

The last month of the year finds Benidorm with perfect weather to enjoy. In addition, the Christmas spirit envelops the city in a magical atmosphere as preparations are made for the numerous end of year events and celebrations. The range of entertainment, shows and art on offer is much richer at this time of year. Below, I'll tell you all the details so you know why it's worth being in this beautiful city in December, and what are the main events you can't miss if you're here at this time of year.

The city of Benidorm has a wide range of theme parks with games and nature for the whole family to enjoy. One of them, and arguably a must visit if you're in town, is Terra Natura. This place is a zoo and theme park with a total area of almost 320,000 square metres. It houses some 1500 different species of animals in a state of semi-freedom.

This is, without a doubt, one of the top 10 things to do in Benidorm. The park is open all year round, but December, being one of the cooler months, is the ideal time to visit the park and enjoy nature in all its splendour. The temperature in December is also ideal if you have to queue to get your tickets. However, it is always preferable to buy your tickets online.

Benidorm dresses up to welcome Christmas, its streets have a unique atmosphere that characterises this special time of the year. The Town Hall organises a decoration and window dressing competition, in which the big local hotels, shops and restaurants put their best foot forward and display the most original decorations for the occasion.

If you visit Benidorm in December you will be fortunate enough to witness this event and be dazzled by the first class Christmas scenery that will take you through the streets of the city. You can explore the centre of Benidorm in many ways, on foot, by hop on-hop off tourist bus or even on a guided bike tour, which is definitely a great plan. Not only will you get to see the best of the town, but you'll also get to see the Christmas decorations in detail at a relaxed pace, covering a much more extensive route than if you were to do it on foot.

The decorations include many lights and elements that create a play of light, making it one of the best things to do at night in Benidorm in the last month of the year.

Located just minutes from Benidorm is Villajoyosa, the neighbouring town noted for its emblematic chocolate factory. Visiting this place is a pleasure to be enjoyed with all the senses, as the whole atmosphere is impregnated with the aroma of cocoa, sugar and the most delicious essences.

You will feel like Charlie himself , in the chocolate factory, and you can see the whole production process of these sweet delicacies, while you learn all about this industry, both in the factory and in its chocolate museum. Of course you can buy and taste all kinds of chocolates, and although this visit can be done all year round, hot chocolate is a December classic and on this tour you'll have the chance to enjoy it in a very special way.

This activity is usually done on guided tours, and is suitable for all the family, so it's definitely one of the best things to do in Benidorm with children. Your little ones won't want to leave.

An unmissable December classic is the city's Christmas market. In the emblematic Parque de Elche there is an infinite number of stalls, called paraetes by the locals, which make up the Benidorm Christmas market. Here you can buy all kinds of gifts and souvenirs, choosing from a wide variety of handmade products, ranging from Christmas ornaments, jewellery, decorations and toys, to figures to make your nativity scene.

As well as handicrafts, at the Benidorm Christmas market, you'll find stalls selling the best of local cuisine and typical delicacies such as Alicante turron and honey from the neighbouring Sierra de Guadalest.

The Benidorm Christmas market is generally open throughout the month of December, from 10am until 8pm. There you can also enjoy a good range of games and some festive entertainment.

The epicentre of Christmas in Benidorm is undoubtedly the Plaza SSMM los Reyes de España. During the month of December, this place becomes the Plaza de la Navidad, a magical atmosphere ideal for sharing and enjoying with the family.

One of the stars of the Plaza de la Navidad is its ice skating rink, where you can have fun doing a classic seasonal activity in a movie-like setting. The Plaza de la Navidad also hosts numerous shows and performances for the whole family, inflatable games for the little ones and even giant figures of the Three Wise Men.

The Plaza de la Navidad opens in early December, and if you happen to be in Benidorm around that time you'll be able to take part in its inauguration, which includes musical performances and fun shows for the whole family to enjoy.

Benidorm's Julio Iglesias Auditorium, located in the Aigüera Park, is an emblem of the city. During the month of December, it is the setting for a huge variety of artistic music and dance shows, suitable for all audiences and absolutely free of charge.

