ARCHIVED - December 11 to January 6 Christmas, New Year and Three Kings in the city of Murcia 2022-23

Music, parades and a vast array of events for children in Murcia over the festive season

The array of events being held in the city of Murcia and its outlying districts over the 2022-23 festive season is so vast that it is impossible to list them all here, but below is a selection of those most likely to arouse the interest of non-Spanish speakers over the Christmas, New Year and Three Kings period.

Special events

December 17 to January 5: Christmas Market in the Plaza Circular, open 12.00 to 22.00 (except Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve 12.00 to 16.00).

December 3 to January 8: The Christmas Fair and El Reino Mágico de Murcia (The Magic Kingdom of Murcia) at the La Fica fairground. Open weekdays 16.30 to midnight, weekends and public holidays 12.00 to midnight. Maximum price per ride 5 euros, 50 per cent off on January 8.

December 2 to January 8: Ice rink in Avenida de la Libertad, open 12.00 to 22.00.

December 3 to January 5: Artisans market in Paseo Alfonso X el Sabio. Open 11.00 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 21.00 (closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day and in the afternoons of Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve).

Guided visits to the Cathedral tower: on December 7, 9, 14, 15, 22, 23, 27, 28 and 29 and January 3 and 4 at 20.00. The tour lasts 1 hour 15 minutes and is open to all those aged 5 and over. Groups should meet in the Plaza de la Cruz 10 minutes beforehand. Price 8 euros. Tickets from catedralmurcia.com and on 968 219713.

January 2 to 4: The Three Kings Encampment in the Glorieta de España from 17.00 to 21.00.

December 19 to 23: Tourist train starting in Avenida de la Libertad between 12.00 and 14.00 and from 16.00 to 20.00.

Nativity scenes

The Belén by Francisco Salzillo and the 18th century Neapolitan nativity scene are on display at the Museo Salzillo, with guided visits on December 17 at 12.00, December 23 at 18.00 and December 30 at 18.00. Bookings by telephone on 968 301126 or email at casadelbelen@ayto-murcia.es.

December 12 to January 6: The monumental Belén in the Palacio de San Esteban, open weekdays 10.00 to 14.00 and 17.30 to 20.30, weekends and holidays 11.00 to 14.00 and 17.30 to 20.30. Closed in the afternoon on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, and in the morning on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

Until January 5: The monumental Belén of Santa Clara la Real on Avenida Alfonso X el Sabio. Open December 8 to 16 Tuesdays to Saturdays 10.00 to 13.00 and 16.00 to 18.00, Sundays 10.00 to 13.00. Between December 17 and January 6 10.00 to 13.00 and 16.00 to 21.00 (closed afternoons of December 24 and 31), closed all day December 25, January 1 and 6).

Until January 31: Display of nativity scenes from various European countries at the Casa del Belén in Puente Tocinos.

The daily activities schedule includes the following:

Thursday December 8

Opening of the nativity scene of the church of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios in Puente Tocinos on Calle Mayor, visible from the outside until January 8.

17.30: Presentation of the Belén Municipal created by Juan Manuel Griñán in the Palacio Episcopal. Open until January 6, working days 9.00 to 13.30 and 17.00 to 22.00, weekends and holidays 10.00 to 13.30 and 17.00 to 22.00. Mornings only on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Friday December 9

17.00: Circus acts in the Plaza de la Paja on the north bank of the river Segura.

19.30: Chamber music concert in the Plaza de Santo Domingo.

Saturday December 10

10.00 to 12.00: Circus workshop in the Plaza de la Paja.

10.00 to 21.00: Gaming and manga festival at the Palacio Príncipe de Asturias, tickets on sale at entradasatualcance.com.

12.00: Circus acts in the Plaza de la Paja.

16.00 to 17.00: Circus workshop in the Plaza de la Paja.

17.00: Circus acts in the Plaza de la Paja.

17.00: Opening of the Belén of Nuestra Señora de las Lágrimas in Llano de Brujas.

Sunday December 11

10.00 to 12.00: Circus workshop in the Plaza de la Paja.

10.00 to 21.00: Gaming and manga festival at the Palacio Príncipe de Asturias, tickets on sale at entradasatualcance.com.

12.00: Circus acts in the Plaza de la Paja.

12.00: Opening of the Belén of the Federación de Peñas Huertanas.

