24 November 2022
| Escape the cold this Christmas and enjoy a Spanish Christmas at the Costa del Sol. This destination offers a 360º cultural experience: lights that shine like stars, traditional Christmas sweets, concerts and theater plays. In addition, for travelers who cannot spend Christmas without visiting a Christmas market, the Estepona market will provide them with everything they need. Not only that: there is also the market of Malaga, Costa del Sol’s capital, which has been recognised as one of the European destinations with the best Christmas markets in 2022. |
 |
| Málaga, 24th of November – The Costa del Sol lights up |
| The best way to start soaking up the Christmas spirit is by experiencing the streets full of colourful lights that show us that this magical season has arrived. Travellers can witness the marvellous lights of Málaga, especially in the dazzling and renowned street “Calle Larios”. |
| For those who enjoy nature and want to feel like they are in a fairy tale, on November 27th the Christmas Botanical-Historical Garden of La Concepcion opens and will remain accessible until January 8th. The garden offers a luminous route in which the visitor accompanies the Three Wise Men on their journey, following the Star of the Orient. Along 2.2 kilometers, 20 light installations make the route sparkle, in which there are also sensory tunnels and projections. This experience transports the traveler to places like Persia, Babylon or Bethlehem to experience the Christmas story to the fullest. |
| There’s no Christmas without traditions |
| Lovers of the traditional biblical Christmas have not been forgotten, and for them, every Christmas, Málaga presents its nativity scenes route. This itinerary offers the possibility of exploring more than 20 recreations of the birth of Jesus. Málaga’s nativity scene, which offers more than 300 figures, is a scenographic masterpiece. Also highly recommended: the traditional nativity scene of La Mosca, or the artistic versions of Puerta Oscura or the Carmen Thyssen Museum. These are free to visit, and only in some of them is a voluntary donation of 1 kilo of food requested. |
| For those who can’t make it through the holidays without visiting a Christmas market, on December 3rd, the Kempinski Hotel Bahía in Estepona hosts its traditional Christmas market and tree lighting. Throughout the space, there will be various stands with products, food and drinks, as well as the mythical visit of Santa Claus. Also, there will be an area with delicious cookies and Christmas songs for children to enjoy. |
| Speaking of Christmas markets, we must not forget the market of Málaga, the capital, which has been recognized among the best European destinations for Christmas by European Best Destinations. Málaga offers everything in one place this holiday season: tradition, culture, sun and beach. |
| A party during the holidays |
| For travelers who wish to fully immerse themselves in Málaga’s culture, on December 28th the Fiesta Mayor de Verdiales is celebrated, an event that attracts a large audience every year. The Verdiales is a type of dance, which is part of Málaga’s folklore, and is one of the most interesting manifestations of flamenco. If you want to experience the music of Málaga first-hand, then there is no place like this magnificent meeting to do it, while enjoying the typical gastronomy of the Montes de Málaga. |
| In addition, the Cortijo Lounge in Antequera organizes a series of Christmas pre-concerts to experience these holidays through music. The performances of artists ranging from Mr. Pacman to Planeta 80 will make this space the ideal place for fun and celebration and will prepare all attendees for Christmas. |
| A theatrical Christmas |
| Among the wide variety of activities to enjoy during the holidays, the home of the renowned actor Antonio Banderas could not miss a Christmas accompanied by plays. Therefore, on December 4th, the Finca Municipal ‘El Portón’ of Alhaurín de la Torre, presents the musical: “The Nutcracker”, a brand-new version of a popular musical that never gets old. |
| If that’s not enough, those who want to see Antonio Banderas’ dream come true can’t miss “Godspell. The Musical”. This show has been produced by the actor himself and is directed by Emilio Aragón. You will be able to see it at the Soho Caixabank Theatre until January 8th. |
| The taste of Christmas |
| What is it that characterizes Christmas the most and we can’t forget it on a visit to Costa del Sol? Undoubtedly it is the special gastronomy that accompanies these holidays, so the typical sweets of Malaga are a must try on this visit to the destination. The mantecados and pestiños, along with the Yemas del Tajo or polvorones de Antequera, are some of the delicacies that are always present at Christmas and New Year’s meals in Málaga homes. |
| Hotels, restaurants and even some convents get down to work to bring these delicacies to the mouths of all travelers and visitors. These sweets have a great national and worldwide recognition. In addition, in many of the hotels and restaurants on the Costa del Sol they are accompanied by special menus to celebrate these dates. |
