Christmas in Benalmadena 2024

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!

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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!