12.30: Concert by the local music society at the Casa del Belén in Puente Tocinos. Admission free of charge.

16.00 to 17.00: Circus workshop in the Plaza de la Paja.

18.00: El Flautista de Hamelín, The Pied Piper of Hamlin at the Teatro Romea. Tickets 8 euros available here.

Monday December 12

20.30: Christmas concert by the Manuel Luna Trío at the Casa del Belén in Puente Tocinos. Admission free of charge.

Thursday December 15

19.00: La Reina de las Nieves, a Frozen-based show at The Magic Kingdom of Murcia at the La Fica fairground.

20.00: Classical music concert by the Orfeón Murciano “Fernández Caballero” at the Palacio Almudí.

Friday December 16

18.00: Magic show with La Maga Paula and Domingo Artés in Calle Basabé.

20.15: Carol concert and festive music at the church of San Juan Bautista.

Saturday December 17

11.00 and 12.00: Activities in the Plaza Escultor Roque López, a Master Chef workshop and Storytelling. Registration at cuarteldeartilleria.es.

12.00: Magic show with La Maga Paula and Domingo Artés in Calle Basabé.

14.00: Festilab electro music and visual arts festival in the Cuartel de Artillería. Admission free of charge.

17.00 to 21.00: Salsa festival in the Glorieta de España.

18.00: Magic show with La Maga Paula and Domingo Artés in Calle Basabé.

18.00: La Pandilla de Drilo with music for young children at The Magic Kingdom of Murcia in the La Fica fairground.

19.00: Christmas music from the Campana de Auroros del Rosario de Rincón de Seca at the

19.00: Christmas Rock concert in the Plaza del Cardenal Belluga outside the Cathedral.

19.00: Clara Martín in concert in the Plaza Circular.

Sunday December 18

The Belén prepared by the Club Montañero de Murcia opens at the Cresta del Gallo in the mountains outside Murcia, access by a route specially designed by the club. Open until January 8.

9.30 to 13.30: Model boat display in the Jardín de la Cantante Mari Trini, with radio-controlled boats

11.00 to 14.00: Christmas choirs in the Plaza del Cardenal Belluga.

12.00: Magic show with La Maga Paula and Domingo Artés in Calle Basabé.

12.00: Queenmania family rock show at the Teatro Circo de Murcia. Tickets 12 euros available here.

19.00: Traditional folk music Christmas concert in the church of San Bartolomé, with groups from Alhama de Murcia, Murcia and Aljucer.

19.00: Shaman in concert in the Plaza Circular.

Tuesday December 20

19.00: Astrophysicist Dr Mark Kidger presents a talk entitled “The Star of Betlehem: An Astronomer’s View” at the Museo de la Ciencia y el Agua.

20.00: Cantoria in concert at the Palacio Almudí.

20.00: Ciudad de Murcia Youth Orchestra Christmas Concert at the Teatro Circo.

Wednesday December 21

12.00 to 14.00: The “Cocina Nuestra Navidad” events begin in Plaza Romea with a show cooking event featuring festive tapas and sweets created by well-known Murcia chefs.

18.00: Traviesa Traviesa show at the Magic Kingdom of Murcia at the La Fica fairground.

20.30: The Discantus choir Christmas concert in the Iglesia de las Anas.

Thursday December 22

12.00 to 14.00: The “Cocina Nuestra Navidad” events continue in Plaza Romea with another show cooking event featuring festive tapas and sweets.

19.30: Martes Santo in concert in the Plaza Circular.

20.00: The folk Cuadrillas of Patiño and Zaraíche parade through the city of Murcia to the Cathedral.

20.30: The music society of Puente Tocinos offer a concert at the Palacio Almudí.

Friday December 23

13.00: Christmas concert by Levante Grass and the Region of Murcia Youth Orchestra at the Museo Ramón Gaya.

12.00 to 14.00: The “Cocina Nuestra Navidad” events continue in Plaza Romea with another show cooking event featuring festive tapas and sweets.

18.00: A show in the Plaza de Belluga outside the Cathedral to welcome Father Christmas to Murcia and open his house!

18.00: The History of Walt Disney, a show at the Magic Kingdom of Murcia at the La Fica fairground.

19.00: Boria in concert in the Plaza Circular.

20.00: The folk Cuadrillas of Santa Lucía and Torreagüera parade through the city of Murcia to the Cathedral.

