Christmas is just around the corner, and Andorra is the perfect place to spend the holidays with your family, not only for it’s beautiful snowy villages between the mountains but also for the low prices of shopping, the wide variety of restaurants, the après ski atmosphere and much more!
The main tourist attraction of Andorra is definitely skiing. That’s why either if you are coming to the slopes of Vallnord or to the domain of Grandvalira, we want to inform you about all the Christmas plans for this year!
GRANDVALIRA:
If you have chosen the largest ski resort of South Europe (Grandvalira) to spend your Christmas, write down the following dates on your calendar:
-December 24th: Christmas Eve
On this day Father Christmas will be working non-stop. In the morning he will arrive to the ski schools of Soldeu, El Tarter and Canillo to visit the little ones. Later, he will head to Palau de Gel of Andorra in Canillo, arriving at 6:00 p.m. on his dog sled. As if by magic, only an hour later he will be welcoming the children at the Sport Village Hotel in Soldeu! An stressful day for Father Christmas.
-December 31st: New Year’s Eve
What a better way to end the year than doing sport? You can participate in the popular Sant Silvestre Skimo & Run at Grandvalira-Grau Roig. This original race can be performed by snowshoes, ski mountaineering or by foot and the trail takes you all the way to the Igloo Hotel. Free registration from 3pm at the Ski School of Grau Roig. At 4.30 p.m., briefing and scheduled departure at 5.15 p.m.
If, after the long day of skiing you prefer a quieter plan, do not miss the torchlight descent from the Pla de Espiolets (Grandvalira-Soldeu) to the town of Soldeu starting at 6:30 p.m. If you want to spend a cold but unforgettable end of the year, we recommend you celebrating New Year’s Eve at Hotel Igloo.
-January 5th: Three Kings
If you are in Pas de la Casa on this day, you are lucky because you will be able to witness the torchlight descent that begins at 6:00 p.m. and the following arrival of the Three Kings to the Pas de la Casa sector, fireworks included.
If, on the other hand, you are staying in Encamp, do not worry as the three kings will also parade around the streets of the village starting at 6 p.m. giving away sweets to the children, whose route will end at the Plaza de los Arínsols.
Where to eat for Christmas? We recommend the Hotel Bruxelles in Soldeu. They offer a 30€ Christmas meal that includes turkey, vol au vents, and of course, cava!
VALLNORD:
For those who spend their holiday on the slopes of Vallnord there are also interesting plans:
-21st, 22ndand 23rd of December:
Father Christmas is already on its way to Andorra and he will welcome the little ones at the restaurant ‘Cow Bella’ of Pal accompanied by his faithful helpers, the elves. If you want to participate in this activity, please, contact petitsviatgers@gmail.com.
-24th December: Christmas Eve:
The place to be this day is Vallnord – Ordino Arcalís as Father Christmas will surprise the children arriving by snowmobile at the resort to pick up their cards, and he will invite them to a hot chocolate! After Arcalís, Father Christmas will head to the town of La Massana where there will be a big party at 5:00 p.m. to welcome all the children and ask them if they have been good this year.
– 5th Jan:
In La Massana on January 5th, the parade of the Three Kings will start at 5:00 p.m. in the streets of the town and it will end, as it is the tradition in the past few years, in the Plaza de las Fontetes. There, the Kings will collect the letters of the boys and girls and will also have small gifts for all the children.
Where to eat for Christmas? We love Arinsal because of its varied options of restaurants, that’s why it is a great place to spend Christmas Day. We definitely recommend the Christmas Menu that Xalet Montané offers year after year. For main course choose between salmon or turkey and to end, of course, a Christmas pudding. The best bit: Christmas Crackers are included!
ANDORRA LA VELLA:
Andorra La Vella is the capital of the country and therefore the biggest city, that’s why it is also interesting to visit it as it has a lot to offer for Christmas.
-Christmas Market:
Don’t miss this small Christmas village located in the historic centre of Andorra La Vella where activities take place throughout the month of December until January 6th.
-Papa Noel:
There will be Father Christmas parades all over Andorra on December 24th. Santa will leave at 4 p.m. from Santa Coloma and he will be arriving at the streets of Andorra La Vella around 5:00 p.m.
-Three Kings:
In the evening, starting at 6.30 p.m., The Three Kings parade will go through the streets and of Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany. The departure of the royal procession will take place from Guillemó square avenue, and it will continue along the avenues Meritxel until the Royal Palace, located in the Plaza Coprínceps. The arrival of the Three Kings to Plaza Coprinceps It is scheduled from 8.30 p.m. There, the Three Kings will welcome all the children who want to deliver their letters personally.
-Shopping:
Andorra La Vella is the best place for shopping, where you can find everything! From electronic, fashion, perfumes and beauty products with cheap prices due to the low tax in the country (4.5%).
Whether you are in Andorra or not, we want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Andorra Resorts team!