Table of Contents
- Christmas Markets on the Costa del Sol in 2025
- Málaga – Paseo del Parque Christmas Market
- Málaga – Muelle Uno Christmas Market
- Torremolinos Christmas Market
- Benalmádena Christmas Market (Arroyo de la Miel)
- Fuengirola Christmas Market
- Mijas Pueblo Christmas Market
- La Cala de Mijas Christmas Market
- Marbella Christmas Market (Parque de la Alameda)
- Puerto Banús Christmas Market (Marbella)
- Estepona Christmas Market and Fair
- Nerja Christmas Market
- Torrox Christmas Market
- Manilva Christmas Markets & Village
- Benahavís Christmas Village
- FAQs
Christmas markets have a long history dating back to medieval Germany. Originating as seasonal street fairs in the Germanic world, these festive markets spread across Europe and are now a beloved Christmas tradition far beyond their roots. In Spain, nearly every city and town - from small villages to big cities - hosts some form of Christmas market today.
Spanish Christmas markets often focus on nativity scenes, live traditional music performances, lights, sweets, and crafts rather than the mulled wine and heavy winter fare of northern Europe. Because Spain’s main gift-giving event is Three Kings Day (6 January), many markets here stay open later into the season than those in other countries. The atmosphere on the Costa del Sol is unique: think palm trees wrapped in lights, mild evenings with perhaps a cup of hot chocolate and churros instead of snow and glühwein. It’s a blend of Andalusian Christmas traditions (like elaborate “Belén” nativity displays) paired with aspects typical of a European Christmas market.
In Catalonia and other parts of Spain, markets tend to be all about Christmas goods – figurines, decor, sweets – often without the beer tents or ice rinks seen in the South. However, on the Costa del Sol, many markets have started adding attractions like ice skating rinks, Santa’s grottos, and even artificial “snow” shows, all while retaining the focus on local crafts and cuisine. In short, Christmas markets in Spain may be a more laid-back, family-oriented affair, but they are growing in popularity each year and have become an integral part of the festive season.
Christmas Markets on the Costa del Sol in 2025
Check out our comprehensive guide to all the Christmas markets happening this year (2025) across the Costa del Sol – from the main towns to small village fêtes. (Markets noted as officially confirmed have published dates or official announcements, while those not officially confirmed are expected based on previous years but not yet formally announced.)
Once the Christmas Markets are all wrapped up, it's time to celebrate the day of the 3 Kings (dia de los reyes). Check out our guide to the 3 Kings Parades happening on the Costa del Sol in 2026.
Málaga – Paseo del Parque Christmas Market
This is Málaga’s classic open-air Christmas market, set along the central Paseo del Parque under a canopy of lights and flanked by palm trees. Approximately 90 wooden stalls offer traditional decor, handmade gifts, nativity figures and sweets, making it a must-visit after enjoying the famous Calle Larios light show. The atmosphere is festive and family-friendly, with the aroma of roast chestnuts in the air. (officially confirmed)
Dates: 1 December 2025 – 7 January 2026
Opening Hours: 11:00 – 22:00 daily (may close early on 24, 31 Dec)
Location: Paseo del Parque, Málaga (Map)
More Info: Málaga Christmas Markets Guide
Málaga – Muelle Uno Christmas Market
Located at Muelle Uno (Pier One) in the Port of Málaga, this waterfront market offers a modern twist with a “Christmas village” by the sea. Dozens of stalls in cute wooden cabins sell crafts, fashion, original gifts and gourmet treats, all with views of the marina. There are often children’s activities and live music, adding to its lively vibe. It’s one of Málaga’s most popular markets, ideal for an evening stroll by the boats with the Christmas lights reflected on the water. (officially confirmed)
Dates:
28 November 2025 – 6 January 2026
Opening Hours: Monday– Thursday 10:00 – 21:00; Friday–Sunday 10:00 – 22:00 (hours may extend closer to Christmas)
Location: Muelle Uno, Málaga (Map)
More Info: Málaga Christmas Guide
Torremolinos Christmas Market
Torremolinos brings Christmas to its pedestrianised town centre with a traditional market featuring wooden cabins along Avenida Palma de Mallorca (near Plaza Costa del Sol). Local artisans and vendors offer decorations, gifts and seasonal delicacies, creating a lively scene in the heart of the city. In past years, Torremolinos has also hosted a “Christmas Village” with children’s activities in the Pablo Ruiz Picasso Cultural Centre gardens, adding extra fun for families. (officially confirmed)
Dates: ~13 December 2025 – 5 January 2026 (exact dates to be confirmed by town hall)
Opening
Hours: 10:00 – 22:00 daily
Location: Avenida Palma de Mallorca, Torremolinos (Map)
More Info: Torremolinos Programme
Benalmádena Christmas Market (Arroyo de la Miel)
Benalmádena’s main Christmas market takes place in Arroyo de la Miel, along Avenida de la Constitución (in front of the Casa de la Cultura). This market is known for its variety: numerous stalls selling artisanal crafts, Christmas decorations and local gastronomy, plus often some fairground rides or attractions for children. The market comes alive in the evenings, and is a great spot to mingle with locals and enjoy the festive atmosphere after the big light displays switch on at sunset. (officially confirmed)
