Untangling the buses in the Costa del Sol

It is difficult to figure out the buses in the Costa del Sol. Frankly, it is sort of messy, with several operators, some joined together in the Consorcio de Transporte Metropolitano del Área de Málaga, some not, and some partially; there are different systems, prices and cards depending on the operator, a lot of cards overlapping and limited, dispersed information online.

Above: two buses from Avanza. The one on the left (line M-220) is part of the Consorcio Malaga; the one on the right (line L-304) is not.

The goal of this post is to collect as much information as possible in a single place and help untangling this mess. I’ve added every link to every relevant page on the text below, so it should be easy (or a bit less difficult!) to find how to get anywhere your heart wants in the Costa del Sol! But first, let me explain how to pay for the bus.

How to pay for the bus in the Costa del Sol

As a rule of thumb, you can pay for the trips with cash (small bill or coins), directly to the driver, entering through the front door of the bus. Debit or credit cards are accepted on EMT buses (which run inside Malaga city) and may be accepted by Interbus buses, which run inside Fuengirola – some people online say they do, but I am yet to confirm this information – but you cannot pay for the bus with bank cards in the rest of the Costa del Sol, unfortunately.

Avanza, the main bus operator in the Costa del Sol, only accepts bank cards in their offices, which sell their own bus cards, not inside the buses. I asked a driver and even called Avanza to confirm – they really do not accept bank card payment (neither debit nor credit card) on the buses.

But if you are staying longer, if you want to travel often by bus, and especially if you live in the Costa del Sol, you should get a few bus cards that give substantial discounts and make the trips easier, as you just tap the card as you enter, instead of counting coins. It’s the next best thing as to paying directly with a bank card, or even better because of the discounts. In this post, we explain and link to all information about these bus cards.

Malaga city buses

The main bus operator of Malaga city is EMT, which is responsible for most of the bus lines that travel within the city. You can find their prices, discount cards, lines and times on the respective linked pages of their website. They do accept the green bus card, despite not being part of the Consorcio Málaga.

To go to the neighboring towns, though, you wouldn’t use EMT. Malaga is connected to the rest of the province by several different operators, many of them bundled on the Consorcio Málaga – an attempt by the government to give some uniformity to the public transportation system, by joining several operators under the Consorcio guidelines. It is helpful, but not complete, as many bus operators are not part of the Consorcio; the Consorcio also has a limited range – it is focused on the city of Malaga, not on the Costa del Sol as a whole.

You can check the lines of the buses operated by companies that belong to the Consorcio on their website. The Consorcio also includes, beyond buses, the 2 train lines of Malaga and Malaga’s subway. You can use the green bus card that we discussed on Bus and Train Cards in the Costa del Sol in the lines operated by the Consorcio Malaga (EMT buses, Consorcio buses, train and subway). By the way, it looks like the trains in the Costa del Sol will continue to be free of charge until at least June 2025!

Among the operators of the Consorcio, Avanza is the one that offers more lines in the Costa del Sol, and the main one at our next stop, Torremolinos.

Torremolinos buses

Torremolinos has two bus lines that stay only in the town, lines T-1 and T-2, both operated by Avanza, and several lines connecting Torremolinos to nearby towns (choose Torremolinos on ‘Municipio’ to see all the bus lines of the town). These are also all operated by Avanza, except for line M-136, which connects Los Álamos, in Torremolinos, to Alhaurín de la Torre and Cártama, operated by Autocares Vázquez Olmedo. As both operators belong to the Consorcio Málaga, I believe it is possible to use the Consorcio green card on every bus of Torremolinos.

Above: T-1 and T-2, the two bus lines that ride inside Torremolinos, as shown in Avanza App.

The full price ticket within Torremolinos costs € 1,30 as of this writing, and the town does not offer free bus lines for residents (Benalmadena, Fuengirola and Marbella do, as we’ll see ahead). With the green bus card this price drops to € 0,50 (up to the end of 2024) or € 0,99 (from January 1, 2025). Avanza also has their own discount cards with better discounts than the green bus card of the Consorcio, but they are valid just for lines T-1 and T-2. You can read about Avanza cards here and buy one for €1,80 at Avanza’s office in Terminal Torremolinos (Calle Hoyo 10, shown below).

Above: Avanza’s office in Terminal Torremolinos, one of the main stops of the town.

In Torremolinos, the Avanza cards are sold only at the office in Calle Hoyo, but can be recharged in the bus. Notice, though, that this card is valid only for lines T-1 and T-2, the lines that stay within Torremolinos, referred to as Transporte Urbano de Torremolinos; the green bus card is valid for these lines and all other lines of the Consorcio Málaga. Nothing stops you from getting both and using the one that is more convenient on each occasion – I would certainly do that if I used the T-1 and T-2 lines often. Both Avanza and the green bus cards are available for visitors and residents alike.

Benalmadena buses

Like Torremolinos, Benalmadena has two lines that circulate only within the town – lines M-103 and M-107, both operated by Avanza. It is also connected to nearby towns by several bus lines, all of them by Avanza (choose Benalmádena on ‘Municipio’ to see all the bus lines of the town). On top of the two internal lines, buses that connect to other towns are used daily just to move inside Benalmadena; and like Torremolinos, Malaga and Fuengirola, Benalmadena also has the train.

Above: M-103 and M-107, the two bus lines that ride inside Benalmadena, as shown in Avanza App.

Residents of Benalmadena can use the two internal lines – M-103 and M-107 – for free, as long as they have the transport card which we’ve discussed in detail in Bus and Train Cards in the Costa del Sol; everybody – local or not – can benefit of the discounts of the green bus card in these two lines and in all other lines of the Consorcio. The fares for these two lines in Benalmadena, as of this writing, are € 1,55 (full price) and € 0,50 (up to the end of 2024) or € 0,99 (from January 1, 2025) with the green bus card.

The fares for the bus lines connecting Benalmadena to the other towns remain too tangled for my understanding, but you always get a good discount with the green bus card. I think almost each line has their own fare, but go down to around € 0,40 to €0,50 (in 2024; probably € 0,99 in 2025) with the green bus card.

Fuengirola buses

Fuengirola bus system is completely different from the previous two towns we have seen so far, something that took me long to understand. 😳 But I did it! (I think). Here is the catch: much like Malaga, Fuengirola is served internally by a bus operator that is not part of the Consorcio, but connected to the other towns by Consorcio’s bus lines. That explains, among other things, why it is so hard to buy a green bus card in Fuengirola!

There are 5 bus lines that run within Fuengirola, all operated by Interbus. They are called L1 (blue), L2 (green), L3 (pink), L4 (yellow) and L5 (dark red).

All 5 are free for Fuengirola residents – an example! For everybody else, the current fare is €1,20 per person and € 0,60 for pets; it is possible to buy a 10-trip pass for € 10,00. The town also has their own app, called Fuengirola Transporte Urbano, but no transportation card.

But when leaving Fuengirola by bus, you’ll get one from Avanza, and there the green bus card makes sense. You can check the lines that connect Fuengirola to the nearby towns on the page of the Consorcio (choose Fuengirola on ‘Municipio’ to see all the Consorcio bus lines that pass in the town).

Mijas buses

Mijas is a bit different from the previous towns, but not like Fuengirola. It’s quite unique. There are no internal bus lines in Mijas connecting the different parts of the town; when moving between La Cala de Mijas and Mijas Pueblo, for instance, one would need to go to Fuengirola and then take another bus. Sad, I think.

Nevertheless, Mijas Town Hall says that Las Lagunas has 3 urban lines that allow for good communication within the different parts of the city… but doesn’t name or show them. The same page points at the Consorcio Málaga (choose Mijas on ‘Municipio’ to see all the bus lines of the town) as the provider of buses for the town – all of them by Avanza. At least the green bus card is valid here!

Marbella buses

Up to now we got it easy, dear reader, thanks to the Consorcio Málaga. It just turns out that, for reasons beyond my understanding, the Consorcio Malaga does not include Marbella (nor Estepona). This is the Consorcio’s range:

There are 13 bus lines that run inside Marbella – all provided by Avanza but completely unrelated to the Consorcio, which means the green bus card is not valid here at all. These 13 lines are free for residents that have the local bus card! There are discount cards available as well, one of which, called Tarjebus, lowers the fare from € 1,18 to € 0,83. You can check information on Marbella cards and fares here. Besides the resident’s bus card and Tarjebus, Avanza offers one more option of bus card that make sense for frequent Marbella visitors: it is the Avanza Costa del Sol card, that we will discuss ahead, because it also matters for Estepona visitors.

The problem is the connection between Marbella and nearby cities. It’s deficient, to put it lightly. The Consorcio has one bus line, M-320, named Malaga-Marbella and another one, M-220, named Fuengirola-Marbella but, as you would expect, it doesn’t really reach Marbella – at least not with the green bus card.

It’s very confusing: the page for the M-220 line on Consorcio says it goes only until Leila Playa, in Calahonda (Mijas) close to the border of Las Chapas (Marbella), but several kilometers away from Marbella’s center; the page for the same M-220 line on Avanza says it goes way beyond Leila Playa, reaching the center of Marbella and beyond. I guess the lines that reach beyond the Consorcio borders have this particularity, that you would have to inform the bus driver of where you are going and be charged accordingly, either being allowed or not to use the green card! Because why not make it complex, right?

To go to Marbella Center from Benalmadena or vice-versa, by bus, it would take at least two buses and about two hours; there seems to be only one bus line (L-304, Málaga-Ronda), and it passes only twice a day. It is also more expensive than the usual bus (around € 6,00 each way), as it is actually an inter-city, travel bus. By car, it takes around 40 minutes – but parking in Marbella’s Center is expensive, around € 4,00 per hour. Uber / taxi should cost around € 30 to € 40.

To find the ways to go to Marbella from where you are, I’d recommend checking Google Maps first (you can do it from the map below!), and then confirming times and lines on Avanza. Even better if, instead of using Avanza’s website, you can confirm on Avanza’s app, which updates in real time.

Google gives many more options than looking directly on Avanza’s website; they also show local lines, which can come in handy – but the bus lines may be outdated. Avanza’s website shows less options, takes time to load and is not always user friendly, but seems to be up to date – or so we hope! Avanza app I have used on the street a few times, and so far, it has been spot on.

I think the best way to get to Marbella from Malaga, Torremolinos or Fuengirola using public transportation would actually include taking the train to the last stop – Fuengirola – and from there, the L-60. This bus passes several times per day – way more than two! – which is already a big plus. The full fare is € 3,75, but less with Avanza’s Costa del Sol card. And the bus stop is very close to the train station, so you can time yourself according to your needs. 😉

Above: the bus stop in Fuengirola (Terminal Fuengirola) where we can get the L-60, that goes to Marbella. This stop is very close to the train station. On the right of the image, we can see Fuengirola’s obelisk (Monumento Mare Nostrum), which is right at the exit of Fuengirola’s train station.

Estepona buses

Estepona is quite large, but has only 3 bus lines, all by Avanza. Checking the Town Hall’s information on the matter takes you straight to a page in Avanza website about buses in Estepona. And you know what? It is an improvement. Up to August 2024, the buses in Estepona were being provided by another company, much smaller; it was even harder to find information, and there were only 2 lines.

Above: E-1, E-2 and E-3, the bus lines that ride inside Estepona, as shown in Avanza App.

The regular fare for the internal lines in Estepona is € 1,20, but it lowers to 0,70 with the Avanza Costa del Sol bus card. There are no bus cards in Estepona besides the Avanza bus card, that we will see in the next topic.

Estepona, like Marbella, is not connected to the Consorcio Malaga, and getting there is like getting to Marbella on steroids. From Benalmadena, there are ways to reach the town by taking two buses, but most options use three; there are less lines than to Marbella, and, of course, the trip is more expensive and longer – about 3 hours, while by car it is close to one. You can check directions and lines from where you are on the map below:

Avanza Costa del Sol Card

The Avanza Costa del Sol bus card works for a limited number of lines, which are not covered by the Consorcios’s green bus card but are specified on the previous link. It also works for the lines within Estepona (with discount) and for those within Marbella (without discount). It can be purchased in the Avanza offices listed here and recharged in the same offices, in the bus or even online.

I have never used this card, and it seems a bit complex; according to the previously linked page about the card, you’d have to inform the bus driver about where you would like to go, as for some lines this card is valid only for origin or arrival outside of the borders of the Consorcio. So, in the same bus line, this card can be both valid and not valid. A Schrödinger’s card, so to speak…

From the Airport to Marbella or Estepona by bus

Getting to Marbella or Estepona from the airport by bus is confusing, to say the least. Take Avanza’s line L-602, for instance, that looks very convenient: it has one stop in the airport, next on Marbella and then Estepona. Fantastic, right?

But it offers only one time – get to Malaga in the morning or no deal! Clicking on the pdf link that says “consulta aqui todos los horarios de media y larga distancia” (check here all the times for medium and long distances), though, gives you this fabulous list with all the lines and times from Malaga to pretty much anywhere – Marbella, Estepona, even La Línea and Algeciras:

Check those that show times both from the airport and to where you want to go. I assume arrows means no-stop, times mean stop / arrival times and a dash means the bus doesn’t get there. Right after Algeciras there’s a field with tiny, tiny numbers – these are the bus lines you are looking for! As this information may vary overtime, don’t trust the list I put here too much; follow the steps I did to find this pdf in Avanza to get data straight from the source. 😉

Conclusion

Right, now let’s do a test! Just kidding; I feel more like eating spaghetti, after all those lines. I hope we untangled the buses a bit, but at least now we have a lot of relevant information about buses in the Costa del Sol linked in one page. That’s a win! Don’t forget to bookmark this page, so you get a bit less lost when riding the buses around the Costa; and if you know more or want to know more, please leave a comment – let’s improve this mess together!

Have you ever wondered how we celebrate Christmas in the Costa del Sol? I’ll tell you all about it in this post. But before we start, let me warn you: it is a huge celebration, filled with lights, colors, music, joy and activities everywhere you look. It also lasts 40+ days, is collectively made and very well organized. It is amazing!

The many associations that belong to the different towns of the Costa del Sol organize, in full or in part, different events. These are religious associations connected to the local churches or brotherhoods, cultural associations, dance and music schools that take the opportunity to promote their services, as well as the senior citizens associations, gathered around the active participation centers, and the commercial associations, that promote markets and some of the parades. In Marbella, the neighborhood associations are also heavily invested. On top of it all, come the Town Halls and their subdivisions (delegations) that coordinate and tie the events together. You see, Christmas in the Costa del Sol is really a collectively made celebration!

All forces combined make each year and town unique. Every year brings new surprises, which may or not be added to the list of traditions for the following years. Let’s take a closer look at what is already part of the traditional celebrations of Christmas in the Costa del Sol, so you know what you can expect.

It all starts with a program

Around the end of November, each town publishes their Christmas program on their official websites. These are lengthy programs that gather all Christmas related events that are being prepared by the different associations of each city, plus those that are prepared by the Town Hall. The programs list all public Christmas events of a given town, in Spanish, informing briefly, for each event, what is happening, where and when. You can see examples of such programs in the related posts below – I collect them, translate each into English and post the English version of the program on the blog! 🙂

The notable exception is Mijas, that tends to prepare several events just as the other cities, but do not combine them in a program. The traditional Christmas events are all there, regardless. Program or not, in every single town of the Costa del Sol, Christmas season does not happen or start – it inaugurates. Yep, it’s a big deal!

Inauguration and switching on of the Christmas lights

The Christmas season is inaugurated in each town following a rather standardized pattern: there is the switching on of the Christmas illumination, followed by a speech by a notable local citizen, often followed by a party. The local authorities – the mayor and counselors – are also present at the event.

The moment when the lights go on for the first time is much anticipated. The cities start to put up the Christmas lights around October, and during November everywhere we go there are Christmas lights – but they are off. Once they inaugurate, the main streets and squares become lively and colorful. A lot of people gather to see the lights go on for the first time in the season, and to enjoy the show. After this first day, lights are turned on every evening and off early morning throughout the season, which lasts up to January 06.

The inauguration of the Christmas season happens traditionally on the last Friday of November, though it is completely up to the towns to decide it, and variations do occur. The inauguration shows, location and time are, of course, informed in the program – that is, if the Town Hall has already released the program, which sometimes happen a few days after the season has already inaugurated!

Christmas trees in the Costa del Sol

In the plural, dear reader. Because you won’t find just one Christmas tree in no city, town, nor pueblo – there are always a few. Of course, it is likely to be a main one, probably in a place of great confluence of people, but most areas will have their own as well.

A few Christmas trees in the Costa del Sol. The top left one is in Torremolinos, the others in Benalmadena.

The Christmas trees become lit up together with the other Christmas lights, and the towns tend to vary the drawings on the structure from one year to the following. Some trees allow people to take cool pictures inside the Christmas tree itself – even the Christmas trees are fun in the Costa del Sol!

Nativity Scenes all around

Another Christmas in the Costa del Sol staple is the Municipal Nativity Scene. During the Christmas season, the towns tend to display a large and detailed nativity scene (a representation of the birth of Christ), prepared, usually, in coordination with or by one or more local religious Brotherhoods or churches. These scenes tend to be displayed either in the city center or in one of the town’s cultural centers.

Benalmadena’s Municipal Nativity Scene, for instance, is displayed in Plaza Pueblosol, in the city center, in a structure built just for it. It measures about 20m² and is quite detailed. It is more than just a Nativity Scene; in reality, it’s more like a Bethlehem diorama that contains, among other many scenes, a nativity scene. People go around the diorama to absorb all its details.

The Municipal one is certainly not the only nativity scene in a town. Practically every church, brotherhood and many of the cultural places also display their own – it is associated with Christmas almost as much as the Christmas Tree itself. Moreover, there are even live nativity scenes, where the local citizens take the roles of the Bethlehem citizens of the time when Christ was born!

Christmas markets

Oh, so good. As you walk along admiring the Christmas lights, there’s nothing better than a good Churros to go, some hot beverage (glögg!) and even a last-minute gift to the people back home – all goodies you can find in the cute stalls of the traditional Christmas markets that are part of the celebration in most towns of the Costa.

Not all the stalls in the Christmas markets are Christmas-related, though. There is some variation. In Fuengirola, most stalls are on theme and are displaced along a square (Plaza de la Constitución), giving it a little village feel. Fuengirola also innovates bringing artificial snow to the market, which makes it even more special!

Christmas parades

Every celebration in the Costa del Sol has at least one parade, and Christmas is no exception. These tend to be relatively short during Christmas, and can have a variety of themes. They are often oriented to kids, with dancers in cartoon costumes jugglers, stilt walkers and Santa Claus’s helpers. They are lovely; small kids and adults enjoy it best.

Christmas music

There are plenty of Christmas music events going on in the Costa del Sol and the best part is that none includes Mariah Carrey. Spanish culture is so musically rich, with so much variation, that you may not hear the same song twice (except for Feliz Navidad / prospero año y felicidad, because that one plays all the time). Christmas-themed Flamenco could be a whole subgenre of Flamenco (maybe it is).

Among the musical events, the ones we see more often in public spaces are Pastorals, Candelas and Zambombas. They are each special on their own way:

Pastorals

Pastorals are related to either a church or to a Brotherhood. They are a mix of choir and instruments group, that sing Spanish villancicos (Christmas carols) and other traditional songs.

