2024 Christmas Events in Marbella: What’s On This Year

Christmas in Marbella is truly magical, with the city and surrounding towns glowing under festive lights and bustling with celebrations. From traditional Andalusian festivities to elegant dining and cultural experiences, Marbella offers something for everyone. Here's your guide to the top Christmas events in  Marbella and Málaga  this season.

Marbella Christmas Market

Dates: December 1st, 2024 – January 6th, 2025.
Location: Alameda Park and Avenida del Mar.

The Marbella Christmas Market is a favourite for families and shoppers alike, featuring beautifully decorated stalls offering handcrafted gifts, artisan foods, and traditional sweets. Live performances and festive workshops create a joyful atmosphere, and children can visit Santa’s Grotto for a magical experience.

What makes it unique: The picturesque coastal setting and Andalucian flair.

Puerto Banús Christmas Market

Dates: December 1st, 2024 – January 6th, 2025.
Location: Plaza Antonio Banderas, Puerto Banús.

The luxury marina transforms into a festive wonderland, combining high-end shopping with seasonal charm. With festive lights, gourmet treats, and live music, the market provides a unique blend of elegance and holiday cheer.

La Virginia Christmas Market

Dates: December 8th, 2024, from 11:00 to 18:00

Location: Urbanizacion La Virginia

This traditional mercado in one of Marbella’s most picturesque urbanisations offers crafts, vintage clothes, homemade food, and festive decorations.

Sunset Christmas Market at Magna Marbella Golf

Date: December 7th, 2024, from 10:00 to 17:00
Location: Magna Marbella Golf

This market offers a festive experience surrounded by Marbella’s stunning natural beauty. The market features stalls selling arts and crafts, gourmet products, and festive gifts, all set against the backdrop of the picturesque golf course.

Bazar Solidario de Cáritas

Dates: From December 12th to 15th.

Location: Palacio de Congresos de Marbella

The XIX Bazar Solidario de Navidad, organized by Cáritas Marbella, is a heartwarming event aimed at raising funds to support their extensive charitable work. Visitors can explore an array of stands offering Christmas items, jewellery, clothing, accessories, and home décor. A dedicated gastronomy section invites attendees to share meals with family, friends, or colleagues. The event also features cultural and entertainment activities for all ages, making it a festive highlight of the season.

What Makes Them Unique: These markets are infused with community spirit, providing an intimate and welcoming festive experience.

Festive Activities

• Santa Claus Parade: December 12th – Starting at Plaza Santo Cristo and ending at Paseo de la Alameda, this lively procession includes child-friendly entertainment.
• Melia Don Pepe Hotel: The 5-star Don Pepe Gran Meliá Hotel in Marbella is celebrating its 60th anniversary with an exclusive program of holiday activities. Running until January 7th, the schedule includes ice skating, a Christmas market, culinary experiences, and festive traditions.
• Forum Activities: From December 1st Forum will turn into a Christmas wonderland with festive decorations and heartwarming activities throughout the month. We have a Christmas Market where you can get Christmassy treats and little gifts, as well as a skating rink with skates for rent. There will be gingerbread decoration for kids, a jazz band, you can experience the magic of Lucia. See the full program here
• Christmas Evening with Juanlu Montoya. December 15th, 2024 at Recinto Polivalente La Caridad, San Pedro Alcántara. This family-friendly event offers a day of live music, featuring the renowned Juanlu Montoya and performances by local artists Ana Soto and Sonacay. Alongside the concert, children can enjoy activities like entertainment and bouncy castles. A solidarity eco-bar will raise funds for local charities.
• Christmas Concert  December 20th, 2024, at 20:0 at Palacio de Congresos de Marbella, organised by Finca la Concepción. This inaugural Christmas concert promises an evening of beautiful holiday music in an elegant setting. Perfect for families and music enthusiasts, the concert captures the essence of the season.

What makes it unique: These events combine community spirit with festive magic.

Flamenco Zambombas

Flamenco Zambombas are a cherished Andalucian Christmas tradition, blending the soulful art of flamenco with festive carols known as "villancicos." These communal gatherings feature heartfelt singing, passionate dancing, and rhythmic percussion, creating a warm and joyous atmosphere that embodies the spirit of the season.

In Marbella, several Flamenco Zambombas are scheduled for December 2024:

• December 6, 2024: Christmas Flamenco Zambomba at noon on Paseo de la Alameda, organised by the "La Pollinica" Brotherhood.
• December 13, 2024: "Soleá" Christmas Zambomba at 8:00 PM at the Cortijo Miraflores Cultural Center. This event requires a €10 donation and has limited capacity.
• December 14, 2024: Solidarity Zambomba "Los Nocheros" at noon in Santo Cristo Square, featuring a toy collection drive.