Saturday December 24

11.00 to 13.30 and 17.00 to 20.00: Father Christmas welcomes children into his home in the Glorieta de España.

12.00: The Grand Parade of Father Christmas. Route: Calle Miguel Hernández, Avenida Monte Carmelo, Calle Vicente Aleixandre, Avenida San Juan de la Cruz, Plaza Constitución, Calle Poeta Andrés Bolarín, Calle del Sauce, Calle Juan Ramón Jimenez, Avenida San Juan de la Cruz.

Sunday December 25

11.00 to 13.00 and 16.00 to 19.00: The living nativity scene of El Secano in El Raal. Admission 3 euros.

19.00: In Vivo in concert in the Plaza Belluga.

20.30: Silent Night. A gathering in Plaza Belluga to pray for peace and the end of conflict throughout the world. Attendees are invited to join in and turn on their own lights to show support.

Monday December 26

11.00 to 13.30 and 17.00 to 20.00: Father Christmas welcomes children into his home in the Glorieta de España.

12.00 and 17.00: Puppet theatre for kiddies in the Glorieta de España.

16.00 to 19.00: The living nativity scene of El Secano in El Raal. Admission 3 euros.

17.00 and 19.30: La Ratita Presumida, musical theatre for children at the Teatro Romea. Tickets 10, 12 and 15 euros, for sale online here.

19.00: Concert in the Plaza Belluga.

19.00: Mario in concert in the Plaza Circular.

20.00: The folk Cuadrillas of Torreagüera and Zaraíche parade through the city of Murcia to the Cathedral.

Tuesday December 27

10.00 to 13.00: Cooking for Juniors event in Plaza Romea, registration at compralaentrada.com.

11.00 to 13.30 and 17.00 to 21.00: Father Christmas welcomes children into his home in the Glorieta de España.

17.00 and 19.30: La Ratita Presumida, musical theatre for children at the Teatro Romea. Tickets 10, 12 and 15 euros, for sale online here.

19.00: Soulfull in concert in the Plaza Belluga.

19.00: J Days in concert in the Plaza Circular.

20.00: The folk Cuadrillas of La Alboleja-La Albatalía and Santa Lucía parade through the city of Murcia to the Cathedral.

20.00: Peña L’Artesa offer a concert at the Palacio Episcopal.

20.30: Fireworks and music at the Molinos del Río venue.

Wednesday December 28

10.00 to 13.00: Cooking for Juniors event in Plaza Romea, registration at compralaentrada.com.

11.00 to 13.30 and 17.00 to 21.00: Father Christmas welcomes children into his home in the Glorieta de España.

17.00 and 19.30: La Ratita Presumida, musical theatre for children at the Teatro Romea. Tickets 10, 12 and 15 euros, for sale online here.

18.00: Mi Regalo de Reyes show at the Magic Kingdom of Murcia at the La Fica fairground.

19.00: Parrandboleros in concert in the Plaza Belluga.

19.00: Aló Presidente in concert in the Plaza Circular.

20.00: The folk Cuadrillas of La Alboleja-La Albatalía and Patiño parade through the city of Murcia to the Cathedral.

20.00: Concert by the church choir of San Benito at the Palacio Episcopal.

20.30: Fireworks and music at the Molinos del Río venue.

Thursday December 29

10.00 to 13.00: Cooking for Juniors event in Plaza Romea, registration at compralaentrada.com.

11.00 to 13.30 and 17.00 to 21.00: Father Christmas welcomes children into his home in the Glorieta de España.

17.00 and 19.30: La Ratita Presumida, musical theatre for children at the Teatro Romea. Tickets 10, 12 and 15 euros, for sale online here.

18.00: Dance spectacular at the Magic Kingdom of Murcia at the La Fica fairground.

19.00: Traditional festive music in the Plaza Belluga.

19.00: Jorge Bayle in concert in the Plaza Circular.

Friday December 30

17.00 and 19.30: La Ratita Presumida, musical theatre for children at the Teatro Romea. Tickets 10, 12 and 15 euros, for sale online here.

19.00: Zambomba flamenca event in the Plaza Belluga.

19.30: Charity football match between UCAM Murcia and Real Murcia in the La Condomina stadium. Admission 5 euros, tickets available from compralaentrada.com.

