Christmas and New Year in Benalmadena 2023/24

November 23, 2023
Last updated: December 18, 2023

Inside the Christmas tree in Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmdena. Photo by MamaMalaga.

Christmas and New Year in Benalmadena – Christmas is a big deal in Spain. So much so, Their Christmas related activities start at the end of November and go on until Epiphany, in January. For most cities, celebrations start around the last Friday of November, with the city’s or town’s Christmas lights being turned on for the first time; then there is a Christmas market throughout December, perhaps a few other related activities, such as choirs, and the arrival of the 3 Kings, on January 5.

Now, Benalmadena went above and beyond this 2023/24 season. It created a whole program, like a Feria, with lots of parades, nativity exhibitions, charity donations, workshops, a funfair, a circus, theater, dance, and music shows… you name it, it will be in Benalmadena this season!!!

The beautiful full program, in Spanish only, is available in the page of the Ayuntamiento de Benalmadena, whose different subdivisions partnered with several local associations to bring this all to life. I think they did an amazing work! Let’s see below the program’s translation to English, by date. 😉

November 24 – parade, lights and funfair

Arroyo de la Miel
CHRISTMAS PARADE
From 18:30 to 19:30, departing from Plaza Austria, going to the Plaza de la Mezquita, Calle Blas Infante and finishing at the Church Square (Plaza de la Iglesia).

Plaza Austria is the name of the large promenade along the Avenida de Constitución, in Arroyo. It also refers to (and includes) the small square in front of the Casa de la Cultura (Culture House) that will host several of the events in this program.

Benalmadena Pueblo, Arroyo and Benalmadena Costa
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS turning on

In both Benalmádena Pueblo and Arroyo de la Miel, there will also be Christmas snacks at popular prices! Lights will turn on at different times in each location:

Benalmadena Pueblo, Plaza de España at 17:30;
Benalmadena Costa, Avenida Alay at 18:30;
Arroyo de la Miel, Plaza de la Iglesia, at 19:30.

The moment the lights went on for the first time in Benalmadena this Christmas season! Video by MamaMalaga

Show after the lights went on. Video by MamaMalaga.

Arroyo / Plaza Pueblosol
INAUGURATION OF THE CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARK
A funfair! It will be at Plaza Adolfo Suárez (known as Plaza Pueblosol), at 19:30.
The Christmas funfair will go on until January 7, from 12:00 to midnight, with discounted prices on Thursdays.

Above: Plaza de la Iglesia (Church Square), where the Christmas tree is, where the lights will be turned on from, and where the Christmas parade will end. Also on the map, how to reach Plaza Adolfo Suárez, also known as Plaza Pueblosol, from the Plaza de la Iglesia (3 min walking; actually less!)

November 28 – food collection for charity

Benalmadena Pueblo and Arroyo
CHRISTMAS’ FOOD COLLECTION
for the ASIS Association, in 3 locations:
– Innova Building, at Av. Fredrico García Lorca, by the Skate park and La Palom Park
– Museo Precolombino Felipe Orlando, in Benalmadena Pueblo and
– Paseo del Generalife, in Arroyo – From 10:00 to 14:00.

December 1 – International Christmas Festival

Arroyo / Plaza Pueblosol
XIV INTERNATIONAL CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
From December 1 to 3, from 12:00 to 00:00 h.
Enjoy Christmas as they do it in more than 15 countries without leaving Benalmadena!

Gastronomy and Christmas folklore of different countries: Argentina, Chile, Venezuela, Belgium, Germany, Colombia, France, Turkey, Mexico, United States, Scotland, Cuba, Ukraine, Finland, Norway, and Poland have confirmed their presence at Plaza Adolfo Suárez (Pueblosol) from December 1 to 3! 😊 Yes!!!

Arroyo / Casa de la Cultura
INAUGURATION OF PLAYDOUGH NATIVITY
This exposition will be available until January 5th.

BENALMÁDENA MUNICIPAL SINGING SCHOOL PERFORMANCE
Both from 17:00

Arroyo / Avenida de la Constitución
INAUGURATION OF THE CHRISTMAS MARKET
From 18:00. The market will happen until January 7.

Benalmadena Pueblo / Museo de Arte Precolombino Felipe Orlando:
NATIVITY EXHIBITION SET IN MEXICAN CULTURE
From Wednesdays to Saturdays, from 09:30 to 13:30 and from 17:00 to 19:00.
Sundays from 10:00 to 14:00.
The exhibition will be available until January 7.