What makes it unique: These events offer a unique opportunity to experience the fusion of flamenco artistry with Christmas traditions, providing an authentic glimpse into Spanish culture during the festive season.

Family-Friendly Fun: Elf Trail

Dates: December 16th, 2024.
Location: Casco Antiguo, Marbella.

Explore Marbella’s Old Town during the Elf Trail, where festive characters hand out toys and prizes. This activity encourages local shopping while spreading holiday joy.

Creative Workshops for Kids

Marbella’s creative workshops offer young ones a chance to embrace the spirit of Christmas with hands-on, fun-filled activities:

• Create a Christmas Gnome: On December 12th at 15:30, children aged 5+ can craft their own adorable Christmas gnome to take home (€40).
• Build a Gingerbread Tree: On December 19th at 15:30, children aged 3+ will decorate their very own Gingerbread Christmas tree (€40).

Both workshops are small-group events designed to inspire creativity and festive cheer.

What Makes Them Unique: These activities provide a magical opportunity for children to immerse themselves in the festive spirit and create lasting memories.

Charity and Cultural Events in San Pedro Alcántara

• Carrera del Kilo: December 16th – Join the Boulevard’s annual charity run to support Cáritas by donating food items.
• New Year’s Concert: January 3rd, 2025 – Enjoy municipal bands performing in Plaza de San Pedro.

What Makes It Unique: A free, inclusive celebration of Christmas that combines entertainment, community spirit, and charitable giving.

Festive Dining Experiences

Dates: Throughout December.
Location: Restaurants and hotels across Marbella.

Indulge in seasonal menus at renowned establishments like Puente Romano Beach Resort, Marbella Club Hotel, and others offering elegant dining experiences paired with festive entertainment.

What makes it unique: The fusion of world-class cuisine with holiday traditions.

Christmas Day Walk on the Paseo Marítimo

Dates: December 25th, 2024.
Location: Paseo Marítimo, Marbella.

Enjoy "Senda Litoral Promenade " for a leisurely beachfront stroll, soaking in Marbella’s mild winter sun and Mediterranean views.

What makes it unique: Relaxation meets festive atmosphere.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Dates: December 31st, 2024.
Location: Across Marbella.

Ring in the New Year with beachside parties, elegant dinners, or the traditional countdown at Plaza de los Naranjos. Don’t forget the Spanish tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight!

What makes it unique: Marbella’s glamorous take on New Year’s Eve.

What Makes It Unique: A sophisticated musical experience celebrating the spirit of Christmas

Christmas in Málaga

Christmas Lights and Sound Show

Dates: November 29, 2024 – January 6, 2025.
Location: Calle Larios.

Málaga’s renowned light displays on Calle Larios dazzle visitors nightly. Synchronized music and elaborate designs transform the city into a festive wonderland. Showtimes are 6:30 PM, 8:00 PM, and 9:30 PM daily.

What makes it unique: One of Spain’s most spectacular Christmas light displays.

Christmas Market

Dates: December 1, 2024 – January 6, 2025.
Location: Paseo del Parque.

Explore Málaga’s festive market, featuring over 90 stalls selling nativity figures, artisanal crafts, and traditional holiday treats like turrón and polvorones.

What makes it unique: A lively market offering a mix of tradition and festive cheer.

Light Show at the Botanical Garden

Dates: November 29, 2024 – January 6, 2025.
Location: Jardín Botánico-Histórico La Concepción.

Embark on a magical evening stroll through Málaga’s illuminated botanical gardens. The themed light installations and music make this event an enchanting holiday experience.

What makes it unique: A serene and immersive light show in a natural setting.

Three Kings Parade

Dates: 5th January 2025

Location: Málaga City centre and Marbella city centre.

Málaga’s Three Kings Parade is a grand event that features vibrant floats, live music, and sweet treats distributed to children, drawing thousands of spectators.

If you’d prefer to stay in Marbella, experience its traditional Three Kings Parade. The town comes alive with colorful floats, lively music, and treats that delight children and adults alike.

What makes it unique: A large-scale celebration filled with joy and community spirit.

Plan Your Christmas in Marbella

From cultural events to charity runs and festive dining, Málaga, Marbella and San Pedro Alcántara promise a season of joy and community. Make your plans early to ensure you don’t miss the magic of Christmas 2024 in these vibrant towns!

Pia Arrieta, 05 Dec 2024 - Living in Marbella