Candelas

Candelas are beautiful both visually and musically. They are Flamenco shows that take place around a bonfire – the candela (literally: candle). In the cold of December, the idea of hearing a Flamenco guitar by the fire is extremely appealing!

Zambombas

Zambombas are extremely popular, probably because they are generally the most festive of the musical events. 😉 Their choice of repertoire is more livelier, meant to make people move. Not dance music, but the same idea.

Besides these, there are many presentations that take place in auditoriums and theaters, and the Malaga Philharmonic Orchestra usually greets us with some beautiful concerts.

Christmas Food

Food is present in the Christmas market stalls and in the stalls built around traditional music presentations that take place in open spaces. The most traditional in these stalls are pastries; for more substantial meals, there are the restaurants, many of which create special menus for the Christmas season.

There are all kinds of Christmas menus; some served only on Christmas day, some only on Christmas eve (which in Spanish is called nochebuena – literally: good night – !) some to be picked up ahead and so on. The important thing to keep in mind is that if you want to have a special Christmas meal in a restaurant, you have to book ahead. I have made a list of restaurants that are serving Christmas meals in 2024; take a look; it can be a good starting point!

Santa Claus Village

Most towns set up a way for kids to meet Santa Claus. There will be a small house, with Santa Claus inside (and a big line outside); kids enter with their parents, talk, take pictures and leave. It is usually called Santa’s house or Santa’s village.

There can be attractions for kids around the village, either full-time or, most commonly, on a few days. These can be workshops, theater, circus pocket shows, magician shows, balloon twisting, face painting or something along those lines, to entertain small kids.

Senior activities

Every town in the Costa del sol has Active Participation Centers (CPA, Centro de Participación Activa) which are centers dedicated to the welfare of the population above 60 years old. During Christmas, some of these centers create their own Christmas events, usually around meals and music or dance shows, to entertain and include their associates at the festivities.

Christmas Sports

Did you expect this one? I didn’t. But having translated some 10 or more Christmas programs so far, I always notice there are several sport competitions going on during the Christmas season, and they make it into the program. My guess is that the sports associations also want to contribute to their town’s Christmas. And why not? Sports are a big deal in the Costa del Sol! Check around and you may find fencing tournaments in Torremolinos, the traditional Turkey Race in Benalmadena (where people, not turkeys, run in costumes), jiu jitsu in Fuengirola, races in Marbella and gymkhanas in Estepona, just to name a few.

Surprises

Expect the unexpected, dear reader. Every year the towns innovate and add a bit more to the Christmas programs. Estepona has a Cheese Fair – it’s already traditional, but quite surprising (and welcome!) – Malaga and Benalmadena have been displaying video mappings (like in the video below); pastry contests, workshops, a crocheted Christmas tree in Torremolinos – anything can happen. The element of surprise adds some variation to the tradition and is a traditional element in itself!

Christmas’ eve and day

Locals tend to celebrate Christmas at home, with family. Many Spaniards that have family in the Costa del Sol, but live elsewhere, come during the festive season to meet their loved ones. That’s why Christmas is also high season in the Costa del Sol!

But the Costa is also home to people of many nationalities, and not everybody can have their family together during the season. Many travelers or smaller families opt to celebrate Christmas in one of the local restaurants that open on the date – much easier to prepare and surrounded by people on the same vibe.

Christmas does not finish on the 25th of December, though. In the Costa del Sol, it lasts until January 6, which used to be the date when Spanish kids would open their Christmas gifts till a few decades ago. The tradition, currently, is that kids get gifts on December 24 or 25, and then, again, some more on January 6. While the ones in December are toys, the ones on January are more school related – books, backpacks, clothes – or just chocolates.

New Year in the Costa del Sol

If the night of Christmas eve (December 24) is called nochebuena in Spanish, New Year’s Eve is nochevieja (old night). Tradition has it that one should eat 12 grapes before midnight – during the 12 clock bell strikes – to guarantee a good year ahead. Quite difficult. Try not to choke! I’m sure we can get by with 12 halves of grapes.

There isn’t much going on in terms of fireworks, unfortunately. Some hotels do have firework displays, some individuals do it on their own, but I see it happening less and less – I think it is a shame. Most people spend New Year’s Eve at home, with family, but there are several places that host New Year’s parties in the Costa del Sol. Just as with Christmas restaurants, you would have to book ahead, as such places tend to fill up fast.

The Three Kings from the East

For some Spaniards, the Three King’s Day is as important as Christmas – or even, it is Christmas. Costa del Sol cities celebrate the occasion with a big (and beautiful, colorful) parade for the kids. This parade usually happens on January 05 (and January 06 is a national holiday).

The 3 Kings arrive in the city either by boat or by helicopter (in Fuengirola), then are received by the mayor and later, take central stage at the 3 Kings Parade, in which candies are thrown from the parade’s floats to those that come to watch the event.

It is beautiful, very popular and can’t get more traditional, but I, as a foreigner, do have two remarks about this parade: 1) the candies are hard, and they are thrown with quite some strength in order to reach the kids on the back. It hurts, and you, as an adult watching over your kid, will be inevitably hit multiple times – there’s nowhere to hide. 2) Kids are all over the floor collecting candies, so adults moving out of the fire zone put many little hands at risk.

If you don’t have kids crazy about this parade, I’d recommend negotiating – give them candies on the condition that you both can enjoy the parade from a safe distance, not trying to collect the little rocks. You’d both enjoy a beautiful event, have better candies and no injuries.

Conclusion

In a way, you could expect Christmas in the Costa del Sol would be a big deal. The towns in the area pride themselves in organizing beautiful celebrations; that, coupled with the Catholic traditions very much alive in Spain, would already give a clue that Christmas would be special. Still, 40 days long is perhaps more than expected, right? But the towns do need it to be long to fit all the activities that the different associations of the towns plan. It is fantastic to have so much of something great, and so much local participation.

Now you may be wondering which Costa del Sol town does the best Christmas. Personally, I find the lights in Torremolinos tend to be the best; Fuengirola wins my vote on the market category and the kids’ parades in Benalmadena are super adorable – I like it more than most kids, but there are adults that enjoy it even more!!

I think there is nothing like going out with family and coming back home easily – no transportation involved; just go for a walk, see beautiful lights and a spectacular music show, have some churros with chocolate and head back home at ease – 40 days in a row. 🙂 The best Christmas is, indeed, the one you spend with your loved ones, and I should add, close to your home, hotel or holiday rental. All Costa del Sol towns prepare great Christmas – they are all magical and there is no wrong choice here.

Christmas in Mijas 2024 will be a bit different than in the other cities of the Costa del Sol: Mijas Town Hall has not issued a program combining all their Christmas related activities, so it seems that the events will be announced as they approach, much like individual events. Last year it happened this way, so, as all other towns have already published their Christmas programs, it seems that, once again, Mijas opted for a more discreet approach.

So I put on my online detective hat and searched all over the internet for Mijas’ Christmas plans and events, so that we could have something as close as possible to a Christmas program. It didn’t yield soooo much but, hey, way better than nothing; there are quite a few events being cooked in Mijas this season (which reminds me of something called Mijas Christmas Gourmet that was mentioned as planned for December, but I think vanished, at least for now.)

Related Posts:
Christmas in Fuengirola 2024
Christmas in Benalmadena 2024
Christmas in Marbella 2024
2024 Christmas Restaurants and Parties

The best we got, listed here, is an overview of activities planned to happen in the nearby future. We will see what has already been published about Christmas in the website of the Ayuntamiento de Mijas and, with some luck, get to know and to add more events as this Christmas season progresses. So far, the main events have been delineated in the page linked above, in Spanish; I added here all I could find there and in other pages of the Town Hall, as follows:

Christmas Illumination

The special Christmas illumination of Mijas has been switched on for the first time this season on November 29, as did most of the Costa del Sol, and are probably going to keep brightening the nights until January 6. There are 4 million led lights distributed through streets and squares of the 3 districts of Mijas, this way:

In Mijas Pueblo, there are special lights in Osunillas, in plaza de la Constitución and in the Carril, Compás, Caños, Málaga and San Sebastián streets, as well as in the Avenida de Méjico and in the Plaza Virgen de la Peña.

In La Cala de Mijas, Christmas illumination can be found in the Cártama, Marbella, Torremolinos and Torreón streets, by the Bulevar de La Cala and along the Paseo Costa del Sol.

In Las Lagunas, Christmas is shining along the avenues Miguel Hernández, Mijas Alta, Mijas, Los Lirios, Margaritas and Andalucía, as well as in the Camino de Coín, Camino de Campanales, Camino del Albero, in the park by the Parroquia San Manuel and in Doña Ermita; in the streets María Zambrano, Vicente Aleixandre, San Javier, Antonio Machado, Virgen de la Paz, Virgen de la Concepción, de la Unión, Río Aguas, Río Las Pasadas, Dinamarca, Geranio and in the streets by the Corte Inglés, besides the roundabouts. Wow!

Christmas Market

Mijas Pueblo will have a Christmas Market in the Plaza de la Constitución, from November 29 to December 31, from 11 am to 7 pm, selling Christmas crafts.

Santa Claus, the Christmas Musical

On December 8, at noon, Santa Claus, the Christmas Musical will fill the space of the Teatro Manuel España, in Las Lagunas, with Christmas spirit. Tickets cost € 7,50, and can be purchased in advance through the QR code that appear on the poster (same link here) and, from two hours before the show, in the theater’s ticket office.

Christmas Gala

 On December 11, from 5:30 pm, there will be the UP de Mijas Christmas Gala, called The Magic of Christmas, in the Teatro Manuel España, in Las Lagunas. Admission is free of charge!

Santa’s Village

In the Village, Santa Claus will have his own little house where he can receive the children who want to come and greet him and leave their wishes. Santa Claus’s Village will also have workshops on various themes taught by elves and other Christmas characters. This town will be present in the three centers of the municipality: on Boulevard de La Cala, Parque de Andalucía in Las Lagunas and Plaza Virgen de la Peña in Mijas Pueblo. Unfortunately, we don’t have the dates and times for Santa’s Village.

Pastorals

On December 22, starting from noon, the Plaza Virgen de la Peña, in Mijas Pueblo, will host a large tent with a stage where the different groups from all over Andalusia will perform as part of the 39th edition of the Villa de Mijas Pastoral Contest.

Christmas City with Royal Postman

The Christmas City with Royal Postman will have free inflatable games for all attendees, as well as a Royal Postman area that will collect the letters that the little ones address to the Three Wise Men of the East. The Parque de la Butibamba in La Cala, Parque Fernán Caballero in Las Lagunas and the Plaza Virgen de la Peña in Mijas Pueblo have been the places chosen for this event. Unfortunately, we don’t have the dates and times for the Christmas City.

New Year’s Concert

On December 27, starting at 8:00 pm, the Teatro Manuel España, in Las Lagunas will host the Malaga Symphony Orchestra, which will be performing a recital with pieces from Strauss and Tchaikovsky, with free admission.

Three Kings Parade

The celebration of the Three Kings Parade will take place, as tradition dictates, on January 5. The itineraries planned in the three centers are the following:

In Mijas Pueblo it will leave at 4:30 pm from Avenida Virgen de la Peña, continue along Avenida de Méjico, Calle Málaga Street, Calle Carril, Calle Coín, Calle Barrio Santana, Plaza Siete Caños, Calle Barrio Santana, Plaza de la Constitución, Avenida del Compás and will end in the Plaza Virgen de la Peña.

In La Cala de Mijas the parade will depart at 5:00 pm from the Boulevard in front of the cultural center, to continue through the streets Torremolinos, Torreón, Marbella and Cártama and end in the Parque de la Butibamba.

In Las Lagunas, the parade will depart at 5:30 pm from the Mijas Water Park, continue through the streets San Cristóbal, San Bartolomé, San Javier, La Unión, Avenida de Mijas, the Ford roundabout, then streets Santa Laura, Santa Gema, Camino de Campanales, Avenida de Mijas, Camino del Albero and Antonio Machado street, ending at Avenida Miguel Hernández.

Conclusion

Yes, I’m spoiled by the other cities, which publish 20+ pages of events for their Christmas seasons. On a close approach, Mijas has everything that defines Christmas season in the Costa del Sol – Christmas lights, pastorals, market, Santa Claus and the Royal Postman villages, concerts and parades. It just really lacks a program, but there is certainly Christmas magic in Mijas!

Christmas in Estepona 2024 wil be unique. There will be almost everything imaginable – from an ice rink to a cheese fair, with a lot of events in between. Beautiful Christmas lights, a Charity Christmas market, lots of choirs, sports, movies… Come see all Estepona has prepared up close (and in English)!

Related posts:
Christmas in San Pedro Alcantara
Christmas in Marbella
Christmas in Fuengirola

You can check here, in Spanish (click on the cover of the program to access it) the program issued by the Ayuntamineto de Estepona. Below, the translation of the full program, that extends up to January 5, with the 3 Kings Parade. Click on any date on the table of contents to go straight to that day’s program, and don’t forget to bookmark this post! 😉

About the program

Estepona’s 2024 Christmas program differs from all others in the Costa del Sol by using something called fliphtml5, which allows us to flip the pages as if we were reading a book. It does look pretty, but doesn’t help much finding the dates within the pages – scrolling would probably be faster. It certainly didn’t help me do the translation… One good thing, though, is that the program includes beautiful posters for almost every event; I added many of such posters here.

This one, for instance, shows the location of each of the Nativity Scenes on display this Christmas in Estepona:

The program also includes two pages with the events hosted or promoted by each Brotherhood of Estepona, at the end, separated from the core of the events. I opted for including them along the main program – some are quite interesting, in particular because the Brotherhoods look closely after local traditions. Their activities tend to be quite a good way to get to get to know – or to continue to enjoy – the local Christmas.

Now, to the translation of the program:

November 29

Official Inauguration of Calle Terraza
7:00 pm – Paseíllo, Calle Real.
Local authorities will proceed with the inaugural ribbon cutting of the comprehensive remodeling of Calle Terraza.

Switch on the Christmas Lights
7:15 pm – Plaza Antonia Guerrero.
Switching on of the Christmas lights, with the accompaniment of the Children’s Carol Choir directed by Tina Kids, winner of the 2020 Latin Grammy for best children’s music album, and the Estepona Pastorals Nostalgia Navideña and Jesús Cautivo.

Juanlu Montoya concert
9:30 pm – Orquidario Botanical Park.

November 30

Inauguration and Blessing of the Nativity Scene
5:00 pm – Brotherhood House of Santa María de los Remedios, in Plaza Francisco Umbral.
Inauguration and Blessing of the Nativity Scene by the Spiritual Director of the Brotherhood, the Reverend Mr. José Carlos Huete Arquero.

Christmas from the Rocio
8:00 pm – El Rocío Booth.
Performances of the Pastorals of the Brotherhoods and Associations of Estepona.
Free access until full capacity.

December 2 to 4

Painting Workshop ‘My First Birth’
From 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm – Padre Manuel Cultural Center.
The Estepona City Council, in collaboration with the Association of Nativity Scene Makers ‘Sierra Bermeja, organizes this free workshop for children from 8 years old.
Registration in Estepona at Tel.: 952809000 – Ext. 1405, Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm Capacity limited to 12 participants.

December 5

Flamenco Zambomba
7:00 pm – Plaza Antonia Guerrero
With the performance of “Al Son de la Navidad” and “El Callejón Grupo Flamenco”.

December 6

Arrival of Saint Nicholas of Bari
Noon – Fishing Port
San Nicolás de Bari will be received with can drags. Subsequently, the Saint will be transferred to the Ermita del Carmen, where the children will be able to deliver their letters. Then, he will tour the streets : Calle San Roque, Avenida de España, Calle Terraza and Plaza Antonia Guerrero.

Flamenco Zambomba
Noon – Plaza Antonia Guerrero
 with the performance of “Son D’Santiago” and “D’Repente Flamenco”

December 7

Inauguration and Blessing of the Nativity Scene
5:00 pm – House of Las Tejerinas
Inauguration and Blessing of the Nativity Scene by the Spiritual Director of the Brotherhood of San Isidro Labrador, the Rev. Mr. D. J. Javier García, with Pastoral accompaniment.
Visits from Monday to Sunday, from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm and from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm, except Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

Traditional Christmas Carols Concert
8:30 pm – Santa María de los Remedios Church.
By Los Remedios Christmas Choir.

December 8

Ballet The Nutcracker
6:00 pm – Auditorio Felipe VI
For the benefit of APRONA, Foundation for People with Functional Diversity of Estepona.
The Russian Ballet School presents The Nutcracker, the Magical Christmas Show. A ballet for the whole family.
Ticket sales at eternityeventos.com and at the Auditorium box office, from one hour before the performance.

December 9

Inauguration and Blessing of the Nativity Scene
5:30 pm – Jesús Cautivo Brotherhood House on Calle Jesús Cautivo.
Inauguration and Blessing of the Nativity Scene, by the Spiritual Director of the Brotherhood, the Rev. Mr. José Carlos Huete Arquero, with the performance of the Pastoral Jesús Cautivo.

Inauguration and Blessing of the Nativity Scene
7:00 pm – Brotherhood House of the Holy Christ of La Vera+Cruz, on Calle Veracruz.
Inauguration and Blessing of the Nativity Scene, by the Spiritual Director of the Brotherhood, the Rev. Mr. José Carlos Huete Arquero.
Visiting hours, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

December 10

Christmas Candy Contest
06:00 pm – Cancelada Mayor’s Office, Calle Montemayor.
The Mayor’s Office of Cancelada organizes this traditional contest, which establishes three lots of pastry products as prizes.

December 11

Ben Roels Piano Recital
7:30 pm – Padre Manuel Cultural Center.
The Belgian performer is one of the last pianists who had the honor of studying with the legendary Italian pianist Aldo Ciccolini. In this recital, he will perform works by Debussy, Chopin and Liszt.
Reservation and sale of tickets (unnumbered seats): €15, by calling 674226614 (WhatsApp and Bizum) and at the box office, from one hour before the start of the concert.

December 12

IX School’s Christmas Tournament
4:00 pm – La Lobilla Sports Center. The Futsal teams from the different Educational Centers will enjoy a day that will reward the values ​​of sport and teamwork. Organized by the 24 Sports Hours Foundation, with the collaboration of the City Council.

Christmas Snack for Seniors
06:00 pm –  CEIP Ramón Lago, in Cancelada.,
with the performance of the ‘Los Jubis Choir, from the Center for Active Participation of the Elderly. The neighbor’s associations of Cancelada, Eladio Fruits and Vegetables, and the Los Remedios Pastry Shop collaborate.

Cine-Club ‘Roubaix, a lumière’
7:00 pm Padre Manuel Cultural Center.
2019 crime thriller, by Arnaud Desplechin, with Roschy Zem, Léa Seydoux, Sara Forestier and Antoine Reinartz, among others. It’s Christmas night in Roubaix. Police investigate the brutal murder of an elderly woman. They only have two suspects. The French Alliance of Malaga collaborates. Screening in original version in French, subtitled in Spanish. Free entry until capacity is reached.

December 13

Christmas Zambomba
6:00 pm – Calle Montemayor, in Cancelada
with the participation of Ana Soto’s Zambomba, Baraka and company, and the Ana Guerrero Dance School. There will be a tasting of Pepa’s Christmas sweets and chestnut tostón. Free Access.

