Peñíscola News

November 13, 2026 - 14:11

Peñíscola Town Council has announced the date of its traditional Christmas lights switch-on, one of the most eagerly awaited events of the festive calendar, attracting thousands of visitors every year. The celebration will take place on Friday, 27 November, when the town’s streets and squares will begin to shine with the arrival of Christmas.

The celebrations will start at 8 pm in Plaça de Bous, next to the northern entrance to the old town. There, 204 drones will take to the skies in a spectacular choreographed light show, marking the beginning of a new edition of La Llum del Nadal.

The performance will feature 15 illuminated figures telling a special adaptation of The Nutcracker. Once the aerial show has finished, a countdown will lead to the official switching-on of the Christmas lights in the City in the Sea.

New features in this year's Christmas lighting

Following the drone show, residents and visitors will be able to stroll through the streets and squares of the historic centre and discover this year's illuminated decorations. The Renaissance walls will once again play a leading role, forming one of the main visual attractions along the route.

One of the highlights will once again be Santa María Square, home to the famous Christmas lighting installation by chocolate brand Ferrero Rocher.

This year's new features will include large illuminated figures in different locations throughout the historic centre, a spectacular canopy of lights covering one of the town's most emblematic streets, and a giant illuminated Christmas tree in the town centre.

The town council expects the lights to remain on display until the first week of January. This will give Peñíscola almost 40 days of festive atmosphere, attracting visitors, showcasing its heritage and boosting local tourism and businesses during the Christmas season.

Christmas Market opens on 27 November

The Christmas lights switch-on will also mark the opening of the much-anticipated Christmas Market, which will once again be held in the heart of the walled old town. It will remain open until 13 December.

Its 40 stalls, decorated in a traditional Nordic style, will offer a selection of Christmas decorations, festive sweets and gift ideas for the holiday season.

A giant Advent Calendar, this year's main novelty

One of the highlights of this year's programme will be a giant Advent Calendar installed in Plaça de Bous. This new attraction will become another major draw for visitors in the weeks leading up to Christmas.

From 1 December, one of its doors will be opened every afternoon until Christmas Eve. Each opening will reveal fascinating stories, curiosities and secrets about Peñíscola's history and heritage, highlighting the town's connection with its traditions and celebrations.

A new window will be opened every day at 5.30 pm, offering visitors another reason to explore the walled town and enjoy a different experience throughout December.

Although the calendar's daily openings will begin on 1 December, it will be officially presented on 28 November, when visitors will get a first glimpse of the initiative and discover what each of its windows will reveal.

Traditional music, family activities and a Medieval Market to round off the year

Peñíscola's Christmas programme will also include traditional music performances and a range of activities for children and adults, particularly during the first days of December.

The town will also see out the year and welcome January with another eagerly awaited event: the Medieval Market, which will run from 30 December to 3 January.

With this programme, Peñíscola will once again transform its historic centre into a magical Christmas setting, bringing together spectacular lighting, entertainment, tradition and activities for all ages.