Best Christmas Events on the Costa del Sol (2025)
Are you coming to the Costa del Sol during the holiday season? Be ready for fun Christmas events and activities across the region, from seeing the traditional nativity scenes to visiting the markets and tasting delicious dishes.
I love all Christmas things, so I’m always on a mission to find the best Christmas activities on the Costa del Sol, where I am from. While most activities, including the lights switch-on and markets, start at the end of November, a couple are available a bit earlier.
Costa del Sol isn’t a popular place for Christmas, but if you’re up for the sunshine, the Spanish Christmas traditions and atmosphere, you’ll enjoy spending Christmas in my beloved region.
The smell of chestnuts, the sound of Christmas carols in every shopping centre, the beautiful decorations, happy families and activities for all ages make it special.
In this guide, I’ll share some of my favourite Christmas events on the Costa del Sol that keep coming back every year, and others that I’ll add to my list to visit during this festive season.
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Christmas markets on the Costa del Sol
Malaga Christmas market
Paseo del Parque is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Malaga. There are plenty of small stalls selling anything from nativity scene figurines and Christmas decorations to books, toys and sweets. It’s mostly a shopping market. Food options are minimal, and most involve sweets like candy floss or popcorn, as far as I remember.
Besides this Christmas market, you can also find the one in Muelle Uno, which is smaller, but it feels more festive and has better options in my opinion.
Staying in Malaga? My favourite hotel in Malaga for the holiday season is Hotel Larios – with great central location, it’s a perfect place to explore the vibrant food scene from and stay close to all the main landmarks (and see the Christmas lights!).
Torremolinos Christmas market
📅 Dates: 1st December to 6th January
Torremolinos Christmas market is held in Avenida Palma de Mallorca. As every year, you’ll find handcrafted items and unique gifts created by locals.
The atmosphere at the market is lovely, and you’ll definitely enjoy it alongside the beautiful Christmas lights decorating the area.
Fuengirola Christmas Market
📅 Dates: 27th November – 21st December
The annual Christmas market in Fuengirola will take place in Plaza de la Constitución. This edition aims to support the textile industry in Fuengirola and its surroundings. Expect 17 wooden stalls selling everything from clothes to unique items like jewellery, candles, and more.
While the stalls are open every day, you can only enjoy the artificial snowfall on Saturdays. It’s an activity that little kids love!
Mijas Pueblo Christmas Market
📅 Dates: 29th November to 31st December
A small but festive Christmas market is the one in Mijas Pueblo, the most popular day trip on the Costa del Sol. The market for this white-painted town takes place in Plaza de la Constitución. You can have a beautiful time shopping from its stalls selling handmade goodies and taking in the festive atmosphere.
Marbella Christmas Markets
Unlike other Costa del Sol towns, you’ll find different Christmas markets across Marbella. These are the markets:
La Fábrica de Elfos
📅 Dates: 28th November – 5th January
This is the first edition of the Christmas market at Avenida del Mar, Marbella’s emblematic avenue, a stone’s throw from the historic centre.
You’ll find indie stalls selling handcrafted, unique gifts perfect for Christmas Day or the Three Kings, as well as local products, including food.
Puerto Banus
📅 Dates: Beginning of December
Puerto Banus, Marbella’s luxurious port, becomes very festive during Christmas. Expect adorned trees and garlands, and Christmas stalls where you can find the perfect Secret Santa or Christmas present.
Estepona Christmas market
📅 Dates: TBC
The historic centre of Estepona gets festive with its Christmas market and activities to entertain all ages. Besides shopping from its stalls, you can see its nativity scenes and live concerts.
Nerja Christmas market
📅 Dates: 4th December to 5th January
Nerja will have its annual Christmas market in Plaza de España. There’ll be stalls with handmade items, local food products and Christmas decorations. Buy presents and enjoy its lively atmosphere before discovering all the things Nerja has to offer.
Christmas light events and decorations on the Costa del Sol
Christmas lights in Malaga
📅 Dates: 28th November – 5th January
The largest and most popular Christmas lights show is in Malaga, the capital of the Costa del Sol. No matter where you stay on the Costa del Sol, you can’t miss the Christmas light show in Malaga’s main shopping street, Calle Larios, where all the major events take place.
Every couple of years, you can expect different light shows. For example, we had the angel lights for the last three years (see photo above).
The atmosphere is very lively! Locals and travellers sing along to Christmas songs with their families and friends. Yes, from the famous All I want for Christmas (everyone knows Maria Carey!) to traditional carols that bring me memories from my childhood.
The Christmas light show in Calle Larios takes place at 6:30 pm, 8 pm and 10 pm (except on 24th and 31st December).
Parque Navideño Estepona
📅 Dates: 29th November – 4th January
If you’re looking for great Christmas activities in Estepona with kids, check out El Parque de la Navidad at Teatro Felipe VI. Not only can they meet Santa, but also ice skate, ride the beautiful carousel, and jump in the inflatable castles.
There are also stalls serving food, including tasty churros and other sweet treats!
The entry price is 5 euros, and you can book your tickets here.