International Choir ‘Love to sing’
7:30 pm – Mirador del Carmen Cultural Center.
Formed in 2017, the Choir is made up of more than 45 members from various countries, who will present a program of Christmas Carols and Popular Songs, among others, under the musical direction of Shirley Helleur. Free entry. Donation to benefit the Spanish Association Against Cancer in Estepona.

December 14

Collection of toys
From 10:00 am to 9:00 pm – in MGI, LIDL (Estepona and Cancelada) and Carrefour.
In favor of Malaga’s Materno Infantil Hospital and the ‘Frente Bolillón’ Association.
The house of the Brotherhood of Nuestra Señora del Carmen Coronada will collect food in favor of Cáritas de la Parroquia del Carmen; toys and school supplies at the Papelería Técnica and Papelería Acuarela in favor of Malaga’s Materno Infantil Hospital throughout the Christmas Campaign.

Representation of the Living Nativity Scene of Nueva Atalaya
7:30 pm – Avenida Finca Pernet, in Nueva Atalaya.
Organized by the neighbor’s association San Cristóbal de Nueva Atalaya, with the collaboration of the City Council.

Extraordinary Christmas Concert
8:00 pm – Auditorio Felipe VI
Concert ‘Poetry and Music at Christmas’, by the Estepona Municipal Band, under the direction of José Antonio López Camacho, with accompaniment by the Magnum Mysterium Choir of Estepona and the tenor Miguel Machado Orozco.
XXIII Christmas Speech, by José María Guerrero.
Pick up of invitations at the headquarters of the ’24 Sports Hours Foundation’

Zambomba de Jerez
8:30 pm – Caseta El Rocío
performances by Flamenkería and Alex Bellido.

Inauguration and Blessing of the Nativity Scene
8:30 pm – House of the Brotherhood of Nazarenes of the Triumphal Entrance in Jerusalem, in Pasaje Cristo del Amor.
Inauguration and Blessing of the Nativity Scene, by the Reverend Mr. Luis Aguilar Castillo.

December 15

Children’s Show “Salacadula”
Noon – Auditorio Felipe VI
Tribute to Disney songs in the key of Jazz. Captained by Laura León, ‘Salacadula’ is more than just a concert; It is a musical experience that aims to bring Jazz to families in a fun way, through the most famous Disney themes; from Pinocchio to Aladdin, passing through the Aristocats.
Buy your tickets ahead (€10 + management fees) at Ticketmaster, or at the box office (€15) on the day of the event, from one hour before the start. Organized by the Unicorn Association, in collaboration with the Estepona City Council.

Final of the Pastry Contest Sweet Christmas Esteponera: Festival of Flavors and Traditions
From 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm – CESMA, Estepona Hospitality School. Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos.
Organized by the Estepona City Council, with the collaboration of the Center for Higher Hospitality Studies of Málaga, and Frutas y Verduras Acosta.

December 17

XIII School Musical Meeting
5:00 pm – Municipal Booth of the Fairgrounds.
Different school musical groups will perform popular Christmas carols. Organized by: “24 Sports Hours Foundation”, with the collaboration of the City Council and the Educational Centers. Admission: 1 kilo of non-perishable food to benefit Cáritas.

Blessing and Enthronement of the Child Jesus in the Municipal Nativity Scene
8:00 pm – Plaza del Rocío.
Departure of the Child Jesus from the Church of San José. Blessing by the Rev. Pastor. Mr. José Javier García Pascual.

December 19

Cine-Club: ‘Wonka’ (2023)
7:00 pm
Musical fantasy film directed by Paul King, with Timothee Chalamet, Calah Lane, Olivia Colman, Hugh Grant, Keegan-Michael Key and Paterson Joseph, among others. It tells the wonderful story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolatier became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today. Screening in original version in English subtitled in Spanish. Free entry until capacity is reached.

Christmas Concert by the Magnum Mysterium Choir ‘The Joy of Christmas’
8:00 pm – Parroquia Santa Maria de los Remedios.
Under the direction of Miguel Ángel Garrido Sánchez, the choral group will perform a program composed of a set of Christmas carols and popular music from different periods and nationalities. Free entry until capacity is reached.

December 20

Cello and Piano Concerto ‘Beyond words’
7:00 pm – Padre Manuel Cultural Center.
Cello and Piano Concert with Adriana Rojo and Ángel Moya. Both musicians will perform pieces by great composers, such as Bach, Pärt, Schubert, Saint-Saëns, Gounod and Massenet, among others.
Ticket sales: €15 at the box office, from one hour before the start of the concert.

Flamenco Zambomba
7:00 pm – Caseta Ajetreo
with the performance of “Al Son de la Navidad” and “Compás Flamenco”.
Ticket sales at Cielo Sky Bar, Grupo Holding Offices and Hermandad Nuestra Señora del Carmen.

December 21

Zambomba ‘From Écija to Jerez’
7:00 pm – Auditorio Felipe VI
With the performance of the Jerez guitarist Fernando del Morao; Kiko Peña, guitar and singing; Guillermo Ruiz, percussion; Esperanza Soria, Fernando Soto, Sandra Rincón and Sole Soria, singing; and Coral de los Reyes and Eva Cristo.
Invitations can be collected from the 9th at the Padre Manuel Cultural Center, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, and from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Christmas Concert by the Choir of the Illustrious Brotherhood of Rocío de Estepona
8:00 pm – Parroquia San José.
Free access until capacity is reached

Christmas Zambomba
8:00 pm – Brotherhood House of Santa María de los Remedios

December 22

Visit of the ‘Jesús Cautivo’ Pastoral to the ‘Virgen del Carmen’ residence for the elderly in Estepona
5:00 pm

“Charity Snack” offered by “Las Niñas de San Isidro”
5:00 pm – Plaza del Reloj
Delicious chocolate and churros, as well as Christmas performances, prize distribution and bar service.

December 27

Solemn Mass in honor of Saint John the Evangelist, Patron of the Youth Cofrade.
10:30 am – Parroquia Santa María de los Remedios
Hermandad del Santísimo Cristo de La Vera+Cruz

December 28

Christmas Gymkhana through the Old Town
Noon – departure from the Jesús Cautivo Brotherhood House

Show ‘The Spirit of Christmas‘
6:00 pm – Auditorio Felipe VI Auditorium
Family event to benefit the Red Cross. La Gatika Producciones presents a theatrical show with music and animation, which combines games and Christmas carols. In a world where summer has made winter and Christmas disappear, Santa Claus faces a desperate situation. Will the Christmas spirit and tradition return? Ticket sales (€8 + management fees) at wegow.es, and at the Auditorium box office, from one hour before the performance.

December 31

Popular End of the Year Party
11:00 pm – Plaza del Reloj
with the show Perfect Band, free distribution of party favors, traditional chimes to welcome the New Year 2025 and a great display of fireworks.

January 3

Visit of the Three Wise Men to the APRONA Residence.
5:00 pm

The Royal Postman Collects Letters Addressed to the 3 Kings
From 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Plaza Antonia Guerrero
The Royal Mailbox will remain installed in Plaza Antonia Guerrero, where all children will be able to deposit their letters addressed to His Majesty Melchior, Gaspar and Baltasar.

January 4

Visit of the Three Wise Men of the East.
5:00 pm – Brotherhood House of the Holy Christ of La Vera+Cruz, on Calle Veracruz

Children’s Festival
7:00 pm – El Rocío Booth.
performances “Compañía de Estreno” and “El Bambi”.
Free access until capacity is reached.

New Year Concert 2025 by Málaga Philarmonic Orchestra (OFM)
8:00 pm – Auditorio Felipe VI
Under the direction of maestro Julio García-Vico. Concert to benefit the Unicorn Association. Tickets: €20 (+ administration fees) at enterticket.es, and at the box office, from two hours before the start of the concert, until capacity is reached.

January 5

Children’s Party to Welcome the 3 Kings, and Show ‘In Search of the Magic Star’
11:30 am – Fairgrounds
Show by the company La Gatika Producciones. The children will enjoy a great party to welcome Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar, who will arrive in Estepona by helicopter, and will accompany the friendly and mischievous elves, Lila and Elora, to search for the lost pieces of the Magic Star that guides them, so that they arrive in time to deliver their gifts.

Royal Parade of the Three Kings
5:00 pm – Ayuntamiento, Avenida Juan Carlos 1
Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar will arrive in Estepona loaded with thousands of candies and toys to distribute to the little ones. The ‘Cine Fantastic’ float parade will start from the Town Hall, on Avenida Juan Carlos 1, and will end in Plaza Antonia Guerrero, where children will be able to deliver their letters to the Three Wise Men of the East.

Royal Parade of the Three Kings in Cancelada
6:00 pm – starting at Calle Montemayor.

Conclusion

It is going to be fun to spend Christmas in Estepona this 2024. You risk having too much fun and never leaving!

Christmas in Fuengirola 2024 is just beautiful, full of lights and colors. The city really brightens up! The Ayuntamiento has prepared an innovative Christmas program in 2024, mixing the traditional lights, Christmas market and parades with shopping tours and the already traditional sports events. Also becoming traditional is the artificial snow that, once more, will bring fun to Fuengirola this season. Come see all that is happening this Christmas in Fuengirola!

Related Posts:
Christmas in Torremolinos 2024
Christmas in Benalmadena 2024
Christmas in Marbella 2024
Christmas in San Pedro Alcantara 2024
Christmas in Estepona 2024
2024 Christmas Restaurants and Parties in the Costa del Sol
December in the Costa del Sol

The Christmas program issued by Fuengirola’s Town Hall for 2024 is called Vive Fuengirola en Navidad (Live Fuengirola in Christmas) and it is all in Spanish. You can find, below, the translation of the full program, that extends up to January 5, with the 3 Kings parade. Click on any date on the table of contents above to go straight to that day’s program!

I’ve also added, in the bottom of this post, Google Maps directions to some of the main venues listed in the program, to make it a bit easier to find them. Don’t forget to bookmark this post, so it is easier for you to come back during this long season.  There’s plenty to enjoy during Christmas in Fuengirola in 2024!

November 29

Inauguration of the Christmas Artistic Lighting
7:30 pm at Plaza de España.
Musical performance by Virginia Rico with the group Chiquilindingui, Patruyasos and the entertainment of the Chassé Dance Academy.
Once the event is over, the Christmas parade will begin with juggling clowns and stilt walkers, which will culminate in the Plaza de la Constitución.

Great Artificial Snow Fall
Pass: 8:30 pm at Plaza de la Constitución.

XXIII Meeting of Pastorals
8:30 pm at the Jesús Cautivo Brotherhood House (Avd. Jesús Cautivo, 1)
Participating: Pastoral Santa Fe de Los Boliches, Pastoral Santiago, Pastoral neighbors of Camorro, Pastoral Las Lagunas and Pastoral Los Bataneros. The event will benefit the Christmas campaign of the A.V.A.T.E.S association.

November 30

I Zambomba and Blessing of the Brotherhood’s Nativity Scene
5:00 pm at Casa Hermandad Fusionada (Calle Pintor Sorolla).
Participating: Choir of the Royal Brotherhood of Rocío of Fuengirola, Pastoral of Santiago, performance of the dance academy of Ainhoa ​​Zamora, Pastoral Nuestra Señora de la Paz, Pastoral neighbors of Camorro and Pastoral of Las Lagunas.
There will be a tasting of fritters.

Come and Live the Experience with Fun Stilt Walkers and the Music of the Charanga Lanz through the shops of Los Boliches
From 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Avenida de Los Boliches.

Great and fun Artificial Snow Fall
at Plaza de la Constitución
Pass 1: 7:30 pm
Pass 2: 8:15 pm.

December 1

Advent Rosary
07:30 am at Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen y Santa Fe de Los Boliches
Route: Plaza del Carmen, Calle Iglesia, Calle Maestra Concepción Guidet, Avenida de Los Boliches, Calle Maestro Pedro Calvo, Plaza Estrella de los Mares, Calle López de Vega, Avenida de Los Boliches, Calle Maestra Concepción Guidet, Calle Trinidad and Parroquia del Carmen and Santa Fe de Los Boliches.

Cross de Fuengirola Los Pacos
10:00 am at the Esplanade next to the Calle Los Vecinos (near the roundabout of the sun)
Information and registration at www.dorsalchip.es

Blessing of the Nativity Scene of the Parroquia del Carmen y Santa Fe de Los Boliches
12:45 pm at Parroquia del Carmen y Santa Fe de Los Boliches

Blessing of the Nativity Scene of the Parroquía del Carmen de Fuengirola
1:00 pm at Parroquía del Carmen de Fuengirola (Calle Maria Josefa Larrucea).
Visiting hours: Every day of the week, during the opening hours of the Parish, until January 6, 2025.

XII Charity Lunch for the Brotherhood of Our Lady of Carmen of Fuengirola
1:30 pm in the fairgrounds, booth of the Peña Los 7 Días
Donation: €12

December 5

Theater: ‘Where Words Die’.
8:00 pm at Palacio de la Paz
Written and Directed by Ángel Caballero – dmlm Producciones
Admission: €5

December 6

Institutional Act Constitution Day
11:00 am at Paseo Marítimo Rey de España, number 163, in the Carvajal neighborhood.

Concert of the Fuengirola Municipal Band
12:00 pm at Cristóbal Blanca Auditorium (Parque de España)

Come Live the Experience with Santa Claus’s Fun Helpers through the Downtown Shops
From 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Calle Marbella, Calle Alemania, Plaza de los Chinorros, Calle Palangreros, Calle España and Calle Miguel de Cervantes.

December 7

‘Dorsal for a Toy’ Charity Cycling Route.
09:30 am from Plaza de España
Family Route in Santa Claus costumes.
Information and registration: on the Club Ciclista Pasion del Sur website.

K-Pop Event
4:00 pm at the Youth Booth

Come Live the Experience with Santa Claus’s Fun Helpers through the Shops in the San Cayetano Neighborhood and Fuengirola Center
From 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Camino de Coín, Avenida de Condes de San Isidro and downtown area of ​​the city

Great Artificial Snow Fall
Pass: 8:15 pm at Plaza de la Constitución.

December 8

Zarzuela ‘La Revoltosa’ by the Andaluz Lyrical Theater Company
8:00 pm at Palacio de La Paz
Admission: 10 euros in the patio and 15€ in the box

December 10

Christmas Snack with Performance of the Puebla Lucía Choir
4:30 pm at Hotel Yaramar.
Invitations will be collected in the Senior Citizens area starting November 27 until capacity is reached. Withdrawal of invitations: Upon presentation of the valid Fuengirola retiree card at the premises of the Senior Citizens Area at the Puebla Lucía Home.
Requirements: to be in possession of a valid Fuengirola retiree card.

Performance by the Pastoral Santa Fe De Los Boliches
7:00 pm at Plaza Punta Umbría
Free tasting of chocolate and churros.

December 11

School Carols Performance
6:00 pm at Plaza de España.

Municipal Singing Workshop Concert
8:00 pm at Casa de la Cultura

December 12

School Carols Performance
6:00 pm at Plaza de España.

Family Christmas Activities
6:00 pm at Skate Park Plaza Ignacio Echeverría.

II Cycle of European Musical Talents. Piano Concert: ‘Sisters of the Moon’ by Susana Gómez Vázquez
8:00 pm at Casa de la Cultura
Admission: 5 euros

December 13

Come Live the Experience with Santa Claus’s Fun Helpers through the Downtown Shops
From 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Avenida de Mijas, Avenida Jesús Santos Rein and Avenida Jacinto Benavente.

Municipal Singing Workshop Concert
6:30 pm in the Mayor’s Office of El Boquetillo.

Performance by the Fuengirola Dance Group
8:30 pm at Casa de la Cultura

December 14

Trip to Antequera to Enjoy a Paintball Day
08:00 am
Activity for people between 16 and 35 years old.
Registration: Through the Citizen Card app starting November 21 at 10:00 pm

Jiu Jitsu Christmas Exhibition
09:00 am at Elola Sports Complex

Come and Live the Experience with Fun Stilt Walkers and the Music of the Charanga Lanz through Various shops in the City
From 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Avenida de Mijas, Avenida Jesús Santos Rein and Avenida Jacinto Benavente.

Christmas Party Guadebro Neighborhood
6:00 pm at Plaza Islas Baleares.
The residents of Plaza Islas Baleares will make a living Nativity scene.
 There will be a tasting of chocolates and churros and we will have a performance by the Pastoral Santa Fe de Los Boliches.

Performance by the Santa Lucía Choir of the Swedish School
7:00 pm at Plaza Reyes Católicos.

Great and fun Artificial Snow Fall
at the Plaza de la Constitución
Pass 1: 7:30 pm
Pass 2: 8:15 pm

December 15

Christmas Artistic Exhibition of the Students of the Skating Club
From noon to 2:00 pm at Juan Gómez Juanito Pavilion.

December 16

Christmas Snack with Performance of the Puebla Lucía Choir
5:00 pm at Leonardo Hotel Fuengirola Costa del Sol (Calle Dr. Gálvez Ginachero).
Invitations will be collected in the Senior Citizens Area starting November 27 until capacity is reached. Withdrawal of invitations: Upon presentation of the valid Fuengirola retiree card at the premises of the Senior Citizens Area at the Puebla Lucía Home.
Requirements: to be in possession of a valid Fuengirola retiree card.

Performance of the Municipal Singing Workshop
5:00 pm in the Plaza del Carmen de Los Boliches.

Performance by Pastoral Santa Fe de Los Boliches
7:00 pm in the Plaza del Carmen de Los Boliches.
With free tasting of chocolate and churros

December 17

Christmas Snack with Performance by The Puebla Lucía Choir
5:00 pm at Occidental Hotel
Invitations will be collected in the Senior Citizens Area starting November 27 until capacity is reached. Withdrawal of invitations: Upon presentation of the valid Fuengirola retiree card at the premises of the Senior Citizens Area at the Puebla Lucía Home.
Requirements: to be in possession of a valid Fuengirola retiree card.

Performance by Pastoral Santa Fe de Los Boliches
7:00 pm in the Plaza de la Hispanidad.
With free tasting of chocolate and churros

Christmas Concert of the Costa Del Sol Professional Music Conservatory
7:00 pm at Palacio de la Paz

December 18

Music School Christmas Concert
From 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm at Casa de la Cultura

Christmas Snack with Performance by The Puebla Lucía Choir
5:00 pm at Casa Consistorial Hotel (Plaza Reyes Católicos).
Invitations will be collected in the Senior Citizens Area starting November 27 until capacity is reached. Withdrawal of invitations: Upon presentation of the valid Fuengirola retiree card at the premises of the Senior Citizens Area at the Puebla Lucía Home.
Requirements: to be in possession of a valid Fuengirola retiree card.

Performance by the Royal Brotherhood of Rocío Choir
6:30 pm in the Plaza de Los Marineros.
Free tasting of chocolate and churros.

Traditional Living Nativity Scene of the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen de Fuengirola
8:00 pm at the Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen de Fuengirola (Parish of Our Lady of Carmen of Fuengirola, Calle Maria Josefa Larrucea).

December 19

Christmas Petanque Tournament
From 10:00 am to 1:00 pm in the Parque del Rosario

Christmas Party with Performance of the Pastoral Santa Fe de Los Boliches
5:30 pm in the Plaza del Rosario (La Calerita)
With free chocolate and churros tasting.

