ARCHIVED - 13th to 15th December Alhama de Murcia Christmas Market and carol concerts

This weekend Alhama de Murcia gets in the Christmas spirit with a weekend Christmas market in the Plaza de la Constitución in front of the town hall.

Alongside the stalls selling seasonal treats, hand-made goods and other seasonal necessities are free puppet shows and handicrafts workshops for the children, live music with several choral and folk groups performing seasonal songs and two guided tours being run by the tourist office.

In addition there is a free christmas music concert in the iglesia de la Concepción church on Sunday evening.

Pre-Xmas Shopping Promotion: Win 1,000 euros for shopping in Alhama de Murcia during Christmas run-up!

The businesses of Alhama de Murcia are holding their annual pre-Christmas shopping promotion between the 2^nd and 20^th December, with a 1000 euro “against the clock” shopping spree as the main prize and 9 further shopping vouchers for values between 250 and 750 euros on offer just for shopping in the town!

At the same time shops take part in a window-dressing competition over the festive season, with 24 prizes to be won.

The Belén municipal, the municipal nativity scene: this is open from the 22^nd December to 6^th January from Tuesday to Saturday between 10.00 and 14.00 and from 17.00 to 20.00, and on Sundays from 10.00 to 14.00 only. The Belén is located in the Museo Arqueológico Los Baños (a 2-minute walk from tourist office and Plaza de la Constitución alongside the main parroquial church).

Friday 13th December

17.00: Opening of the second Christmas Market of Alhama de Murcia. The market remains open until Sunday 15th December in the Plaza de la Constitución with a wide range of artisan, hand-made and seasonal goods on offer.

Next door to the market, in the underground facility of Plaza de la Constitución, Father Christmas sets up house from 16.00 to 20.00 on all three days to meet children and to take receipt of their Christmas wish lists.

17.30: Percussion workshop with traditional Christmas instruments in the Plaza de la Constitución – come and try your hand at the bizarre “zambomba”!

19.30: Puppet theatre for children.

20.30: 28^th annual Cope Espuña gala at the Teatro Velasco. Entry free of charge.

Saturday 14th December

10.00: The Christmas market continues in Plaza de la Constitución until 21.30.

11.00: Christmas carol concert for children featuring several local choirs in the Teatro Velasco, admission free. Followed by a performance outside the door of the town hall in Plaza de la Constitución at 11.30.

11.00: Guided tour of the castle of Alhama, registration 3 euros (2 euros for children) at the Los Arcos museum (telephone 968 630712).Please note, commentary on the tour is in Spanish. Click here for booking link.

11.30 to 14.00: Free children’s workshops to make christmas-themed handicraft items.

12.30, 18.00 and 19.30: Free puppet theatre for children in the Plaza de la Constitución.

Sunday 15th December

08.30: The nativity scene at El Morrón in the mountains of Sierra Espuña is to be set up, with those taking part setting out by car from the fairground as far as Collado Mangueta, and then on foot. This is a serious but very rewarding walk!

10.00: The Christmas market continues in Plaza de la Constitución until 21.30. During the morning those taking part can purchase an empty glass, with proceeds to be donated to charity, and use it to sample wine alongside small plates of ham.

11.00, 17.30 and 19.30: Free puppet theatre for children in the Plaza de la Constitución.

11.00 to 14.00: Free pottery workshop for children in the Plaza de la Constitución.

11.30: Traditional folk music and dancing by the “Villa de Alhama” and “Hermandad del Rocío de Lorca” groups in the Plaza de la Constitución.

12.30: More music from the Aires de Espuña group in the Plaza de la Constitución performing typical Murcia carols.

13.30: The music in the Plaza de la Constitución continues with the “Músicos de Sonata y Cuadrilla de La Costera”.

20.15: Free Christmas concert. Christmas music from the singers and dancers of the Villa de Alhama group in the Iglesia de la Concepción.Click for map