The 2024 Marbella Christmas Festivities 

Updated 12th December 2024

Marbella is magical at Christmas. During December, the town sheds its “party ‘til dawn” image and slows the pace to something more intimate and cosy. It is a time for catching up with friends and enjoying festive lunches in glorious sunshine. Of slipping on warm jackets to explore the Old Town and admire the Christmas lights, with the smell of roasting chestnuts and inviting log fires in the crisp night air. Though Marbella may not have the snow, it can be found just 2 hours drive from the town in the Sierra Nevada mountain range and Ski resort in Granada.

Parque de la Alameda

If you want to spot Santa in Marbella, the Alameda Park is a good place to start. The Town Hall has constructed a Father Christmas house, where children can mail their letters to Santa. The inauguration ceremony will take place on December 12th at 5:00 p.m. accompanied by a Christmas Parade “Santa Clause is Coming” featuring the Marbella Musical Group. Right after the parade, there will be a children’s entertainment show “Welcome Santa Clause” on the Paseo de la Alameda.

Letters to Santa

All children who wish to mail their letters to Santa, will be able to deliver their letters to Santa’s House on the following days and times:

Old Town Marbella

Father Christmas aside, there are several seasonal events in the Old Town this month. The Plaza de Los Naranjos is the setting for a light and sound show that incorporates the two huge trumpet playing angel decorations in the middle of the square “Los Angeles Trompeteros”. (Every evening at 6.30, 7.30 and 8p.m.). There are also free concerts, processions and many other activities throughout this month – visit Marbella.es for the full programme.

Though simply exploring Marbella’s charming Old Town is enough to put you into a festive spirit without attending a single event, with its sparkling Christmas lights and deep red Poinsetta flowers that line the streets, the promenade and flowerbeds around the town. Decorated shop fronts almost outnumber the abundant cafés where you can stop for a spot of shopping or festive treat.

Then there is the Belén nativity scene at the Plaza de la Iglesia de la Encarnación, which is displayed at the church just a 2 minute walk from the Plaza de Los Naranjos. In and around the plaza you’ll find roasted chestnuts (and churros!) artisanal chocolates, candied apples and traditional Christmas delicacies like turrón and polvorones.

 

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Beyond the Bazar Solidario, The Gran Meliá Don Pepe Hotel stands out this year, celebrating its 60th anniversary with a spectacular Christmas market complete with an XTRAICE synthetic ice rink, and will remain open until January 6th, 2025. If you ever fancied alfresco ice skating with a breathtaking view of the Mediterranean sea, this is your chance!

Opening hours for the ice rink:

Forum Marbella also offers an ice skating rink and Christmas market and Christmas tree market throughout December, transforming itself into a true Christmas destination. The venue comes alive with festive decorations and a host of activities. From live performances to Santa Clause making a special appearance every Saturday, from 14:00 – 17:00, right up until December 22nd.

The Best of Festive Dining in Marbella

For some truly designer Christmas dishes, you can count on Marbella’s best, such as the Marbella Club, which will be hosting three main galas at The Clubhouse with a Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas lunch and New Year’s Eve dinner. A culinary adventure awaits guests, curated by the venue’s expert chefs who will showcase an elegant winter menu, including porcini and truffle cream soup, sole paupiette with lobster and caviar sauce and Beef tournedó with fondant potato and Chasseur sauce.

Also on offer at The Beach Club will be special editions of Marbella Club’s traditional Grand Buffet, accompanied by live music throughout the season. For those seeking more personal gatherings, the venue also offers exclusive private spaces like La Bodega and the Tomato Garden. These intimate areas provide the perfect setting for family celebrations.

Puente Romano is a top-tier choice for festive feasting, with an array of exquisite selections across multiple venues. At Cipriani, guests can enjoy a sophisticated Christmas celebration with a special Christmas Eve menu featuring elegant dishes like Pumpkin Ravioli and Bread Crust Turbot Fillet.

Sea Grill invites diners to share Mediterranean moments with a special 5-course Christmas Eve menu, featuring delicacies such as salmon and langoustine carpaccio, and sole and lobster rolls. They also offer a Christmas Day brunch buffet with traditional dishes and an impressive dessert selection.

Whilst El Pimpi introduces festive “Tardeos” – afternoon celebrations with light bites, drinks, and music, their Christmas Eve dinner promises an authentic Mediterranean experience with Andalusian tunes, food, and a warm atmosphere.

From beachside elegance to refined indoor settings, diners at Puente Romano can look forward to live music, seasonal specialties, and a whole lot of Marbella charm.

Anantara Villa Padierna, is another luxurious choice, with its own special festive gala menu going live on December 24th at La Veranda restaurant.

Some of the hotel’s other upcoming events include a workshop with their master florist, where you’ll get to craft your own Christmas centerpieces on December 12th. Then, on December 19th, a delightful candy-making workshop guided by their own master pastry chef. The most romantic of all is taking place on December 21st and 28th, where you can enjoy Candlelight Concerts featuring a repertoire of iconic Christmas classics.

From exploring the twinkling Old Town, to ice skating with a sea view, to Christmas markets and savouring gourmet menus, or even creating a festive centrepiece or two – whatever you choose to do, we hope you have a Marbellous Christmas!