Santa Claus Delights La Massana and Encamp in Andorran Christmas Festivities

Santa Claus has completed festive visits across La Massana and Encamp, marking key moments in the parishes' Christmas programmes ahead of the holiday season.

In La Massana, Santa Claus hosted his first public event Tuesday afternoon at the newly acquired 1785 Mola de Cal Quico building, reached via illuminated paths through the old town. From around 5pm to 7pm, he greeted dozens of children near the Fontetes area, collected their letters, distributed sweets, and featured the *Un ninot sense nas* storytelling session. Before opening to families, he met Maria Rosa Riba—known locally as Rosita from the Cal Quico family—along with her relatives and parish consellers. Riba expressed strong emotion over the heritage site's new role serving the community.

The parish's Estelàrium Christmas park in Plaça de l'Església opens Thursday, December 26, through December 30, daily from 4:30pm to 8:30pm. Attractions include a starry climbing wall, enchanted urban forest, eco-merry-go-rounds, Ferris wheel, giant wooden games, workshop igloo, and video booth. Children over four require a €3 Estelàrium wristband for unlimited rides—free for under-fours or with €20+ purchases at local shops—available on-site or at the tourist office. Free hot chocolate accompanies daily workshops in calligraphy, decorations, makeup, and postcards. Performers include 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 offer mulled wine, chocolate, wooden toys, minerals, and items from the Andorran Argentines Association. Tourism councillor Mònica Solé highlighted the programme's focus on encouraging daily family returns.

In Encamp, Santa Claus wrapped up his stay Tuesday evening after sessions Monday and Tuesday at Casa Cristo for pre-booked letter handovers—all slots sold out in advance. Morning visits ran 10am-1:30pm, with afternoon slots Tuesday from 4pm-6:30pm. He met cònsol major Laura Mas and Culture, Childhood and Youth councillor Joan Sans. At 6pm, his cavalcade departed Plaça dels Arínsols with Remue Menage's *Le Bal* itinerant show, proceeding via Carrer de la Molina to Parc de l’Ossa for final greetings.

Midnight Mass took place at 11pm Tuesday at Sant Iscle i Santa Victòria church with Coral Sant Antoni. A children's torchlit descent is set for January 4 afternoon on Pal sector slopes ahead of Three Kings.