December is here and the countdown to Christmas is on! If you’re planning a Christmas getaway, you still have time to come and join the celebrations in Marbella, but time’s running out, so read on to get inspired.
On Friday 28th of November the famous Malaga lights switched on, and Marbella’s followed suit on Saturday 29th of November. Now the whole Costa del Sol is looking magical, Christmas markets are open and festive events are underway. We’re all getting very excited! Will you join us here?
December is a wonderful time of year to visit, and we hope that this guide will help you make the most of your Christmas holiday in Marbella.
Why visit Marbella at Christmas?
Many travelers think about heading to colder climes to get into the festive spirit, but why surround yourself with snow and ice, when you can feel Christmassy by the sea?
Marbella is beautiful at Christmas and temperatures rarely dip below 10⁰C, so it’s much more enjoyable to be out and about! You’ll love the streets of the Old Town decorated in pretty lights, the Christmas markets and events, the parades and parties. From the end of November to the 6th of January the fun never stops and everyone is welcome!
But it’s not just Marbella…There’s lots going on at Christmas across the Costa del Sol, with activities in Malaga, Torremolinos, Fuengirola, Estepona and in all the pretty white villages too. All these activities are under an hour away from Marbella, so it’s all within easy reach.
While Marbella is best known for summer holidays, winter is a great season to visit Marbella – with mild temperatures, blue skies and sunshine and lots going on. But when December begins, it ramps up to the next level and we know you’re going to love it!
Celebrating Christmas in Marbella in 2025
Christmas 2025 began in earnest in Marbella on the 29th of November, with the switch on of the lights and opening of the Christmas Market in the Alameda Park. We have a very busy month ahead, with lots of activities, events and Christmas spirit and we can’t wait. Here are the highlights that you can’t miss if you’re in Marbella for Christmas this year.
Christmas Events
Kids’ Activities at Marbella’s Christmas Market – As well as shopping, there’s lots going on for kids at the Christmas market in Alameda Park. Here are a few highlights, which take place between 18.00 and 20.00 on the following dates –
- Friday 5th December – Mini Disco
- Saturday 6th December – Magic workshop
- Sunday 7th December – Disney Show
- Saturday 13th December – Christmas dance
- Sunday 14th December – Magic show
- Saturday 20th December – Disney Show
- Sunday 21st December – Magic workshop
- Saturday 27th December – Harry Potter themed Magic show
- Sunday 28th December – Christmas dance
- Saturday 3rd January – Mini Disco
- Sunday 4th January – Christmas show
You can find out more on the Instagram page of the organizers Arte & Glam Events.
Santa in Marbella – The big man comes to visit Marbella too and there are lots of opportunities to see him.
There’s a parade to welcome Santa to Marbella on the 17th of December from 17.30 where he’ll be winding through the streets and ending up at his grotto in the Alameda Park for a kids’ show.
Kids can also visit Santa’s grotto to deliver their letters on the following days –
- 18th & 19th December – 17.00-20.30
- 20th – 23rd December – 11.00-13.00 / 17.00-20.30
- 24th December – 11.00-13.30
There’s also a Christmas Magic Park which is open from the 29th of December to the 4th of January at the Arroyo Primero Football Pitch. This features an ice rink, Christmas train, bouncy castles and activities – it looks like a lot of fun for kids!
Christmas Music – There is a light and music show in the Plaza de Naranjos every day during December at 18.30, 19.30 and 20.30, which is a wonderful display to behold.
There’s a Christmas Concert by Marbella’s Municipal Band at the main church in Marbella Old Town on the 11th of December from 20.30. It’s totally free and is a beautiful setting for a Christmas concert. There are other concerts at that church throughout the Christmas period including 14/12, 16/12, 18/12, 19/12, 21/12, 26/12.
You’ll see lots of events with flamenco music and a Christmas twist called Zambomba Flamenca, which is a really Andalucian way to celebrate the holiday season. There’s one at 12.00 on the 6th of December in the Alameda Park and in many other parts of Marbella during December. There are many bars and restaurants offering this, you’ll find the program on the website Te Vienes.
On the 20th of December there’s a free “Tardeo Navideño” (Christmas afternoon celebration) with flamenco and urban hits in the Finca de la Caridad within the San Pedro fairground from 18.00-02.00, if you want to dance the night away.
