Christmas in Estepona 2024

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!