The musical shows include the Benidorm Musical Union Symphonic Band, dance groups and shows exclusively for children, based on the best animated children's films. The shows are of all kinds, both festive and classical themed.

To attend, just check the programme of the different shows and book your favourites, as the dates vary each year. This way you can simply let yourself be carried away by the rhythm and dance to the best live music.

One of the things that children are most excited about at this time of year is meeting the Three Wise Men, and if you're in Benidorm in December with the little ones, they'll be able to do just that. During the last days of December and the first days of January the Three Wise Men camp is taking place in the Aigüera Park.

At this event the youngest members of the family will have the opportunity to hand in their letters to the Three Wise Men, and even talk to them to tell them how they have behaved during the year and what present they are expecting for the night of the 6th January.

The activity, although mainly for young children, is very interesting for all ages, as the setting of the camp is very picturesque and will make you feel like you're in the Far East, without leaving Benidorm.

Although it may seem that Christmas and sport have nothing in common, they can be combined perfectly, and that's what they do every December in the city of Benidorm. The Benidorm San Silvestre Christmas race is a sporting event where many of the participants run in costumes of elves, reindeer, Father Christmas and many other characters related to the festive season.

You can participate either as a spectator or as a runner. Thanks to the different categories**, the race is open to people of all ages and all physical conditions, from the inexperienced looking for a new experience to running enthusiasts**. Of course, you must sign up in advance.

Whichever way you choose to participate, you are guaranteed to have a good time of fun and laughter. It is important to note that this event also organises a solidarity food collection, which is then donated to the most vulnerable sectors of society.

New Year's Eve is also celebrated in style in the city of Benidorm. As well as being able to take part in one of the many New Year's Eve galas in its most prestigious hotels, with special seasonal menus and all the luxury, you can enjoy the open air on Levante Beach and the surrounding streets.

This popular beach has become a New Year's Eve classic in Benidorm. Every December, thousands of people gather here to say a festive farewell to the New Year. After the 12 chimes, the party goes on until dawn, with DJ's and live music, so whether you're dining in a hotel or by the sea, you'll have the chance to party and party for hours.

Throughout Spain, the tradition of nativity scenes is a very popular celebration in December, and Benidorm is no exception. In this town, the most surprising nativity scenes, in terms of size and design, are displayed throughout the city. In the Plaza SS. MM. los Reyes de España, for example, there is an imposing nativity scene.

Another important place where you can enjoy this tradition year after year is in the foyer of the Town Hall. Here the nativity scene designed by the Asociación Belenista de la Marina Baixa is on display. In Tomás Ortuño street you can contemplate the emblematic nativity scene created by the ACR La Barqueta, which is already a classic of Christmas in Benidorm, as it has been on display every December for years.

Another iconic nativity scene is the one on display in calle Mercurio, no. 4, belonging to the Casa de Andalucia, which stands out for its beauty. And you don't have to worry, of course you can also do your own search for a nativity scene, there are plenty of figures and decorations that you can get your hands on during this time to put together your own when you get home.

As if all of the above wasn't enough, Benidorm has much more to offer during December. For example, the Casa de la Navidad organises a series of events and celebrations to enjoy with the little ones.

This institution, which is located in the Casa-Museo de l'Hort de Colón, offers a programme which includes magic shows, concerts, workshops of all kinds for the little ones, theatre with puppets, storytelling and much more.

This event is a great combination of fun and culture for children, and if you go in the week of Christmas Eve, you might even bump into Father Christmas!

The temperatures during the month of December are one of the reasons to visit the city at this time of year. Many activities can be better enjoyed if the weather is right. Winter in Benidorm is relatively dry and mild, so with light coats you'll be fine, as the weather is totally bearable and pleasant.

Temperatures average between 13 and 16 degrees Celsius and can even reach 18 degrees Celsius. In addition, the chances of rain are very low in December, with an average of 2 or 3 days of rain in total during the whole month. Sunrise in December is usually around 8am, and the sun sets between 17.30 and 18.00, giving you a total of 9 and a half hours to enjoy the day.

As you can see, there is so much to see and do in Benidorm, come and discover it!