Marbella offers one of the best climates in Europe throughout the winter holiday season, with highs of 19’ and lows rarely under 8’ centigrade. The views from the Mediterranean sea to the Serrania mountains are fantastic, you can enjoy a relaxing drink on the beach surrounded by palm trees whilst looking to the distant snow capped Serrania de Ronda and Granada.
Marbella is a great location for outdoor sports, as it allows you to take day trips to the world class ski resort of Sierra Nevada, cross country walking and hiking on La Concha mountain, paragliding, kite-surfing, windsurfing and even zip-lining are all on the doorstep.
From the end of November, Marbella and Malaga cities throw themselves into the festive spirit, decorating the streets with lavish Christmas lights, red and white pointsettia plants and red carpets. The pedestrian areas around Calle Larios in the heart of Malaga boasts some of the most beautiful Christmas adornments, including illuminated Gothic arches with chandeliers. Afternoon street entertainers and the typical chestnut and Turron street sellers are located throughout this shopping area. Marbella Town Hall invests heavily in public gardens and decorate each roundabout with brilliant red pointsettia plants ensuring a Christmas spirit.
The build up to Christmas includes a large Santas Grotto situated next to the fountains at La Alameda Square in the centre of Marbella. The most amazing Nativity scenes can be seen throughout the town, Marbella Town Hall holds a competition with prizes for the best Nativity scene in Marbella, many local shops compete, you can get a guide and enjoy a pleasant evening walking around looking at them. A variety of Christmas Markets with La Virginia being the most famous (13th December), offering artisan unique pieces, handmade products and home-cooked speciality delicacies, located in the typical Andalusian style pueblo with cobbled streets, pretty houses and its own chapel. La Virgina is a very sought after location within walking distance of Marbella town centre and the beach, Marbella Unique Properties are pleased to offer a wonderful 4 bedroom home with interior courtyard for sale in this charming area.
At this time of year the Teatro Goya in Puerto Banus presents live links to International Ballet and Opera with special Christmas themed productions including The Nutcracker from the Royal Ballet, London – Opera by Verdi – Monte Carlo and The Lady of the Camelias performed by the Bolshoi Ballet – Moscow.
Marbella Unique Properties newly renovated offices are located in the heart of Puerto Banus, we welcome you to visit our offices for Christmas rental apartments.
The Spanish Christmas celebrations begin with the Fiesta of the Immaculate Conception on 8th December followed by 24th evening meal to celebrate the birth of Christ. The 3 Kings are on their thrones in La Cañaada shopping centre each day to meet the children, bringing the magic of Christmas. The 24th December starts the 12 days of Christmas that ends on the night of 5th January when the 3 Kings arrive in the evening to hand out the presents to the children. This is one of the most special days of the year where children await patiently for the early evening street parades when the 3 Kings arrive on floats and hand out sweets. Last year the 3 Kings arrived on the new San Pedro Boulevard by Helicopter, in typical Marbella style.
Shell-fish, Jamon Serrano, Turron, dried fruits and nuts are the typical festive foods washed down by bottles of Cava together with a non-alcoholic version for the children.
The International community have brought Christmas traditions to Marbella from around the globe:
- German chocolate advent calendars.
- The celebration of light “Santa Lucia” 13th December one of the most exotic-looking Swedish customs with boys and girls dressed in long white gowns with candles in their hair singing traditional songs.
- 24th December Spanish traditional evening meal followed by a church mass with churches full of animals, recreating the idea of the stable in Bethlehem where Jesus was born.
- 25th December English Christmas Day Turkey lunch with Brussel sprouts and trimmings.
New Years Eve celebrations are enjoyed in the main town squares, at Maiz Viñals avenue provide free party bags and offer live music and a countdown to the New Year followed by fireworks. There is avenue is jam packed with people of all ages and nationalities bringing in the New Year together. Spanish tradition is to eat one grape for every chime of the New Years bell to bring luck for the coming year. Typically after the celebrations on your way home, your family and friends stop for “Churros and Chocolate” – hot Spanish style doughnuts and thick hot chocolate as the first breakfast of the year.
After the celebrations Marbella continues to be a great destination offering a variety of Spa Hotels, Detox Clinics, boot camps and many outdoor sporting activities which can still be enjoyed due to the wonderful climate. The January sales being the 7th offering great bargains, for home decoration, quality bed linens, unique glassware, tableware and interesting objects d’art. A great time for our clients to furnish their new homes.
Marbella for Christmas? Marbella is a wonderful place to enjoy the Holiday season with much to offer, we look forward to your visit!