December 2 – Christmas workshops

Arroyo de la Miel Library
DO IT YOURSELF!
From 11:00 to 13:00.
Workshop for making a Christmas craft with reusable materials aimed at children between 8 and 12 years old. Prior registration required.

Arroyo / Plaza de Austria (Casa de la Cultura)
CHRISTMAS PLAY WORKSHOPS
From 12:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 20:00.

December 3 – Christmas workshops

Arroyo / Plaza de Austria (Casa de la Cultura)
CHRISTMAS PLAY WORKSHOPS
From 12:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 20:00.

December 5 – more lights

Benalmadena Costa / Avenida Alay
INAUGURATION OF CHRISTMAS LIGHTS OF THE PORT
Av. Alay, next to Torre Vigía – Marina, from 19:00

December 6 – nativity

Arroyo / Plaza Pueblosol
INAUGURATION OF MUNICIPAL NATIVITY
At 18:30. Inauguration of the Municipal Nativity Scene, which will be on display until January 6^th. Open all day. Christmas snacks at popular prices on inauguration; performance by the Pastoral Hermandad del Rocío.

December 7 – nativity

Benalmádena Pueblo/ Patio of the Town Hall
INAUGURATION OF THE ARTISTIC NATIVITY
At 18:00.

December 8 – theater, music, workshops

Puerto Marina/ Paseo de las Estrellas
BOULVERSER THEATER from 12:00 to 13:00 and from 16:30 to 17:30.
GREAT CIRCUS OF THE PORT from 13:00 to 14:00 and from 17:30 to 18:30.

Benalmádena Pueblo/ Plaza de la Peña de la Cruz
XXIX BENALMÁDENA PASTORAL COMPETITION
At 16:30. Contest with the performance of Pastorals from the province of Malaga.

Arroyo / Plaza de Austria (Casa de la Cultura)
CHRISTMAS PLAY WORKSHOPS
From 17:00 to 20:00.

Arroyo / Plaza Pueblosol
ZAMBOMBA PERFORMANCE “RUBÉN PORTILLO AND FRIENDS”
At 18:30. Christmas snacks available.

In the image: a Zambomba. Check on the wikipedia page from where I got this picture how it sounds – it may surprise you.

December 9 – charity, parade and snow

Arroyo de la Miel
SOLIDARITY CARDRIVE
Food collection for Caritas Arroyo de la Miel Parish.
Departure at 9:30 from Calle Parra (Casa Hermandad); complete route in the program.

Arroyo / Plaza Pueblosol
SANTA CLAUS PARTY IN ARROYO DE LA MIEL
9:30 to 10:00 Santa Claus Parade
10:00 to 14:00: Christmas Village

Arroyo
“WELCOME TO SANTA CLAUS” PARADE
Route: Plaza Austria, Constitución Av., Idaira Park, Plaza de la Mezquita, Commercial Center San Juan, Plaza de España, C/ Félix Solecio, Avda. Andalucía, C/ Blas Infante, Plaza de la Iglesia.
From 12:00 to 13:30.

Benalmadena Costa / Puerto Marina
BOULVERSER THEATER
Paseo de las Estrellas- Puerto Marina from 12:00 to 13:00 and from 16:30 to 17:30.
GREAT CIRCUS OF THE PORT
Paseo de las Estrellas- Puerto Marina 13:00 to 14:00 and 17:30 to 18:30.

Arroyo / Plaza de Austria (Casa de la Cultura)
GREAT SNOW AND CHRISTMAS FUN WORKSHOPS
From 17:00 to 20:00.

Arroyo / Plaza de la Iglesia
CHRISTMAS CANDELA “FROM MÁLAGA TO BETHLEHEM”
At 20:30. Christmas Snack at popular prices.

December 10 – living nativity, parade and music

Benalmádena Pueblo / Plaza Del Alguacil
SANTA CLAUS PARTY IN BENALMÁDENA PUEBLO
From 9:30 to 10:00 – Santa Claus Parade
From 10:00 to 14:00 – Christmas Village

Benalmádena Pueblo / Jardines de los Limones
LIVING NATIVITY
From 16:00. Living Nativity Scene made by residents of the Municipality with the special collaboration of the Municipal Dance and Theater School of Benalmádena Pueblo.

Arroyo / Plaza de Austria (Casa de la Cultura)
CHRISTMAS PLAY WORKSHOPS
From 12:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 20:00.

Benalmádena Costa / Plaza Olé
CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCE “MERRY CHRISTMAS BANDIDO & DANCE DREAMS SHOW”
At 19:00.

December 11 – ballet

Arroyo / Casa de la Cultura
BALLET CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
At 20:00. Performance by the Municipal Dance School. By invitation ☹

Some activities are by invitation only. I don’t know how to get the invitations, but I wonder if contacting the venue where the event will take place and asking how to get invitations may get you one.

