Christmas in Costa del Sol 2024-2025: 5 Essential Tips from Christie’s Real Estate Team

20th December 2024 · 6 min. read

The Costa del Sol in winter, especially in December and January, is a very pleasant place to live an unforgettable experience. Above all, because you can experience a different kind of Christmas, the Spanish way. You will find traditions such as grapes on New Year's Eve or the Three Wise Men bringing gifts; parties full of sequins and champagne-filled dinners; and beautiful lights or great shopping in the city centres. We invite you to get to know the winter Costa del Sol a little better.

We have prepared 5 essential plans if you come to enjoy Christmas on the Costa del Sol:

Monica Gruber, our Real Estate Broker from the Málaga office, never misses the chance each year to take a stroll with her family along Calle Larios and admire its magnificent lights. For several years now, this beautiful main avenue in the centre has been a spectacle of light. During the Christmas season they keep the lights on from afternoon to evening. But what is really an exciting experience is to see the musical show that takes place every day. In three shifts every evening, the lights "dance" to the sound of typical Christmas songs.

In addition to the city centre, there are other places in Malaga that have beautiful illuminations. A must is the Botanical-Historical Garden of La Concepción. It is already beautiful and can be visited normally, as it was created in 1855 and has one of the best collections of subtropical flora in the open air in Europe. But if you also see it illuminated and decorated at Christmas time, it is like a winter fairy tale.

Carmen de Arriaga, our director of the Marbella office, strongly recommends indulging in some delicious churros with hot chocolate during the festive season. This is a typical tradition in Spanish winters, but at Christmas, it’s an absolute must at least once.

In Málaga Centro, Churrería Casa Aranda is the perfect spot to visit after admiring the Christmas lights on the famous Calle Larios. Renowned for its traditional churros and hot chocolate, this iconic establishment is ideal for soaking up the festive atmosphere of the city.

In Marbella, for example, the town centre is filled with cafés and churrerías that craft this sweet fried dough to perfection. We highlight Churrería Ramón, not only because it’s the oldest in the city but also for its charming location in the iconic Plaza de los Naranjos. For great value and a more local vibe, we recommend Churrería Generalife. There’s nothing quite like dipping fresh churros into a steaming cup of hot chocolate while enjoying the quaint terraces of Marbella’s Old Town. Don’t miss it!

Sten, our Real Estate Broker in the Márbella office, highly recommends experiencing one of Spain’s most cherished Christmas traditions. While in much of Europe, 25 December is the main day for exchanging presents, Spain celebrates a little differently. Santa Claus, has been embraced in recent years, and presents are often placed under the Christmas tree on 24 December.

However, the most magical time for gifts and children is the night of 5 January and the morning of 6 January, when the Three Wise Men from the East arrive on camels, delivering presents to well-behaved children and coal to the naughty ones.

According to tradition, these three wise men brought gifts to the baby Jesus, and they continue to do so for all children who believe in them. On the morning of 6 January, Their Majesties the Three Wise Men visit local hospitals in an act of solidarity. In the afternoon, they take part in a vibrant parade, filled with music, dancing, and plenty of sweets.

María insists that the parade of Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar is not to be missed. It’s a wonderful opportunity to remind the wise men of how well you’ve behaved this year and to enjoy the festive spirit of Málaga’s streets.

María, a Real Estate Broker at the Malaga office, highlights the numerous options for enjoying time with children during this festive season. Checking the cultural agendas organized by local town halls is a great way to discover exciting events and activities. Some standout recommendations include the Puerto Banús flea market and the Cartero Real (Royal Postman), who collects children's letters for presents, at Alameda Park in Marbella.

Ice skating is another fantastic activity, with several rinks available along the Costa del Sol. Additionally, families can explore a variety of workshops in handicrafts, cooking, or face painting, which are especially popular this time of year. Museums also offer engaging and educational experiences for all ages.

Spending Christmas on the Costa del Sol guarantees fun and memorable moments for the whole family!

Carolina, Front Desk at the Marbella office, recommends experiencing Christmas on the Costa del Sol, a time filled with unique flavours. One of the most popular holiday treats is the Roscón de Reyes, traditionally enjoyed on January 6th, when children open their gifts from the Three Kings. Families gather in the afternoon to share this delightful dessert.

The roscón holds a surprise inside: a bean and a small gift. Whoever finds the bean in their slice has to pay for the roscón, while the person who discovers the gift is crowned "king" of the celebration with a paper crown.

Beyond the beloved roscón, the Christmas gastronomy of the Costa del Sol is truly remarkable. Pastry shops showcase their windows with an endless variety of sweets, ranging from creamy delights to drier options, catering to every taste.

We hope these Christmas tips will help you to experience the Costa del Sol in a different way. For any enquiries about luxury properties in Marbella and Málaga, and other areas of the Costa del Sol please do not hesitate to contact us.

Follow us on our Marbella and Málaga Instagram

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!