Also, on the 20th of December the Hard Rock Hotel Marbella is holding a charity event from 17.30-22.00, raising money for some great causes, with live music, a DJ, snacks, a drink and a surprise gift. Tickets are €16.
Christmas Eve – The 24th of December is Noche Buena, and the biggest day of the celebration for Spanish families. There is a parade through the city center from the band La Pastoral del Barbero to fill the streets with music, carols and Christmas spirit. It leaves Santo Cristo square at 16.00.
Most Spanish families will gather “en masse” for a wonderful dinner, which often features fish and seafood, platters of delicious cured meats and cheeses, and of course the famous Iberian ham, which you will see a leg or shoulder for carving at most Spanish houses this time of year. Expect the cava and Spanish wine to be flowing!
Christmas Day – As the most diverse town in Andalucia, with 153 nationalities living in Marbella, there’s no need to worry that there won’t be celebrations taking place on Christmas Day itself. The many international restaurants host Christmas lunches, dinners and events, with a host of different cuisines to try. Thanks to the strong British community, you’ll be able to find plenty of places serving up the traditional turkey and all the trimmings, singing carols, and pulling crackers. But that’s far from the only option, you really are spoilt for choice and can celebrate Christmas your way in Marbella.
New Year’s Eve – The Spanish really know how to party and there are New Year’s Eve parties in bars, restaurants and clubs. Check out our guide to the best places to spend New Year’s Eve in Marbella.
There are also parties organized by the Town Hall, with live music and DJs, which are usually free to attend. However, everything starts a lot later than in the UK, as people will often eat with the family and then head out to party around 11pm, with the celebrations lasting for many hours into New Year’s Day. In Marbella, there’s a big party in the Represa Park from 23.00 with two bands performing live, and guests will all receive the traditional 12 grapes to eat at midnight and a party bag.
The Arrival of the Three Kings – The fun doesn’t stop on New Year’s Day here in Spain! The big day is still on the horizon. The kids wait patiently for the arrival of the Three Kings, who bring their presents on the night of the 5th of January.
On the 4th of January, the Three Kings arrive by boat at Marbella’s Puerto Deportivo and then ride through the streets and are welcomed by the Mayor in the church square in the Old Town and handed the keys to the city, before the big parade the following day.
On the 5th of January, they are welcomed with a parade through the streets, with floats, bands, DJs, big mascots and fun designs featuring kids’ favorite characters. Families line the streets waiting for it to begin, ready with a bag or two, to catch the many sweets that rain down on them from the floats. It’s a mad scramble, but a really fun occasion for young and old. The parade is expected to start at 18.00, but it’s a good idea to get there early to get a good spot.
The 6th of January is a family day, with the children opening their presents, enjoying a meal with the family and often taking a stroll.
Christmas Restaurants
There are Christmas meals available in almost every restaurant on the Costa del Sol. You can have a seafood feast on the beach, a gala dinner at a fancy hotel, or a traditional English Christmas dinner in any number of pubs and restaurants. Here are two really festive and fun restaurants that are very famous for their Christmas dinner in Marbella. However, we can also recommend great restaurants for Christmas Day near to your holiday rental property.
The Harbour Marbella overlooks the Marbella port, and goes all out on their Christmas decorations. They create a veritable grotto and run festive events throughout December, including visits from Santa and Disney characters every day from the 12th to the 24th of December and live music from 8:30pm 12th 13th 19th 20th December. They offer a festive lunch and dinner menu throughout December and are having a big party on Christmas Day itself. Their festive lunch menu is €39.95 for a three course menu and there’s a kids’ menu for €20 per head. Request further details and book your table by emailing info@theharbourmarbella.com. Highly recommended!
La Sala Banus is a firm favorite throughout the year, but is beautiful at Christmas, with delicious food and live entertainment. There are special events for the kids on Saturdays and Sundays in December, where kids can breakfast with Santa and enjoy visits from Mickey and Minnie too! They have a packed schedule of live music events, with tribute acts on the 9th, 19th and the 29th of December, and a great two-course Christmas party menu for very reasonable prices (29€ lunch and 39€ dinner). A local choir will sing carols on the 20th, 21st and 23rd of December. They are holding a big party on Christmas Day itself with live music throughout the day and into the evening, canapes and a champagne cocktail and a delicious 3 course meal for 130€ per person. They also have special events on Boxing Day and of course an epic New Year’s Eve party too!!