December 12 – Christmas music

Arroyo / Plaza Pueblosol
PASTORAL PERFORMANCE HERMANDAD DEL ROCÍO
At 19:00. Christmas snacks available.

Arroyo / Casa de la Cultura
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL OF ACCOMPANIMENT GUITAR AND GUITAR ORCHESTRA
At 19:30. By invitation.

December 13 – Christmas music and choir

Benalmadena Costa / Castillo El Bil Bil
CHRISTMAS MUSIC FESTIVAL
At 19:00. Piano and guitar students. Free entry until capacity is reached.

Arroyo / Casa de la Cultura
CHRISTMAS SINGING AND CHORAL FESTIVAL
At 19:30. By invitation.

December 15 – roscos, Christmas music, workshops

Arroyo / Plaza de la Mezquita
ROSCOS AND PASTRY CONTEST
At 17:30, in the C.P.A. Anica Torres, a venue that often does activities oriented to the third age group.

Arroyo / Plaza de Austria (Casa de la Cultura)
CHRISTMAS LEISURE WORKSHOPS
From 17:00 to 20:00.

Benalmadena Costa / Castillo El Bil Bil
CHRISTMAS MUSIC FESTIVAL. SINGING AND CHORAL STUDENTS
At 19:30. Free entry until capacity is reached.

Arroyo / Plaza Pueblosol
CANDELA NAVIDEÑA
At 20:30. Performance of choirs and pastorals.

Arroyo / Casa de la Cultura
XVII PASTORAL COMPETITION
At 19:30. Contest with the performance of Pastorals from the province of Málaga.
Free entry until capacity is reached.

December 16 – Climbing, parade, stories

Arroyo / Parque la Paloma
CHRISTMAS SKATE OPEN MASTER
CALISTHENICS AND CROSSTRAINNING AT CHRISTMAS
CHRISTMAS CLIMBING WALL
CHRISTMAS CLIMBING
Come dressed as Christmas!
From 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Innova Building (Calle Frederico Garcia Lorca, by the Skate Park Innova and La Paloma Park.

Arroyo / Plaza Pueblosol
VILLAGE OF THE ELVES PARTY IN ARROYO DE LA MIEL
09:30 to 10:00: Parade of the elves
MUSICAL “IN SEARCH OF CHRISTMAS”
10:00 to 14:00: Christmas Village

Arroyo de la Miel Library
STORIES BEFORE CHRISTMAS
At 12:00. Stories to enjoy the magic of Christmas with the family with the theater company.
Free entry until capacity is reached

Arroyo
“SUPERHEROES” PARADE”
Route: Plaza Austria, Av. Constitución, Parque Idaira, Plaza de la Mezquita, Centro Comercial San Juan, Plaza de España, C/ Félix Solecio, Avda. Andalucía, C/ Blas Infante, Plaza of the church.
From 17:00 to 18:00.

Arroyo / Plaza de la Mezquita
CHRISTMAS GATEQUE (party)
At 17:30 in the C.P.A. Anica Torres, a venue that often does activities oriented to the third age group.

Arroyo / Plaza de Austria (Casa de la Cultura)
CHRISTMAS PLAY WORKSHOPS
From 18:00 to 20:00.

Benalmadena Pueblo / Plaza de España
CHRISTMAS CANDELA “ANTONIO DE VERÓNICA AND SARAY CORTÉS”
At 19:00. Christmas snacks at popular prices.

Arroyo / Immaculate Conception Parish (The Church in the Church Square)
XVII CHRISTMAS CHORAL MEETING “SINGING NEXT TO THE CRADLE”
At 20:30, in the Immaculate Conception Parish.
Guest Choir: Ecijana Polyphonic Choir

December 17 – Turkey race, music, videomapping

Benalmádena Pueblo / Plaza del Alguacil
VILLAGE OF THE ELVES PARTY IN BENALMADENA PUEBLO
09:30 to 10:00: Parade of the elves
MUSICAL “IN SEARCH OF CHRISTMAS”
10:00 to 14:00: Christmas Village

Arroyo
TRADITIONAL TURKEY RACE – 40TH EDITION
Departure at 11:00 from the Arroyo de la Miel Sports Center (Palacio de Deportes, in the corner of Av. Ciudad de Melilla and Av. Frederico Garcia Lorca)

Arroyo / Plaza de Austria (Casa de la Cultura)
CHRISTMAS PLAY WORKSHOPS
From 17:00 to 20:00.

