While much of Europe slows down under grey skies and winter coats, Christmas in Marbella unfolds very differently. December here is bright, relaxed, and quietly festive. Days are mild, with temperatures typically hovering between 14–18°C, terraces stay open, and the sea remains part of everyday life. It’s a season that feels unhurried yet full of atmosphere, where festive traditions sit comfortably alongside Mediterranean routines.
This guide brings together the places, traditions, and seasonal highlights that shape Christmas in Marbella in 2025. It reflects how the festive season is experienced by those who live here year-round: a balance of local customs, international influences, and moments that feel easy rather than orchestrated.
Spanish Christmas Traditions, with a Sun-Kissed Twist
Christmas in Spain centres around time spent together. Long lunches, shared tables, and familiar rituals take priority over packed schedules. In Marbella, these traditions feel lighter, shaped by the climate and the city’s international character.
Christmas Lights Switch-On
Late November marks the official start of the season, when Marbella’s streets are illuminated with festive lights and music. The Old Town, the Golden Mile, and Puerto Banús all take on a softer glow that carries through until early January. Many locals also make the short drive to Málaga to see its famous light displays as part of their Christmas routine.
Zambombas Flamencas
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, spontaneous flamenco gatherings appear across the coast. Known as zambombas, these informal celebrations blend singing, clapping, wine, and seasonal dishes. They often take place in plazas, restaurants, and beachside venues, and they capture the warm, social side of Andalusian Christmas traditions.
Christmas Eve (La Nochebuena)
Christmas Eve is the most important night of the season for many Spanish families. Tables are filled with seafood, jamón ibérico, roasted meats, local wines, and traditional sweets. The evening usually stretches late, sometimes accompanied by music or impromptu singing that spills out into the street.
Christmas Day
The following day is slow and sunlit. Walks along the Paseo Marítimo, relaxed lunches, and time spent outdoors are all part of the rhythm. In Marbella, Christmas Day often feels more like an extended Sunday than a formal holiday.
Three Kings Day, 6 January
The festive season officially ends with the arrival of the Three Kings. Marbella’s Cabalgata de Reyes parade fills the streets with floats, music, and sweets thrown to children. It’s one of the most joyful events of the season and a firm highlight for families.
Christmas Markets in Marbella
Marbella’s Christmas markets are smaller than those found in central Europe, but they make up for scale with atmosphere. Sunshine, sea air, and carefully curated stalls define the experience.
Marbella Christmas Market, Avenida del Mar & Alameda Park
Running from late November 2025 until 6 January 2026, the main market stretches from Avenida del Mar into Alameda Park. Wooden stalls offer handcrafted decorations, artisan gifts, and seasonal treats such as turrón, polvorones, and mantecados. Hot chocolate and mulled wine are available, and live performances take place throughout the season. Evenings after sunset are particularly atmospheric.
Puerto Banús Christmas Market
Puerto Banús hosts a more glamorous version of the traditional market, set around Plaza Antonio Banderas and the marina. Alongside festive stalls, visitors will find an ice rink, food trucks, and pop-up shops. It’s especially popular with families and works well as an early evening plan before dinner.
San Pedro de Alcántara Christmas Market
For a quieter, more local feel, the market in San Pedro’s Plaza de la Iglesia offers a relaxed alternative. It’s less focused on tourism and more on community, with local vendors and a slower pace.
Christmas in Marbella Old Town
Marbella Old Town is where Christmas in Marbella feels most intimate. Narrow streets are decorated with lights, balconies are dressed with garlands, and Plaza de los Naranjos becomes a natural meeting point throughout December.
A stop at a local churrería is almost essential. Thick hot chocolate with freshly fried churros is a December ritual that cuts across generations. Small boutiques sell handmade ceramics, leather goods, local wines, and thoughtful Christmas gifts. On weekends, live music fills the plazas as musicians perform traditional villancicos, creating a festive backdrop without overwhelming the space.
Five Festive Activities to Plan Around in 2025
These seasonal highlights work well as anchors when planning your time in Marbella during December.
Source: forum.es
Winter Wonderland at Forum Marbella
From 27 November to 6 January, Forum Marbella creates a festive programme that typically includes seasonal installations, family-friendly activities, and a winter-themed atmosphere. It’s an easy option for an early evening outing, especially if you want festive energy without moving between multiple locations.
Christmas Lights and Sound Show in Málaga
From 28 November to 5 January, Calle Larios in Málaga hosts its renowned light and music show, with daily performances at 18:30, 20:30, and 22:00. The city centre transforms into a lively festive setting, making it an ideal evening trip from Marbella, particularly when combined with dinner or a walk through the historic centre.
Christmas Season at Anantara Villa Padierna Palace
Between 27 November and 7 January, Villa Padierna embraces a classic, hotel-style Christmas. Expect elegant décor, an impressive Christmas tree, seasonal dining, and a calm, refined atmosphere. It’s well suited for a special lunch, a festive dinner, or a winter spa day.
Ski Season in Sierra Nevada
From 12 December, Sierra Nevada opens for the winter season, offering a striking contrast to coastal life. Just a few hours from Marbella, it’s entirely possible to combine sunshine by the sea with snow-covered slopes within the same week. For the best experience, plan an overnight stay at one of the cozy hotels.
Seasonal Dining Across Marbella
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are important dining occasions, and many restaurants and hotels offer special menus. Whether you prefer something refined or relaxed, bookings should be made well in advance, as popular venues fill quickly during the festive period.
Where to Have Christmas Dinner in Marbella
From established restaurants to luxury hotels, Marbella offers a wide range of festive dining options. Forum Marbella brings together several restaurants in one setting, making it practical for groups with different tastes. Villa Padierna Palace and the Marbella Club Hotel offer a more traditional, polished experience, while beachfront venues keep things informal with seasonal menus and sea views. Planning ahead is essential, particularly for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
A Season That Often Becomes a Tradition
There is something about Christmas in Marbella that tends to linger. The ease of the days, the absence of winter pressure, and the way traditions adapt naturally to the setting often make people want to return, or stay longer next time.
For those who begin to imagine spending future Decembers here, whether in a family villa, a beach front apartment, or a penthouse close to town, the festive season is also a meaningful time to explore the area. Neighbourhoods feel lived-in, the pace is calmer, and it’s easier to sense what everyday life might look like beyond the holidays.
At Cima, we work with clients who are drawn to Marbella not just for a season, but for a lifestyle. Whether you’re considering a permanent move or a second home, our team is here to help you explore the areas and properties that align with how you want to live.
To close the year, Cima wishes you a warm Christmas and a happy New Year.