Xmas market in Old Town

Well it´s the last weekend before Christmas and I am sure that every High Street and shopping centre in the UK is jam packed. Here in Benidorm things a somewhat more relaxed and laid back. The town has now got into the Christmas spirit - well about as much as it well ever do, though not a patch on the UK.

The ice rink under the Town Hall has now opened and there was a steady stream of visitors. Skate hire is 6 euros and a session lasts for an hour - though I doubt many stay for quite that long. It is also compulsory to wear gloves, which they sell for a very reasonable 2 euros - but bring your own if you have them.

There are other activities for children such as bungee trampolines, giant chess, arcade shooting gallery and a crazy golf type game - as well as some food stalls.

A short walk down from the ice rink, heading towards Ale Hop at the bottom of the Avd Ruzafa you will come to the Christmas market, run and organised by the fiesta organising committee - which is on today and all day tomorrow.

Most of the stalls are all artisan goods such as soaps, confectionary, speciality chorizo, baked goods, candles and a delicious hot chocolate stall. There were lots of people browsing and "someone" who caught everyones eye was a dog with a reindeer headband... almost everyone took a photo - including me!

There is a subsidised bar selling beer, the proceeds of which go towards the annual fiesta and raffle tickets being sold by the penyas. It´s certainly worth popping down to if you are in town - and its all supporting the local community.