Santa Claus is not moving out of Alicante any time soon.
Alicante has approved a tender for the House of Saint Nicholas, securing the popular Christmas attraction for another five festive seasons, through to 2030.
The attraction traditionally opens in Plaza Séneca. Here, children can meet San Nicolás, aka Santa Claus or Father Christmas, and hand him their Christmas letters.
Thousands of visitors flock to the house each year. It has also become a regular fixture on Alicante’s Christmas calendar.
Five more Christmases in Plaza Séneca
The new contract covers the installation of the Christmas house and its opening to the public.
Alicante City Council has set a maximum budget of €138,099.60, including taxes, for the five-year contract.
Plaza Séneca has become one of Alicante’s main Christmas destinations. A festive funfair traditionally joins Santa’s house during the season, adding to the celebrations.
The Casa de San Nicolás also forms part of a wider programme of festive attractions. Other highlights include the giant Nativity scene, Christmas lights and the camp where the Royal Letter Carriers prepare for Three Kings Day.
When will Santa’s house open in 2026?
Families must wait a little longer for the council to confirm the opening dates.
First, the council needs to award the new contract. Once officials complete that process, they will announce when workers will install the Casa de San Nicolás and welcome the first visitors.
Current plans point to an opening on the final weekend of November. The attraction should then welcome families throughout December, until Christmas Eve on Thursday 24 December.
However, the council has not officially confirmed these dates.
Families must also wait for the council to release appointment details. Once officials award the contract, they can announce how visitors can reserve their slots.
Who is San Nicolás?
Alicante has a particularly strong connection with Saint Nicholas. San Nicolás de Bari serves as the city’s patron saint, and Alicante celebrates his feast day on 6 December.
The Christmas attraction and the city’s patron saint share the same historical figure. However, the modern Casa de San Nicolás focuses on younger visitors who want to deliver their Christmas wish lists.
Children can look forward to another few years of festive visits, too. Alicante has secured Santa’s local address through Christmas 2030.
Bridging the Gap’s recap
- Alicante’s Casa de San Nicolás is set to continue for another five Christmases.
- The new contract covers the attraction through to 2030.
- Santa’s house traditionally opens in Plaza Séneca.
- Children can visit San Nicolás and deliver their Christmas letters.
- The five-year contract has a maximum budget of €138,099.60 including taxes.
- The exact opening dates for Christmas 2026 have not yet been confirmed.
- Plans currently point towards an opening around the final weekend of November.
- Appointments will become available after the council awards the contract.
