Christmas on the Spanish Coast: Weather, Traditions and Must-Do Plans

If you are used to Christmas with grey skies, icy winds and long nights, spending the festive season on the Spanish coast can feel like discovering a completely different way of living. Along the Costa Blanca, Costa Cálida and Costa del Sol, Christmas is full of lights, music and traditions, but the backdrop is very different: mild temperatures, blue skies and terraces full of people enjoying the winter sun.

For many of our clients, celebrating Christmas here is the moment they realise they could happily spend every winter in Spain. In this blog, we bring together everything you need to know: what the weather is like, how Christmas is celebrated, the main markets and events, and some beautiful nativity and light routes you can enjoy with family and friends.

What Christmas really feels like on the Spanish coast

From the end of November, streets and squares start to change. Towns and cities across the Costa Blanca, Costa Cálida and the Costa del Sol switch on their Christmas lights, decorate roundabouts and promenades, and fill their squares with trees, nativity scenes and music.

You can expect:

• Mild daytime temperatures, often around 15–20 ºC in the middle of the day.

• Many hours of daylight, ideal for walks on the promenade or a coffee by the sea.

• A mix of Spanish traditions (Nochebuena, New Year’s grapes, Three Kings parades) and international influences, thanks to the large European community living here all year round.

Instead of rushing from the office in the dark, you are more likely to be walking along the beach, exploring a Christmas market, or having a drink on a sunny terrace with friends.

Christmas plans to enjoy with family and friends

Spending Christmas near the coast opens up a different kind of festive agenda. Alongside family meals and cosy evenings at home, you can:

• Stroll through Christmas markets with artisan products, regional sweets and decorations.

• Visit live nativity scenes, traditional “belenes” in churches and town squares.

• Follow light routes through historic centres and promenades.

• Take children to Christmas parks, funfairs and special activities.

• Enjoy concerts, charity events and parades almost every week in December.

Below you will find a selection of the most interesting Christmas markets and events by area, perfect whether you already have a home in Spain or you are planning a viewing trip in December.

Christmas markets and events on the Costa Blanca

Dénia

At the end of November, Dénia opens its Mercat de Nadal along Calle La Vía. Local producers, schools and associations work together to create a festive programme with food, crafts and children’s activities – a very authentic way to start the season.

Benidorm

From mid-November to January, Benidorm turns Elche Park into a true Christmas Square, with stalls full of artisan products and seasonal foods, an ice rink and a cosy village-style atmosphere. It is one of the most lively Christmas spots in the area and ideal for families.

Finestrat

In mid-December, the old town of Finestrat transforms into a small Advent village. The exact dates may change each year, but the market is a well-known regional event, combining mountain-village charm with Christmas decorations, stalls and warm drinks.

Santa Pola

Santa Pola offers a smaller, local and very authentic Christmas market, where you can find handmade products, regional treats and decorative items. It is perfect if you prefer a more relaxed, village-like atmosphere by the sea.

El Campello and Villajoyosa

Both El Campello and Villajoyosa organise their own Christmas market formats and festive lighting programmes. Expect decorated promenades, illuminated streets and small markets with local artisans, ideal for an afternoon walk followed by a meal with sea views.

Torrevieja

In December, the Paseo Vista Alegre in Torrevieja becomes a Christmas zone, with craft stalls, gastronomy and stage performances. In addition, on 29 December, Plaza de la Constitución hosts a charity Christmas market, with local artisans, handmade gifts and charity stalls – a lovely way to combine Christmas shopping with a good cause.

Alicante

In Alicante city, the entire Explanada de España, the harbour area and the old town transform into a festive scene. The city hosts 24 special Christmas market days across squares and streets, with workshops, live music and family shows. It is one of the most complete Christmas agendas on the Costa Blanca and a great day out for all ages.

Almoradí

Almoradí celebrates Christmas with craft markets and festive stalls, where local producers present gastronomic products and handmade items. It is an excellent example of the more traditional, inland side of Christmas on the Costa Blanca.

Christmas on the Costa del Sol: lights, music and big events

Further south, in the Málaga province and along the Costa del Sol, Christmas is especially vibrant, with some of the most spectacular light displays and markets in Spain.

Málaga city

• Paseo del Parque (1 Dec – 6 Jan): A classic Christmas market with more than 90 stalls selling Nativity figurines, decorations, gifts, books, nougat, traditional sweets and more.

• Pier One – Muelle Uno (daily until 11 Jan): Considered one of the sunniest Christmas markets in Europe, with stalls offering gastronomy, fashion, jewellery and seasonal treats right by the sea.

Fuengirola

• 27 Nov – 21 Dec: Christmas market on Plaza de la Constitución, known for having some of the most beautiful Christmas lights on the Costa del Sol.

