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Christmas, New Year and Three Kings celebrations in Cartagena: Programme of activities 2024-25

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A festive season packed with over 300 activities, including new highlights such as a Father Christmas parade

Christmas, New Year and Three Kings celebrations in Cartagena: Programme of activities 2024-25

The city of Cartagena is set to dazzle this Christmas with a packed schedule of activities for all ages, starting on Thursday December 5 with the highly anticipated Christmas light switch-on. The event, scheduled for 6.30pm in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, will feature a spectacular aerial theatre show, with Peter Pan, Wendy and Tinkerbell soaring above the audience.

The festive cheer continues the following day, Friday December 6, with the inauguration of the municipal Belén Nativity Scene in the morning and the opening of the Christmas Market in the Alameda de San Antón.

Dazzling lights and enchanting decorations

This year, Cartagena boasts over 750 luminous decorations throughout the city, with more than 100 signature almond tree branches adorning the old town's main streets.

Highlights include a 20-metre illuminated tree in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, complete with a daily music show at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm.

Other notable light installations are a snowman in Plaza Juan XXIII, Father Christmas’ sleigh in Plaza Castellini, and a new 20-metre-high walkable tree in Alameda San Antón.

Nativity scenes and cultural events

The municipal Nativity Scene, the largest covered display in the Region of Murcia, returns to Plaza San Francisco with new additions, including the aqueduct of Perín and figures in traditional attire.

Visitors can also explore 13 other Belenes and an exhibition on the Three Wise Men at the Dora Catarineu hall.

Music enthusiasts can enjoy a new programme, music in the churches, featuring 12 concerts by local choirs and bands starting from Saturday December 7.

The festivities ramp up on Friday December 20 with activities at Los Juncos, Plaza de España, in the port area and in the Plaza del Icue. Families can enjoy craft markets, workshops, food trucks and live music performances from local talents such as Noa Caleo and Alejandro Solano.

On Sunday December 22, Father Christmas will parade through the city centre – the first time that Cartagena has ever had a Santa parade – in a magical event sponsored by El Corte Inglés.

Other key events include the ‘Preúvas de Pepita’ early New Year celebrations on Monday December 30, the San Silvestre running race on Tuesday 31, and the theatrical ‘Adoration of the Magi’ on Thursday January 2.

The Christmas season in Cartagena concludes on Sunday January 5, 2025 with the Three Kings Parade through the old town, featuring acrobats, stilt walkers, magical creatures and more. The parade ends in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento with fireworks and a farewell from the Three Wise Men.

With over 50 children’s workshops, 100 neighbourhood activities, and special exhibitions, Cartagena’s Christmas programme promises something for everyone. Don’t miss the chance to experience the magic this festive season!

Image: Ayuntamiento de Cartagena