19.00: Lydia Martín in concert in the Plaza Circular.

20.00: Concert by the Auroros de Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Javalí Viejo at the Palacio Episcopal.

Saturday December 31

11.00: The traditional San Silvestre running race is held over a distance of 6.5 km, starting and finishing in the Glorieta de España.

11.30: Children’s New Year’s Eve with Dubbi Kids in the Plaza Circular.

Sunday January 1

16.00 to 19.00: The living nativity scene of El Secano in El Raal. Admission 3 euros.

Monday January 2

16.00 to 19.00: The living nativity scene of El Secano in El Raal. Admission 3 euros.

17.00 to 21.00: The Three Kings’ encampment is open in the Glorieta de España.

18.00: La Casita de Chocolate, a show at the Magic Kingdom of Murcia at the La Fica fairground.

19.30: Dumbo the Musical at the Teatro Romea, tickets 10, 12 and 15 euros available here.

19.30: Planeta Tortuga in concert in the Plaza Circular.

Tuesday January 3

17.00 and 19.30: Dumbo the Musical at the Teatro Romea, tickets 10, 12 and 15 euros available here.

17.00 to 21.00: The Three Kings’ encampment is open in the Glorieta de España.

17.00 and 19.30: SuperThings Live! at the Teatro Circo.

18.00: Una Casa con Encanto, a show at the Magic Kingdom of Murcia at the La Fica fairground.

19.30: Verónica Terrés López in concert in the Plaza Circular.

Wednesday January 4

17.00 and 19.30: Dumbo the Musical at the Teatro Romea, tickets 10, 12 and 15 euros available here.

17.00 to 18.30: Gastronomy in the Plaza Romea, a healthy festive snacks and desserts workshop. Reservations at centromunicipalgastronomico@ayto-murcia.es.

17.00 to 21.00: The Three Kings’ encampment is open in the Glorieta de España.

18.00: La Tarde de Magia, a show at the Magic Kingdom of Murcia at the La Fica fairground.

20.00: New Year’s concert in the Auditorio Víctor Villegas. Tickets 18 euros available here.

Thursday January 5

10.00: Giant Roscón de Reyes cake for 3,000 people in the Glorieta de España.

12.30: The official reception for the Three Kings at the Town Hall.

18.00: The Grand Three Kings Parade, drawing some of the largest crowds of the year in Murcia. Route: Avenida San Juan de Borbón, Avenida Príncipe de Asturias, Avenida Juan Carlos I. Advance seat sales along the route at enterticket.es.

20.30: A symbolic offering is made by the Three Kings at the Belén Municipal in the Palacio Episcopal, accompanied by the Discantus choir.

Friday January 6

16.00 to 19.00: The living nativity scene of El Secano in El Raal. Admission 3 euros.

18.00: The traditional Auto de los Reyes Magos play is performed in the Plaza del Cardenal Belluga.

Exhibitions running throughout the holidays include the following:

December 16 to January 28: “Trazas desde un muro”, photography by Gabriel Navarro at the Museo de los Molinos del Río, open every day except Sundays 10.00 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 21.00.

Until January 21: “Antípoda” by Katarzyna Rogowicz at the Molinos del Río venue, open every day except Sundays 10.00 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 21.00.

December 21 to January 18, “Otros Mundos. Viaje al sistema solar de la mano de Michael Benson”, an open-air photography exhibition in Avenida de la Libertad concerning the solar system, by Michael Benson.

Until December 28: “Mu-tantes” at the Centro de Cultura Contemporánea Cárcel Vieja, open Tuesday to Saturday 10.30 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 21.00, Sundays 10.30 to 14.00.

December 20 to January 29: “La Estrella de Belén: el misterio más antiguo de la ciencia”, exhibition about the Star of Bethlehem at the Museo de la Ciencia y el Agua.

December 16 to January 17: The “Belén” nativity scene by master sculptor Francisco Salzillo as seen by Pedro Serna at the Museo Ramón Gaya in the Plaza de Santa Catalina.

Until January 15: “Sakrum” by Manuel López Menarguez at the Palacio Almudí, open Monday to Saturday 11.00 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 21.00, Sundays 11.00 to 14.00 only.

Until February 26: “Suite” by Ricardo Escay at the Palacio Almudí, open Monday to Saturday 11.00 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 21.00, Sundays 11.00 to 14.00 only.