Your Property at La Manga Club: Christmas in Murcia

If you are lucky enough to own a property at La Manga Club, you are in prime position to enjoy everything the region has to offer during the holiday season. From ancient traditions to delicious food and festive events, you can find everything you need for an experience that will stay with you for years. Here is a complete guide on what to do and see in Murcia to make the most of the festive season.

What to See in Murcia at Christmas

A must-see destination from your property at La Manga Club is Plaza Cardenal Belluga, home to the stunning Murcia Cathedral. During the holiday season, the square lights up with Christmas decorations and hosts a large nativity scene that draws both locals and visitors alike. The Christmas market here offers a range of artisanal products from the region, making it the perfect place to pick up a special gift.

Another spot you can’t miss is Plaza de Santo Domingo, known for its festive atmosphere and spectacular Christmas tree. The surrounding streets are full of shops and cafes decked out in holiday decorations, creating a inviting environment ideal for an afternoon of shopping and enjoying holiday treats.

For a more cultural experience, the Romea Theatre features a special Christmas program with concerts, plays, and performances for all ages. Live nativity scenes are also popular throughout the region, with performances in various parts of the city. You can also visit Salzillo Museum, which exhibits one of the oldest and most detailed nativity scenes in Spain.

Christmas Traditions and Superstitions in Murcia

Christmas in Murcia is rich in tradition. The Midnight Mass (Misa del Gallo), celebrated on the night of December 24th, is both a religious and social event. Murcian families gather to celebrate the birth of Jesus, with the service accompanied by Christmas carols and nativity plays. After the mass, it’s traditional for families to have dinner featuring typical dishes such as roast lamb (Cordero Asado) and Christmas sweets such as turrón and mantecados.

The Campanadas on December 31st mark the farewell to the old year and the arrival of the new and is one of Spain’s best-known traditions. In Murcia, the Plaza del Ayuntamiento becomes the heart of the celebration, where crowds gather to eat the traditional 12 lucky grapes in sync with the chimes of midnight. Each grape symbolizes a wish for the new year, and the belief is that managing to eat all 12 in time will bring good luck in the year ahead.

A particularly fun tradition on New Year’s Eve is the “adagio” or “echar los años”. Friends and family take part in this playful custom by drawing names from two bags, forming pairs to come up with funny or cheeky scenarios—often about love. It is a fun game that adds a playful touch to the night!

Another unique aspect of Murcia’s Christmas celebrations are the “auroros”, choirs made up of local people who fill the air singing ancestral songs linked to the religious liturgy. The aguinaldos and trovos are accompanied by bells, violin, tambourine, lute, and guitar, and fill the streets and squares of Murcia with festive music during Christmas.

Typical Christmas Dishes in Murcia

Christmas in Murcia is a true culinary delight. The region’s rich and varied cuisine stands out especially at this time of year, offering delicacies to delight all palates.

One of the most iconic dishes is “Caldo con Pelotas”. This hearty soup, perfect for cold winter days, is made with pork, beef, and chicken. What makes it truly special are the large meatballs (“pelotas”) added to the soup, made with breadcrumbs, pine nuts, parsley, and a special blend of spices that give them a unique flavour.

Another highlight of the Murcian Christmas table is “cordero asado” (roast lamb). This dish is prepared by marinating the lamb with garlic, lemon, parsley, and white wine, then slowly roasting it until it is tender and full of flavour. Served with roasted potatoes and salad, it makes for a perfect Christmas Eve feast.

No Christmas in Murcia would be complete without indulging in the region’s traditional sweets, Cordiales. Made with ground almonds, pumpkin preserve, and sugar, they are an essential treat at every table, alongside Mantecados and Polvorones, which melt in your mouth and go perfectly with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

If you are spending Christmas at your property in La Manga Club, you can enjoy these traditional Murcian dishes at some of the resort’s restaurants. Or, if you are game to give it a go, you could try making them yourself and share the authentic flavours of Murcia with your friends and family at your Christmas table. Whether you are enjoying a festive meal, taking part in local events, or simply strolling through the brightly lit streets, Christmas in Murcia offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the richness of Murcia tourism and the unique traditions and vibrant culture of this beautiful region that comes alive during the holiday season.