• Every Saturday during these dates: A large artificial snowfall around 19:30, which is always a highlight for children.

Marbella and surroundings

• Marbella Charity Bazaar (11 – 14 Dec): A festive bazaar at the Palacio de Congresos with shopping, food and activities.

• Marbella (until 5 Jan): Christmas market on Avenida del Mar, with over 30 stalls offering crafts, sweets, decorations and gifts.

• Puerto Banús: A Christmas market at Muelle Ribera, with crafts, toys, ornaments, jewellery and festive decorations. Food trucks serve local delicacies, international street food, mulled wine and traditional sweets.

Benalmádena, Torremolinos and Mijas

• Benalmádena (28 Nov – 5 Jan): Christmas market on Plaza Adolfo Suárez.

• Torremolinos (23 Nov – 2 Jan): Christmas market on Avenida Palma de Mallorca, with stalls and festive activities.

• Mijas Pueblo (28 Nov – 5 Jan): Market in the whitewashed village, offering handmade sweets, gifts, decorative items and toys in a very picturesque setting.

Estepona

• 29 Nov – 4 Jan: Christmas park at the Felipe VI Auditorium Theatre, with an ice rink, Santa’s house, carousel, bumper cars, ice slide, bouncy castles and food stalls – a full family day out.

• 21 Dec: Traditional Santa’s Village on Plaza del Ajedrez, with bouncy castles, workshops and artificial snow.

Rincón de la Victoria and Torre del Mar

• Rincón de la Victoria (5 Dec – 8 Jan): Christmas market on Plaza de la Constitución.

• Torre del Mar:

  • 5 Dec – 1 Jan: Christmas amusement park on Plaza Juan Aguilar with free attractions and workshops.

  • 13 Dec: Pop-Christmas event with a Queen tribute and flamenco.

  • 18 Dec: Big Hot Chocolate Party.

  • 20 Dec: Hakuna Matata concert, Estopa tribute and OBK concert.

  • 23 Dec: Children’s Christmas Village.

  • 28 Dec: Christmas market.

  • 21 Dec: Día de las Migas, one of Málaga’s most popular gastronomic festivals.

Nerja

• 19 Dec – 5 Jan: Christmas market with wooden stalls.

• 21 Dec: Live Nativity scene at Las Protegidas.

• 31 Dec: New Year’s Eve party at the Balcón de Europa, overlooking the sea.

• 5 Jan: Traditional Three Kings Parade through the town.

Christmas in Cartagena and the Costa Cálida

In the Costa Cálida, the city of Cartagena also offers a lively Christmas agenda, especially around the harbour and central squares.

• 14 Dec: Christmas market on the esplanade next to the Alfonso XIII pier.

• 16 Dec: Face painting activities for children.

• 17 Dec: Writing letters to Santa workshops.

• 23 Dec: Storytelling sessions.

• 24 Dec: Adults’ disco, bringing a different twist to Christmas Eve.

• 28 Dec: Elf Factory, a playful event for families.

• 29 Dec: Cooking with Mrs Claus and Santa Claus karaoke.

• 22, 23, 24, 28, 30, 31 Dec and 4, 5, 6 Jan: Sound and light show on Plaza Cartagena de los Mundos, turning the square into a magical, immersive experience.

For anyone considering a home in the Costa Cálida, these events are an excellent excuse to spend a few days in the city and explore the coast nearby.

Nativity scenes and light routes: a different way to explore each area

Beyond the markets, one of the most charming Christmas traditions in Spain is visiting nativity scenes (“belenes”) and following light routes through different towns. You can easily design your own route, combining:

• Historic centres with special lighting, such as Alicante, Málaga or Nerja.

• Traditional belenes in churches, town halls and cultural centres.

• Christmas squares and promenades, like Elche Park in Benidorm, Paseo Vista Alegre in Torrevieja or Muelle Uno in Málaga.

This type of route is a relaxed, authentic way to get to know different towns while you are in the area for holidays or property viewings. You can stop for dinner, try local sweets, and really feel what winter life is like here.

Why Christmas is a great time to discover your future home in Spain

For many of our clients, spending Christmas on the Costa Blanca, Costa Cálida or Costa del Sol is the final push they needed:

• They experience the real winter climate, much kinder than in Northern Europe.

• They see that there is life all year round, with events, services and a strong international community.

• They get a clear idea of which areas and towns best match their lifestyle, whether they prefer a lively coastal city, a family-friendly resort or a quieter traditional town.

If you are thinking about buying a new-build home or holiday property in Spain, planning a trip in December or early January allows you to combine viewings with Christmas markets, light routes and local events. It is both practical and enjoyable – and it helps you imagine what your future winters in Spain could feel like.

Perhaps next year, you will be celebrating Christmas in your own home under the Spanish winter sun!