The Santa Pola Christmas Market will be full of events for all ages, from children to seniors
Credit: Olha Solodenko / Shutterstock
Every December, as the long holiday weekend approaches, Santa Pola undergoes a transformation.
The seaside town, peaceful for most of the winter months, suddenly fills with colour, lights and a heart-warming sense of anticipation. From December 5-8, the Castillo Fortaleza (Castle-Fortress) and its historic surroundings will once again host the Mercado Navideño del Puente de Diciembre (The December Bridge’s Christmas Market), an event organised by the Santa Pola Town Hall and now firmly rooted as the town’s traditional start to the Christmas season.
This year’s celebration promises to be one of the most atmospheric yet, blending artisan stalls, street theatre, children’s activities, live music and family-friendly entertainment across four lively days.
The programme has been carefully designed to bring festive cheer to locals and visitors of all ages, offering moments of nostalgia, culture and community in one of Santa Pola’s most emblematic locations.
A Four-Day Celebration in the Heart of the Castle
The magic begins on Friday, December 5, when the market officially opens and its wooden stalls, adorned with garlands and twinkling lights, unfold around the fortress. Craftspeople from across the region will showcase handmade gifts, traditional sweets and seasonal decorations – all the small treasures that make Christmas markets so irresistible.
The opening day sets the tone for the weekend, combining a warm welcome with the sound of festive music that fills the castle courtyard. As families begin to wander through the stalls, performers and costumed characters bring the market to life, making it clear that this is far more than a shopping experience: it is a living piece of Santa Pola’s holiday heritage.
Workshops, Shows and Entertainment Throughout the Weekend
Across the four days, the schedule is packed with activities designed to enchant, entertain and involve the whole family.
Children will be spoiled for choice, with daily workshops offering everything from Christmas crafts to storytelling sessions. Puppet shows, themed theatre, festive characters and interactive performances will pop up around the market, ensuring that no visitor goes long without encountering a burst of Christmas cheer.
Musicians and buskers will fill the Castle area with carols and traditional melodies, while dancers and performers create lively interludes throughout the day and into the evening. Each day brings something slightly different, encouraging visitors to return again and again.
Parents and grandparents will appreciate the quieter corners of the market, where artisan producers showcase homemade food, wooden toys, jewellery, soaps, decorations and regional delicacies. For many locals, the Puente de Diciembre Market marks the true beginning of their Christmas preparations – the moment when the first gifts are purchased, the first turrón is tasted and the festive glow settles in for the season.
Daily Highlights From 5 to 8 December
Rather than a static event, the Santa Pola Christmas Market unfolds across four themed days, each offering its own rhythm and surprises:
Friday, December 5 is opening day, and the market bursts into life with the official inauguration at the Castillo Fortaleza. Visitors are welcomed with music, street entertainment and the lighting of the first festive decorations surrounding the historic walls.
Saturday, December 6 is family and tradition day. Workshops for children take centre stage, accompanied by traditional performances, local musicians and festive storytelling. Street theatre troupes bring playful energy to the courtyards, inviting families to take part in games and creative activities.
Sunday, December 7 is full of artisan culture and live music. A day dedicated to craftsmanship, with artisan demonstrations and live music. Local creators and small businesses showcase Santa Pola’s handmade talent, from ceramics to festive sweets.
Monday, December 8 is the final, closing day. The final day features a warm farewell atmosphere with extended workshops, festive shows and special closing performances that bring the long weekend to a close. It’s the ideal moment to pick up last-minute gifts or enjoy one final stroll through the castle grounds.
A Market That Belongs to the Community
What makes Santa Pola’s Puente de Diciembre Market stand out from similar events across the Costa Blanca is its emphasis on community. The Town Hall works closely with associations, artists and local businesses to create an event where people can reconnect with one another, celebrate shared traditions and enjoy a moment of calm in the run-up to the busiest time of year.
The setting – the Castillo Fortaleza – adds a unique layer of atmosphere. Historic stone walls, sea breezes and festive decorations blend together to create an immersive experience that feels at once local, nostalgic and deeply enchanting.
A Festive Invitation for All
Whether you visit to browse the stalls, enjoy the performances or simply soak up the seasonal atmosphere, Santa Pola’s Puente de Diciembre Market is a reminder of what the holidays are meant to be: moments of connection, inspiration and joy.
From December 5 to 8, the castle becomes the town’s beating festive heart – and everyone is warmly invited to step inside.