Marbella in December: top things to do

Marbella in December is a city full of events and experiences for all ages and tastes. Andalusian traditions blend seamlessly with a sophisticated cultural, gastronomic and social scene, all set in a privileged location where the mild climate allows you to enjoy outdoor life even in the heart of winter.

Whether it is your first time in Marbella or your go-to destination for the Christmas holidays, this guide will help you understand local traditions, know where to go, what to see and how to organise your days, combining culture, leisure, family plans and special celebrations.

Marbella in December: this is how Christmas is celebrated

Christmas in Marbella officially begins in late November with the switch-on of the festive lights in the Old Town, the Alameda Park and the city’s main avenues. From that moment on, Marbella enters a continuous festive rhythm that lasts until Three Kings’ Day in early January.

Unlike many other European cities, Christmas here is lived outdoors. Open-air concerts, flamenco, Christmas markets, zambombas, nativity scenes and social gatherings fill the streets, making December one of the most pleasant times of the year to visit Marbella.

Nativity scenes in Marbella: what they are and how to explore them

To understand Christmas in Spain, you first need to understand the Belén, or Nativity scene. These are artistic representations of the birth of Jesus, ranging from simple displays to highly detailed handcrafted scenes with figures, landscapes and everyday life moments.

How is this tradition experienced in Marbella?

Every Christmas, more than a dozen nativity scenes are set up across the city, organised by religious brotherhoods, local associations and the Town Hall. Many locals visit several in a single afternoon, turning it into a perfect cultural walk. There’s no need to follow a strict route; we recommend simply wandering through the streets of the old town, stepping into churches and chapels, and letting the city guide you.

These are the must-see Nativity scenes:

• Municipal Nativity Scene – Paseo de la Alameda.
• Historic Municipal Nativity Scene – Chapel of San Juan de Dios.
• Nativity scenes by local brotherhoods in the Old Town (Plaza de los Naranjos, Santo Cristo, Chapel of Santiago).

Zambombas: the Christmas tradition you can’t miss

If there is one experience that defines an Andalusian Christmas, it is the zambomba. For those unfamiliar with it, this is not a conventional concert: it is a popular musical gathering where flamenco-style Christmas carols are sung, people clap, dance and share the moment together. There is no distance between performers and audience; everyone becomes part of the experience, where flamenco blends with Christmas lyrics.

These are the standout zambombas in Marbella during the month of December:

• 6 December – Paseo de la Alameda.
• 7 December – Plaza José Antonio Pérez Cervera (Leganitos).
• 19 December – Avenida Nabeul (major institutional zambomba).
• 20 December – Óbal Hotel: Zambomba Flamenca by Luis de Mateo with guest artists.

Family-friendly Christmas plans in Marbella

Marbella is a very comfortable destination for family travel in December. Most activities are clearly signposted, centrally located and easy to enjoy without needing a car. The entire programme is designed so that children’s activities can be easily combined with adult plans, without long journeys.

These are some of our recommendations for things to do with children in Marbella this Christmas:

• Santa Claus House – Paseo de la Alameda (18–24 December).
• Royal Postman House – Paseo de la Alameda (26 December–5 January).
• Magic Christmas Park – Arroyo Primero Football Ground (29 Dec–4 Jan): ice rink, Christmas train and attractions.
• Children’s early New Year’s countdown – 27 December.
• Three Kings Parade – 5 January, through Marbella city centre.

Concerts, culture and Christmas spirit in Marbella

Christmas in Marbella also has a strong cultural side, especially linked to choral music, flamenco and religious tradition. These events are ideal for discovering the most authentic side of the local Christmas, even if you don’t speak Spanish perfectly: music is universal.

These are the cultural highlights of December:

• Christmas concerts at the Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation.
• Pastoral choir performances, a deeply rooted Andalusian tradition where popular choirs sing traditional Christmas carols.
• City of Marbella Christmas Gala. 15 December at the Adolfo Suárez Conference and Exhibition Centre.

Where to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Marbella

Marbella says goodbye to the year with an irresistible mix of elegance, fine dining and well-curated celebrations. Some of the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve include:

• Motel Particulier. Marbella’s newest hedonistic icon. Provocative atmosphere, music, bold design and a party that breaks away from convention. Perfect for those looking for an international and unconventional New Year’s Eve.
• La Fonda Restaurante. Ideal for those who prefer a refined New Year’s Eve dinner in a historic and sophisticated setting. Carefully crafted cuisine, quality ingredients and an intimate atmosphere in the heart of the Old Town.
• Óbal Hotel. Óbal offers an urban and elegant way to welcome the New Year, combining cocktails, music and privileged views.
• Boho Club. A contemporary classic. Fine dining, an exclusive setting and a celebration designed to be stylish without excess.

In addition, Marbella Town Hall organises a public New Year’s Eve celebration at Parque de la Represa, with live music, party favours and the traditional grapes, ideal for those seeking a more open and popular atmosphere.

Roscón de Reyes: what it is and where to buy it in Marbella

The Roscón de Reyes is a traditional cake eaten on 6 January. Shaped like a crown, it is usually filled with cream, custard or truffle. Inside, it hides a small figurine and a dried bean: according to tradition, whoever finds the figurine is crowned king or queen for the day, while whoever finds the bean pays for the cake.

Where to buy roscón in Marbella

Although it can be found in many bakeries and cafés, these two are a safe bet. Remember to order in advance if you’re in Marbella during the Epiphany.

• Pastelería La Duquesa. Av. Ricardo Soriano, 12 – Marbella.
• Cafetería Blu (famous for its pistachio roscón). Av. Puerta del Mar, 2 – Marbella.

Where to stay in Marbella at Christmas

Choosing the right accommodation at Christmas makes all the difference when it comes to enjoying Marbella comfortably and freely. In December, many travellers prefer holiday apartments and villas over traditional hotels, especially when travelling as a family, as a couple, or for longer stays.

Banus Rentals is one of the most recommended options for staying in Marbella and along the Costa del Sol during the festive season. Specialists in high-quality holiday rentals, we offer a carefully curated selection of apartments and villas in prime areas such as Marbella city centre, Puerto Banús, Nueva Andalucía, San Pedro de Alcántara and Estepona.

Our properties combine location, design and comfort, with features particularly appreciated at Christmas: fully equipped kitchens, spacious interiors for family gatherings, sunny terraces even in winter, and personalised guest assistance throughout the stay. Booking directly with Banus Rentals also provides better conditions, local insight and attentive service — especially helpful if it’s your first time visiting Marbella.

Whether you’re coming for a short break or planning to stay throughout the holidays, staying with Banus Rentals allows you to experience Christmas in Marbella like a local, with all the comfort of a professional hospitality service.