Benalmadena Christmas lights switch-on parties
📅 Date: 28th November
Benalmadena will host three Christmas events to mark the start of the Festive Season and the lights switch-on across its main areas. Here is what to expect in each:
Benalmadena Pueblo (Plaza de las 3 Culturas)
- Children’s festive parade: 5 pm
- Christmas lights switch-on: 6 pm
Benalmadena Costa (Plaza Solymar)
- Zambomba concert: 7 pm
Arroyo de la Miel (Plaza Iglesia Inmaculada Concepción)
- Children’s festive parade: 7 pm
- Christmas party: 8 pm
Christmas lights in Marbella
📅 Dates: 1st December – 5th January
Besides Malaga, Marbella is my favourite place to see the Christmas lights and decorations. There isn’t a light show like in Malaga, but you can see beautiful lights in Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Square), La Alameda Park and the most magical street: Calle Cordoba.
The latter is a street in the centre of Marbella adorned with Christmas decorations made from recycled materials (cotton, paper, cork, etc.). It’s quite impressive to see.
Where to meet Santa and the Three Kings on the Costa del Sol
Muelle Uno (Malaga)
📅 Date: 28th November
Malaga Port is one of the most festive areas during the holiday season year after year. To mark the beginning of Christmas, Santa Claus will have a parade to this grotto. A free concert will follow the parade.
Centro Comercial Miramar (Fuengirola)
📅 Dates: 8th November to 5th of January
From the 8th of November, you can visit El Poblado de los Sueños de la Navidad in Miramar Shopping Centre. Their Christmas Dream Village is a designated space for those who want to experience the magic of Christmas. Download their free app to access the village’s activities and workshops.
You can meet Santa and take a picture with him from November 8th to December 24th, and the Three Wise Men from December 26th to January 5th.
On top of these, you might not want to miss their theatre performances!
Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos (across the Costa del Sol)
📅 Date: 5th of January
One of my favourite Christmas events is the Three Kings parade. Luckily, you can find them across the town on the Costa del Sol, not only in Malaga.
However, the one in Malaga is the biggest and most impressive parade! I must say. They all take place on the 5th of January, the day before the three wise men leave presents to children.
Where to eat during the holiday season on the Costa del Sol
Malaga
El Pimpi. The Christmas menu is available from the 1st of December. Expect to eat traditional Christmas dishes and local delicacies in the most emblematic restaurant in Malaga.
Torremolinos
Miguel Cerdán restaurant is one of the best fish and seafood restaurants in Torremolinos. Its location is also great, next to the beach. While it’s great to visit in the summer, they have four different Christmas menus featuring traditional fish dishes and some with international twists. Menus start from 36.95 euros.
Benalmadena
Sunset Beach Club. Celebrate Christmas Day at the hotel and enjoy their festive lunch, which includes turkey with roasted potatoes and vegetables, dessert and drinks. It’s 80 euros per adult and 40 euros per child.
Fuengirola
Los Mellizos. The well-known fish restaurant chain is launching a New Year’s Eve menu in 2025. It includes plenty of fresh seafood, fish and wine. The price is 130 euros per person.
Marbella
Puente Romano. This five-star resort has over four different restaurants where you can enjoy anything from Christmas brunch or lunch to NYE dinner. And if you celebrate Christmas Eve like we Spaniards do, you can do so at Sea Grill. You can find all the details on this page.
Estepona
El Palangre is a top choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious Christmas Eve or Christmas Day meal with family in Estepona. They’ve been doing Christmas meals for years, and although I haven’t tried their food yet, others have recommended it to me. Their rice and seafood dishes are very popular.
What to eat
Any Christmas meal is followed by desserts, cakes and chocolates. If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll love Christmas time on the Costa del Sol.
You can’t leave without trying these sweet delicacies:
- Turrón. Nougat is such a big part of Christmas in Spain. There’s no table without turrón. The most traditional ones are the chocolate nougat (Suchard is my favourite) and Jijona nougat. However, the nougat industry has grown and developed so much that you can find many other flavours, including odd ones like ham and lollipop. I’d personally stick to the traditional flavours.
- Mantecados. These rounded shortbread-style biscuits are so popular at Christmas. Unlike shortbread, mantecados are made with lard, so they aren’t vegetarian-friendly.
- Roscón de Reyes. We love the Three Wise Men so much that we have a specific cake that represents them, and we eat it during the holiday season. It consists of cake in the shape of a giant doughnut filled with whipped cream and topped with candied fruits. There’s a little gift inside it, so be careful when eating your piece!
You can find all of these traditional sweets anywhere on the Costa del Sol.
Where to stay on the Costa del Sol at Christmastime
There’s no shortage of hotels and resorts on the Costa del Sol. However, many hotels close during the off-season, including during the holidays. These are some of the best hotels across the Costa del Sol, where you can either engage in Christmas-related activities or have a festive meal.
- AC Hotel by Marriott Malaga Palacio
- Gran Hotel Miramar GL
- Hotel Larios Malaga
- Puente Romano
- Sunset Beach Club
- Hotel Yaramar
- Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Benahavís Marbella Resort
- Elba Estepona Gran Hotel & Thalasso Spa
- Hotel Villa Flamenca
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Are there any other events on the Costa del Sol that I’m missing? Let me know, and I’ll add it to the list!
Enjoy the holiday season on the Costa del Sol!
Cristina xx
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