Christmas is just around the corner, and thanks to the recent snowfall in Grandvalira and Vallnord, we’re feeling more Christmassy every day! If you’re heading out to resort soon and you’re not sure what to do, don’t panic – in this blog, we’ve got Christmas activities in Andorra all wrapped up!
Andorra la Vella
Christmas market
Andorra la Vella’s Christmas market is the perfect place to do some last-minute Christmas shopping with a variety of products on offer, including unique, hand-made gifts crafted by local artists. The market is located in the Placa del Poble – a public square located on top of a government office building, offering stunning views of the surrounding valleys.
Of course, a Christmas market wouldn’t be the same without food, so make sure you tuck into the delicious crepes, bratwursts, mulled wine and other culinary delights whilst you enjoy live music from carol singers and musicians!
Children can get involved with craft workshops or fantastic Andorran traditions – for example, feeding the ‘Cagatio’ Christmas log that ‘poos’ out presents on Christmas day! (If you think we’re joking, read more about this tradition here). There’s also a Magic Post Office in Avinguda Meritxell 26 until 5th January between 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm where children can post their letters to Father Christmas and the Three Kings.
On 24th December, Father Christmas himself will be visiting Placa del Poble at 6 pm, so come along for your last chance to prove whether you’ve been naughty or nice this year!
The market will be open until 30th December, so even if you’re not here for Christmas you can still enjoy some belated festivities, such as the traditional Three Kings Parade which takes place on Saturday 5th January between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm.
See the market opening times below or visit www.andorralavella.ad for more information.
Thursdays: 17:00 – 20:00
Fridays: 17:00 – 21:00
Saturdays and 24th, 26th, 27th and 28 December: 11:00 – 21:00
Sundays: 11:00 – 19:00
Ice skating rink and magic selfies!
There’s also a 100-square-metre ice-skating rink and a magical light maze located in Placa Guillemo – perfect for entertaining the little ones, or for spending a romantic evening with your loved one. Oh, and don’t forget – you can also take selfies with the fantastic sculptures dotted along the high street outside Illa shopping centre, featuring Mickey Mouse and Olaf the snowman!
Grandvalira
Canillo
On Christmas Eve, Santa will be visiting Canillo ski school during the day and, after a busy afternoon preparing for the Big Day with his little helpers, he’ll arrive at the ice rink in Palau de Gel leisure centre at 4:30 pm, where Andorra Ice Skating Club will be putting on a magical performance! Santa will end his visit to Canillo by giving out presents to the children, and at 6 pm he’ll hop on his sleigh to Soldeu pulled by… not reindeers… but dogs!
The festive fun in Canillo continues after Christmas – on 30th December and 4th January the ‘Dreams on Ice’ music extravagance will take place in Palau de Gel ice rink. Tickets are on sale from the Palau de Gel ticket office and are €6 (children under three go free).
Soldeu and El Tarter
At 11 am on Christmas Eve, Father Christmas will visit Soldeu and El Tarter ski schools, and will later arrive in Soldeu resort on his dog-pulled sleigh at 7 pm.
To celebrate the new year, on 31st December at 6:30 pm there will be a torchlit descent from Pla d’Espiolets, Soldeu to Soldeu village. This is such an incredible sight to witness – come and see for yourself, or watch the video from last year here!
If you miss the torchlit descent on New Year’s Eve then don’t worry – another beacon descent will take place on 3rd January at 6:30 pm from Grandvalira-Soldeu ski school, into Soldeu village.
Looking for the best place to watch the torchlit descent? Head to Barcode in Soldeu for front view seats of the descent whilst enjoying a few early drinks!
Pas de la Casa, Grau Roig and Encamp
Over the next few days, from 21st December through till Christmas Eve (24th December), Father Christmas will be visiting the snow gardens in Pas de la Casa, Grau Roig and Encamp (Cortals) sectors.
To celebrate the Three Kings tradition on 5th January, there’ll be a fireworks display and a torchlit descent down the red Directa run in Pas de la Casa sector from 6 pm, followed by a procession of the Three Kings on floats through the resort, down to the Leisure Centre.
Vallnord
La Massana
Father Christmas will be making the rounds in Vallnord too over the next few days, with his first stop at the Cow Bella restaurant in the Pal sector on 22nd and 23rd December, between 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm, and 8 pm and 10 pm. Bring your little ones and meet at the gondola in La Massana to start the ascent to the restaurant!
Arinsal
At 7 pm on Christmas Eve, come and meet Santa in his grotto at Arinsal’s gondola station. Enter the Christmas raffle with some great prizes and meet the well-loved children’s tv character, Pica Pica too!
However you choose to spend Christmas this year, we hope you have a good one! Merry Christmas, everyone!