Festive Celebrations in Andorra

Soldeu at Christmas

Christmas in Andorra is such a magical time. With so much snow already in the villages all over this beautiful country, we are really feeling in the festive spirit. There’s nothing that makes you feel more magical than looking out of your window to see your very own Christmas card scenes! Here, you will find all of the information you need to sleigh your Christmas trip to Andorra.

Christmas Tree

ANDORRA LA VELLA

The Christmas lights in Andorra La Vella have been on for a while now, with a cute Disney display all along the main shopping street. In the evenings, you can see a pretty digital display and this year there is even an ice toboggan and ice skating rink! Why not take an ‘Elf-ie to remember the day at one of the 5 magical selfie spots, located all around the sparkling capital city!

‘Tis the season to enjoy some shopping and with the abundance of options in the capital, all at low tax prices, there’s really no reason not to spoil yourself. One of our highlights is the giant animated tree inside the Illa shopping Centre. Plaça de Poble (near the main bus station situated in the old town) hosts a gorgeous Christmas market in Andorra, housed in cheery wooden huts. The Andorra Christmas Village has a fabulous atmosphere including street performances that run until the 29th December.

FATHER CHRISTMAS

Santa himself is a big fan of when he gets to visit Andorra, because the cold temperatures and alpine environment remind him so much of home! He’s so comfortable he even inhabits various mountain cabins throughout the country where you can go and visit him – if you’d like more information on this then please get in touch

CANILLO

You can discover a life-size Christmas nativity in the hamlet of Canillo with over 200 characters in the centre of the village. Follow the nativity route for a merry outing to enjoy with your family, featuring the traditional scenes from the yuletide story. The nativity is on display until the 31st January.

 If you’re still in Canillo for Christmas eve, then you must look out for Santa who will be arriving on his sleigh full of gifts. Accompanied by his little helpers, he will arrive at 6pm at the Palau de Gel ice skating rink. The Andorra Ice Skating Club also has a special Christmas Gala Performance here on Friday 27th December and 3rd January at 7.45pm. Aptly named “Dreams on Ice”, We’re sure you will swept away by this magical annual show.

ENCAMP AND PAS DE LA CASA

Now, Santa really is a busy boy this year as he will make his way through the streets of the town to meet all of the children waiting for him on Christmas Eve, collecting their letters as he goes. This will start at 6pm from the town of Encamp, and by 8pm he will arrive in Pas de la Casa! If you’re in either of these areas, try and stick around for the Andorra Children’s fair at the Sports, Social and Cultural Centre in Encamp on the 27th December until the 1st January, which then moves to the Sports Centre in Pas de la Casa from the 3rd to 5th January. With activity workshops and exhibitions every day, suitable for all ages, it’s a great way to extend the Christmas festivities.

ARINSAL AND LA MASSANA

As if by magic, also on Christmas Eve get yourself down to the Plaça de les Fontetes for the annual visit from Father Christmas, starting at 5pm. Santa will be on stage with his elves greeting everyone in the village, and we highly recommend a trip to the church in La Massana afterwards. They have an English carol service with mince pies and hot wine, at 6pm and midnight on Christmas eve. You can enjoy the talented voices of the Sant Antoni Choir for this joyous event.

If you’re staying in pretty Arinsal for Christmas, don’t forget to pass by the hotel Princesa Park to see their happy display outside. If the mood takes you, you can always pop in for a game of bowling in their downstairs arcade! 

Three Kings in Andorra is a truly special celebration, actually celebrated more than the traditional Christmas day itself. We will bring you lots more information on the festival of Epiphany and new year celebrations next week, so keep a look out!