Christmas Exhibition of the Rhythmic Gymnastics Club
From 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm at Juan Gómez “Juanito” Pavilion.

Family Christmas Activities
6:00 pm at Skate Plaza Ignacio Echeverría.

Performance by the Pastoral Santa Fe de Los Boliches
7:30 pm at Plaza Suomi

December 20

Christmas Petanque Tournament
From 10:00 am to 1:00 pm in the Parque del Rosario

Christmas Party in the Parish Community of San José
5:00 pm at Plaza de San José (Calle Juan Antonio Jiménez Higüero).
With musical performances by the San José Parish Choir, the Royal Brotherhood Choir of Rocío de Fuengirola, the Pastoral Santa Fe de Los Boliches, and the magnificent Zambomba by Miguel “El Caletero y friends”.
With free tasting of chocolate and churros.

Come Live the Experience with Santa Claus’s Fun Helpers through the Downtown Shops
From 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Avenida de los Boliches.

Zambomba de Encarni Navarro
8:00 pm in the Cristóbal Blanca del Moral Auditorium (Parque de España).

Lyrical Recital ‘A Night at the Opera and The Zarzuela’
8:00 pm in the Palacio de la Paz
Marcelo Solís (baritone) and Jose Ángel Onieva (piano).
Entry price: 5 euros.

December 21

IV Gups Champions Costa del Sol Taekwond-Do
From 09:00 am to 9:00 pm in the Pabellón Juanito.

Christmas Cooking Workshop
10:00 am at Edificio Colores
Young people between the ages of 13 and 16 can participate in these fun workshops.
Pre-registration with the Citizen Card starting December 2 at 10:00 pm

II Edition of The Surf Skate Fest
11:00 am at the Skate Park Plaza Ignacio Echeverría
We will have Graffiti and Surf Skate workshops.

“No Child Without Toys” Meeting For The Cáritas Parish of Los Boliches
2:00 pm in the Peña Real Hermandad del Rocío de Fuengirola.
Performances by The Pastoral de Santa Fe de Los Boliches, the Choir of the Royal Brotherhood of Rocío of Fuengirola, Sueño Marismeño, the group “Pasaba xhere” and the Choir of the Royal Brotherhood of Rocío of Arroyo de la Miel.

Come and Live the Experience with Fun Stilt Walkers and the Music of the Charanga Lanz through the Downtown Shops
From 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Plaza Reyes Católicos, San Pancracio and Centre.

Great Artificial Snow Fall
In the Plaza de la Constitución
Pass 1: 7:30 pm
Pass 2: 8:15 pm

Christmas Concert of the Municipal Music Band
7:30 pm in the Palacio de la Paz

December 22

Daniel Güet Memorial Fencing Championship
From 09:00 am to 9:00 pm at the Pabellón Juanito (Juanito Pavilion).

Fuengirola Christmas Race
10:00 am departure from the Fairgrounds.
Registration: www.dorsalchip.es

II Meeting of Pastors In Memory of José Cabeza Belmonte
8:00 pm in the Booth of the Royal Brotherhood of Rocío de Fuengirola.
Participating: Belén Salvador Rueda (Benaque), Pastoral Los Butaneros and Pastoral Santa Fe de Los Boliches.

December 23

Variety Show: Clowns, Puppets, Magic and Animation.
Noon in the Mayor’s Office of El Boquetillo.

Great Christmas Bonfire
8:00 pm in the Plaza de la Constitución.
With performance of the choir of the Royal Brotherhood of The Rocío of Fuengirola and Pastoral Santa Fe de Los Boliches.
With free chocolate and churros tasting.

December 26

Science Workshop ‘The Science of Light and Cold’
From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Edificio Colores
For people between 9 and 12 years old.
Pre-registration with the Citizen Card starting December 3 at 10:00 pm

Variety Show: Clowns, Puppets, Magic and Animation
Noon in the Mayor’s Office of El Boquetillo.

Performance of the Pastoral Santa Fe de Los Boliches
5:30 pm in the Parque de Europa
With free chocolate and churros tasting.

VII ​​Solidarity Chocolate Reception and Visit of The Royal Page of The 3 Wise Men of the East.
From 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm at Jesús Cautivo Brotherhood House (Av. Jesús Cautivo, 1).
With chocolate, donuts, and craft workshops.
Throughout the day there will be a raffle with gifts for the little ones. The profits from the snack and the raffle will go to Jesus Cautivo Brotherhood’s Christmas campaign.

Family Christmas Activities
6:00 pm In the Skate Plaza Ignacio Echeverría.

Zambomba ‘Our House at Christmas’ by Juani Guerrero and Family
8:00 pm in the Cristóbal Blanca del Moral Auditorium (Parque de España).

December 27

Science Workshop ‘The Science of Light and Cold’
From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Edificio Colores
For people between 9 and 12 years old.
Pre-registration with the Citizen Card starting December 3 at 10:00 pm

Great Medieval Feast
From 11:00 am to 9:00 pm in the Avenida Condes de San Isidro, Calle San Antonio, Plaza Reyes Católicos and Camino de Coín (from Calle Molino to Avenida Condes de San Isidro).
Games and workshops for children and youth, various parades and falconry.
The streets will be decorated as if it were a medieval village, with typical medieval stalls and numerous characters that will delight the whole family.

Family Musical Show ‘Monsters’, Full of Animation And Musical Games
Noon in the Mayor’s Office of El Boquetillo.

‘Fuengirola at Christmas’ Concert
with performances of the Zambomba of Ana Serrano and Hugo Dogma and the Zambomba of Calle la Noria
8:00 pm in the Plaza de la Constitución.

December 28

Game Party 2024
From 11:00 am to 10:00 pm in the Edificio Colores
With workshops, tournaments and all kinds of video games for the enjoyment of our young people.

Christmas Cooking Workshop
11:00 am in the Edificio Colores
For young people between 9 and 12 years old.
Pre-registration with the Citizen Card starting December 2 at 10:00 pm

December 29

Game Party 2024
From 11:00 am to 10:00 pm in the Edificio Colores
With workshops, tournaments and all kinds of video games for the enjoyment of our young people.

December 30

Family Musical Show Pulgarcito
Noon in the Mayor’s Office of El Boquetillo
a didactic, musical and participatory theater

December 31

Great End of The Year Party
From 11:00 pm to 2:00 am in the Plaza de la Constitución.
With the performance of Paco y Llina and family.
Lucky grapes, cider and party favors will be distributed free of charge.

January 2

Reception of the Royal Page of the 3 Wise Men of the East.
From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Museo de la Ciudad (City Museum, at Calle Maria Josefa Larrucea).
In the museum we will enjoy musicals and Christmas activities, both in the morning and afternoon. Everyone will be able to deliver their letter to the pages of their Majesties Melchior, Gaspar and Baltasar. The theaters will be represented in two shows:
Pass 1: Noon
Pass 2: 6:00 pm

Science Workshop ‘The Science of The Cosmos and The Seasons’
From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Edificio Colores
For young people between 9 and 12 years old.
Pre-registration with the Citizen Card starting December 6 at 10:00 pm

January 3

Hiking Day
08:30 am
For people between 14 and 30 years old.
Registration with the Citizen Card starting December 16 at 6:00 pm

Science Workshop ‘The Science of The Cosmos and The Seasons’
From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Edificio Colores
For young people between 9 and 12 years old.
Pre-registration with the Citizen Card starting December 6 at 10:00 pm

Grand Gala of Kings of Television Fuengirola
5:00 pm in the Palacio de la Paz
It will feature circus performances, children’s songs, prize draws, surprises, entertainment and lots of family fun.
Free entry until capacity is reached.

January 5

Arrival Of The 3 Kings of the East To Fuengirola
4:00 pm at the Elola Social and Sports Complex
Their Majesties The Three Wise Men of the East will arrive in Fuengirola by helicopter. After being received at the Elola Social and Sports Complex, the traditional parade of fantasy and illusion will begin.

Magnificent ride of their majesties the kings of the east.
5:00 pm
The ride will feature the participation of 25 floats and innovative parades.
Route: Calle Mallorca, Avenida de Mijas, Avenida Juan Gómez Juanito, Camino de Coín, Avenida Condes de San Isidro, Avenida Sáenz de Tejada, Avenida Ramón y Cajal and Avenida de Los Boliches (ending in the Plaza de Pedro Cuevas Martín).

How to get there

Here are Google Maps directions to some of the places that will host events this 2024 Christmas season:

Palacio de la Paz, Fuengirola Fairgrounds and Pabellón Juanito

The Palacio de la Paz sits at the end of the Recinto Ferial, right by the Pabellón Juanito, in green on the map.

Edificio Colores

Edificio Colores is the Casa de la Juventud (Youth House) of Fuengirola; it’s no coincidence that it promotes events for children and teens. 😉

Plaza de la Constitución

This is one of the main Squares of Fuengirola, where the Christmas market and the artificial snow falls will take place.

Museo de la Ciudad

Paruqe de España and Plaza de España

The Parque and Plaza de España are side-by-side.

Parroquia de Nuestra Señora del Carmen y Santa Fe de Los Boliches

There are two Parroquia (parishes) del Carmen in Fuengirola, one in Los Boliches (this!) and the other one (below) very close to the Parque de España. Both will host several events this Christmas!

Parroquía del Carmen de Fuengirola (Calle Maria Josefa Larrucea)

Conclusion

Christmas in Fuengirola is super special! There are beautiful lights everywhere, a fantastic Christmas market, parades, music, decorations… and plenty of surprises of all kinds and for all ages, with a focus on the youngest. Lots of seasonal food and special occasions blended into a very festive atmosphere. I hope you enjoy it a lot! Merry Christmas!

Christmas in San Pedro Alcantara 2024 started before the publication of the program, with the lights being turned already on November 23, as in the rest of Marbella. The city published two Christmas programs: one Christmas in Marbella program for its central area, Las Chapas and Nueva Andalucía, and a separated one only for San Pedro Alcantara – the one we are checking here.

Related posts:
Christmas in Marbella 2024
Christmas in Estepona 2024
Christmas in Fuengirola 2024
Christmas in Torremolinos 2024
Christmas in Benalmadena 2024
2024 Christmas restaurants and parties in the Costa del Sol

In this page we’ll focus on the translation of Marbella’s program for San Pedro Alcantara. You can find here the link for San Pedro Alcantara’s program, in Spanish, in the page of the Town Hall, and, below, the translation of all Christmas events the city has planned for this area up to to January 5! Don’t forget to bookmark this page, so you can come back often during the season. Click on any date on our table of contents to go directly there. 😉

About the program

The program is diversified – it includes activities for seniors, children and families – as well as Zambombas, shows and nativity scenes. As it is an extension of Marbella’s program, it has a lot in common with the city’s program. What stood out the most, for me, is that it has the following page:

A sound and lights show that is supposed to take place in the Avenida Marqués del Duero, but is not mentioned anywhere else in the program. It would be nice to know from what date it starts or started, and until what date it is available. That being said, let’s check the translation of the program:

December 4

Inauguration of the Municipal Nativity Scene
6:30 pm
Nativity Scene made by the María Rosa Duvige Bethlehem Association, located on the side of the Church of San Pedro Alcántara attached to Calle Revilla. Blessing of the Bethlehem by the Priest of the Church of San Pedro Alcántara, Mr. Francisco Javier Sánchez-Cano Núñez.

December 5

Inauguration of the Nativity Scene of the neighbor’s association El Cruce
5:00 pm at its headquarters located on Avenida de la Constitución number 32.
Tasting of churros with chocolate.

December 6

Inauguration of the Nativity Scene of the Active Participation Center for Seniors of San Pedro Alcántara 1
5:00 pm
enlivened with a live musical show.

December 8

Inauguration of the traditional Nativity Scene of the Active Participation Center for Seniors San Pedro 2
12:30 pm

December 10

Light taxi “VII Walk of Illusion”
6:00 pm
Seniors from the Active Participation Centers and local residences will be able to enjoy a free ride along the Christmas lights throughout our municipal area, thanks to the solidarity of Marbella Voluntaria, Taxi Solidario, Cruz Roja Marbella, Aguja solidaria and Alabardero Catering Finca Amalur.

December 11

Christmas concert offered by the Marbella Municipal Music Band
9:00 pm in the plaza of the Church of San Pedro Alcántara.

December 12

Christmas parade “Santa Claus is coming” and Santa Claus House Inauguration
5:00 pm in the Plaza de la Iglesia

Route: departure from Plaza de la Iglesia, Calle Revilla, Calle Lagasca, Calle Pozo, Calle 19 de Octubre, Calle Revilla, Avenida Marqués del Duero (pedestrian), Calle Córdoba, Calle Pepe Osorio, Avenida Oriental, Calle Revilla and Church Square.

Immediately afterwards, Santa Claus will receive the children in his house and the children’s show “Welcome to Santa Claus” will take place.

Christmas concert
7:30 pm in the Church of San Pedro Alcántara.
The Marbella City Polyphonic Choir will perform a selection of carols and Christmas music from different places.

December 14

Christmas Market
From 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Market location: Calle Lagasca, Calle Córdoba and Calle Marqués del Duero.
Local merchants will show their best Christmas offers and promotions on public roads.

Children’s Party
5:00 pm at the neighbor’s association El Cruce of San Pedro Alcántara in the Plaza de la Libertad.

December 15

Santa Claus Tour
From 12:00 pm
Santa Claus will take a tour through the streets of San Pedro Alcántara accompanied and in collaboration with the local motorcycle clubs “Los Estufitas”, as well as the rest of the clubs that wish to participate.

Route: Departure from Calle Pedro López Martos (next to Aspandem de San Pedro Alcántara), Calle Manuel González Portilla, Boulevard Rotonda Central, Avenida Norberto Goizueta Daz, Calle Linda Vista, Calle Andalucía, Avenida de la Constitución, Calle Marqués de Estella, Calle Vega del Mar, Calle Doña Juanita, Avenida Pablo Ruiz Picasso, Marqués del Duero roundabout, Calle Lagasca, Calle del Pozo, Calle 19 de Octubre, Avenida Oriental, Calle Fuente Nueva, Calle Juan Illescas Pavón, ending at the Municipal building of San Pedro Alcántara.

Christmas concert
1:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the stage of the Fairgrounds located in Finca La Caridad
with the following performances: Juanlu Montoya, Ana Soto and Sonacay.

Christmas Sweets Contest
5:00 pm at the Active Participation Center for Seniors of San Pedro Alcántara 1.

December 16

Arrival of Santa Claus
5:30 pm at the neighbor’s association El Cruce of San Pedro Alcántara, on Avenida de la Constitución number 32.

December 17

Christmas concert
8:00 pm in the Church of San Pedro Alcántara
offered by the students of the San Pedro Alcántara Conservatory of Music, who will perform carols and Christmas music.

December 19

Christmas Zambomba from the Festivities Delegation
6:00 pm in Marqués del Duero
 with the participation of Zambomba Juan Delola “Christmas sounds”, Zambomba by Juanjo Alcántara “With sugar and cinnamon”, Zambomba we dance to Christmas Marta Álvarez and Zambomba by Ana Soto.

December 20

Celebration of the Christmas lunch
2:00 pm at the Active Participation Center for the Elderly of San Pedro Alcántara 1.

Christmas Zambomba
6:30 pm at the neighbor’s association El Cruce of San Pedro Alcántara, in the Plaza de la Libertad.
Tasting of Pestiños and soft drinks.

Concert “Estrellas”
8:00 pm at the Alcoholera Theater (Barriada El Ingenio)
organized by  of the Ukrainian association

December 21

X Kilo Popular Race
5:00 pm at Antonio Jesús García Ocón Memorial. San Pedro Alcántara Boulevard, amphitheater area. Dress up and run. Free registration with solidarity food collection.
Raffle for gifts, t-shirts and prizes by category.
Registration from 4:00 pm (solidarity delivery of one kilo of non-perishable food)

December 22

Turkey Race
Noon
All participating cyclists will start from the Paseo Marítimo de San Pedro Alcántara (near La Salida beach). Prizes and Christmas baskets will be handed out.

Christmas Pageant
1:00 pm in the Church Square
(approximately after the end of the 12:00 noon Mass)
with the participation of the following pastoral groups: Pastoral de Mayores de Marbella, Pastoral del Barbero, Coro Aires del Sur, Coro Son y Sal and Coro Amistad.
Churros with chocolate for all attendees.

Christmas Lunch Celebration
2:00 pm at the San Pedro Alcántara 2 Active Participation Center.

El Ingenio Christmas Zambomba
6:30 pm in the plaza of the “La Alcoholera” theater located on La Morena street (El Ingenio neighborhood)
with performances of the neighbor’s association Ballet School Julio Romero de Torres and flamenco zambomba by Juanjo Alcántara and Dani Ruiz.
Tasting of churros with chocolate for all attendees courtesy of neighbor’s association Julio Romero de Torres.

December 27

And the program also includes letter writing paper for the occasion:

December 28

Celebration of the Mini Chimes
11:30 am in the Plaza de la Iglesia.
Children’s party, children’s grape candy, party favors and an entertainment show.

December 31

New Year’s Eve Party
11:00 pm in the Plaza de la Iglesia.
An unbeatable space to say goodbye to 2024 in a pleasant and cozy atmosphere, thanks to the installation of a series of stoves that will soften the temperatures.
With shows by 5D’copas and Garaje 3 band

January 3

Parade of the Royal Guard of The Three Wise Men of the East
5:00 pm
Route: Departure from Calle Doña Juanita, Avenida Pablo Ruiz Picasso, Calle Lagasca, Calle Pozo, Calle 19 de Octubre, Avenida Oriental, Calle Revilla, Avenida Marqués del Duero, Calle Córdoba, Calle Pepe Osorio, Avenida Oriental, Calle Revilla and Plaza de la Iglesia.

Reception in the Plaza de la Iglesia (Church Square), where the keys to the city will be presented to The Three Wise Men of the East.
The Three Wise Men will spend the night in the Church to prepare for the Parade on January 5.

Traditional Roscón de Reyes
5:00 pm at the San Pedro Alcántara 1 Active Participation Center for Seniors.

Traditional Roscón de Reyes
5:30 pm at the San Pedro Alcántara 2 Active Participation Center for Seniors.

January 5

Three Wise Men of the East tour
From 11:00 am to 1:30 pm
The tour will happen in vintage cars on the main streets of El Salto, El Ingenio, Guadalmina Alta and San Pedro Alcántara. Next, the Three Wise Men of the East visit the Aspandem residence in San Pedro Alcántara.

Great Parade of The Three Wise Men of the East
6:00 pm
Route: departure from Avenida Virgen del Rocío (J. Tineo roundabout), Boulevard San Pedro Alcántara, Calle Pepe Osorio, Avenida Oriental, Calle Revilla and avenue Pablo Ruiz Picasso.

Next, The Three Wise Men of the East will greet all attendees from the balcony of the Mayor’s Office in the Plaza de la Iglesia.

Conclusion

There’s plenty to see and to do on San Pedro Alcantara – and in the rest of Marbella – this season. The seniors of the city will certainly have a great time, as will the children, in particular during the time of the visit of the Three Wise Men of the East. And the whole family can enjoy parades, illumination, shows and even races! I think San Pedro Alcantara will have a great time this end of the year. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas.

