Last updated 9 November 2026. Evergreen activities verified; unannounced 2026 programme details must remain provisional.
Marbella in December is different from the summer version of the city. The busiest beach days give way to Old Town walks, seasonal shopping, community celebrations and evenings spent looking at Christmas lights. Some activities are available throughout the year; others depend on the municipal Christmas programme and need to be checked each season.
Confirmed for 2026
A few Christmas plans are already confirmed, even though the municipal programme is not yet published:
- 12 December: Living Nativity and Christmas Market, Parroquia Virgen Madre, Nueva Andalucía. Live animals, music, the Royal Postman and children’s entertainment, from 11:30. Details in our guide to nativity scenes.
- 15 December, 20:00: Collegium Musicum Christmas Concert, Church of the Encarnación, Marbella Old Town. No tickets; donations welcome.
- 19 December: Lunch with Santa & the Grinch at Jack’s Smokehouse, Puerto Banús, with kids’ activities and Santa’s post box.
1. Explore Marbella Old Town after dark
Start around Plaza de los Naranjos and wander the surrounding pedestrian streets when the Christmas lights are on. It is one of the simplest ways to enjoy the season without planning around a ticketed event. You can explore shop windows, local squares and the route towards Parque de la Alameda. For the 2026 switch-on date and suggested walking route, see our Christmas lights guide.
2. Browse a Christmas market
Marbella hosted a major Christmas market on Avenida del Mar in the 2025–26 season, and smaller community markets have taken place in San Pedro and Nueva Andalucía. At the time of this update, those 2026 dates need checking. Fuengirola’s Christmas market is confirmed for 26 November–20 December 2026, making it a reliable wider Costa del Sol option. See our regularly updated Christmas markets guide for the latest status.
3. Visit a nativity scene
Nativity scenes, known locally as belenes, are a distinctive part of Christmas in Andalusia. Marbella’s 2025 municipal programme included a Belén Municipal at Paseo de la Alameda and other displays associated with local churches and community groups. We expect the details to vary each year: check which venues, dates and opening hours are officially announced before making a dedicated trip. Our nativity scenes guide explains what to look for.
4. Plan something that the children can enjoy
Family programmes often include Santa visits, crafts, music and street entertainment. Not every activity runs daily, so check ages, dates and whether a reservation is required. If you want a ticketed lunch or a planned family event, our Christmas events for kids page lists verified events at participating venues. For public activities, use our free Christmas activities guide.
5. Go Christmas shopping without visiting a large shopping centre
Marbella Old Town is a good choice for small gifts, local boutiques, candles and home accessories. For a larger shopping trip, La Cañada offers practical household shopping while Puerto Banús has department- store options. If you’re decorating your home, see our separate guides to Christmas decorations and Christmas trees.
6. Experience a local Christmas tradition
Watch for zambombas flamencas, traditional musical gatherings where people sing Christmas songs in a flamenco style. Marbella’s previous municipal programmes have included these events, as well as community choir performances. Dates are event-specific; don’t assume a performance is running simply because it was held last year.
7. Make a short trip along the coast
Christmas doesn’t stop at the Marbella municipal boundary. Fuengirola’s confirmed market and seasonal activities in nearby Mijas offer worthwhile family outings. If you are looking for a restaurant or organised event, our Costa del Sol events directory also includes participating venues in Mijas Costa, with locations labelled accurately.
8. Look ahead to the Three Kings celebrations
In Spain, the festive season continues into the first week of January. The Cabalgata de Reyes Magos is a family parade traditionally held on 5 January. Route and times can change, so check our Three Kings guide as the municipality publishes its plans.
Quick answer
Can you enjoy Christmas in Marbella without booking anything?
Yes. Old Town walks, town-centre decorations and many public community events are suitable for a low-cost day out. Always check whether a specific workshop or show is free before advertising it that way.
Looking for festive dinners and family events instead? See Christmas events in Marbella.