At Bacacay There’s one thing we’re quite clear about: the best celebrations are the ones that bring people together. We’re an Argentine steakhouse located in downtown Alicante, near the Central Market, and we see dining as a social occasion—that moment when parents, children, grandparents, and friends sit around a table and finally stop checking the time.
And if there’s one time of year that’s especially perfect for making plans together, it’s Christmas. Alicante comes alive with festive spirit, decorations, and activities for all ages, but when there are kids involved, it’s best to face a simple reality: trying to see absolutely everything is usually the quickest way to ensure that no one has a good time. That’s why we’ve selected 5 Things to Do in Alicante This Christmas with the Family, along with practical tips for organizing your day a little more calmly.
1. See the lights and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere in downtown
Some plans require making reservations, buying tickets, checking schedules, and practically organizing an expedition.
And then there's something as simple as going for a walk when it starts to get dark.
Exploring downtown Alicante during the Christmas season can be a great first outing with kids because the city itself is part of the experience. Decorations, store windows, plazas, and the Christmas atmosphere make a stroll—which on any other day would simply be “taking a walk”—feel special.
The benefit for parents is even more obvious: you can completely customize the duration.
If the kids are having a great time, extend the outing. If they’ve been saying they’re hungry for half an hour, it’s probably time to change plans. There’s no need to “get your money’s worth” on a ticket or stay in one place for two hours just because “since we’re already here…”.
Turn the walk into a game
If you're going with young children, a very simple way to get them involved is to turn the tour into a sort of Christmas scavenger hunt.
Who will be the first to spot a reindeer? Which tree do you like best? Which store window would you choose to take a picture in? If you could choose just one, which decoration would you take home?
There's no need to prepare worksheets, prizes, or download an app.
The idea is to make sure the child doesn't feel like he or she is just tagging along with his or her parents on a walk through downtown, but rather that so that the walk is yours, too.
And you'll probably end up noticing a lot more details yourselves, too.
Tip for parents: Don't try to see all the lights in Alicante
This recommendation will be repeated in various ways throughout the article: Fewer plans, but more enjoyment.
Even if the Christmas program features decorations or activities in different areas of Alicante, you don't have to go to all of them.
Choose a comfortable spot—especially if you're traveling with a stroller, small children, or older adults—and plan the rest of your day from there.
If you're also planning to have lunch or dinner downtown, it makes even more sense to keep your itinerary concentrated and minimize travel.
Christmas already comes with enough logistical challenges as it is. There's no need to add to them.
2. Discover the Nativity scenes of Alicante
Nativity scenes have played a prominent role in Alicante's recent Christmas programs.
During the 2025–2026 season, for example, the municipal program featured three main nativity scenes: the Monumental Nativity Scene in Town Hall Square, another in the municipal entrance hall, and the Community Nativity Scene in Montañeta Square.
The famous Giant Nativity Scene was also set up again in the Town Hall Square during that campaign.
Does this mean they'll be in exactly the same places on the same dates at Christmas in 2026? Not necessarily.
That's why it's worth checking the official program for each campaign before planning your visit.
A plan the whole family can share
One of the advantages of including a nativity scene in your Christmas celebrations is that it's not just for kids.
A young child can enjoy it, but so can their older siblings, parents, or grandparents. This is especially helpful when we're trying to plan something for a family with a wide range of ages.
In addition, it can fit perfectly as a stop along a longer route through downtown, instead of taking up the whole day.
You look at the nativity scene, take some pictures, let the kids play with the details, and then move on.
We don't need to make it any more complicated.
Take this opportunity to explain some traditions
Depending on the children's ages, the visit can also be an opportunity to talk about Christmas traditions.
Asking them which figures they recognize, what catches their attention, or if they've ever set up a nativity scene at home can turn a visual visit into a little shared moment.
And there's no need to turn it into a history lesson, either.
Sometimes a simple question sparks a lot more conversation than a fifteen-minute explanation that nobody asked for.
Tip for parents: Check the location and schedule before leaving
This point is especially important for all temporary installations.
Don't assume that something that was in a square last year will still be there the following year.
When the 2026–2027 Christmas schedule is released, be sure to check:
- what nativity scenes are set up;
- where each one is;
- which days the site is open to visitors;
- if there is a specific schedule;
- and whether any related activities require a reservation.
That way, you'll avoid taking the kids somewhere only to find out that the plan was for another day.
3. Choose a Christmas activity designed especially for children
This might be the highlight of the day.
And we've said a on purpose.
In its previous Christmas program, Alicante combined fairs, attractions, and a variety of cultural and family-friendly activities. The 2025–2026 season, for example, featured a Christmas Fair, a Children’s Fair, and a cultural program that included more than 70 activities, ranging from workshops and exhibitions to music, theater, and guided tours.