Benalmadena Costa / Dársena del Poniente
ZAMBOMBA FLAMENCA “HERMANOS ORTIGOSA”
At 18:00. Traditional Zambomba with the stellar performance of Hermanos Ortigosa.

Arroyo / Plaza Pueblosol
INAUGURATION CHRISTMAS VIDEOMAPPING PROJECTION
Social Affairs Building
*time has changed! These are the new times:
1st Opening Pass: 19:00
2nd Pass: 20:30
There will be videomapping projections every day, at the same times as in the inauguration day, until January 4^th, except on December 24 and 31.

A bit of the videomapping in Benalmadena. Very cute! The full presentation lasts about 10 minutes. This video shows about 2 minutes of it.

December 18 – music and dance

Benalmadena Costa / Castillo El Bil Bil
MUSIC FESTIVAL – MUSIC AND MOVEMENT
At 17:30. With students from 1st and 2nd years.
MUSIC FESTIVAL STUDENTS -MUSIC AND MOVEMENT
At 18:30. With students from 3rd and 4th years.
Free entry until capacity is reached.

Arroyo / Casa de la Cultura
SPANISH DANCE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL (Benalmadena Pueblo)
At 18:30 and 20:30. By invitation.
>> The program mentions Benalmadena Pueblo but also the Casa de la Cultura, which is in Arroyo, as the venue. It is worth checking before going.

December 19 – dance and music

Arroyo / Casa de la Cultura
SPANISH DANCE CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL (Arroyo de la Miel)
At 18:30 and 20:30.
DANCE IN COUPLES AND MODERN DANCE
18:00 p.m. By invitation.

Benalmadena Costa / Castillo El Bil Bil
CHRISTMAS MUSIC FESTIVAL
At 19:00 p.m. Performed by the students of the Music and Dance Municipal School.
Free entry until complete.

Arroyo / Plaza Pueblosol
PERFORMANCE PEÑA VIRGEN DE LA CRUZ CHOIR AND PASTORAL HERMANDAD DEL ROCÍO
At 19:00 p.m. Christmas snacks at popular prices.

December 20 – Christmas concert

Benalmadena Costa
CHRISTMAS CONCERT BY THE MIGUEL HERNÁNDEZ SCHOOL CHOIR
At 18:00, in the Exhibition Center (Centro de exposiciones de Benalmadena, Av. Antonio Machado 33). Free entry until complete.

Arroyo / Casa de la Cultura
CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL OF THE BENALMÁDENA MUSIC BAND
At 19:30. Free entry until complete.

Benalmadena Costa / Castillo El Bil Bil
CHRISTMAS MUSIC FESTIVAL
At 19:00 p.m. Performed by the students of the Music and Dance Municipal School.
Free entry until complete.

December 21– awards and Candela

Arroyo / Casa de la Cultura
PRIZES AWARDS FOR THE CHRISTMAS COMPETITIONS
At 18:00. Prize giving for all the Christmas contests organized by the Culture and Education Delegations. More information at www.benalmadena.es

Arroyo / Plaza de las Flores
CHRISTMAS CANDELA “AMORAI POR NAVIDAD”
At 19:00. Christmas snacks available.

December 22 – Christmas Jazz and Zambomba

Arroyo / Casa de la Cultura
CHRISTMAS JAZZ SESSION BY JOSÉ CARRA & FRIENDS
At 20:00. The pianist from Malaga, José Carra, accompanied by the singer Ara Lee, Enrique Oliver on sax, Joan Masana on double bass and Juanma Nieta on drums, will offer a Christmas Jazz Concert. Admission by invitation. More information via email cultura@benalmadena.es

Benalmádena Pueblo / Plaza de Andalucía
ZAMBOMBA FLAMENCA “CASA PESTIÑO”
At 19:30. Traditional Christmas zambomba with the stellar performance of the “Casa Pestiño” group. Christmas Snack at popular prices.

December 23 – Santa, snow, parade

Arroyo / Plaza de Austria (Casa de la Cultura)
SANTA CLAUS HOUSE, CHRISTMAS WORKSHOPS AND GREAT SNOW
From 12:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 20:00.

Arroyo
PARADE “ELSA AND SANTA CLAUS”
Route: Plaza Austria, Av. Constitución, Parque Idaira, Plaza de la Mezquita, Centro Comercial San Juan, Plaza de España, C/ Félix Solecio, Avda. Andalucía, C/ Blas Infante, Church Square.
From 18:30 to 19:30.