Dates: 5 December 2025 – 6 January 2026
Opening
Hours: 13:00 – 23:00 daily
Location: Av. de la Constitución, Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena (Map)
More Info: Benalmádena Market Details
Fuengirola Christmas Market
Fuengirola transforms its central Plaza de la Constitución into a cosy Christmas market and “winter wonderland” each year. Roughly 15–20 wooden huts run by local businesses offer Christmas gifts, crafts, and typical sweets (think turrón, polvorones and more). There’s also festive décor, a large Christmas tree, and even artificial snow flurries every Saturday evening at 19:30 to delight visitors. There's usually also an ice rink and nightly light shows nearby, making it a favourite for families. (officially confirmed)
Dates: 27 November 2025 – 21 December 2025
Opening
Hours: 10:30 – 21:00 (market hours, typically mornings and evenings)
Location: Plaza de la Constitución, Fuengirola (Map)
More Info: Fuengirola Town Hall Event Page
Mijas Pueblo Christmas Market
The white-washed village of Mijas Pueblo hosts a Christmas market in its main square (Plaza de la Constitución), bringing seasonal cheer to the mountain village. A handful of quaint stalls run by local artisans sell handmade goods, ornaments and festive sweets, supporting the local community. What the market lacks in size, it makes up for in atmosphere – the square is beautifully decorated, and often there are choir performances or visits from Santa and the Three Kings for the children. (officially confirmed)
Dates: 29 November 2025 – 31 December 2025 (daily throughout December)
Opening Hours: 11:00 – 19:00 daily
Location: Plaza de la Constitución, Mijas Pueblo (Map)
More Info: Mijas News (2024)
La Cala de Mijas Christmas Market
On the coast in Mijas Costa, La Cala de Mijas turns its central boulevard into a festive market. Lined with wooden kiosks, the Bulevar de La Cala market offers everything from toys and crafts to Christmas treats and even live zambomba flamenco performances on select nights. This market has a lovely community feel – you might meet local artisans, enjoy mulled wine or hot chocolate from a stand, and watch children visit Santa Claus in his little house. With lights twinkling on the palm trees, it’s an idyllic Christmas scene by the sea. (not officially confirmed)
Dates: 29 November 2025 – 6 January 2026 (expected)
Opening Hours: from 11:00 until about 21:00 (daily)
Location: Bulevar de La Cala de Mijas, Mijas (Map)
More Info: Gran Hotel Costa del Sol Blog
Marbella Christmas Market (Parque de la Alameda)
Marbella’s city centre offers an elegant Christmas market set in the Parque de la Alameda and along the adjacent Avenida del Mar. Dozens of stalls are beautifully decorated, blending into Marbella’s upscale ambiance – you’ll find quality crafts, artisan jewellery, gourmet products and traditional sweets amid the lush gardens and Christmas lights. The surrounding Old Town is draped in illuminations and hosts a nativity route and musical light shows, so visiting the Alameda market can be part of a magical evening wander through Marbella’s historic streets. (officially confirmed)
Dates: 1 December 2025 – 6 January 2026
Opening Hours: Approx. 12:00 – 22:00 (daily, extended hours on weekends)
Location: Parque de la Alameda & Avenida del Mar, Marbella (Map)
More Info: Marbella Xmas Guide
Puerto Banús Christmas Market (Marbella)
Glitz meets tradition at the Puerto Banús Christmas Market, set in Plaza Antonio Banderas next to the marina’s luxury shops. This market, organised with El Corte Inglés, features wooden chalets offering gifts and goodies, plus attractions like an ice skating rink, playground rides, and live entertainment. It’s a favourite for families and tourists in Marbella’s most famous port – by day you can shop and enjoy the waterfront, and by night the market sparkles with lights against the backdrop of yachts. (officially confirmed)
Dates: 6 December 2025 – 6 January 2026
Opening Hours: Monday–Thursday 12:00 – 20:00; Friday–Sunday 12:00 – 21:00 (extended hours closer to Christmas; closed Dec 25 and Jan 1)
Location: Plaza Antonio Banderas, Puerto Banús, Marbella (Map)
More Info: Puerto Banús Details
Estepona Christmas Market and Fair
Estepona celebrates the season with a Christmas Fair that includes a market, typically located around the town’s port or central promenade. Wooden huts decorated in Nordic style offer local crafts and Christmas treats. A big draw is the ice rink and fairground setup – palm-lined promenades in Estepona turn into a festive fun zone for families, with twinkling lights, a skating rink, and children’s rides by the sea. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy a stroll, do some gift shopping, and soak up the romantic, palm-fringed Christmas atmosphere Estepona is known for. (officially confirmed)
Dates: 5 December 2025 – 6 January 2026
Opening Hours: 11:00 – 22:00 daily
Location: Estepona Port / Paseo Marítimo, Estepona (Map)
More Info: Estepona Christmas Fair
Nerja Christmas Market
Nerja, at the eastern end of the Costa del Sol, hosts a lovely Christmas market in its Plaza de España, just behind the famous Balcón de Europa. Last year, Nerja kicked off Christmas on 5th December with the opening of the market and the switching on of the town’s lights. The market features a selection of stalls selling crafts, gift items and festive treats – smaller than the big-city markets. With Nerja’s streets aglow and often a programme of concerts and a living nativity, the market adds to the town’s magical festive vibe. (not officially confirmed)