In addition, throughout the rest of the year, Alicante’s official tourism offerings include a variety of family-friendly activities, ranging from tours of Santa Bárbara Castle to museums and children’s activities.
That's why, when this Christmas's lineup is announced, there will surely be plenty of options to choose from.
That's exactly where the key lies: choose.
A fair, workshop, show, or cultural activity: you don't have to do them all
When we parents watch Christmas programming, we have a dangerous tendency.
“You're going to love this.”
“This, too.”
“And while we’re at it, we might as well check out this other thing.”
All of a sudden, we have six activities crammed into the time between 4:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
On paper, it looks spectacular.
With real children, it can feel quite different.
Choose a main activity based on their ages and interests. That will be the part of the day with the most fixed schedule.
Everything else can revolve around her.
If you find a family show that really interests them, that's great. If they prefer a fair or a hands-on activity, that's probably the better option.
Don't make your choice based on how many things you can do, but rather which one they'll truly enjoy.
Keep the children's ages in mind
There is no “best Christmas plan” that works for everyone.
With young children, visual experiences, short walks, and activities in which they can participate without having to maintain their attention for too long tend to work especially well.
When they're a little older, you can include cultural activities, field trips, or shows that allow them to discover something new.
And if you have children with a significant age gap, try to find a middle ground.
Because there's nothing more Christmassy than a 12-year-old brother looking at his parents with a face that says, “Seriously, you brought me here?”.
Tip for parents: Book events with set times first
If an activity requires a ticket or reservation, make it the highlight of the day.
For example, if you have an appointment at 6:00 p.m., don't try to squeeze in three visits before that and four more afterward.
You can take a walk beforehand, enjoy the activity, and then finish off with a leisurely lunch or dinner.
Now that's what I call a schedule.
The other one is starting to look like an airport departure schedule.
4. Take a stroll through Alicante and leave some room for spontaneity
Not all the Things to Do in Alicante at Christmas with Kids They must be part of the official program.
In fact, one of the best things you can do might simply be to stop organizing things for a while.
Stroll through downtown, stop in front of a store window, go in for a drink, take a picture, listen to music if you come across a performance, or change direction because the kids have spotted something that catches their eye.
That unplanned break can end up being one of the most enjoyable parts of the day.
Think of a short, easy route
Once the final Christmas schedule is released, you can find the activities that interest you and see which ones are close to each other.
That will allow you to put together a short route.
For example:
a decoration or nativity scene → walk → children's activity → lunch or dinner.
Much better than:
car → park → activity → car → look for another parking spot → lights → return to the car → another activity → “Has anyone seen the backpack?”.
If you can walk a good part of the way, it'll be less stressful for everyone.
Let the kids pick a few stops
There's a simple way to make a family day truly family-oriented: don't let the adults be the only ones to plan everything.
You can let the children choose between two activities, decide which street to walk down, or pick where to stop.
It doesn't mean giving them complete control over the day.
It means giving them a little space to participate in it.
And if you want to spend ten more minutes looking at a decoration that seems perfectly ordinary to you, that's fine, too.
Family memories don't follow a schedule.
What if the weather is bad?
It's always a good idea to have a backup plan here.
Alicante offers a variety of museums and family-friendly cultural activities year-round, so you can swap part of your outdoor stroll for an indoor activity if the weather isn't cooperating. The official tourism website lists several options for visiting Alicante with children.
When the 2026 Christmas schedule is available, be sure to check which workshops, shows, or activities are taking place indoors.
There's no need to cancel the whole day just because it's raining.
You just change the order.
5. End the day gathered around a table in Bacacay
After the lights, the nativity scenes, the activities, the photos, the “How much longer?”, the “I’m hungry,” and probably a few “I didn’t want to come down this street,” there comes a wonderful moment for any parent:
sit down.
And that's where we come in.
Bacacay is located at 31 Poeta Campos Vasallo Street, right in the heart of Alicante and near the Central Market.
We specialize in Argentine barbecue, and our approach to it is very much in line with the spirit of this time of year: gathering around a table and sharing.
Because that's what Christmas is all about, too.
A family meal is also part of the plan
When we plan a Christmas outing with the kids, we sometimes spend a lot of time thinking about what we're going to see and very little time thinking about where we're going to end up.
Until the time comes.
And then everyone gets hungry at the same time.
If you already know you're going to spend the day in downtown Alicante, you can plan your lunch or dinner in advance and make it part of your itinerary.
At Bacacay, you can enjoy Argentine dishes such as empanadas, milanesas, and various cuts of meat prepared on our grill, as well as desserts with a distinctly Argentine flair.
But the appeal isn't just in what's on the table.
It's all about sharing it.
What should you order if you're coming with your family?
It will depend on how many of you there are, the children's ages, and, of course, how hungry you are after exploring Alicante.
