Whether you spend every Christmas in Marbella or divide your time between the coast and elsewhere, the festive season here has a character all of its own. December days are brighter and more open than in northern Europe, while the pace of daily life is shaped as much by outdoor activity as traditional indoor celebrations.
Local families, long-term residents and holiday-home owners are able to make the most of the mild weather, the long afternoons and the fact that much of the season takes place outside. It creates a version of Christmas that feels familiar yet remembers its roots in Andalucian tradition.
Marbella lights up
Marbella marks the Christmas season with a well-organised lighting programme in the centre of town and the Old Town itself. The switch-on takes place in late November and brings illuminated arches, overhead lights and decorative façades to the historic centre, particularly around Plaza de los Naranjos, Calle Ancha and the nearby pedestrian streets. It creates a welcoming atmosphere for evening walks, dinners and shopping without overwhelming the unique character of the area.
Avenida Ricardo Soriano and Alameda Park also form part of the route, giving the town centre a consistent festive feel throughout December. The lights support the longer opening hours in shops and encourage people to spend more time outdoors, which suits Marbella’s mild winter climate.
In Puerto Banús, the marina and Plaza Antonio Banderas receive their own seasonal installations, alongside a Christmas market that typically includes stalls, children’s activities and weekend entertainment. It gives residents and visitors another place to enjoy the season in a relaxed, coastal setting.
The overall effect is warm, sociable and easy to enjoy. For homeowners who spend Christmas in Marbella, it is one of the simplest pleasures of the season. You can walk through the centre, meet friends for dinner and enjoy the lights in comfortable temperatures that allow you to make the most of the evenings.
Outdoor living at its best
Indeed, the weather is one of the greatest advantages of spending Christmas on the Costa del Sol. Clear mornings and mild afternoons make December an ideal month for walking, cycling and exploring the coastline. The Senda Litoral, the wooden walkway that runs along large stretches of the shore, is particularly popular at this time of year. Beaches are quieter, the sea air is crisp and many residents choose to spend Christmas Eve or Boxing Day with a relaxed seafood lunch overlooking the water.
Golf remains a key attraction during the festive period. Courses in Marbella, Benahavís and Estepona stay in excellent condition and tee times are easier to secure than in autumn. For owners who rent their homes during peak months, December is often the time to enjoy the property themselves. A morning round followed by tapas in the sun becomes an appealing part of the Christmas routine.
A festive season for families
Families with children will find plenty to do. Local councils organise parades, craft activities, concerts and visits from the Three Kings’ helpers into January once Santa Claus has taken his leave. The programme varies each year but usually includes outdoor theatre and music events in Alameda Park and the Old Town.
The Cabalgata de Reyes on 5 January remains the main highlight. Floats travel through Marbella and San Pedro, music fills the streets and children collect sweets thrown from the slow-moving vehicles along the route. It is one of the most significant dates in the local festive calendar and gives international families a chance to experience a Spanish tradition firsthand.
For quieter days, parks and green spaces across the coast offer plentiful spaces to enjoy the pleasant outdoors.
A snowy escape in Sierra Nevada
A benefit that is sometimes overlooked is the convenience of having Sierra Nevada within easy reach when you spend Christmas in Marbella. Within approx. two hours, you can be on the slopes for a full day of skiing or snowboarding. Many families make this part of their Christmas break, especially between Christmas and New Year when the resort is at its busiest.
It is possible to leave the coast after breakfast, spend the day in a true winter environment and return to the sunshine of the coast in time for dinner. Many also choose to stay a little longer, booking a room in one of the hotels in the area, to fully take advantage of the resort and its facilities.
Sierra Nevada also holds appeal for non-skiers. It offers mountain cafés, walking routes, scenic viewpoints and a genuine winter atmosphere without requiring a long trip abroad. It provides an easy contrast to life on the coast and fits naturally into a Christmas schedule for Marbella homeowners.
A Christmas that feels like a lifestyle upgrade
If you are considering a property that enables you to enjoy this unique quality of life each winter, Kore Estates can help you find the right fit. Our team has extensive local knowledge of Marbella and its surrounding areas and can introduce you to homes that work for both everyday living and holiday seasons. Get in touch and let us help you find a place where Christmas in the sun becomes part of your year.