Christmas is a magical time that includes family plans to create wonderful memories. And what better place to celebrate this time of the year than the Costa del Sol?
In the province of Malaga, the Christmas season is particularly charming, offering a wide range of experiences for the whole family. From the Nativity Scenes Route to a variety of cultural events, the Costa del Sol is the destination that everyone wants to visit at Christmas.
Keep reading to discover our suggestions for Christmas plans in the province of Malaga! You’re going to love them...
What can you do at Christmas on the Costa del Sol?
On the Costa del Sol, Christmas is celebrated in a unique way, offering a wide range of family activities to suit all.
Here are a few ideas to enjoy the festive traditions of our charming province during the holiday season with your loved ones:
Nativity Scenes Route
Discover the tradition of the Nativity Scenes Route, which criss-crosses the entire province of Malaga, allowing you to appreciate different artistic expressions that represent the birth of Jesus.
- Malaga City Council Nativity Scene: you can visit this representation until 6th January, from 10am to 2pm and from 5pm to 9pm. It covers an area of 150 square meters, with more than 500 figures and, for the first time this year, there is a screen showing a time-lapse video of the scene being set up.
- Malaga Cathedral Nativity Scene: another of our best nativity scenes can be found in Malaga Cathedral. It is a monumental nativity scene that can also be visited until 6th January. It has more than 350 figures by several sculptors, and the decoration has been hand made by members of La Alcazaba Association of Nativity Scene Makers (ABEMA).
- Malaga Provincial Council Nativity Scene: Created by Diego Alonso and Juan Francisco Moreno, it can be visited until 5th January and covers an area of 250 square metres. It uses 4,000 kilos of stones, 600 kilos of earth, 40 kilos of moss, more than 1,000 light bulbs, 1,800 clay figures and 18,000 miniatures, and also has special effects. It represents 19 biblical scenes along with Malaga monuments and local traditions, such as raisin making in La Axarquía.
- Carmen Thyssen Museum Nativity Scene, in collaboration with the Archconfraternity of Los Dolores de San Juan, in the Courtyard of Columns and available until 7th January. This is a Neapolitan nativity scene (featuring figures from artisan workshops in Naples), and you can also enjoy free Christmas concerts here.
In addition to these Christmas nativity scenes in the city of Malaga, you can also visit many more elsewhere on the coast, such as:
- Torremolinos: this town’s nativity scene is located on the ground floor of the Torremolinos Town Hall, with 345 figures and five passages. It will remain open to the public until 6th January (closed on 25th December and 1st January). It’s a must see!
- Live Nativity Scene in Fuengirola: this classic nativity scene will be on 21st December at 8pm in the Parish Church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen in Fuengirola, located in Calle Maria Josefa Larrucea. Don’t miss this poignant Christmas tradition!
- Live Nativity Scene in Torrox: on Thursday 28th December, the Almedina women’s association will hold the first Christmas festivity with a representation of a live nativity scene in the Plaza de la Constitución.
- The Benalmádena underwater nativity scene has been created by Sea Life, and although they have set it up in previous years, for the first time in 2023 it includes an App (Sea Scan) that allows you to explore more in-depth information about the nativity scene and the different marine species.
Take in our wonderful Christmas decorations
The Costa del Sol truly knows how to deck the halls at Christmas, inviting families to immerse themselves in its festive ambience.
One of the most wonderful things to do in Malaga with your loved ones is to explore the Christmas decorations that adorn streets, squares and picturesque corners throughout our destination.
Here are a few ideas:
- The Calle Larios light show, with 3 shows a day at 6:30pm, 8pm and 10pm (except 24 and 31 December).
- Enjoy the architectural projection or video-mapping that takes place on the south tower of Malaga Cathedral, facing the entrance to AC Málaga Palacio. It will be available until 4th January and lasts approximately 8 minutes. It’s perfect for the kids!
- Head to the Balcón de Europa in Nerja where a huge 30-metre-high Christmas tree has been installed along with eight other trees along the promenade symbolising almond trees. The lights are simply incredible.
- Another option is to visit Calle Córdoba in Marbella, near the Lorenzo Cuevas stadium. This street will be shining bright for the fourth year running thanks to the initiative of local residents. This short pedestrian street has become a Christmas spectacle with lights and handmade decorations. It's definitely a must see!
- Benalmádena is also ready to enjoy Christmas. Especially in the Plaza de España, you can admire the town’s impressive Christmas tree adorned with sparkling decorations. There is also a popular ice rink, which captivates both children and adults.
Wherever you go on the Costa del Sol for Christmas, you’re bound to have an incredible time.
Try our delicious food
Traditional Christmas treats made in the province of Malaga are simply sublime. Many local restaurants and shops offer our local seasonal delicacies.
So, if you’re coming with the family, we recommend you try the traditional mantecados and polvorones from Antequera which you can find anywhere on the Costa del Sol at this time of year. The main distinction between the two is that the mantecado has a higher proportion of lard. Also polvorones are rounder in shape, contain almonds and are sprinkled with icing sugar, whereas mantecados are more likely to contain sesame seeds. Of course, both are absolutely delicious.
There are also other Christmas sweet treats in Malaga that you’ll want to try, such as:
- Pestiños: these are made using flour, oil, sweet wine and aniseed, fried and then sprinkled with sesame seeds or sugar. There may be different variations in the recipe used, but they are always delicious.
- Roscos de vino: this traditional recipe is still a firm favourite throughout the province and Spain as a whole. The ingredients include flour, sweet wine, sugar, olive oil, lemon zest, sesame seeds, liqueur and icing sugar.
- Roscón de Reyes: This sweet bread is usually baked in a large ring shape with a hole in the middle, and is decorated with candied fruits on top, representing jewels. It is often sprinkled with sugar or almonds and is filled with pastry cream, fresh cream or chocolate cream (there are several variants). Inside, you can hide surprises or figures of the baby Jesus and it is usually eaten on 6th January, marking the end of the Christmas season.
Other options include bienmesabe, cabello de ángel, borrachuelos, yemas del Tajo and a good mug of thick hot chocolate, among others.
Other activities for families
If you liked our ideas for Christmas plans on the Costa del Sol, stick around because we still have more to offer.
Christmas markets are very popular here, so why not check out some of the following:
- Christmas Village at Muelle Uno: located by the sea, you’ll be hard pressed to find a more special place for a Christmas market. In addition to the stands, there is snow, music and entertainment for children.
- Torremolinos Christmas Market: In the Plaza de la Nogalera you’ll find a market with a variety of stalls offering traditional Christmas items. It opens from 11am to 10pm until 5th January 2024.
- Christmas market in Nerja: available in the Plaza de España on 22nd December, including snow.
- Medieval Christmas Market in Rincón de la Victoria: In the Plaza Al Andalus, it has a wide variety of items for sale, decorations, and plenty of festive cheer.
- Marbella Christmas Market: on the terraces of the Marbella Marina, you can enjoy this Christmas market from 11:30am to 9pm until 5th January.
Enjoy these outdoor activities in winter and experience the magic of Christmas!
Experience Christmas on the Costa del Sol with the whole family
As we mentioned in this article, in the province of Malaga, the Christmas season comes alive with a variety of activities for all ages. From the traditional Nativity Scenes Route to exploring the Christmas decorations that adorn our streets and squares, the Costa del Sol is the ideal destination to create truly wonderful memories with your loved ones.
Experience the Costa del Sol with our family plans at Christmas!
