December 5 The grand Cartagena Christmas light switch-on: What to see in the city this year and where

A combination of new elements (such as a drone show) combine with traditional features like the almond branches to make a very promising Christmas in Cartagena

Mark your calendar, as Cartagena City Hall has announced they will turn on the Christmas lights on Friday December 5, 2025.

This year, it promises to be even better than ever before as they are adding a new drone show from the Puerto Esplanade. The show will use up to 220 drones and 18 pyro drones that will fill the skies with stunning festive music and visual effects.

The Christmas switch-on event will also feature live music from the Russingers choir and fireworks. The local council will announce more details about the schedule of events and festive activities on December 1.

For now, what we do know is that on December 5, the Christmas lights will be turned on in the entire municipality of Cartagena: from La Manga Nautical Station, where they will display a curtain of lights with special effects, to Cartagena’s famous historic centre, where most people will be gathered. The Christmas lights will shine until January 6, Three King’s Day.

The Christmas decorations will also include figures of the Three Wise Men measuring over 8.5 metres tall, with camels along Paseo Héroes de Cavite, a 13-metre shooting star and, of course, the classic almond branch decorations in warm white, gold, violet and pink along Calle del Carmen.

The almond branch Christmas lights are what Cartagena is now known for, and a favourite for many.

Other Christmas decorations include a 3D Royal Crown of 4–5 metres high in Plaza Juan XXIII, fully lit trees with garlands and twinkling lights in Plaza Alicante, and illuminated arches along the Alameda de San Antón from Plaza de España to the Escudo monument.

Lighting runs daily from 6pm to midnight, with extended hours until 2am on Fridays, Saturdays, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and during the Three Kings celebration (January 5–6). In total, Cartagena will shine with over 750 LED installations.

Cartagena will open its traditional ‘Belén’ nativity scene on December 6, another important date in the festive season. The Cartagena Christmas Market is expected to make an appearance this year, as well as festive family-friendly workshops and activities.

Overall, Christmas in Cartagena is shaping up to be even more memorable than ever. Stay tuned for more details.

Also of interest: All about the Christmas light switch-on in Murcia city, with lots of surprises this year!