One option is to start with a few dishes to share and then choose from the grilled items and other house specialties.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
You don't have to know how to tell all the different cuts of Argentine beef apart to enjoy a barbecue.
You can take a look at it first at Bacacay's letter and get an idea of what you're in the mood for.
And if you have any specific dietary needs, it's best to check with the restaurant directly before making a reservation.
Booking in advance can save you from the least fun part of the day
There are few things more entertaining than looking for a restaurant at the last minute with several kids asking every thirty seconds when you're going to eat.
Well, maybe “entertaining” isn’t exactly the right word.
If you already know which day you'll be enjoying Alicante at Christmas, you can Reserve a table at Bacacay previously.
That way, you'll have a fixed point in your schedule, and you'll be able to organize the preceding activities with much greater peace of mind.
How to Plan a Christmas Day in Alicante with Kids Without Ending Up Exhausted
The five plans listed above can make for a great day.
But here's perhaps the most useful piece of advice in the article:
You don't have to do all five on the same day.
These are options, not requirements.
Choose two or three main plans
A formula that is usually much easier to work with would be:
A Relaxing Plan
Christmas stroll + nativity scene + lunch.
Plan with a children's activity
Tour + reserved activity + dinner.
Afternoon Plans
Nativity scene + lights + dinner.
That way, there's time between one activity and the next, and you can adjust the itinerary based on how the family is doing.
Especially if you have young children.
Place the reserves first
If you have a scheduled activity and a reservation for lunch, those are the two things that structure your day.
The rest can fit around it.
This also avoids one of the most common mistakes: calculating distances as if all family members walked at exactly the same pace and no one ever had to stop.
Spoiler: That's not going to happen.
Include breaks
You don't have to be busy all the time.
A cup of coffee, a few moments sitting down, a snack, or simply twenty minutes without walking can completely change how the day ends.
Especially with young children.
If you've been going from one activity to the next nonstop since 10 a.m., by 7 p.m. the Christmas lights may have lost some of their magic.
Check the official schedule a few days in advance
The schedules and locations of many Christmas activities are subject to change.
In addition, there may be prior reservations, schedule changes, or special events on certain days.
That's why we recommend checking Alicante's official sources as the specific date of your departure approaches.
Last Christmas, for example, the city organized more than 60 municipal events and offered a cultural program featuring more than 70 activities.
That means there are many possibilities.
It's not like you have to do them all.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Christmas Plans in Alicante
What to Do in Alicante at Christmas with Kids?
You can combine a stroll through the downtown Christmas decorations, visit one of the city’s nativity scenes, and choose a children’s or cultural activity from the city’s program. Afterward, having a reserved lunch or dinner helps you end the day on a relaxing note.
It's best to choose two or three activities based on the children's ages, rather than trying to do everything on the Christmas schedule.
What free Christmas activities are there in Alicante?
Each campaign is different, so it's best to check the official program for the corresponding year.
In previous years, there have been Christmas displays, nativity scenes, and various types of municipal activities. For Christmas 2026, the specific details of each proposal should be checked once the final schedule is published.
Where is the Giant Nativity Scene in Alicante this Christmas?
During the 2025–2026 season, the Giant Nativity Scene was set up in Town Hall Square.
The location and dates for Christmas 2026–2027 will be confirmed once the Alicante City Council publishes the new schedule.
What can you do in Alicante with kids if it rains at Christmas?
You can replace part of the outdoor tour with museums, workshops, shows, or other indoor activities.
Alicante offers a variety of museums and family-friendly activities throughout the year, and there was also a special cultural program during the recent Christmas season.
How many activities should you plan for a day with kids?
There is no perfect number, but we recommend prioritizing two or three activities and leaving some time between them.
One main activity, a Christmas stroll, and lunch or dinner can make for a wonderful day without having to fill every hour.
The younger the children are, the more helpful it usually is to leave room for breaks, changes of plans, and unexpected events.
Where can families eat in downtown Alicante during Christmas?
If you'd like to wrap up the tour by sharing some Argentine food and grilled meats, Bacacay is located right in the heart of Alicante, at 31 Poeta Campos Vasallo, near the Central Market.
You can Check out our menu Before you come, and if you already know which day you'll be in Alicante, please make your reservation in advance.
This Christmas, less rushing around and more time together
Once the holidays are over, it's hard to remember exactly how many activities we did.
But there are still certain moments.
The children's faces as they stand in front of a decoration that has surprised them.
A photo that turned out well by chance.
An unplanned stop.
Grandparents telling a story while the little ones half-listen.
And that moment when the whole family finally sits down around the table.
You don't have to see all of Alicante in one day to enjoy Christmas.
Pick a couple of plans, leave some room for improvisation, and enjoy your time together.
And when it's time to sit down, In Bacacay, we light the fire.
Reserve your table at Bacacay and enjoy a family meal around an authentic Argentine grill in downtown Alicante.
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