2025 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, 2025 – January 6th, 2026.
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 6th 2025 – January 6th, 2026.
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 7th, 2025, 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.

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

Festive Activities

• Marbella Town Hall has prepared a carefully curated festive programme for all ages, designed to be enjoyed with family and friends. Throughout December and early January, the streets will once again come alive with music, shared moments and a true Christmas atmosphere. Children will eagerly await the arrival of Santa Claus and the Three Kings, celebrate the New Year with the traditional mini campanadas, and enjoy the much-loved Parque Mágico. Meanwhile, adults will be able to reconnect with Marbella’s most cherished traditions, including Nativity scenes, zambombas, concerts and a wide range of cultural and family-friendly events. The official programme runs from early December 2025 through to 5 January 2026. Full program
• Forum Marbella:  will once again become a festive meeting point this Christmas, with its ice skating rink open daily until 6 January 2026. Santa will be visiting on 4, 6, 13, 20 and 23 December, while children can enjoy gingerbread decorating and Christmas craft workshops on selected dates throughout the month. Live music and Christmas choirs will bring a seasonal atmosphere to the venue during December, and several restaurants will host special dining experiences for both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Full Program

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 2025:

• December 6, 2025: Christmas Flamenco Zambomba at noon on Paseo de la Alameda, organised by the "La Pollinica" Brotherhood.
• December 20, 2025: "Soleá" Christmas Zambomba at 18:30 PM at the Cortijo Miraflores Cultural Center. This event requires a €5 donation and has limited capacity..

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.

Charity  Events

• Bazar Solidario de Cáritas Dates: From December 11th to 14th. 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.

• Charity Karaoke on 27 December, in support of the local Food Bank

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

Festive Dining Experiences

Dates: Throughout December and January.
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, 2025.
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, 2025.
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

Just a 45-minute drive from Marbella, Málaga’s Christmas season officially begins on 28 November 2025 with the switch-on of its famous Christmas Lights and Sound Show on Calle Larios. One of the most spectacular displays in Spain, the show runs nightly until 6 January 2026, with performances at 6:30 pm, 8:30 pm and 10:00 pm, transforming the city centre into a true festive spectacle.

The traditional Christmas Market at Paseo del Parque will once again bring seasonal atmosphere to the heart of the city, running throughout December 2025 and into early January 2026. Visitors can browse dozens of stalls selling nativity figures, handmade crafts and classic Christmas treats such as turrón and polvorones.

For a more immersive festive experience, the Botanical Garden Light Show at La Concepción returns from 28 November 2025 to 6 January 2026. This magical evening walk through illuminated gardens combines themed light installations and music in a unique natural setting.

Together, these events form part of Málaga’s wide-ranging official Christmas programme, which also includes concerts, nativity scenes, family activities and celebrations across the city throughout the festive season.

Three Kings Parade

Dates: 5th January 2026

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 2025 in these vibrant towns!

Pia Arrieta, 04 Dec 2025 - Guides to Living in Marbella