The group also has The Clubhouse, which is being transformed into a winter wonderland, with their Ski Lodge pop-up experience, for something different this festive season! They have party packages available too.
Download their Christmas brochure for all the details.
Christmas Markets
There are a number of Christmas markets in Marbella throughout December. The two main ones for 2025 are in the Alameda Park in the center of Marbella and in Puerto Banus.
The first is already open in the Alameda Park by the Old Town, and down the Avenida del Mar, and is called the Elf Factory. This is a gorgeous market with lots of stalls selling perfect gifts, as well as food and drink, in a very festive atmosphere. Head down there from midday to 10pm during the week and until midnight at the weekends for shopping under the lights, great performances, workshops and kids’ activities, as well as the tastes of Spanish Christmas.
The second one will open in Puerto Banus on the 6th of December and run to the 6th of January. This will feature stalls and activities right by the water of this iconic port. Expect more glamour and luxury products and also food trucks serving international food.
If you’re here earlier in the month, we’d recommend the La Virginia Christmas Market on the 7th of December from 11am to 6pm. It’s held in a lovely little urbanization hidden away in Marbella, which feels like a traditional village and is always magical at Christmas. They have loads of stalls dotted around the streets and it’s one of our favorites.
There’s also the Caritas Christmas Bazaar at the Palacio de Congresos Marbella from the 11th of December to the 14th of December, which is always a great event, raising money for an excellent cause. You can shop until you drop from 12.00-9pm.
Lastly, there’s a winter fair at The British International School of Marbella on the 13th of December from 9am to 2pm and everyone is welcome! They are raising funds for four great charities and charging 2€ to get in.
Recommended Christmas Activities in Marbella in 2025
Tour the Nativity Scenes – The Municipal Nativity scene opens on the 4th of December at 18.00 in the Alameda Park. There are 17 nativity scenes dotted around Marbella throughout December and there is a route you can follow to visit them all. It’s a unique way to explore Marbella, and visit some of the churches, chapels and squares, as well as see the pretty winding streets decked with wonderful lights. Look out for the “Ruta de Belenes”.
See the light and sound show in Orange Square – Marbella Old Town’s central square is stunning at Christmas and they are following in Malaga’s footsteps, by putting on a spectacular light and sound show every day. You can see it at 18.30, 19.30 and 20.30 and grab a drink in one of the bars, or have a bite to eat and do some Christmas shopping while you’re there.
Stroll down the paseo – Any time of year it’s a pleasure to stroll down the beachfront promenade, and stop in to one of the bars or restaurants for a drink, and they are all beautifully decorated for Christmas. It’s a great way to walk off those festive feasts!
Spanish Christmas Traditions
To feel like a local at Christmas you need to take part in these festive traditions –
- Play the lottery – One of the big Christmas traditions is “El Gordo” or “The Big One”, the largest lottery of the year and in fact one of the largest worldwide. It is drawn on the 22nd of December and buying a décimo for €20 and then watching the draw on TV is a Christmas ritual.
- Eat Christmas sweet treats – No Spanish Christmas would be complete without sampling polvorones (little crumbly biscuits), turron (nougat) and the roscon de reyes cake. Pop into a local bakery and ask what they recommend, or pick up a selection from any supermarket or shop.
- See the Christmas lights – A visit to Marbella town center and the Old Town to marvel at the decorations is a must. Many also take a trip to Malaga, for their legendary light and sound displays and to enjoy the city looking at its best.
- Go to a Zambomba – These traditional Christmas parties feature music and dancing, with Spanish Christmas songs and a flamenco vibe, which makes them unique.
- Carve ham – Most Spanish households will have a leg or a shoulder of the delicious Spanish ham in their kitchen over the Christmas period. Carving the ham and sharing with friends and family is a delicious ritual.
- Eat 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve – You need to eat one per chime of the bell for good luck.
- Welcome the Three Kings on the night of the 5th of January by attending the parades and collecting as many sweets as you can
We hope that this guide has inspired you to spend Christmas in Marbella. Vacation Marbella has a wonderful selection of beautiful holiday rentals which make the perfect base for a Christmas getaway. We’d recommend browsing our lovely vacation rentals in Marbella Old Town, which is the most festive place to be. Please also contact us with your requirements and we will send you some recommendations.