Christmas in Marbella 2024 started before the publication of the program, with the lights being switched on already on November 23. I think Marbella was really looking forward to it! It’s not so surprising, then, that Marbella has not only one, but two Christmas programs – one for Marbella, Las Chapas and Nueva Andalucía and another one for San Pedro Alcantara.

Related posts:
Christmas in San Pedro Alcantara 2024
Christmas in Estepona 2024
Christmas in Fuengirola 2024
Christmas in Torremolinos 2024
Christmas in Benalmadena 2024
2024 Christmas restaurants and parties in the Costa del Sol

In this page we’ll focus on the translation of the program for Marbella, Las Chapas and Nueva Andalucía; we will soon publish a similar post with the translation of the San Pedro Alcantara program. You can find here the link for Marbella’s program in the page of the Town Hall, and, below, the translation of all Christmas events the city has planned for this area from November 30 to January 5! Don’t forget to bookmark this page, so you can come back often during the season. Click on any date on our table of contents to go directly there. 😉

About the program

The program for Christmas in Marbella 2024 is subdivided in 3. The first part focuses on Marbella’s center / Old Town; the second part, on Nueva Andalucía, and the third part, on Las Chapas. The translation of the program reflects the subdivision of the program made by the Town Hall.

Regarding the content, much of the Christmas in Marbella 2024 program is focused on the seniors of the city, rather than on the children, which usually are the main target audience of Christmas programs in general and in the Costa del Sol in particular. A sign of a change of times, perhaps? In any case, I’m glad to know the seniors of Marbella have so many events prepared for them.

Another uniqueness I found in the program of Marbella is that many – really, a lot – of the activities are organized by institutions and associations of Marbella, more than by the Town Hall itself – different from Benalmadena and Torremolinos, in which the Ayuntamiento and their subdivisions are in charge of most events. This Christmas season in Marbella, neighbor’s associations, religious brotherhoods and the active participation centers (CPAs), which focus on senior citizens, are the main event organizers.

Last, but not least, the light and sound event Los Ángeles Trompeteros in the Plaza de Los Naranjos, a traditional feature of the Christmas in Marbella, is not mentioned in the program, other than the image below, which shows the times, but not the days! Will it happen this year? I hope so!

That being said, let’s check the translation of the program:

Christmas in Marbella 2024

November 30

Inauguration of Nativity Scene
8:30 pm at the Parroquia del Calvario
Inauguration of the Nativity scene of the María Rosa Duvige Nativity Scene Association with the participation of the Rociero Sierra Blanca Choir.

Zambomba Jerez 2024
Trip organized by the Citizen Participation Delegation with departures from Marbella and San Pedro Alcántara.

December 1

XI Speech of the María Rosa Duvige Nativity Scene Association
1:00 pm at the Royal Hospital of Misericordia (Hospitalillo)
Speech by Carmen Pastore Domínguez (Pichu) and with performances by Maribel Urbano dance academy and Soprano Cecilia Mason.

Pastoral Contest
5:00 pm at the CPA Plaza de toros
with Christmas sweets for members.

December 5

Inauguration of Traditional Nativity Scenes
Noon at the CPAs (Active Participation Centers)
Nativity Scenes of the Active Participation Centers for the Elderly of Santa Marta, Plaza de Toros and Los Paisajes.

Inauguration of Traditional Nativity Scene
5:30 pm at the CPA de Miraflores
Nativity Scenes of the Active Participation Center for the Elderly of Miraflores, enlivened by a musical performance.

Chocolate distribution of the neighbor’s association Las Albarizas
6:00 pm in Plaza Ramón Martínez (next to the Teatro Ciudad de Marbella).

Inauguration of the Municipal Nativity Scene
6:00 pm in the Alameda
carried out by the Marbella Nativity Scene Association and blessed by Mr. José Antonio Sánchez Herrera.

Inauguration of the Municipal Historical Nativity Scene
6:30 pm in the Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación Parish
carried out by the Marbella Nativity Scene Association, blessed by Mr. José Antonio Sánchez Herrera.

December 6

Christmas Flamenco Zambomba
Noon on Paseo de la Alameda.
By the “La Pollinica” Brotherhood. Full collection in favor of those affected by the Dana.

VI Buñuelada by the neighbor’s association El Barrio
5:00 pm at its headquarters located on Sol Street
Christmas snacks with donuts and chocolate.

Inauguration of Traditional Nativity Scene
5:30 pm at the CPA Encarna Cantero
enlivened with dance and live music.

December 7

Neighbor’s Day by the neighbor’s association Plaza de Toros
Noonin the children’s park of the neighborhood.

VI Zambomba Flamenca Leganitos
6:00 pm in José Antonio Pérez Cervera square (Barriada Leganitos).
organized by the neighbor’s association Maíz Viñals

December 8

Floral offering to the image of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
11:30 am
by the Marbella Fire Department.

VII Buñuelada by the Cultural Association of Pastorals of Marbella
4:30 pm on the Paseo de la Alameda
with the performance of the following pastorals: Pastoral Entrerríos de Mijas, Pastoral Amigos del Beta de Málaga, Pastoral de Santo Domingo de Málaga, Pastoral de Monda , Pastoral de Mayores de Marbella and Pastoral del Barbero.

December 10

Light Taxi “VII Walk of Illusion”
6:00 pm
Seniors from the Active Participation Centers and local residences will be able to enjoy a free ride along the Christmas lights throughout our municipal area, thanks to the solidarity of Marbella Voluntaria, Taxi Solidario, Cruz Roja Marbella, Aguja solidaria and Alabardero Catering Finca Amalur.

Christmas Concert by Collegium Musicum
8:30 pm at the Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación Parish.

December 11

Radio Olé Gala
5:30 pm at the Adolfo Suárez Fair and Congress Center in Marbella
The Gala will be attended by all the Active Participation Centers for Seniors in Marbella, San Pedro Alcántara, Nueva Andalucía and Las Chapas

December 12

Christmas Parade “Santa Claus is coming”
5:00 pm

 on the occasion of the Inauguration of Santa Claus House installed on Paseo de la Alameda.
Accompanied by the Marbella Musical Group.
This Christmas parade will fill the squares and streets through which it will pass with joy and excitement thanks to the magic of the most acclaimed and recognized children’s characters.

Route: Salida plaza Santo Cristo, Calle Ancha, Calle Cho­rrón, Calle Portada, Calle Arte, Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno, Plaza Puente Málaga, Avenida Nabeul, Calle Marqués de Nájera, Plaza Practicante Manuel Cantos, Calle Tetuán, Calle Enrique del Castillo, Calle Francisco Echamendi, Plaza África, Calle Fortaleza, Calle Pedraza, Plaza de la Victoria, Calle Estación, Plaza de los Naranjos, Calle Nueva, Calle Francisco Echamendi, Plaza África, Calle África y Paseo de la Alameda.

Children’s entertainment show “Welcome to Santa Claus”
Right after the parade, on the Paseo de la Alameda.

Tasting of Christmas Sweets
5:30 pm at the Active Participation Center for Seniors in Miraflores.

Christmas Coexistence “Between neighbors”
7:00 pm at the Adolfo Suárez Palace of Fairs and Congresses.
organized by the Delegation of Citizen Participation

December 13

Traditional Christmas Lunch
2:00 pm at the Santa Marta Active Participation Center for Seniors
enlivened by a great dance and live music

Chocolate distribution of the neighbor’s association Fernando de los Ríos
5:00 pm in the children’s park in the La Patera neighborhood.

Proclamation and Christmas Gala City of Marbella 2024
7:30 pm at the Adolfo Suárez Palace of Fairs and Congresses.
Speech by Consuelo Berlanga (journalist and presenter).
By Cope Marbella.

“Soleá” Christmas Zambomba
8:00 pm at the Cortijo Miraflores Cultural Center.
€10 donation – limited capacity
by the Nuestra Señora de La Soledad Brotherhood

December 14

Solidarity Zambomba “Los Nocheros”
Noon in Santo Cristo Square
there will be a toy collection.

Traditional Christmas Lunch
2:00 pm at the Los Paisajes Active Participation Center for Seniors,
enlivened by a great dance and live music

December 15

Traditional Christmas Lunch
2:00 pm at the Los Paisajes Active Participation Center for Seniors,
enlivened by a great dance and live music

Traditional Christmas Lunch
2:00 pm at the Plaza de Toros Active Participation Center for Seniors
enlivened by a great dance.

Christmas Concert – Organ of the Sol Mayor “II Bach cycle”
5:00 pm in the Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación.

December 16

Christmas Concert by Coral La Encarnación-Rafael Baeza
7:30 pm in the Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación.

December 17

Christmas Sweets Contest
5:30 pm at the Encarna Cantero Active Participation Center for Seniors.

December 18

Santa Claus Parade
6:00 pm
Santa Claus will take a tour through the streets of the city accompanied by Motoclub “Los Mentirosos”.

Route: exit of the Boulevard Pablo Ráez en Calle José Manuel Vallés, Calle Fray Luis de San Pascual, Calle Alfredo Palma, Avenida General López Domínguez, Calle San Bernabé, Calle Serenata, Travesía Huerta los cristales, Avenida Severo Ochoa, Avenida Nabeul, Avenida Doctor Maíz Viñals, Calle Arias de Velasco, Calle Sere­nata, Calle la Cañeta de Málaga, Plaza Paco Cantos, Avenida Europa, Avenida Doctor Maíz Viñals, Puente Cristo del Amor, Calle Salvador Rueda, Avenida del Mercado, Avenida Jacinto Benavente, Avenida Ricardo Soriano, Avenida Ramón y Cajal, Avenida Severo Ochoa, Glorieta Manuel Haro “El Mojao”, Avenida Príncipe Salman and finishing in the Arch of access to Marbella.

Christmas Performance
6:00 pm Templete del Paseo de la Alameda.
by the students belonging to the Las Chapas school and Ecos school

December 19

Traditional Christmas Lunch
2:00 pm at the Miraflores Active Participation Center for Seniors,
enlivened by a great dance and live music.
A second lunch will be held on December 22 for those members who do not obtain a place.

Christmas Concert by the Marbella City Polyphonic Choir
7:30 pm in the Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación.

December 20

Children’s snack and visit from Santa Claus at the neighbor’s association El Barrio
5:00 pm at the association headquarters, located on Sol Street.

“Christmas” event by the neighbor’s association La Torrecilla
5:00 pm on the plot attached to the association’s headquarters.

Zambomba of the Festivities Delegation
6:00 pm on Nabeul Avenue.
With Zambomba with Aires de Belén, Coro los del patio, Zambomba flamenco Los Nocheros, Zambomba Coro Rociero Sierra Blanca, Zambomba Al compás de la Navidad and Coro Canta Marbella.

December 21

Pastoral Contest
4:30 pm in the Chapel of Santo Cristo
with Pastoral Los Bataneros de Arroyo de la Miel, Pastoral Los Prados de Málaga, Pastoral Santa Fe de Los Boliches, Rondalla Pastores de la Bajadilla de Algeciras, Pastoral de Mayores de Marbella and Pastoral del Barbero de Marbella.
Tasting of churros with chocolate for all attendees.

December 22

Traditional Christmas Lunch
2:00 pm at the Miraflores Active Participation Center for Seniors,
enlivened by a great dance and live music.

Traditional Christmas Snack
2:00 pm at the Encarna Cantero Active Participation Center for Seniors,
with chocolate and churros tasting.

Charity Christmas Gala of the Calvario Brotherhood
7:00 pm at the Adolfo Suárez Fairs and Congress Palace in Marbella
with the collaboration of the Mi Lema Melania Leiva dance academy.

December 23

Neighbor’s association Vázquez Clavel-Pilar Miraflores children’s party
5:00 pm in González Badía square.

December 24

Holy Rooster’s Mass
7:00 pm
officiated by Monsignor D. José Antonio Sánchez Herrera in the Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación.

December 27

Above: The program includes decorated images that can be used as paper for the kids to write their letters to the Royal Postman – or to Santa. How cute!

Traditional Christmas Lunch
2:00 pm at the Encarna Cantero Active Participation Center for Seniors.

Dj Retro “Pinchando por una causa” under the theme “Your face sounds to me”
8:00 pm at the Terral Club, located on Avda. Ricardo Soriano, 19, Alfil building, floor 8.

December 28

Celebration of the New Year’s Eve Mini Bells
11:30 am in the Church Square.
With children’s party, children’s grape candy, party favors and a surprising entertainment show.

Brotherhood Afternoon
5:00 pm in the José Antonio Pérez Cervera square (Barriada Leganitos).
organized by the Brotherhoods of Nuestra Señora de la Amargura and Cristo del Amor  

Chocolate distribution by the neighbor’s association Vázquez Clavel-Pilar Miraflores
5:00 pm in González Badía square.

Royal Postman visit to the the Chapel of the La Pollinica Brotherhood
5:00 pm at the Chapel of the La Pollinica Brotherhood
The Royal Postman will visit so that the children who wish can deliver their letters.
Toys collected in the solidarity campaign “This Christmas no child without a toy”, carried out by the Charity and Social Work Committee, will be delivered

Royal Postman Salud y Lágrimas del Carmen
6:00 pm in the children’s park of the Barriada Plaza de Toros
with chocolate, collection of products and non-perishable foods, and small gifts to the little ones.

December 29

Christmas Concert  – Organ of the Sol Mayor “In memory of Pepe Carrasco”
5:00 pm in the Parroquia Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación.

December 30

End of the year trip to Granada
by the Encarna Cantero Active Participation Center for Seniors.
From December 30, 2024 to January 1, 2025.

December 31

New Year’s Eve Party
11:00 pm in the Represa Park
Party organized by the Festivities Delegation. An unbeatable space to say goodbye to 2024 in a pleasant and cozy atmosphere, thanks to the installation of a series of stoves that will soften the temperatures. With shows of The Calvin and Rebellion

January 2

The Three Wise Men of the East
From 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Cristo del Amor Brotherhood located in the Plaza de los Naranjos.
The helpers of The Three Wise Men of the East will receive the children.

January 3

Visit of the Royal Postman and Children’s Party
5:00 pm at the Casa Hermandad de los Romeros de San Bernabé located in Plaza Rincón de San Bernabé.

Celebration of the traditional Roscón de Reyes and intergenerational meeting between grandparents and grandchildren
5:30 pm at the Active Participation Center for the Elderly in Miraflores,
With a visit from The Three Wise Men.

Celebration of the traditional Roscón de Reyes
5:30 pm at the Encarna Cantero Active Participation Center for Seniors.

The Three Wise Men of the East
From 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Cristo del Amor Brotherhood located in the Plaza de los Naranjos.
The helpers of The Three Wise Men of the East will receive the children.

January 4

Arrival by boat of The Three Wise Men of the East and subsequent Parade of their Royal Guard
5:00 pm
Route: departure from the Puerto Deportivo, Roundabout Virgen del Carmen, Calle Acera de la Marina, Avenida Miguel Cano, Avenida Ramón y Cajal, Calle Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente, Nabeul avenue, Puente Málaga square, Calle Nuestro Padre Jesús Nazareno, Calle Arte, Calle Salinas, Calle Trinidad and Plaza de la Iglesia.

Followed by reception in the Plaza de la Iglesia, where the authorities of our city will deliver the keys to the city to The Three Wise Men, which will spend the night at the Marbella Castle to prepare for the Parade on January 5.

Roscón de Reyes and Dance
5:30 pm at the Active Participation Centers for Seniors in Plaza de Toros, Los Paisajes and Santa Marta.

The Three Wise Men of the East
From 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Cristo del Amor Brotherhood located in the Plaza de los Naranjos.
The helpers of The Three Wise Men of the East will receive the children.

January 5

Visit of The Three Wise Men of the East to Hospitals.
11:00 am

Parade of The Three Wise Men of the East
6:00 pm
Route: Plaza Monseñor Rodrigo Bocanegra (Pirulí), Avenida Ricardo Soriano, Avenida Ramón y Cajal and arrival at Severo Ochoa Avenue (near the gas station).
With the Marbella Musical Group.

Christmas in Nueva Andalucía 2024

December 12

Inauguration of the Traditional Nativity Scene
5:30 pm at the Active Participation Center for the Elderly of Nueva Andalucía.
With the participation of the Virgen Madre de Nueva Andalucía Choir and subsequent dance with live music.

December 13

Juan Delola Christmas Zambomba “With Sugar and Cinnamon”
7:00 pm in the Plaza del Pilar in Nueva Andalucía.
Choir Contest with the participation of: Rociero Virgen Madre de Nueva Andalucía Choir, Pastoral del Barbero, Zambomba Christmas sounds and Coro Canta Marbella, in addition to the participation of dance groups. Tasting of churros with chocolate for all attendees.

December 14

Traditional Christmas Lunch
2:00 pm at the Active Participation Center for the Elderly of Nueva Andalucía
dance and live music

December 19

Santa Claus visits Nueva Andalucía
4:00 pm in the Jardines de la Tenencia.
All children attending will be able to deliver their letters.
Followed by the CEIP José Banús Christmas Party with a Christmas bazaar in the Tenencia gardens, with performances by the Banu-Dance students and stalls at the Villa Banús Christmas Bazaar.
With bouncy castles and children’s entertainment.

Traditional Baking Contest and Christmas theatrical performance by the Arteatro Association
5:30 pm at the Active Participation Center for the Elderly of Nueva Andalucía.

December 21

Representation of the Living Nativity Scene
1:00 pm
organized by the neighbor’s association La Azucarera.

Christmas Zambomba
3:00 pm on avenida Las Palmeras
by the group Gloria Bendita.
Tasting of churros with chocolate.

Santa Claus visits El Ángel
5:00 pm on Las Palmeras Avenue.
All children attending will be able to hand in their letters and enjoy children’s entertainment and bouncy castles.

December 22

Christmas Market
11:00-21:00 in the Gardens of the Mayor’s Office of Nueva Andalucía.
With live music, a bar with the Nueva Andalucía Brotherhood, a charity raffle, children’s entertainment, bouncy castles, children’s workshops and more than 40 Christmas stalls.
Starting at 8:00 pm, the Las Minicampanadas party will be held.

December 27

Children’s party with visit from the Royal Postman
5:00 pm at the children’s park on Miguel de Cervantes Avenue
The Three Wise Men of the East will receive all the children to collect their letters.
With children’s entertainment and bouncy castles.

December 28

Celebration of Grandparents’ and Grandchildren’s Day
5:30 pm at the Active Participation Center for the Elderly of Nueva Andalucía
Attendees will enjoy bouncy castles, entertainment and snacks.

January 3

Traditional Roscón de Reyes
5:30 pm at the Active Participation Center for Seniors of Nueva Andalucía.

January 4

Arrival by boat and reception in Puerto Banús of The Three Wise Men of the East
4:00 pm
The Three Wise Men of the East will then tour the streets of Nueva Andalucía and El Ángel in vintage cars and will be received by the Hard Rock Marbella Hotel in Nueva Andalucía

Children’s party and visit by the Royal Postman
5:00 pm on the Avenida de las Palmeras in El Ángel
The Royal Postman of The Three Wise Men of the East will receive the children to collect their letters.
Attendees will enjoy children’s entertainment and bouncy castles.

