Peñíscola News

December 4, 2025 - 15:12

The various departments of the Peñíscola Town Council have unveiled the program of events with which the city will celebrate Christmas and the end of the year. Thanks to the joint efforts of the Culture, Sports, Festivities, Social Welfare, and Tourism departments—along with the support of local associations, organizations, and residents—a full festive schedule has been prepared for audiences of all ages.

The celebrations began last week with the official lighting ceremony, featuring a drone show and the opening of the Christmas Market in Plaza Santa María, which will remain open until December 14. From December 27 through New Year’s Day, the same space will host a Medieval Market, right in the heart of the city’s spectacular Christmas lights, which this year expand along the northern walls of the old fortress.

Ramón Simó, Councillor for Tourism and Festivities, has confirmed that the New Year’s Eve celebration will once again feature a popular dance lasting into the early hours—an initiative that will also take place on Christmas Eve and the Eve of the Epiphany.

Among the most popular events are Santa’s visit and the traditional gift distribution for local children, as well as the Three Kings Parade. This year, special areas will be set up where royal pages can collect children’s letters, and a temporary house will be available for little ones to share their wishes with Santa, in collaboration with the Magic Museum by Yunke.

The standout new attraction this season will be a video-mapping show, presented at various times over an entire weekend, transforming the northern walls into an enchanting journey through a magical Christmas gift factory.

Sports activities also play a role, with holiday camps such as the charity football camp and the second edition of the ELA fundraising walk scheduled for December 13.

Thanks to the involvement of cultural associations and volunteers, the program also includes a permanent nativity exhibition, the Music School’s Christmas festival, and a performance by the Polyphonic Choir. The Christmas Edition concert will also return to Plaza Santa María with Guzmán Arts Escèniques, concluding with hot chocolate for everyone.

For those who wish to take part in religious traditions, the liturgical calendar features Midnight Mass, Christmas Day Mass, the feast of Saint Stephen accompanied by a street parade by the local band, New Year’s Mass, and the customary Epiphany celebration in the presence of the Three Wise Men.

“The dedication shown by so many individuals and local groups is truly remarkable and deserves recognition,” highlighted the Councillor for Culture, Lidia Herrero, who also thanked the coordination efforts behind the more than thirty activities planned for the community.

Throughout most of the festive period, the Peñisnadal children’s play center will be open. “It’s a well-established, much-loved space where children can enjoy a wide range of age-appropriate activities with their families,” explained María Jesús Albiol, First Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Social Welfare. The center will operate from December 27 to January 4, except on New Year’s Day.