Christmas in Marbella 2024

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!