January 5

Parade of The Three Wise Men of the East
Noon
Route: departure close to the new multipurpose space of Nueva Andalucía on Calle Quevedo, Calle Álvaro de la Iglesia, calle Torrente Ballester, calle Lope de Vega, Avenida Miguel de Cervantes, calle Quevedo and arrival at the new multipurpose space of Nueva Andalucía.
With the Marbella Musical Group
Once the Parade is over, The Three Wise Men will be in the Multipurpose Space of Nueva Andalucía welcoming the children who wish to greet them.

Christmas in Las Chapas 2024

December 1

Holy Mass and Blessing of the Bethlehem Portal of the Parish
12:30 pm at Parroquia Virgen del Carmen de Las Chapas

Pastoral Contest “D. Rafael Osorio Cibajas”
13:15 pm at Parroquia Virgen del Carmen de Las Chapas
with the performances of Pastoral del Barbero de Marbella Pastoral de los Mayores de Marbella Pastoral Villa de Ojén

December 13

Inauguration of the Belén Portal
Noon at the Las Chapas Center for Active People

December 14

III Christmas Petanque Tournament
10.00 am at Eric Plan Park
Registration at the Las Chapas Sports Delegation. Tel. 952768714

Santa Claus Party
4:30 pm to 10 pm at Plaza Pueblo Platero
4:30 pm – Children’s performance
6:00 pm – Zambomba Flamenca “Los Nocheros” with drinks and snack bar with popular prices.

December 15

Traditional Christmas Lunch
2:00 pm at the Las Chapas Active Participation Center
followed by dancing and live music.

December 20

Parish Coexistence Party
7:30 pm in the rear parking lot of the Parroquia Virgen del Carmen de Las Chapas
with Buñuelos and Churros

December 21

Ecological Christmas Market by the Guadalhorce Ecological Association
 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Pinar Elviria Parking,
with live music (from 11:00 am) by the performer Elizabeth Wynn.
10:30 am – Christmas breakfast with tea, bread, oil and Christmas sweets for attendees.
Noon – Children’s face painting workshop.
1:00 pm – Christmas Ecobasket Raffle.

December 24

Delivery of Solidarity Meals
Noon in the Las Chapas District

Rooster’s Mass
7:00 pm in the Parroquia Virgen del Carmen de Las Chapas

January 3

Traditional Roscón de Reyes
5:30 pm at the Active Participation Center for Seniors in Las Chapas

January 4

Visit of the Royal Postman
4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Pinar Elviria Parking
With bouncy castles and free tasting of churros with chocolate
4:15 pm –  Children’s performance and surprise gifts
6:00 pm – Start of The Three Wise Men of the East Parade, to Avenida Las Cumbres.

Conclusion

This decentralization of the Christmas preparation leads to quite a few of the events in the program having a rather private nature; it seems to me that they are more oriented to the members of the organizing institution than to the population as a whole. I hope I’m wrong; if you know better, please share your knowledge with me!

On the other hand, there’s plenty to see and to do on Marbella this season – this program is very long! The seniors of the city will certainly have a great time, as will the children, in particular during the time of the visit of the Three Wise Men of the East. And the whole family can enjoy the parades and (perhaps) the light shows on the Plaza de Los Naranjos – a highlight of Christmas in Marbella. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!

Christmas in Torremolinos 2024 – Once again, Torremolinos prepared a magical Christmas program, packed with events for the whole family, especially the youngest ones. We will have Santa Claus Village and the Christmas Park, as well as the Christmas market and the beautiful Christmas lights, that will be turned on for the first time already on November 29. Come see how beautiful it is going to be!

The program

And talking about beauty, let me congratulate the designer and creators of Torremolinos 2024 Christmas program. It is beautiful, practical and succint, what a pleasure to see! You can find the official program, in Spanish, here; below, you’ll find my translation of the 2024 Christmas program. Click on any date on the table of contents below to go straight to that day’s program 😉

I’ve also added, in the bottom of this post, Google Maps directions to some of the main venues listed in the program, to make it a bit easier to find them. Don’t forget to bookmark this post, so it is easier for you to come back during this long season.  There’s plenty to see and to enjoy during Christmas in Torremolinos 2024!

Related posts:
Christmas in Benalmadena 2024
Christmas in Fuengirola 2024
Christmas in Mijas 2024
Christmas in Marbella 2024
Christmas in San Pedro Alcantara 2024
Christmas in Estepona 2024
December in the Costa del Sol

November 29

Inauguration of the Christmas lighting by Pasión Vega:

Inaugural Parade
7:00 pm – Departure of the Parade from Plaza San Miguel to Plaza Costa del Sol

Torremolinos Dance Center Performance
7:45 pm – Plaza Costa del Sol
Director: Carmen Crespo

Inauguration of the Artistic Christmas Lighting followed by Pasión Vega Show
8:00 pm – Plaza Costa del Sol

Zambombá Flamenco ‘Callejón Canta a La Navidad’
9:00 pm – Avenida Palma de Mallorca

Zambomba is a celebration that takes place in Andalusia in the run-up to Christmas. According to the Flamenco guide, “Friends and relatives gather in courtyards, squares or flamenco peñas (associations) to sing flamenco Christmas carols – accompanied by instruments such as zambombas, tambourines or even guitars, and spiced up with local wines, traditional sweets and cold meats.  There is usually a mix of religious and profane lyrics, and participants sometimes dance briefly to the music. The focus is on the communal singing.”

November 30

Christmas Choirs Meeting
8:00 p.m. – Avenida Palma de Mallorca
Torremolinos Choir, Gospel Choir and Voces del Sol Choir

December 4

Inauguration of the Crochet Christmas Tree
6:00 pm – Plaza Blas Infante
Made by the Association of Crocheters of Torremolinos

Inauguration of the Municipal Nativity
6:30 pm – Torremolinos Town Hall – Ground Floor
Performances: youth and adult choirs of the Municipal School of Music of Torremolinos, San Miguel Choir and Pastoral del Calvario.

December 7

Musical Theater ‘Hercules: A Legendary Musical’
Noon – Príncipe de Asturias Municipal Auditorium
By the Black Sheep Producciones Theater Company. Free access with a pass that can be picked up at the Culture Delegation, at the Casa de Cultura or at the Pablo Ruiz Picasso Cultural Center.
Prior reservation through the app Torremolinos Despega.

Blessing of the Parish Nativity Scene
7:30 pm – Mother of Good Counsel Parish (Parroquia Madre del Buen Consejo)

December 11

Rosquilladas Day
4:30 pm – Playamar Active Participation Center
More information and registration at the Active Participation Centers

Theater Play ‘Las Amigas’
6:30 pm – Playamar Active Participation Center
By the Candilejas Theater Association of Torremolinos

December 13

Sowers of stars
4:00 pm. to 7:00 pm – From the Town Hall to San Miguel Parish
Route: Torremolinos Town Hall, Plaza Blas Infante, Calle Rafael Quintana Rosado, Calle Europa, Avenida Isabel Manoja, Calle Río Arba, Calle Madre del Buen Consejo, Avenida de los Manantiales, Plaza Costa del Sol, Calle San Miguel and Parroquia de San Miguel.

Christmas Concert ‘La Little Bigband de Málaga’
9:00 p.m. – Plaza Costa del Sol

December 14

Christmas Fencing Tournament
09:00 am to 2:30 pm – Sports Village in the Fairgrounds – Fitness Booth
Registration: Torremolinos Fencing Club – Federated Activity

XXXIII Judo Christmas Trophy and XXVII José Campos Memorial 2024
10:00 am to 3:00 pm – Palacio San Miguel
Registration: Club Arte y Deporte
Phones: 699 332 046 and 952 374 850

II Christmas Skate Day
10:30 am to 1:30 pm – Outdoor Sports Courts

Children’s Christmas Crafts Workshop
11:00 am – Mother of Good Counsel Parish (Parroquia Madre del Buen Consejo)
For children from 6 to 12 years old

Route X Edition Toy Run 2024
Noon – Plaza Blas Infante
12:30 pm – Plaza Federico García Lorca
Solidarity biker route through Torremolinos to collect toys.
With live music starting at 1:00 pm.

Route: Plaza Blas Infante, Calle Rafael Quintana Rosado, Calle Europa, Avenida Isabel Manoja, Calle Río Bergantes, Calle Río Aranda, Calle de la Cruz, Avenida de Benyamina, Paseo del Colorado, Calle del Sanatorio, Avenida de la Riviera, Paseo Marítimo de los Álamos, Paseo Marítimo Playamar,  Paseo Marítimo del Bajondillo, Paseo de la Roca Chica, Rincón del Sol, Huerta del Rincón Calle Parroco Antonio Díaz Romero, Calle Decano Higueras del Castillo, Pasaje Ciudad de Porcuna, Calle Miami, Calle Los Nidos, Calle  Pez Espada, Rotonda del Pez Espada, Avenida Carlota Alessandri, Avenida Palma de Mallorca, Avenida Joan Miró, Calle Rafael Quintana Rosado y Plaza Blas Infante (Ayuntamiento de Torremolinos).

Blessing of the Parish Nativity Scene
7:00 p.m. – San Miguel Arcángel Parish (Parroquia San Miguel Arcángel)

Parish Christmas Concerts
8:15 p.m. – Mother of Good Counsel Parish (Parroquia Madre del Buen Consejo)
Torremolinos Choir Performance

December 15

XXVI Indoor Triathlon ‘City of Torremolinos 2024’
10:00 am. to 2:30 pm – Virgen del Carmen Olympic Pool 1 and Sports Village
Registration: app Torremolinos despega.
Cost €15 / €20

Family Christmas Concert
Noon – Príncipe de Asturias Municipal Auditorium
Málaga Symphony Orchestra. Director: José Luis López Antón.
Performing Film and TV Series Soundtracks. 
Free access with a pass that can be picked up at the Culture Delegation, at the Casa de Cultura or at the Pablo Ruiz Picasso Cultural Center. Prior reservation through the app Torremolinos Despega.

December 16

Workshop ‘Navidad with Christmas for Families’
5:00 pm – Risen Christ Parish – Parish Halls (Parroquia Cristo Resucitado)
For children from 6 to 12 years old

December 17

Municipal School of Music Christmas Concert
7:00 p.m. – Torremolinos Town Hall, Ground Floor
Performance by the Students and Teachers of the Municipal School of Music of Torremolinos

December 18

Christmas Sports Parade – School for Seniors and Adults
10:00 am to 1:30 pm – From Palacio San Miguel to Plaza San Miguel

Christmas Snack with Performance of Zambombá Flamenca by “Ana Serrano”
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Torremolinos Congress Palace
Registration at the Pozuelo Active Participation Center, Playamar and Torremolinos Municipal Coexistence Center

December 19

Workshop ‘Navidad with Christmas for Families’
5:00 pm – Risen Christ Parish – Parish Halls (Parroquia Cristo Resucitado)
For children from 6 to 12 years old

Municipal School of Music Christmas Concert
7:00 pm – Casa de Cultura
Performance by the Students and Teachers of the Municipal School of Music of Torremolinos

Parish Christmas Concerts
7:45 pm – San Miguel Arcángel Parish (Parroquia San Miguel Arcángel)
 Choral Performance ‘Voices for memory’

December 20

Christmas breakfast for users registered in sports activities
9:00 am – Aguas de Torremolinos Booth – Fairgrounds

Workshop ‘Navidad with Christmas for Families’
5:00 pm – Risen Christ Parish – Parish Halls (Parroquia Cristo Resucitado)
For children from 6 to 12 years old

Young Christmas: ‘Speed Talks’
6:00 pm – Pablo Ruiz Picasso Cultural Center
For young people from 14 to 30 years old.
Free registration in the Torremolinos app Despega, Youth Area

Zambombá ‘From Écija To Jerez’
8:00 pm – Plaza Federico García Lorca
With the participation of the artists Esperanza Soria and Fernando Soto

December 21

Living Nativity Scene of Torremolinos
4:00 pm. to 6:30 pm – Molino de Inca Botanical Garden
With chocolate beverages to benefit those affected by the Dana
Free access until capacity is reached.
The Molino de Inca is gorgeous! Have you been there? This is a great opportunity.

II Christmas Gymkana
5:00 pm – Plaza Costa del Sol
Free registration at the Concierge of the Palacio San Miguel

Parish Christmas Concerts
7:15 pm – Santa María del Mar Parish (Parroquia Santa María del Mar)
Performance by the Santa María del Mar Choir

Parish Christmas Concerts
7:30 pm – Our Lady of Carmen Parish of La Carihuela (Parroquia  Ntra. Sra. del Carmen de La Carihuela)
Performance by the San Miguel Choir

December 23

Flashmob Torremolinos Dance Center
4:30 pm – Plaza Costa del Sol Director: Carmen Crespo

December 26

Young Christmas: ‘Neon Painting’
4:30 pm – Pablo Ruiz Picasso Cultural Center
For young people from 14 to 30 years old.
Free registrations in the Torremolinos APP Despega, Youth Area

Young Christmas: ‘Sushi Workshop’
7:00 pm – Pablo Ruiz Picasso Cultural Center
For young people from 14 to 30 years old.
Free registrations in the Torremolinos APP Despega, Youth Area

December 27

II Torremolinos 3×3 Basketball Christmas Tournament
09:00 am to 6:00 pm – Villa Deportiva Outdoor Courts
Registration: Miramar Torremolinos Basketball Club

Young Christmas: ‘Neon Painting’
4:30 pm – Pablo Ruiz Picasso Cultural Center
For young people from 14 to 30 years old.
Free registrations in the Torremolinos APP Despega, Youth Area

Young Christmas: ‘Sushi Workshop’
7:00 pm – Pablo Ruiz Picasso Cultural Center
For young people from 14 to 30 years old.
Free registrations in the Torremolinos APP Despega, Youth Area

December 28

Christmas Zambombá ‘Encarni Navarro’
8:00 pm – Bulevar Marifé de Triana

December 31

VIII San Silvestre De Torremolinos Solidarity Race
10:30 am – Meeting and registration
12:00 pm – Departure: Plaza Federico García Lorca
Free registration by contributing 1 kg of food or non-perishable product

Evening in Torremolinos
From 2:00 pm – Plaza Costa del Sol

January 1

New Year Concert
7:15 pm – Santa María del Mar Parish (Parroquia Santa María del Mar)

January 2 and 3

Young Christmas: ‘Photography Workshop’
4:00 pm – Pablo Ruiz Picasso Cultural Center
For young people from 14 to 30 years old.
Free registrations in the Torremolinos App Despega, Youth Area

Young Christmas: ‘Pastrying Workshop’
6:00 pm – Pablo Ruiz Picasso Cultural Center
For young people from 14 to 30 years old.
Free registrations in the Torremolinos App Despega, Youth Area

January 4

Reception of the 3 Kings of the East
5:00 pm to 8:00 pm – Casa de Los Navajas

January 5

Meeting with the 3 Kings of the East for Families with Functional Diversity
4:00 pm to 5:00 pm – Torremolinos Town Hall – Reception Room
Their Majesties the Three Wise Men of the East will hold a private reception with children and young people with functional diversity.
Registrations with limited capacity, through the Torremolinos app Despega.

Parade of the 3 Kings of the East
4:00 pm – Concentration in Plaza Blas Infante
5:00 pm – Departure
Route: Plaza Blas Infante, Calle Rafael Quintana Rosado, Calle Europa, Avenida Isabel Manoja, Avenida de los Manantiales, Plaza Costa del Sol, Avenida Palma de Mallorca, Avenida Joan Miró, Calle Doctor Jiménez Encina, Calle García de la Serna, Calle Rafael Quintana Rosado and Plaza Blas Infante.

How to get there

Plaza Costa del Sol and Avenida Palma de Mallorca

The walking part of Avenida Palma de Mallorca, where the events will take place, is a continuation of the Plaza Costa del Sol. 😉

Plaza Pablo Ruiz Picasso and Parroquia Madre del Buen Consejo

The Parish is just accros the square; you can see it in this same frame!

Pablo Ruiz Picasso Cultural Center

Notice that the square (Plaza) and the cultural center named after Picasso are actually far from each other. Don’t mix them!

Plaza Blas Infante and Town Hall

These two are also one accross the street from the other.

Parroquia Cristo Resucitado

Right by the Town Hall.

Fairgrounds and Príncipe de Asturias Municipal Auditorium

The auditorium is part of the fairgrounds.

Parroquia San Miguel Arcángel

In the city center, right by the square of the same name.

Parroquia Santa María del Mar

Conclusion

Christmas in Torremolinos 2024 will be remarkable. Torremolinos looks so pretty ‘dressed up’ for Christmas! And with so many interesting events to choose from in one month, the town is giving us a big gift! If you are going to be in Torremolinos during December, there is certainly going to be something fun and enchanting to see and to do – or even a lot. Enjoy! I wish you a very Merry Christmas.

Christmas in Benalmadena 2024 is going to be special. The festive season is going to start (as usual in the Costa del Sol) already on November 29, when the special Christmas illumination will be turned on for the first time this year. It will happen in the 3 districts of Benalmádena – Pueblo, Costa and Arroyo – on different times. Benalmadena Pueblo and Arroyo de la Miel will have Christmas parades on the same day and Arroyo, on top of it all, also inaugurates its Christmas market.

The program

The Christmas program issued by Benalmadena’s Town Hall for 2024 is called Vive la Navidad in Benalmádena (Live Christmas in Benalmadena) and it is all in Spanish. You can find, below, the translation of the full program, that extends up to January 5, with the 3 Kings parade. Click on any date on the table of contents above to go straight to that day’s program!

I’ve also added, in the bottom of this post, Google Maps directions to some of the main venues listed in the program, to make it a bit easier to find them. Don’t forget to bookmark this post, so it is easier for you to come back during this long season. 😉 There’s plenty to enjoy during Christmas in Benalmadena in 2024!

Related Posts:
Christmas in Torremolinos 2024
Christmas in Fuengirola 2024
Christmas in Mijas 2024
Christmas in Marbella 2024
Christmas in San Pedro Alcantara 2024
Christmas in Estepona 2024
December in the Costa del Sol

November 29

Christmas Parade prior to the Inauguration
Benalmadena Pueblo
From 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
Depart from Biblioteca Manuel Altolaguirre, continue along Calle Amapola, Calle Felipe Orlando, Plaza 3 Culturas, Calle Jerónimo Garrida, Calle Lomillas, Calle Álamos, Calle Real, Av. Juan Luis Peralta and Plaza 3 Culturas.

Great Inauguration Party and Lighting Up of the Christmas of Benalmádena Pueblo
Benalmadena Pueblo – Plaza 3 Culturas
6:00 pm.
Great party for the Lighting of the Christmas Lighting
Christmas Snack at popular prices by the Cofradía del Cautivo

Inauguration and Lighting Up of the Christmas of Benalmádena Costa and Zambomba of “Rocío Alba Y Amigos”
Benalmádena Costa – Plaza Solymar
7:00 pm.
Zambomba is a celebration that takes place in Andalusia in the run-up to Christmas. According to the Flamenco guide, “Friends and relatives gather in courtyards, squares or flamenco peñas (associations) to sing flamenco Christmas carols – accompanied by instruments such as zambombas, tambourines or even guitars, and spiced up with local wines, traditional sweets and cold meats.  There is usually a mix of religious and profane lyrics, and participants sometimes dance briefly to the music. The focus is on the communal singing.”

