Santa Claus Completes Festive Visits in La Massana and Encamp

Santa Claus has wrapped up his festive visits in La Massana and Encamp, completing key events in the parishes' Christmas schedules before delivering gifts on Christmas Eve.

In La Massana, he held his first public appearance Tuesday afternoon at the 1785 Mola de Cal Quico building, recently purchased by the parish council. Families reached the site via illuminated paths through the old town, where he met children near the Fontetes from 5pm to 7pm. Dozens handed over letters, received sweets, and enjoyed the *Un ninot sense nas* storytelling session. Before welcoming families, Santa Claus greeted Maria Rosa Riba—known locally as Rosita from the Cal Quico family—along with relatives and parish consellers. Riba, visibly moved, welcomed the heritage site's new community role.

The Estelàrium Christmas park in Plaça de l'Església opens Thursday, December 26, through December 30, from 4:30pm to 8:30pm. Features include a starry climbing wall, enchanted urban forest, eco-merry-go-rounds, Ferris wheel, giant wooden games, workshop igloo, and video booth. A €3 Estelàrium wristband grants unlimited rides for children over four—free for under-fours or with €20+ local shop purchases—available on-site or at the tourist office. Daily free hot chocolate pairs with workshops in calligraphy, decorations, makeup, and postcards. Highlights feature magician Álvaro Oreja on opening day, Coral Sant Antoni, Andorra Gospel Cor, and a pre-registered karaoke carol session on December 29 via turisme@comumassana.ad. Stalls sell mulled wine, chocolate, wooden toys, minerals, and goods from the Andorran Argentines Association. Tourism councillor Mònica Solé noted the design encourages repeated family visits.

In Encamp, Santa Claus stayed from Monday morning through Tuesday evening, hosting pre-booked letter sessions at Casa Cristo—all slots filled days in advance. Morning hours ran 10am-1:30pm on both days, with Tuesday afternoon from 4pm-6:30pm. He met cònsol major Laura Mas and Culture, Childhood and Youth councillor Joan Sans. The cavalcade began at 6pm Tuesday from Plaça dels Arínsols, featuring Remue Menage's *Le Bal* itinerant show en route via Carrer de la Molina to Parc de l’Ossa for final greetings. Families joined the procession with great enthusiasm.

Midnight Mass occurred at 11pm Tuesday at Sant Iscle i Santa Victòria church, led by Coral Sant Antoni. A children's torchlit descent is planned for January 4 afternoon on Pal sector slopes ahead of Three Kings.