Arroyo / Plaza de la Mezquita
ZAMBOMBA FLAMENCA “JEREZ POR NAVIDAD”
At 19:30. Traditional Christmas zambomba with the stellar performance of Felipa de la Morena and Fernando Soto. Christmas Snack at popular prices.

December 24 – Santa and Disney

Arroyo and Benalmádena Pueblo
CHRISTMAS TRAIN SANTA CLAUS AND HIS DISNEY FRIENDS
11:00 to 12:00 Streets of Benalmádena Pueblo
12:15 to 14:00 Streets of Arroyo de la Miel

December 26 – theater

Arroyo / Casa de la Cultura
THE PIRATESS Mª TERESA ON THE ISLAND OF JAPATÚ
At 12:00. Theater for families. Admission by invitation.
More information via email cultura@benalmadena.es

December 27 – theater

Arroyo / Casa de la Cultura
I WANT A STORY WITH MILK AND A LOT OF SUGAR
At 12:00. Theater for families. Admission by invitation.
More information via email cultura@benalmadena.es

December 28 – theater

Arroyo / Casa de la Cultura
LA BANDA DE LOS MOCOSOS
At 12:00. Theater for families. Admission by invitation.
More information via email cultura@benalmadena.es

December 29 – theater and music

Arroyo / Casa de la Cultura
LOS SÚPER RARITOS
At 12:00. Theater for families. Admission by invitation.
More information via email cultura@benalmadena.es

Arroyo / Plaza Pueblosol
PASTORAL PERFORMANCE “LOS BATANEROS”
At 19:00. Christmas snacks available.

December 31 – parties

Benalmádena Pueblo / Plaza de las Tres Culturas
END OF THE YEAR PARTY
At 13:00. Great Afternoon Party to say goodbye to the year with NEW DAY and ESSENCE Groups.

Arroyo / Plaza de la Mezquita
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY ARROYO DE LA MIEL
At 23:30. Great New Year’s Eve Party with the ROMPEOLAS Orchestra and ALBOREÁ.

January 2 – delivering letters

Benalmádena Pueblo / Plaza del Alguacil
GREAT FESTIVAL OF THE ROYAL POSTMAN
From 10:00 to 14:00. Deliver your letter to the Royal Helper for the Three Wise Men of the East. Animation, games, photo booth with free personalized photo printing.

January 3 – delivering letters

Arroyo / Plaza de la Mezquita
GREAT FESTIVAL OF THE ROYAL POSTMAN
From 10:00 to 14:00. Deliver your letter to the Royal Helper for the Three Wise Men of the East. Animation, games, photo booth with free personalized photo printing.

January 4 – the 3 wise men reception

Arroyo / Calle Parra
RECEPTION OF THE HHMM THE WISE MEN AND DELIVERY OF THE LETTERS
At 18:00. Casa Hermandad del Rocío (C/ Parra). Christmas Snack with HH the Three Wise Men of the East and delivery of the letters.

January 5 – the 3 wise men

Benalmadena Costa / Marina
LANDING AND RECEIVEMENT OF HH THE WISE MEN OF THE EAST.
At 10:30. Disembarkation at the Levante Dock (Puerto Marina Parking).
Reception by Mr. Mayor Don Juan Antonio Lara and Authorities.
Reception of their Majesties the Three Wise Men of the East and then a tour through the streets of Benalmádena in open-top cars, until their arrival at the Town Hall in Benalmadena Pueblo.

Benalmádena Pueblo
RECEPTION OF THE THREE WISE MEN
At 13:30. Reception of His Holiness the Three Wise Men in the Plenary Hall of the Benalmádena Town Hall.

Benalmádena Pueblo
TRADITIONAL CAVALGATE OF THE 3 KINGS OF THE EAST
From 16:30. Great Parade through the Streets of Benalmádena Pueblo.
Route: Los Nadales Fairgrounds, C/ San Miguel, Avda. del Chorrillo, Avda. Juan Luis Peralta, C/ Jerónimo Garriga, C/ Lomillas, Plaza de España, C/ Real, Avda. Juan Luis Peralta.

Arroyo de la Miel
TRADITIONAL CAVALGATE OF THE 3 KINGS OF THE EAST
From 19:00. Great Parade through the streets of Arroyo de la Miel
Route: Tívoli World Parking, Avda. del Tívoli, Rotonda Nuevitas, Avda. de la Estación, Avda. de la Constitución, C/ Las Flores, C/ Sierrasol, down Avda. Inmaculada Concepción, Avda. García Lorca, C/ Andalucía, C/ Blas Infante, Avda. de la Constitución, Plaza de la Mezquita.
Farewell to His Holiness the Three Wise Men of the East in the Plaza de la Mezquita.