Benidorm in December
Updated 12/10/2026 by the onbenidorm team · Dates checked October 2026
December in Benidorm is mild and festive. Highs average 17.7°C, nights about 7°C, and the sea is 16.5°C. The Christmas lights went on on 29 November in 2025, with an ice rink, stalls and Santa's House, and a Christmas market runs at Parque de Elche. New Year's Eve brings an all-day party in Plaza de la Navidad and hotel occupancy peaks of about 92%.
- Average high / low
- 17.7°C / 7.4°C (AEMET)
- Sea
- 16.5°C
- Sunshine
- 5.3 hours a day, the lowest of the year
- Holidays
- 6, 8 and 25 December
- Best for
- Christmas breaks, over-60s, New Year groups
December weather in Benidorm
December is the dullest month in our Benidorm in winter series, with 5.3 hours of sun a day, but still mild at 17.7°C by day and 7.4°C at night.
Rain falls on 3.8 days (25 mm). The sea cools to 16.5°C. See Benidorm weather in December.
| Average | November | December | January |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daytime high | 20.5°C | 17.7°C | 17.0°C |
| Night-time low | 10.3°C | 7.4°C | 6.3°C |
| Sea temperature | 19.5°C | 16.5°C | 14.6°C |
| Rain days (1 mm+) | 4.2 | 3.8 | 3.6 |
| Rainfall | 36 mm | 25 mm | 23 mm |
| Sunshine per day | 5.8 h | 5.3 h | 5.8 h |
| Daylight | 10 h | 10 h | 10 h |
What's on in Benidorm in December
Listings: December 2026 events, what's on in December 2026 and December 2027.
Christmas lights and Plaza de la Navidad
In 2025 the lights went on on Saturday 29 November in Plaza SSMM Reyes de España, renamed Plaza de la Navidad until 6 January, with an ice rink, food and gift stalls and fireworks. Santa's House was at Hort de Colón. The 2026 date is not confirmed. See Christmas in Benidorm.
Christmas market
A December market runs at Parque de Elche, near Poniente, from 10:00 to 20:00, according to mercadillos.org.
New Year's Eve
On New Year's Eve 2025 the fiesta commission ran a party in Plaza de la Navidad from 11:00, with no entry fee mentioned, with a children's countdown at 12:00, DJs until 19:30 and again from 22:00 to midnight. Grapes and drinks were sold cheaply. The 2026 programme is expected to follow.
What's open and closed in December
December is a busy month for bars and hotels, with closures mostly saved for after New Year.
- Aqualandia and Terra Mítica: closed.
- Mundomar: likely closed until 2 January (per taquilla.com; unconfirmed officially).
- Terra Natura: weekends, holidays and the Christmas period.
- Benidorm Palace: check festive show dates before booking.
- Most bars and hotels stay open; closures usually start in January (bars closed for winter).
Is December a good time to visit Benidorm?
December is good for festive breaks in the sun; New Year week is busy, with El Español reporting occupancy peaks of 92% for New Year's Eve 2025.
- Over-60s: mild weather and many Christmas packages; see Benidorm for over-60s.
- Families: ice rink, Santa's House and weekend Terra Natura.
- Couples: Christmas lights and quieter early December.
- Groups: New Year's Eve parties across town; see what's on tonight.
Packing and practical tips for December
Bring a warm coat for 7°C nights, layers for sunny days and something smart for New Year. Public holidays on 6, 8 and 25 December mean some shops close. Book NYE early. Next: Benidorm in January.
December events in Benidorm
| Name | Area | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas in Benidorm | Plaza de la Navidad | Lights, ice rink, stalls |
| New Year's Eve | Plaza de la Navidad | All-day open-air party |
| Benidorm outdoor markets | Parque de Elche | Christmas market |
Benidorm in December — FAQs
Is Benidorm warm at Christmas?
Mild. AEMET's normals give 17.7°C highs and 7.4°C lows in December, with about 5.3 hours of sunshine a day. A sunny Christmas Day lunch outside is possible, but evenings need a coat.
When are the Christmas lights switched on in Benidorm?
In 2025 they were switched on on Saturday 29 November in Plaza SSMM Reyes de España, which became the Plaza de la Navidad until 6 January. The 2026 switch-on date had not been announced when we checked.
What is New Year's Eve like in Benidorm?
Busy. In 2025 the council's fiesta commission ran an all-day party in Plaza de la Navidad, with DJs from 22:00 to midnight, and hotel occupancy peaked at around 92%. Bars across town host their own parties.
Is there a Christmas market in Benidorm?
Yes. A December market runs at Parque de Elche from 10:00 to 20:00, according to mercadillos.org, and the Plaza de la Navidad has food and gift stalls around the ice rink.
Are bars open over Christmas in Benidorm?
Most are. The winter closures listed by Benidorm Seriously last season mostly started in January, after New Year. Check our bars closed for winter page for this year's list.
Can you swim in Benidorm in December?
The sea averages about 16.5°C, so it is cold. Lifeguard services run all year, but most people use a heated pool.
Related guides
Sources and how we checked
Last updated 12 October 2026 by the onbenidorm team.