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Alicante markets stay open on festive holidays for last-minute shoppers
Extended hours, Santa visits and fun events make local stalls the heart of Christmas shopping
Forgotten to grab those fresh prawns for Christmas dinner or some extra festive treats? Alicante's got you covered. The city's four Christmas markets: Babel, Benalúa, José Manuel Gosálbez-Teulada, and Carolinas will open specially on December 24 and December 31 from 8am to 2pm. These are public holidays replacing their usual Thursday slots, so it's perfect for ticking off those last bits on your list.To help with the holiday buzz, all four markets are also staying open later until 5pm on December 23.
Councillor for Markets Lidia López says these tweaks are all about making life easier. "The extraordinary openings are being carried out to facilitate shopping in local businesses and to meet Christmas orders," she explained. She also stressed "the importance of buying in our municipal markets and street markets and in quality traditional local businesses to keep them active.
"Local stalls see a 30% sales boost over Christmas, and more than half of Alicante folks prefer them for their fresh produce and community vibe. López calls them a symbol of "proximity, quality, and professionalism," turning into real hubs for shoppers who can't make regular hours.
Merchants get extra access time too, from December 20-23, so they can prep those big holiday orders.
The fun doesn't stop at shopping. Kid-friendly events kicked off yesterday, December 18 at Benalúa market from 10.30am to 12.30pm, with workshops, parades, stilt walkers and elves. More to follow tomorrow, on December 20, at Carolinas and Babel, plus December 27 at Teulada. Santa and his elves drop by the markets (Central, Babel, Benalúa, and Carolinas) on December 20-24 from 11am to 1pm. Royal Postmen visit on January 3 and 5 for letter deliveries to the 3 Kings.
Catch free "Nadales al Carrer" choir concerts from the San Blas group at Teulada Market this Saturday, December 20 too. It's all about blending shopping with festive cheer, keeping Alicante's markets lively right through the season.
You might also be interested in: Alicante Christmas Fair: Rides, nostalgia and free €1 vouchers up for grabs
Image: Ayuntamiento de Alicante