Dates: Early December – late December 2025 (exact dates TBC; in 2024 it ran 5–27 Dec)
Opening Hours: approx. 11:00 – 23:00 (daily when running)
Location: Plaza de España, Nerja (Map)
More
Info: Nerja Xmas Program
Torrox Christmas Market
The town of Torrox (which proudly markets itself as having the best climate in Europe) hosts one of the biggest Christmas markets on the Costa del Sol despite its smaller size. Torrox’s market usually takes place over the early December long weekend and features about 80 stalls, including German-style Christmas goods reflecting its large foreign community. You’ll find plenty of artisan crafts, Christmas decorations and international food stalls in a festive atmosphere. This short but sweet market is a major draw for visitors across the Axarquía region. (officially confirmed)
Dates: 6 – 8 December 2025 (long weekend only)
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 22:00 during market days
Location: Plaza de la Constitución / Avenida García Peñalver, Torrox Costa (Map)
More Info: Torrox Market Info
Manilva Christmas Markets & Village
The Manilva area (at the southwestern tip of the Costa del Sol) offers two festive events. First, in early December, a Christmas Market in Sabinillas is organised (often by local charities like the St. George’s Association) – for example, last year a one-day mercadillo was held on 2 Dec at Camping La Bella Vista with lots of stalls and treats. Later in the season, Manilva’s “Poblado Navideño” (Christmas Village) takes place at the historic Castillo de la Duquesa. This village runs in late December, featuring a mini fairground, life-size nativity, kids’ workshops, artificial snow showers and an evening market selling sweets, gifts and decorations. It’s a magical experience for local families and visitors staying over the holidays. (not officially confirmed)
Dates: Sabinillas Market – early December 2025 (date TBC, e.g. first weekend); Castillo de la Duquesa Christmas Village – ~20 December 2025 to 4 January 2026 (evenings)
Opening Hours: Sabinillas market usually daytime; Christmas Village 18:00 – ~22:30 daily during its run
Location: Sabinillas (various venues, e.g. Camping Bella Vista) and Castillo de la Duquesa, Manilva (Map)
More
Info: Manilva Events (2023)
Benahavís Christmas Village
The small mountain village of Benahavís puts on an intimate Christmas Village (Poblado Navideño) just before Christmas. For a few days (typically a weekend in late December), the village square comes alive with Santa Claus meeting children, market stalls offering local crafts and seasonal goodies, and family activities. In 2024, Benahavís held its Christmas Village on 20–22 December with afternoons and evenings of festive fun. Expect a warm, community-oriented celebration beneath the Christmas lights of this picturesque village, known for its hospitality and culinary scene. (not officially confirmed)
Dates: 19 – 22 December 2025 (expected, around that weekend)
Opening Hours: roughly 16:00 – 20:00 on weekdays, 11:00 – 19:00 on weekend days during the event
Location: Benahavís village centre (Plaza del Pilar/Avenida de Andalucía) (Map)
More Info: Benahavís Navidad Programme
FAQs
🎅 When do Christmas markets on the Costa del Sol usually start and finish?
Most Christmas markets begin in late November or early December and continue until early January, often closing around Three Kings Day (6 January), which is an important festive date in Spain. Larger cities like Málaga and Marbella tend to open earlier, while smaller towns and villages may run their markets for a week or two in December.
🌟 Which are the biggest or most popular Christmas markets on the Costa del Sol?
The Málaga Christmas Market on the Paseo del Parque is the largest and most famous, especially when paired with the city’s spectacular Calle Larios light display. Other popular spots include Muelle Uno in Málaga Port, Fuengirola’s Plaza de la Constitución, Marbella’s Alameda Park, and Torrox Costa, which hosts one of the biggest festive markets in the Axarquía region.
🎄 What makes Christmas markets in Spain different from those in northern Europe?
Spanish Christmas markets are more focused on nativity scenes (“belenes”), handcrafted gifts, sweets, and local products rather than heavy winter foods and mulled wine. Because the weather is mild, they’re often open-air events with palm trees wrapped in lights and live music instead of snow and cold. Many also stay open into January to celebrate the Three Kings’ holiday, rather than ending on Christmas Eve.
🍷 Do the markets sell traditional food and drinks?
Yes — you’ll find plenty of Spanish festive favourites such as turrón (nougat), mantecados, polvorones, and churros con chocolate. Some markets, especially in areas popular with international visitors like Torrox or Puerto Banús, also offer German-style mulled wine (vino caliente), bratwurst, and international street food.
✨ Are Christmas markets on the Costa del Sol family-friendly?
Absolutely. Most markets feature children’s rides, Santa’s grottos, ice skating rinks, or workshops for kids. Villages like Mijas Pueblo and La Cala de Mijas often organise visits from Santa Claus and the Three Kings, making them ideal for a festive family day out under the Andalusian winter sun.