Christmas Parade prior to the Inauguration
Arroyo de la Miel
From 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Departure from Plaza Austria, continue along Av. Constitución, Calle Las Flores, Calle Dolores Ibárruri, Av. Inmaculada Concepción, Av. Federico García Lorca, Calle Pilar, Plaza de la Mezquita, Calle María del Mar, Calle San Telmo, Calle Andalucía, Calle Armas del Vela Hidalgo, Plaza España, Calle Félix Solecio, Calle Blas Infante, Av. Constitución.

Great Inauguration Party and Lighting Up of the Christmas in Arroyo de la Miel
Arroyo de la Miel – Plaza de la Iglesia
8:00 pm.
Great party for the Lighting up next to the Tree by the winner of the “Our Christmas” raffle contest of the Education Delegation of the Benalmádena City Council.
Christmas Snack at popular prices offered by the Brotherhood of Rocío

Inauguration of the Children’s Christmas Park
Arroyo de la Miel – Plaza Adolfo Suarez (Pueblosol)
8:00 pm.

Inauguration of the Christmas Market
Arroyo de la Miel – Avenida Constitución
8:00 pm.

November 30

Inauguration of the Mexican Nativity and Festival of the Posadas
Benalmádena Pueblo – Museo Precolombino
6:00 pm.
Festival of the Posadas are a Mexican tradition that reminds people of the pilgrimage of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem, where they look for a place to stay and wait for the birth of baby Jesus.

December 1

7th Toy Fishing Day
Benalmadena Costa – Castillo El Bil Bil
From 11:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Biker route, toy collection and activities for all types of audiences.

December 4

Christmas Singing and Choral Festival
Arroyo de la Miel – Casa de la Cultura
7:30 pm.
By invitation.

December 5

Inauguration of the Artistic Christmas Nativity Scene
Benalmádena Pueblo – Courtyard of the Town Hall
Noon

Inauguration of the Giant Children’s Nativity
Arroyo de la Miel – Casa de la Cultura
5:00 pm.
Performance by Benalmadena’s Municipal Singing School

Inauguration of the Municipal Christmas Nativity Scene
Arroyo de la Miel – Plaza Adolfo Suarez (Pueblosol)
6:30 pm.
Snacks at popular prices by the Brotherhood of Coronado de Espinas

Belén Municipal (Municipal Christmas Nativity Scene)

Performance of the Zambomba “Alejandro Estrada and Amigos”
* The program doesn’t inform the time or place of this Zambomba.

December 6

The House of Wishes
Benalmádena Pueblo – Plaza de Andalucía
From noon to 2:00 pm and
From 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Visit Santa Claus, enjoy his workshops, a great snowfall and children’s games.
Musical “Madrigal Family”

Encanto Parade
Benalmádena Pueblo
From 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm.
Departure from the Manuel Altolaguirre Library, continue along Calle Amapola, Calle Felipe Orlando, Plaza 3 Culturas, Calle Jerónimo Garrida, Calle Lomillas, Calle Álamos, Calle Real and Plaza Andalucía.

Pastorals Performances
Arroyo de la Miel – Plaza Adolfo Suárez (Pueblosol)
5:30 pm.
Performances by the Pastoral of the Brotherhood of Rocío, Pastoral Santa Fe de Los Boliches and Peña Nuestra Señora de la Cruz Choir.
Christmas Snack of the Pastoral Performances by the Brotherhood of Rocío

December 7

The House of Wishes
Benalmádena Pueblo – Plaza de Andalucía
From noon to 2:00 pm and
From 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Visit Santa Claus and enjoy his workshops and children’s games.
Musical “The Adventures of Pepe and Pepa”

Christmas Candela “Andrés Cansino and Rocío Bazán”
Arroyo de la Miel – Plaza de la Iglesia
8:00 pm.
Candela literally means candle. But a Candela Navideña, when in the context of an event, is a gathering of people around a small bonfire (the “candle”) to hear someone sing and / or play music in an open, informal space.

December 8

The House of Wishes
Benalmádena Pueblo – Plaza de Andalucía
From noon to 2:00 pm and
From 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Visit and create your letter to Santa Claus, enjoy a Great Snowfall, balloon twisting workshops and children’s games.
Musical “In Search of Christmas”

XXXI Benalmadena Pastoral Contest
Benalmádena Pueblo – Plaza de las 3 Culturas
4:30 pm.
Competition with the performance of Pastorals from the province of Malaga.

Zambomba Performance “Rubén Portillo and Friends”
Arroyo de la Miel – Plaza Adolfo Suárez (Pueblosol)
6:30 pm.
Christmas snacks by the Benalmádena Apprende Association.

Christmas Play Workshops
Arroyo de la Miel – Plaza de Austria (Casa de la Cultura)
From 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

December 9

Pastorals Meeting
Arroyo de la Miel – Plaza Adolfo Suárez (Pueblosol)
5:30 pm.
Performances by the Pastoral “Los Bataneros” of Arroyo de la Miel, Pastoral Santiago de Mijas and Pastoral “Los Prados” of Malaga.
Christmas snacks by the Benalmádena Apprende Association

The House of Wishes
Benalmádena Pueblo – Plaza de Austria*
From noon to 2:00 pm and
From 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Visit Santa Claus, enjoy his workshops, a great snowfall and children’s games.
*Plaza de Austria is in Arroyo de la Miel. I asked in the Casa de la Cultura (which is right by Plaza de Austria) and they said this event is going to happen in Benalmadena Pueblo, Plaza de Andalucía.

December 10

Christmas Festival of Spanish Dance (Arroyo de la Miel)
Arroyo de la Miel – Casa de la Cultura
6:30 pm and 8:30 pm.
Dance in couples and modern dance. By invitation

December 11

Christmas Festival of Accompaniment Guitar and Guitar Orchestra
Arroyo de la Miel – Casa de la Cultura
Casa de la Cultura
7:30 pm.
By invitation

December 13

XV International Christmas Festival
Arroyo de la Miel – Plaza de la Mezquita
From December 13 to 15
From noon to midnight
Enjoy the Christmas party as they do in more than 15 countries around the world, in three days, without leaving Benalmadena.

Do it yourself!
Arroyo de la Miel Library
From 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Workshop for making a Christmas craft with reusable materials aimed at children between 8 and 12 years old. Prior registration required.

XVIII Pastoral Contest “Los Bataneros”
Arroyo de la Miel – Casa de la Cultura
8:00 pm.
Contest with the performance of Pastorals from the province of Málaga
Free entry until capacity is reached

Puerto Marina’s Christmas market will offer a few workshops, too! You can see their program below (slide through the pages):

December 14

“Pirates” Parade
Arroyo de la Miel
From noon to 2:00 pm
Route: Plaza Austria, Avenida de la Constitución, Calle Las Flores, Calle Dolores Ibárruri, Av. Inmaculada Concepción, Av. Federico García Lorca, Calle Pilar, Plaza de la Mezquita, Calle María del Mar, Calle San Telmo, Calle Andalucía, Calle Armas del Vela Hidalgo, Plaza España, Calle Félix Solecio, Calle Blas Infante, Avenida Constitución.

XV International Christmas Festival
Arroyo de la Miel – Plaza de la Mezquita
From December 13 to 15
From noon to midnight
Enjoy the Christmas party as they do in more than 15 countries around the world, in three days, without leaving Benalmadena.

Children’s Workshops
Arroyo de la Miel – Plaza de Austria
From 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Children’s workshops, Magic Show and Musical “The elves don’t know how to dance”

Christmas Candela
Arroyo de la Miel – Plaza Adolfo Suárez (Pueblosol)
6:00 pm.
Performance by choirs and pastorals.

Christmas Candela “From Malaga to Bethlehem by Delia Membrive”
Benalmádena Pueblo – Parque de los Limones
7:00 pm.
Christmas snack at popular prices by the Brotherhood of the Nazarene

Christmas Choral Meeting “Singing Next to The Cradle”
Arroyo de la Miel – Immaculate Conception Parish
8:30 pm.

December 15

Traditional Turkey Race – Special 40th Edition
Departure at 11:00 am from the Arroyo de la Miel Sports Center

XV International Christmas Festival
Arroyo de la Miel – Plaza de la Mezquita
From December 13 to 15
From noon to midnight
Enjoy the Christmas party as they do in more than 15 countries around the world, in three days, without leaving Benalmadena.

Christmas Play Workshops
Arroyo de la Miel – Plaza de Austria (Casa de la Cultura)
From noon to 2:00 pm and
From 5:00 pm. to 8:00 pm.
Great snowfall, storytelling, face painting workshops, balloon twisting and Christmas tattoos.

Living Nativity
Benalmádena Pueblo – Parque de los Limones
4:00 pm.
Living Nativity Scene made by residents of the Municipality with the special collaboration of the Municipal School of Dance and Theater of Benalmadena Pueblo

December 16

Ballet Christmas Festival
Arroyo de la Miel – Casa de la Cultura
7:30 pm.
Performance by the Municipal Dance School. By invitation.

December 17

Spanish Dance Christmas Festival (Benalmádena Pueblo)
Casa de la Cultura *
6:30 pm. and 8:30 pm.
By invitation.
* As this festival is going to happen in Benalmádena Pueblo, it will likely not be in the Casa de la Cultura, that is in Arroyo de la Miel. This point will probably be corrected in the near future.

December 18

Christmas Competition Prize Delivery
Arroyo de la Miel – Casa de la Cultura
6:00 pm.
Prize giving for all the Christmas contests organized by the Culture and Education Delegations.
More information at www.benalmadena.es

December 19

The House of Wishes
Arroyo de la Miel – Plaza de Austria
From noon to 2:00 pm and
From 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Visit and create your letter to Santa Claus, enjoy his workshops and children’s games.
Musical “Christmas with Yoli Panoli”

December 20

The House of Wishes
Arroyo de la Miel – Plaza de Austria
From 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Visit and create your letter to Santa Claus, enjoy his workshops, a great snowfall and children’s games.
Storytelling and parade of the Christmas Circus.
Musical “Juggling and Stilts”

Christmas Festival of Tango and Latin Dances
Arroyo de la Miel – Casa de la Cultura
7:30 pm.
Free entry until capacity is reached.

Christmas Zambombá by the “Esencia Flamenca De María Cortés” Group
Benalmádena Pueblo – Plaza de Andalucía
8:00 pm.
Christmas Zambomba with the stellar performance of the Group “Esencia Flamenca”

December 21

The House of Wishes
Arroyo de la Miel – Plaza de Austria
From noon to 2:00 pm and
From 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Visit and create your letter to Santa Claus, enjoy a great snowfall and a storyteller.
Musical “The Christmas Elves”

Santa Claus Party in Benalmádena Pueblo
Benalmádena Pueblo – Recinto Ferial Los Nadales
From 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Visit to Santa Claus, workshops, bouncy castles, photocall, etc…

Solidarity Cart
Arroyo de la Miel Parish, Departure 10:00 am
Food collection for Cáritas
Route: Calle Parra (Casa Hermandad Nuestra Señora del Rocío), Calle Ciruelo, Calle Naranjo, Calle San Juan, Avda. de la Constitución, Calle San Telmo, Calle Andalucía, Calle Navarra, Calle Noelia, Avda. de la Constitución, Calle Las Flores, Espliego Street, Sorolla Street, Membrillo Street, Naranjo Street and Orión Street (Cáritas).

“Disney Princesses” Parade
Arroyo de la Miel
From noon to 1:30 pm.
Route: Plaza Austria, Avenida Constitución, Calle Las Flores, Calle Dolores Ibárruri, Av. Inmaculada Concepción, Av. Federico García Lorca, Calle Pilar, Plaza de la Mezquita, Calle María del Mar, Calle San Telmo, Calle Andalucía, Calle Armas del Vela Hidalgo, Plaza España, Calle Félix Solecio, Calle Blas Infante, Av. Constitución.

Christmas Gateque C.P.A. Anica Torres
5:30 pm.
A Gateque is an informal party, with dance, music and drinks

Zambombá Jerezana “Samara Amaya And Friends”
Arroyo de la Miel – Plaza de la Mezquita
8:00 pm.
Typical Christmas zambomba with the stellar performance of Samara Amaya

December 22

The House of Wishes
Arroyo de la Miel – Plaza de Austria
From noon to 2:00 pm and
From 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Visit and create your letter to Santa Claus, enjoy face painting and great snowfall.
Musical “The Magical Elves”

Santa Claus Party in Arroyo de la Miel
Arroyo de la Miel – Plaza Adolfo Suarez (Pueblosol)
From 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Visit to Santa Claus, workshops, bouncy castles, photocall, etc…

December 23

The House of Wishes
Arroyo de la Miel – Plaza de Austria
From noon to 2:00 pm and
From 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Visit Santa Claus and enjoy his workshops and children’s games.

Christmas Candela “Antonio de Verónica and Saray Cortés”
Arroyo de la Miel – Paseo del Generalife, Next to the Ovoide Building
7:00 pm.
Christmas snacks by the Brotherhood of Coronado de Espinas

December 26

Children’s Theater “Safari” Cía. La Baldufa
Two passes, at noon and at 5:00 pm.
Theater for families. Admission by invitation.
More information via email cultura@benalmadena.es
*The program doesn’t inform where.

December 27

Children’s Theater “Mess On The Farm” Cía. La Baldufa
Two passes, at noon and at 5:00 pm.
Theater for families. Admission by invitation.
More information via email cultura@benalmadena.es
*The program doesn’t inform where.

December 28

Driver Fest La Tentación – Benalmádena Christmas Edition
Arroyo de la Miel – ParqueMiel, Tivoli Esplanade and Calle Los Bataneros
From 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Concentration of multi-brand cars, exhibitor stands, live music and activities.
Collection of new toys and non-perishable food in favor of the “Flight of the Dragonflies” Association

Christmas Gospel Concert by Gospel It
Arroyo de la Miel – Casa de la Cultura
8:00 pm.
Admission by invitation.
More information via email cultura@benalmadena.es

December 31

End of the Year Party Benalmádena Pueblo
Benalmádena Pueblo – Plaza de las Tres Culturas
3:00 pm.
Great Party Afternoon to bid farewell to the year with the Nuevo Dia and Kalima Groups

New Year’s Eve Party Arroyo De La Miel
Arroyo de la Miel – Plaza de la Mezquita
11:30 pm.
Great New Year’s Eve Party with the Rompeolas Orchestra and Group Alboreá

January 2

Great Festival of the Royal Postman
Arroyo de la Miel – Plaza Adolfo Suarez (Pueblosol)
From 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Deliver your letter to the Royal Page for the Three Wise Men of the East.
Animation, games, photo booth with free personalized photo printing.

January 3

Great Festival of the Royal Postman
Benalmádena Pueblo – Recinto Ferial Los Nadales
From 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Deliver your letter to the Royal Page for the Three Wise Men of the East.
Animation, games, photo booth with free personalized photo printing.

January 5

Landing and Reception of the 3 Kings of the East
Benalmádena Costa – Puerto Marina
10:30 am.
Disembarkation at the Dársena de Levante (Puerto Marina Parking)
Reception by the Mayor Mr. Juan Antonio Lara and Authorities followed by a tour of the streets of Benalmádena in open-top cars, until their arrival at the Town Hall.

Reception of the 3 Kings of the East by kids
Benalmádena Pueblo – Museo Precolombino
1:30 pm.

Traditional Ride of The Kings of the East
Benalmadena Pueblo
4:30 pm.
Great Parade through the Streets of Benalmádena Pueblo.
Route: Recinto Ferial Los Nadales, Calle San Miguel, Av. del Chorillo, Avda. Juan Luis Peralta, Calle Jerónimo Garriga, Calle Lomillas, Plaza de España, Calle Real, Avda. Juan Luis Peralta.
The area of the Recinto Ferial will be a noise-free part of the route so that children with functional diversity can participate.

Traditional Ride of The Kings of the East
Arroyo de la Miel
7:00 pm.
Great Parade through the Streets of Arroyo de la Miel
Route: Parking Tívoli World, Avda. de Tívoli, Rotonda Nuevitas, Avda. de la Estación, Avda. de la Constitución, Calle Las Flores, Calle Sierrasol, bajada por Avda. Inmaculada Concepción, Avda. García Lorca, Calle Andalucía, Calle Blas Infante, Avda. de la Constitución, Plaza de la Mezquita.
The area of the Avenida de Tívoli will be a noise-free part of the route so that children with functional diversity can participate.

Farewell to the 3 Kings of the East in the Mosque Square
Arroyo de la Miel – Plaza de la Mezquita
After the completion of the Great Parade in Arroyo de la Miel

How to get there

Benalmadena Pueblo – Museo Precolombino and Plaza de las 3 culturas

Benalmadena Pueblo -Recinto Ferial Los Nadales

Benalmádena Pueblo – Parque de los Limones

Benalmadena Costa – Puerto Marina

Arroyo de la Miel – Plaza de Austria and Casa de la Cultura

Arroyo de la Miel – Plaza de la Mezquita

Arroyo de la Miel – Plaza Adolfo Suarez (Pueblosol)

Arroyo de la Miel – Immaculate Conception Parish

Conclusion

Christmas in Benalmadena is always special! There are beautiful lights everywhere, parades, music, decorations… and plenty of events of all kinds and for all ages. Lots of seasonal food and special occasions blended into a very festive atmosphere. I hope you enjoy it a lot! Merry Christmas!

2024 Christmas Restaurants and Parties in the Costa del Sol – It can be hard to find restaurants open for Christmas in the Costa del Sol, or to know where the parties are happening. For that reason, I did a compilation of what I heard about and found online that will be open and brightening the date in the towns of the Costa del Sol.

Notice that some open for dinner, others for lunch, others just for parties; some on the 24th, some on the 25th – and some just say Christmas, but don’t inform the date! Don’t forget to check exactly when they will be open while booking. 😉 Remember, if you want to book a special meal or party on Christmas, you must run – these places may be getting booked very soon. Now, let’s get to the point!

Related Posts:
Christmas in Benalmadena 2024
Christmas in Torremolinos 2024
Christmas in Fuengirola 2024
Christmas in Mijas 2024
Christmas in Marbella 2024
Christmas in San Pedro Alcantara 2024
What to expect of Christmas in the Costa del Sol
December in the Costa del Sol

Torremolinos

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Benalmadena

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Fuengirola

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Mijas

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Marbella

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Conclusion

To know a lot more about Christmas and New Year’s related activities in the Costa del Sol, check our post on December in the Costa del Sol. There are plenty of Christmas lights, events and markets around!

If you have a restaurant or pub that is planning something special this Christmas and would like to appear in this post, let me know. Send me an email with details and I’ll add here. For free. 😉

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year; and great meals and parties as well! May Santa bring you lots of Champagne, cavas, grapes; a lot of sun, amazing views, and of course, a lot of time enjoying the Costa del Sol! 

December in the Costa del Sol revolves around Christmas. It is a very busy time of the year, as the towns pack this month with shows, parties, parades, markets and special illumination. On top of it all, in recent years, a new trend is becoming popular and adding to the magic of Christmas: it’s the video mapping, when a movie is projected on to the facade of a large building. It’s impressive and quite mesmerizing!

