December is one of the most magical months on the Costa del Sol. From the festive streets of Marbella Old Town to the waterfront sparkle of Puerto Banús, the family-friendly charm of San Pedro, the coastal beauty of Estepona and the cosy mountain ambience of Benahavís, the entire region becomes a warm winter wonderland. Whether you’re visiting for the whole month or planning a Christmas break, this guide highlights the very best things to see and do during the Christmas period.
For a full list of events view our: EVENTS CALENDAR
✨ Christmas Lights & Markets
🎄 Marbella Old Town Christmas Lights
Location: Casco Antiguo (Marbella Old Town)
What actually happens:
Marbella Old Town becomes the heart of the city’s Christmas decorations. Streets are wrapped in warm gold lights, the orange trees in the plaza are illuminated, the balconies and façades are decorated, and a main Christmas tree or light installation is usually placed in Plaza de los Naranjos or Plaza de la Iglesia.
This is the main area for night-time festive strolls.
⭐ Puerto Banús Christmas Market
Location: Puerto Banús Marina
What’s actually there:
- Wooden chalet-style stalls
- Artisan crafts and handmade gifts
- Festive food stands
- Christmas music and decorations
- Seaside atmosphere under Christmas lights
This market stretches along the marina front, starting near the Louis Vuitton/Gucci section and running toward the harbour curve.
🎁 Estepona Christmas Fair
Locations:
The Estepona Christmas Fair typically spans two main areas:
1. Paseo Marítimo de Estepona
Estepona’s beachfront promenade hosts:
- Seasonal market stalls
- Children’s attractions
- Light displays
- Festive installations
2. Plaza Antonia Guerrero (Old Town)
Used for:
- Christmas concerts
- Community shows
- Market stands
- Christmas workshops
Together, these spaces form the core of Estepona’s December festivities.
🍽 Festive Dining (Top 5 Restaurants)
🍷 La Sala Puerto Banús
A vibrant holiday atmosphere with Christmas menus, seasonal cocktails and live music throughout December, ideal for festive group gatherings.
🔥 OAK Firehouse & Cocktail
Warm, cosy and elegant with wood-fire dishes and a refined festive menu. Perfect for Christmas lunches and intimate December dinners.
🌊 Beach House Marbella
Festive beachfront dining with live musicians and holiday brunches. A beautiful option for those who love the mix of sea views and seasonal flavours.
✨ The Grill at Marbella Club Hotel
An iconic venue offering classic Christmas dishes, refined menus and an elegant ambience throughout the festive period.
🍽 El Palangre, Estepona
A welcoming coastal restaurant offering seasonal group menus and a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere during December.
🎭 Christmas Shows & Performances
🎶 Teatro Ciudad de Marbella Performances
Location: Teatro Ciudad de Marbella, Calle Jacinto Benavente (Marbella Centre)
What actually happens:
Throughout December, the theatre hosts a dedicated Christmas programme that typically includes:
- Children’s Christmas musicals
- Classical concerts
- Dance productions
- Family holiday theatre shows
This venue is the official municipal theatre, so all major December performances are held here.
💃 Zambomba Flamenca
Locations these are traditionally held:
• Plaza de la Iglesia – Marbella Old Town
A central spot where municipal zambombas are commonly organised in early/mid December.
• Parque de la Alameda – Marbella
Frequently hosts open-air flamenco Christmas shows and charity zambombas.
• Plaza de la Iglesia – San Pedro de Alcántara
San Pedro runs its own zambombas here, usually with local flamenco groups.
What it is:
A traditional Andalusian flamenco Christmas celebration with live singing, dancing, drums, tambourines and festive atmosphere — nearly always held outdoors in these public squares.
🎼 Estepona Christmas Concerts
Main venues used every December:
• Auditorio Felipe VI (Estepona)
Estepona’s largest performing arts venue — hosts:
- Orchestral Christmas concerts
- Ballets
- Choral holiday performances
- Family music shows
• Plaza del Reloj (Estepona Old Town)
A popular outdoor location for:
Open-air festive shows
Choir performances
Municipal band Christmas concerts
🎅 Family-Friendly Festive Activities
🎨 Children’s Christmas Festival – Parque de la Alameda, Marbella
This is where Marbella traditionally hosts its main children’s festival throughout December. The park becomes a lively Christmas zone with workshops, inflatables, face-painting, craft tables, mini-shows and family entertainment during selected afternoons.
🎉 Children’s Christmas Festival – Boulevard de San Pedro de Alcántara
San Pedro’s central boulevard hosts its own version, with bouncy castles, kids’ games, small performances, character visits, photo spots and holiday activities running throughout the month.
🎡 Estepona Children’s Fair – Paseo Marítimo
Estepona sets up a dedicated children’s park on the seafront promenade, usually including rides, inflatables, games, workshops and festive attractions that run all month long.
Meet Santa, take photos and enjoy festive storytelling sessions available on various days throughout December.
🌍 Surrounding Area Highlights
✨ Málaga Christmas Lights – Calle Larios, Historic Centre
Where it takes place:
Calle Marqués de Larios, Málaga Centro Histórico
This is the main pedestrian street in Málaga, running from Plaza de la Constitución down toward the port.
What actually happens:
- The famous illuminated arches stretching the full length of Calle Larios
- Nightly musical light shows (usually 2–3 shows per evening)
- Additional lights across the Historic Centre, including Plaza de la Constitución, Calle Granada, Plaza de la Merced and the Cathedral gardens
- Christmas market and nativity scene in Muelle Uno (the marina area)
This is the biggest and most iconic Christmas attraction in the region – worth a dedicated evening visit.
🎄 Sotogrande Christmas Fair – La Reserva or Sotogrande Port
Where it takes place:
The Sotogrande Christmas Fair traditionally rotates between:
• La Reserva Club Sotogrande (luxury country club & events space)
• Sotogrande Marina / Ribera del Marlin (boutique waterside area)
What the fair includes:
- Artisan stalls (jewellery, crafts, gourmet products)
- Workshops for adults and children
- Christmas décor, seasonal installations and music
- A relaxed luxury vibe consistent with Sotogrande’s style
It usually runs across selected weekends in December.
🎅 Gibraltar Winter Festivities – Main Street & Casemates Square
Where it happens:
• Casemates Square – The main plaza at the entrance to the old town
• Main Street – Gibraltar’s central pedestrian shopping street
• Kings Bastion Leisure Centre – winter activities for kids
• Commonwealth Park – often decorated and used for family events
What’s included:
- Winter lights and festive displays
- Gibraltar Christmas tree in Casemates Square
- Children’s attractions and themed characters
- Christmas shopping along Main Street
- Occasional festive shows and community events
It’s a fun half-day to full-day festive outing with a different cultural flavour.
🎀 Why December Feels Magical on the Costa del Sol
From crisp winter evenings under glowing lights to festive meals by the sea, December in Marbella blends tradition, elegance and Mediterranean warmth. Every town from Marbella to Estepona & Benahavís offers its own flavour of Christmas charm.
Whether you’re here for the food, the family fun, the culture or the coastal atmosphere, the festive season offers something beautiful every single day.
For a full list of events view our: EVENTS CALENDAR