The 2025 Christmas Day Party on La Zenia Beach
The La Zenia Beach Christmas Day Party is one of the most anticipated end-of-year events on the Orihuela Costa and across the entire Costa Blanca. On December 25, 2025, thousands of people will once again gather on Cala Bosque beach to celebrate Christmas outdoors by the Mediterranean Sea.
This event has long outgrown its local origins and is widely regarded as the largest Christmas beach party in Europe. Every year, visitors from different countries come together to take part in a unique tradition that combines sunshine, the sea, and the true spirit of Christmas.
How the La Zenia Beach Christmas Day Party Tradition Began
The history of the La Zenia Beach Christmas Day Party dates back more than ten years. It originally started as a small, informal gathering of expatriates who, far from their snowy home countries, wanted to preserve the feeling of Christmas in a warmer, Mediterranean setting.
The first celebrations were modest – just a few friends, blankets, food, drinks, and a festive mood. However, the idea of celebrating Christmas by the sea proved so appealing that news of the event quickly spread through personal recommendations, social media, and shared experiences.
Year after year, attendance grew, and over time the gathering evolved into a large-scale international event that has become an important part of the Orihuela Costa social calendar.
The Pandemic Pause and the Return of the Celebration
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was temporarily suspended. After a three-year hiatus, the Christmas Day Party made a triumphant return in December 2022, once again attracting thousands of participants.
On the day of the celebration, guests enjoyed clear blue skies, fine white sand, and daytime temperatures exceeding 20 °C, once again highlighting the uniqueness of a Christmas celebration on the Costa Blanca.
The International Nature of the Event
Today, the La Zenia Beach Christmas Day Party brings together people from more than 100 nationalities. Visitors travel from Northern Europe, the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, Central Europe, and many other parts of the world to spend Christmas in sunny Spain.
The event stands as a powerful example of how different cultures can come together around shared values – connection, joy, hospitality, and mutual respect.
Organisation and Safety
It is important to note that the La Zenia Beach Christmas Day Party is a spontaneous community gathering. It is not organised or sponsored by any company, brand, or official organisation.
Nevertheless, local police are traditionally present to ensure public safety and to manage traffic in the surrounding area, particularly along the N-332 road.
Festive Atmosphere and Traditions
Although there are no strict rules, there is an unwritten tradition of attending the event dressed in festive attire. Santa hats, reindeer antlers, Christmas costumes, colourful accessories, and beachwear all contribute to the unmistakable holiday atmosphere.
Many attendees bring along:
- folding chairs and tables;
- large sun umbrellas;
- cool boxes filled with drinks;
- grills and outdoor cooking equipment.
A Christmas Picnic by the Sea
Food is one of the central elements of the celebration. Attendees bring traditional dishes from their home countries, creating a multicultural Christmas feast on the beach.
From paella and tapas to meat and fish dishes, Christmas pastries, mince pies, cheeses, sweets, and homemade specialities, the variety of food reflects the diversity of the crowd. Sharing food, stories, and laughter gives the event its warm and welcoming character.
Beach Bars and Nearby Restaurants
During the celebration, the popular beach bar Chiringuito operates on the sand, offering drinks and light bites. After its temporary absence in 2023 due to licensing issues, its return has once again become an important part of the event atmosphere.
The La Mirada restaurant, located next to the beach, usually operates as normal on Christmas Day. Visitors are strongly advised to make advance reservations for indoor seating. Toilet facilities are also available at the restaurant.
Live Music and Entertainment
In previous years, live music has played an important role in creating the festive mood. Last year, the Dacapo Orchestra performed from 11:00, playing popular Christmas music for beachgoers.
While there is no official programme confirmed yet for 2025, music is traditionally expected to be part of the overall experience.
Practical Information for Visitors
- Date: Thursday, December 25, 2025
- Start time: from 10:00 am
- Location: Playa de La Zenia (Cala Bosque), Orihuela Costa
- Admission: free, no tickets required
Due to the large number of visitors, arriving early is highly recommended. Parking near the beach is limited, so be prepared to walk the final part of your journey.
Respect for Nature and the Environment
Visitors are kindly asked to follow basic guidelines: take all litter home, apply adequate sun protection, and remain outside the cordoned areas that protect the sand dunes.
Useful Links
Official information about the La Zenia area
Playa de La Zenia on Google Maps
The 2025 Christmas Day Party on La Zenia Beach is more than just a celebration. It is a symbol of community, openness, and the unique Mediterranean lifestyle that makes Christmas on the Costa Blanca truly special.
