Christmas in Marbella: 5 festive events not to miss

Marbella’s festive season officially begins on 28 November 2025, when Mayor María Ángeles Muñoz presses the button to illuminate more than two million LED lights across the city. Plaza de los Naranjos and the entire Old Town will glow instantly, while thousands gather along Avenida del Mar for the ceremony. Expect live carols from the Municipal Choir, a magical snowfall of biodegradable confetti and a fireworks finale over the Mediterranean. A dazzling start to Christmas in Marbella. 

Friday 28 November 2025 – Monday 5 January 2026
📍Avenida del Mar

Avenida del Mar becomes a glowing festive boulevard, filled with over 40 wooden stalls selling local crafts, ceramics, candles, sweet turrón and winter pastries. The air carries the scent of roasted chestnuts as families wander between elf-themed decorations, photo spots and illuminated sculptures. Enjoy thick cups of Spanish hot chocolate, and let the kids meet Papa Noel in his glittering grotto, or even take part in a daily workshop where children can make Christmas-themed cards and ornaments.

This 5-week market is one of Marbella’s most atmospheric Christmas experiences: lively yet laid-back, and framed by the sea in view at the end of the avenue, just a few steps away.

Saturday 29 November 2025, 20:00

Marbella welcomes the festive season with its official Christmas lights switch-on on 29 November 2025 at 20:00, celebrated with a vibrant open-air event on Avenida Ramón y Cajal. This year’s inauguration features a Gran Zambomba Flamenca, “Vienen de Jerez”, bringing the soulful Christmas traditions of Jerez to the heart of Marbella.
Renowned artists including Capullo de Jerez, Diego Carrasco, Maloko Soto, Ané Carrasco, and Rafael Soto will fill the streets with guitars, palmas and festive flamenco rhythms.
An unforgettable night of light, rhythm and the very best flamenco Christmas atmosphere — the perfect way to mark the start of Marbella’s holiday season.

Friday 5 December 2025, 20:30 – 22:30
📍 Palacio de Congresos | 🎟️ €16.50

A spectacular flamenco musical inspired by the traditional Jerez “zambomba” celebrations. Amor en la Tierra narrates the journey from the Annunciation to the Nativity through original music, dance and powerful live singing, a beautiful cultural highlight of the season.

Tickets Here: Entradas 

Thursday 11 December 2025 – Sunday 14 December 2025
📍Palacio de Congresos

Now in its 20th edition, this beloved four-day bazaar brings together a massive amount of Christmas gifts, crafts, art, fashion, antiques, gourmet treats, handmade goods and family activities, all in support of Cáritas Marbella. There are also several food stands at either end of the hall with dedicated bar areas where you can grab a glass of wine, cocktails, beers or even sit down and enjoy a light lunch. This event is a warm community tradition with a meaningful charitable purpose, and has some truly amazing gifts to be found.

Wednesday 24 December 2025 
📍Puente Romano

On Christmas Eve, Sea Grill offers a beautifully curated festive dinner set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean. Expect a refined menu of seasonal dishes, elegant wines, live musical performances and candlelit tables that open onto the resort’s softly illuminated beachfront. It’s one of Marbella’s most atmospheric ways to celebrate the night. Relaxed, luxurious and unforgettable.

Book your table here: Sea Grill, Puente Romano Marbella

Thursday 25 December 2025
📍Puente Romano

When it comes to searching for an elegant Christmas Day Brunc, look no further. Sea Grill at Puente Romano is hosting a vibrant, sun-drenched brunch with an abundant festive buffet featuring fresh seafood, signature roasts, artisan breads, winter salads and decadent desserts. The beachfront setting, live music and sparkling Mediterranean views create an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and wonderfully relaxed. Ideal for families, couples and groups celebrating under the winter sun.

Book your table here: Sea Grill, Puente Romano Marbella

’Tis the season when Marbella becomes its most enchanting self — Christmas lights draped across historic plazas, seasonal artisan markets lining the avenues, traditional music and special concerts liven the streets and festive dinners are savoured beneath bright Mediterranean winter skies.

Many events are happening throughout the festive season in Marbella, and along the Costa del Sol, with New Years rounding out 2025 and then Kings Day welcoming in the start of 2026, so don’t worry if you miss any on this list, there’s plenty more just around the corner.