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Cartagena is gearing up to sparkle this holiday season with some truly spectacular Christmas decorations lighting up the city from December 5th through January 7th, 2026. Following the ayuntamiento’s contract already awarded for the impressive Three Wise Men and camels floats, this year’s Christmas lighting budget has been increased by close to 2% compared to last year, investing a total of €898,527.33 across the municipality.

 

Highlighting the festive displays will be an impressive giant installation of the Three Wise Men and their camels on the Heroes of Cavite promenade. Each figure stands at least 8.5 metres tall and 6.5 metres wide, securely mounted on bespoke platforms covered in warm wood finishes that perfectly complement their surroundings.

 

Adding to the magic is a stunning 13-metre long multi-pointed shooting star with a 6-metre diameter star head. This dynamic piece features programmable RGB lighting effects and animations that promise to mesmerise both locals and visitors alike.

 

The budget allocation divides the decorations carefully: the historic centre receives 40% of the funding, beautifying streets like Carmen, Mayor, San Francisco and more; 35% goes to neighbourhoods and provincial councils, including almost 50 towns surrounding the city, such as Santa Lucía and Los Dolores; and the Ensanche and coastal areas like Cabo de Palos and La Manga also benefit from special lighting installations.

 

Calle del Carmen in the historic centre will glow with almond branch-themed LED motifs in white, enhanced by gold, violet, and pink decorative touches that shine by day and night. Plaza Juan XXIII will feature a large three-dimensional Three Kings’ Crown soaring between 4 and 5 metres. Nearby trees will twinkle with garlands and “lightning-effect” lights for added festive cheer.

 

At La Manga’s Nautical Station, a waterfall-like curtain of high-brightness LED lights will cascade down two sides of the monument, creating a truly enchanting sight.

 

The official Christmas lighting will be switched on December 5th, with lights shining from 6.00 p.m. to midnight most nights, extending to 2.00 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and important festive nights of January 5th and 6th. Certain neighbourhoods like Barrio de la Concepción and San Antón will enjoy extended lighting through their patron saint celebrations.

 

This comprehensive project covers everything from supply and installation to maintenance and dismantling of the decorations, which include not only traditional light arches and motifs but also large cones up to 14 metres high, giant gift boxes, baubles, and bells. It promises to transform Cartagena into a true winter wonderland.

 

With this festive lighting plan, Cartagena is set to enchant residents and visitors alike, bringing warm holiday spirit to streets and squares throughout the city and beyond.

 

 

Image: Ayuntamiento de Cartagena