A bit of 2023’s Christmas video mapping in Benalmadena

The weather in December in the Costa del Sol

Daytime temperatures in December are pleasing, often around 20^oC during the early afternoon. The low averages are close to 10^oC, and the lowest can reach 5^oC, around 6 am. It usually doesn’t get lower than that in the Costa del Sol in December; we do not see snow – though it can happen in the interior of the province – unless it is fake snow. 🙂 There can be rain, mostly at night, and sometimes strong wind.

Weather-related data for December in Malaga (data from Weather2travel):
🏊 sea temperature: +16^oC
🌅 Sunrise times: 08:12 am (December 1) – 08:30 am (December 31)
🌙 Sunset times: 06:02 pm (December 1) – 06:12 pm (December 31)
🌼 Average number of daylight hours: 10
☀️ Average number of sunshine hours per day: 5

The weather information above is for Malaga (city), but as the towns are so close together, you can extend this information to the surrounding areas as well. Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella and Estepona, as well as Rincón de la Victoria, Torrox and Nerja, should not differ much.

Related posts:
Sensational Costa del Sol – the place of the best holidays
How is the weather on the Costa del Sol (month by month)
Winter on the Costa del Sol

What to pack for December in the Costa del Sol?

Over the years I’ve been living in the Costa del Sol, I’ve taken a lot of pictures. In many of them – as you would expect – there are people around. Here are a few of those pictures, each and every one taken in December of previous years, where you can see what people are wearing. The goal is to give you a good idea of what to pack to feel cozy in December in the Costa del Sol! You can click on each image to enlarge it. 😉

Remarkable dates in December

We have two holidays in the beginning of December in the Costa del Sol: December 6th, Constitution Day, which is a national holiday, and December 8th, Day of the Immaculate Conception and a holiday in the province of Malaga. When one of these two falls on a weekend, they may be moved to the closest Friday or Monday, making a long weekend.

The other holiday in December is Christmas, of course. You can expect shops, supermarket and banks to be closed not only on December 25 but maybe also on the 24; as a matter of fact, the last week of the year is, like in many places around the world, a time when shops, markets and banks are working on somewhat limited capacity and/ or shorter hours. December 31, like the 24th, is also either a part-time workday or a full day off for many businesses in the Costa del Sol.

Related post:
Malaga holidays

Events in December in the Costa del Sol

Christmas everywhere

Everywhere in the Costa del Sol, Christmas is a big time of celebration. The cities really dress up to the occasion and become extra pretty. This is a lovely time to go out through the town centers to watch the special illumination and to enjoy a hot beverage by the many cafes along those streets. It is also fun to join one of the many zabomba parties, as well as visit the Christmas markets. During the daytime, there are very creative nativity scenes that are interesting, and many events created especially for the children. Christmas is full of surprises!

For reference of what to expect, we have the local traditions and what has been done in previous years. In December, Malaga has the tradition of setting extra-beautiful Christmas lights in Calle Larios, where they also have a light and music show at specific times.

Calle Larios’ Christmas light and music show

In previous years, Torremolinos transformed its Recinto Ferial in a Christmas park for kids and created a small Christmas village in the Plaza de Nogalera, where kids could send their letters to Santa; Benalmadena spread lights through the city, did the video mapping shown on the beginning of this post and exposed very unique nativity scenes; Fuengirola offered the best Christmas market in the Costa, with fake snow shows and a lovely Christmas vibe. A few pictures of previous Christmas events:

The towns start to publish their Christmas plans in the end of November; as soon as I translate them, I publish posts with the translations of the full program of each city. There’s plenty of useful and interesting information for those spending Christmas anywhere in the Costa del Sol in these programs. Links below, in the related posts. 😉

Related Posts:
What to expect of Christmas in the Costa del Sol
Christmas in Benalmadena 2024
Christmas in Torremolinos 2024
Christmas in Fuengirola 2024
Christmas in Mijas 2024
Christmas in Marbella 2024
Christmas in San Pedro Alcantara 2024
Christmas in Estepona 2024

Culture and Entertainment guides

The best places to look for cultural events are the official monthly entertainment guides of the Town Halls websites and their Facebook counterparts. Some cities update them more frequently than others, and usually information is posted just a few days before the event itself; despite that, they are the most complete source of information about cultural (and sometimes not so cultural) events in each city. Below, a super useful list:

For Malaga city: Visita Málaga guide and Facebook
For Torremolinos: Torremolinos Cultura guide and Facebook
For Benalmadena: Benalmadena guide and Benalmadena Cultura
For Fuengirola: Fuengirola guide and Agenda Fuengirola
For Mijas: Mijas and Cultura Mijas
For Marbella: Marbella and Cultura Marbella
For Estepona: Cultura Estepona and Facebook

If you come in the middle of the month, there are still plenty of activities going on – the Costa del Sol never stops. Check the Culture and entertainment guides, as November is often filled with music events and arts exhibitions.

Conclusion

December in the Costa del Sol is a month-long Christmas season, full of activities and joy. It is a great time to go around with the kids, and just as good to go out with friends; there is plenty to do and to see everywhere – and no snow to shovel!

Floods in Spain – In the early hours of October 29, 2024, I was woken up by blinking lights. I saw my room turning from night to day and back to night as if the lights were being switched on and off constantly. As I woke up, I thought we had forgotten the TV on, and that it was showing something strobing. But the light was not coming from lamps or from the TV; it was coming from the windows – more precisely, from thunder bolts that illuminated most of the skies. It didn’t make almost any noise, though; I had never seen something like that. I made a video.

AEMET, the national meteorology institute, is constantly monitoring the weather. I do receive receive their alerts (or better saying, my Alexa receives it, and show a triangle where it reads ‘Yellow Alert’) but that’s it – what exactly does it mean and what should I do with that information? Stay home, run for the mountains or just take an umbrella? For the most part of the time I’ve been living in Spain, the only thing I did about it was… to ignore it.

You see, the area has been under a persistent drought for years, since before I arrived here; I’ve seen this alert multiple times and often it didn’t even rain; up to now, the alert did actually raise hopes of a good rain that would ease the droughts. But that was changing right while I watched the non-stop lightning.

Floods in Benalmadena (October 28 and 29)

The lightning pattern lasted for more than an hour. As I watched, and couldn’t sleep anymore anyway, I checked for strobe lightning online. Turns out there is such an aptly named weather phenomenon, and I believe that is what was going on. According to Sur in English, there were more than 20.000 thunder bolts that single night. Next morning, in Benalmadena, the strobe lightning was the talk of the town, and nobody I talked to had ever seen something like that before. The rain brought branches and other pieces of vegetation to the beaches, and the sea color changed from the usual blue/green to muddy brown.

The rains from October 28 and 29 caused some punctual damages. Water entered a few houses and notably, the lower level of the Centro de la Historia de Benalmadena flooded. That was, in general lines, the extent of the problem in Benalmadena. That is not even close to what was happening, at the same time, up on the riverbed of the Guadalhorce, the main river in Malaga province.

Floods in Álora and in the Guadalhorce Valley

On the same day as the strobe lightning, October 29, Álora was flooded. The devastation in Álora was immense: homes received up to 1.5m of floodwater; crops in this agricultural area were completely flooded; one high-speed train was derailed. I was astonished and heartbroken when I read the news – I had been visiting Álora just two months earlier and was (I still am!) impressed by this bucolic and remarkable town. Álora has such a long and rich history; people that helped me when I couldn’t find a safe way back to the train station, people that are nice, work hard, live from and for agriculture and are proud of their work – and may now have lost it all.

While there, back in August, I took this picture from the grounds of the 1000-year-old castle of Álora, overlooking the lower part of the town:

After the rain, this was one of the pictures that illustrated the news of the floods:

And this is a picture of part of the completely dry riverbed in August. It was unimaginable that 2 months later, it would inundate Álora and much of the Guadalhorce Valley:

The area where Álora is, the Guadalhorce Valley (Valle del Guadalhorce), received most of the rain flood in Malaga and in Andalucia. The Valley also includes Pizarra and Cártama, both heavily affected by the floods. This whole region is both an agricultural area and a suburb of the city of Malaga, connected through the C2 train line.

If there is a silver line to this whole tragedy, it is that at least in Andalucia help was fast; more than 40 people were rescued by helicopters or boats. Lives were saved thanks to the fast action of the local emergency agencies, in particular the Guardia Civil and the firemen.

It is hard to compare tragedies. To those affected in Andalusia, this is traumatic event with lifetime consequences, permanent losses of resources and income. Álora, Cártama and Pizarra still need help. Stories like the one of Clotilde de Luque, a single mother who fears losing the guard of her daughter now that she lost her house in Cártama to the flood, need more attention. Families of the Valley need help.

The stories of the losses in the Guadalhorce Valley were being told on the news, and their difficulties were on the spotlight, but just very briefly, because later that same day, a larger catastrophe hit Spain: the DANA reached Valencia.

Floods in Valencia

The first time I heard or paid attention to the word DANA was when it reached Valencia. Up to that point, it was just rain or flood. DANA means Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos – something like ‘isolated depression on high levels’, which in turn doesn’t mean much for those of us who are not meteorologists. The important part is that this weather phenomenon is known to happen in the Mediterranean and to cause very heavy rain; moreover, the DANA moves erratically, making it hard to forecast where, when and how much it is going to rain up to when it is about to start.

The Guadalhorce Valley was hit by the floods around the morning of October 29; Valencia, in the evening of the same day.

AEMET, the Spanish meteorological service, knew about the rains approaching Valencia. It did qualify it as a red alert event – the maximum level possible. And it published it on Twitter / X. Now, here starts the political side of the tragedy in Valencia, so we have to go by parts. According to RTVE noticias, this is the bulk of what happened:

– the AEMET publishes the tweet around 8 am. A bit before that, it had already sent information to the Generalitat Valenciana (the govern of the Autonomous Community of Valencia, which includes the provinces of Valencia, Alicante and Castellón. The Generalitat is equivalent to the Junta de Andalucía, which governs the Autonomous Community of Andalusia) and to the agency responsible for monitoring rivers in the area, the Confederacion Hidrográfica del Júcar (CHJ).
– The Generalitat could have opted to send alerts to the phones of the population at that moment, but it didn’t do it, perhaps fearing it could create unnecessary panic.

– Around noon, the CHJ sent an alert to the Generalitat, informing of the increasing volume of the river Poyo. The Generalitat decides to inform the municipalities to tell the population to avoid getting close to rivers and ravines.
– Around 5 pm, a meeting is held to decide how to proceed. The situation that motivated this meeting was not exactly the floods, but the fear that a water dam would not resist the water increase. At that moment, several towns were already flooded.
– Finally, the alert is sent to the population at 8:11 pm, still because of the increased risk of water dam failure (the dam, by the way, resisted).

As we now know, when the population in Valencia province received the alert on their phones, it was already much too late. Houses were already flooded in many areas; in others, where it was barely raining, the full comprehension that the nearby river was about to overflow in a blink of an eye was more than the alert conveyed.

The second situation – a flash flood – is what happened in Paiporta, a town close to Valencia, that was on the way of the rain water that fell uphill, in Chiva. It barely rained in Paiporta.

To make things worse, the emergency services either could not reach the affected areas or were not activated immediately. The army – the army! – published a note informing that they were looking forward to help, but had not been mobilized yet by the government. Meanwhile, the many layers of the government were busy blaming each other, trying at all costs avoid being called responsible for the tragedy that was claiming more lives as the hours passed, and has claimed more than 200 as of this writing.

Volunteers’ solidarity was the main source of help right after the flood in Valencia; as the days went by, official sources reached the affected areas.

Floods in Catalonia

AEMET did give the alert that Catalonia was to be the next victim of the DANA days before it happened, while the situation in Valencia was critical and flood risk reports and news were catching everybody’s attention. Too late to prevent major material damage, but early enough to save lives.

The main consequences in Catalonia, as of this writing, were the closing of the airport of Barcelona, El Prat, and the floods in Cadaqués, in which more than 30 vehicles piled up under a bridge – but without deaths.

As of this writing (November 12, 2024), Andalusia and Catalonia are still expecting more torrential rains, and Valencia is still looking for victims.

Understanding the amount of rainfall

It’s hard to fully understand how much water it takes to cause each level of destruction described here. It certainly depends on more than just the amount of water – type of terrain, terrain conditions, inclination, permeability, riverbeds existence and quality, vegetation and so much more can affect the outcomes. Still, a bit of reference is needed. Saying that 1mm of rain is equivalent to 1 liter of water/m2 (is true) but may not clarify much; so, for reference, here are some amounts:

Reference values:
a normal month of October in Málaga: 58 mm of rainfall (source)
a whole (normal) year in Valencia: 454 mm (source)

How much it rained during the events described here:
Benalmadena: about 70 mm of rainfall in 2 days – Oct 28 and 29 (source)
Álora: about 170 mm in 2 days (source)
Chiva (Valencia): about 500 mm in 1 day (source)
Catalonia: between 200 and 400 mm spread in 15 days (source)

Where to get rain alerts

Accuweather

In Spain, Alexa gets information from Accuweather which, in turn, gets it from AEMET. If you want to get the information directly from AEMET, you can follow them on Twitter (aka ‘X’ :P). On the AEMET site, this information is quite hard to come by. On Accuweather, on the other hand, alerts are on the first page – that’s where I’ve been checking. Talking about it, there is a new Orange Warning for Malaga on Wednesday, November 13:

Phone Alerts

If the Autonomous community decides to send an alert by phone – which, after the Valencian fiasco, is likely to become more frequent – you need to be able to receive it. Surprisingly, it is not set by default; you have to enable it.

If you have an iPhone, check your settings / notifications, then scroll all the way to the bottom and you should find a place where it reads ‘Es-Alert’. Activate the ‘Civil Protection Pre-Alerts’ there. For Android phones, go to settings / safety and emergencies / allow alerts. If you read Spanish, here is a step-by-step with pictures for both types of phones.

That being said… I’m in Malaga, there’s an orange alert for tomorrow, my phone alert is active, and I’ve received nothing – nada, nada – there from the Junta de Andalucía. The towns in Malaga Province (as far as I know) can’t send the alerts to phones, but they are posting alerts on their respective Facebook pages.

Edit: later on November 12, AEMET increased the risk level to red and the phone alert was activated for the first time ever in Andalusia. We received the alert at around 11 pm in Benalmadena – loud and clear!

November 14 update: Floods in Malaga

This time we were warned. On the night of November 12, people were resharing AEMET’s red alert warning, schools were informing they would be closed on November 13 and we got the phone alert – with what sounded like a strident, very hard to ignore and loud, continuous sound on our phones, lasting for a few seconds. Different towns had the phone alert at different times, minutes apart – I know that because I was talking to friends in Alhaurín de la Torre after they got their alarm and before we got ours in Benalmadena. We knew it was coming.

Above: the main alerts being shared on the day before the DANA hit Malaga.

We also knew what to do – stay home if you live in an area far from rivers; leave as soon as possible, before the rain comes, if you live in a risk zone. The emergency services were hard at work taking families from risky areas to safer grounds – there were more than 4000 people moved to safer areas in Malaga province, 25 of which in Benalmadena, and public schools were preventively closed in most of the province on both Wednesday and Thursday (November 13 and 14, 2024), which lowered traffic and improved safety considerably.

On November 13, as expected, the DANA came. The most affected areas were the towns of the Guadalhorce Valley – again – and Malaga capital, as well as parts of the Axarquia, on the northeast of the province. The good news is that, at least so far, there were no flood-related deaths in Malaga. I guess alert and prevention really work!

Parts of the capital are inaccessible, though. Public transportation is limited, and health centers are operating at limited capacity. Many streets are covered in water and mud; it is still a bit too early to really see the full consequences of the floods in Malaga. The Costa del Sol had heavy rain and some incidences, but so far relatively small when compared to the capital of the province.

Good news: no floods in Benalmadena (Nov 14)

On November 14, after the red alert had been lifted, I went for a walk around Arroyo de la Miel, in Benalmadena, to see how the area was after the DANA. I’m very glad to add something positive to this post and let you know that our Benalmadena is great. Below, a few images that you may not believe, but I swear were all taken on November 14, after the DANA:

Blue skies, did you see?!? The town looks like it had a good wash, and that’s all. If something, I think it is looking prettier. There aren’t many people out or cars driving on the streets, and some of the shops are closed – perhaps because some of the workers could not get to their workplaces because of the lack of trains; or maybe because the owners decided to close their shops preventively.

Some people were disappointed that the Cercanías train is not working today. Given what could have been, I find it a bit laughable, actually; I’m quite relieved that this is the complaint. Some underground stations on the C1 and C2 lines had some flooding, and Renfe informed they will go back in operation after safety is ensured.

Buses are working; I don’t know if they are at normal capacity, but I saw two 103 at the same time, and this was a first! I also went to the garage under the sports complex, and to my surprise, it was open and working normally – just kinda empty.

I also checked two spots on the little creek that runs along Av. Mare Nostrum, and it looked fine. Ducks were happy, and so was I! And to close on a positive note:

In a series of bad news about the floods in Spain, it is logical that the news focus on the worst consequences of the floods. It is easy to forget that much of the places we love are still there, even in places heavily hit. I’m quite relieved and glad to share that (at least the part I saw of) Benalmadena has resisted so well.

Conclusion

It’s super weird to spend years under a drought and then have floods in 3 different parts of the country almost simultaneously, and I guess the authorities were also caught by surprise by this rather unbelievable sequence of events. Climate change comes to (everybody’s) mind. But there’s more that comes to mind, too.

First and foremost, the lack of preparation. Floods and heavy rain are not 100% predictable up to the last day; you can see how AEMET’s twitter 12 hours before the floods in Valencia forecasted 90 mm of rain (90l/m2), when in reality, it was more like 500 mm. These are very different numbers. If we really can’t foresee rainfall amounts, all the more important it is to be prepared at all times. Prevention, in this case, is done by maintaining the riverbeds.

There are dry riverbeds all over Spain – these are the paths the temporary rivers made by strong rainfalls are supposed to take, and too be contained there. Climate change is intensifying both droughts and rainfalls, which, unfortunately, makes the preservation of riverbeds both harder and more important.

During the dry times, dust, sediments and vegetal parts accumulate on these riverbeds, making it shallower; the sun also contributes by ‘baking’ the soil to some extent, which makes it less permeable. Then, after years of this process, when the rain comes, in bigger than expected amounts, the only possible path is beyond the limited riverbeds – flooding the nearby areas.

Second, sending the alerts to phone on time would indeed have likely spared many lives. I hope the administration can make the alert process a bit more straightforward – which I’m not seeing today, yet. That is, nevertheless, a very last resource, as devastation and material losses would not be prevented by that; saving lives, though, is more than enough reason to alert the population.

Third and finally, there should be some limitation on permits to build near riverbeds. This may be in place, but something didn’t work properly on that side as well, right? Maybe a review of this legislation could spare a lot of damage in the future.

When a tragedy of this proportion happens, it’s important to learn from the mistakes and avoid repeating them. More and/or larger, well-maintained riverbeds, coupled with a review and relocation of people in danger zones and improving the alert protocol seems to be the ways to go. Climate change is not going to stop, so it is foreseeable that floods will not only happen again, but even intensify. It all certainly has a cost, but I believe it’s likely to be less expensive than dealing with the aftermath of a flooding in the proportions of the one in Valencia; not to mention the losses of life, which are irreparable.