Benidorm is now on countdown to Christmas, following the official inauguration of the Christmas lights in the Town Hall square on Saturday evening. The weather, is also unfortunately following suit and has turned distinctly chilly since the weekend, with the cold arctic winds making their way down to us here.

As always, no event here is complete without the compulsory fireworks and surprisingly, it was actually dark so you could see them for a change – lunchtime fireworks are often the norm here and the crowds were showered with red snow afterwards, to the delight of the children!

There are a selection of stalls and plenty of activities for the children, including rides and an outdoor ice rink, which will be open until January 7. It costs €5 for half an hour, which includes the hire of the skates and gloves are compulsory, which you can purchase for €1 from the kiosk.

For those here this week, both Wednesday and Friday are bank holidays here, but this shouldn’t affect too many things in Benidorm, being a tourist resort. Pop down to the Flash Hotel, where there is a Christmas fare in the area behind the terrace, including Santa’s Grotto for children.

But the cooler weather certainly hasn't deterred the hardy Brits, which are all too easy to spot. Whilst the Spaniards and locals are wrapped up they are still out in their shorts and flip flop... but if you are heading out, bring something warm, such as a fleece at least - you'll need it!

For a really speacial time, Benidorm Palace is putting on a Boxing Day spectacular, with a new Christmas menu. Then in addition to their regular show RUBI you get to see the spectacular ‘Walk Like a Man’ show returning – a tribute to Frankie Vali and the Four Seasons and a total sell out when they appeared here previously.