Events on the Costa del Sol – November & December 2025

The end of the year brings light, music, and joy to the Costa del Sol. The last months of the year are special here — warm weather, glowing streets, and a rich cultural program make it an ideal time for a winter escape to southern Spain.
From Málaga and Marbella to Estepona and Mijas Pueblo, the coast is filled with concerts, festivals, sports events, and Christmas celebrations that attract both locals and visitors from around the world.

Below you’ll find a curated selection of the most remarkable events on the Costa del Sol — from world-class jazz and triathlon championships to traditional Christmas markets and flamenco nights.

Culture (concerts, festivals, exhibitions, theatre)

Málaga International Jazz Festival (Málaga, 3–10 November 2025)
The 39th edition of the festival at Teatro Cervantes gathers some of the world’s leading jazz artists for a week of pure musical excellence.
Performers include celebrated names such as Al Di Meola, Gustavo Santaolalla, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and Kandace Springs, offering an unforgettable experience for jazz lovers. The festival draws international audiences and is the perfect reason to visit Málaga in its autumn colours. Here’s more info.

Exhibition “Picasso. Memoria y Deseo” (Málaga, 14 November 2025 – 12 April 2026)
The year ends with a major exhibition at the Picasso Museum, exploring the dialogue between Picasso’s work and that of other 20th-century modernists such as Giorgio de Chirico, Fernand Léger, Man Ray, and René Magritte.
The display places Picasso’s pieces in the broader context of surrealism and memory — offering art lovers a rare insight into the legacy of Spain’s most famous artist. Here’s more info.

Handel’s “Messiah” Christmas Concerts (Málaga, 18–19 December 2025)
The Málaga Philharmonic Orchestra performs G.F. Handel’s magnificent Messiah oratorio at Teatro Cervantes just before Christmas.
The grandeur of baroque music fills the historic concert hall, creating a festive atmosphere and a must-see event for classical music enthusiasts worldwide. Here’s more info.

Sport

IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship (Marbella, 8–9 November 2025)
For the first time ever, Marbella will host the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, bringing together elite triathletes from across the globe.
Women’s races will take place on Saturday, 8 November, and men’s races on Sunday, 9 November.
Marbella becomes the first Spanish and fourth European city to host this prestigious event.
Athletes will cover 1.9 km of swimming, 90 km of cycling, and 21 km of running — all set against the stunning coastal and mountain scenery of southern Spain. Here’s more info.

Málaga Marathon & Half Marathon (Málaga, 14 December 2025)
The 15th Generali Málaga Marathon brings thousands of runners from around the world to the streets of the city.
The 42 km marathon and 21 km half marathon start on Sunday morning at Paseo del Parque, with the course winding through seafront avenues and the historic centre.
Thanks to the mild winter weather and flat terrain, it’s one of Europe’s most popular races — perfect for combining a sporting challenge with a cultural holiday in Spain. Here’s more info.

San Silvestre Charity Run (Málaga, 26 December 2025)
After Christmas lunch, when the city is glowing with lights, lace up your running shoes for one of Málaga’s warmest-hearted events — the San Silvestre Solidaria Real Club Mediterráneo.
The 10 km charity race supports the Fundación El Cottolengo de Málaga, with entry starting from €15. Here’s more info.

San Silvestre Málaga – The Funniest Race of the Year (31 December 2025)
Before the champagne pops and the clock strikes midnight, Málaga hosts its most colourful tradition — the costume run San Silvestre Málaga.
This festive 5 km fun run winds through the old town and La Farola harbour, with hundreds of participants dressed as elves, superheroes, and more — celebrating the year’s end in cheerful, athletic spirit.

Christmas Celebrations & Holiday Events

Málaga Christmas Lights & Light Show (Málaga, 28 November 2025)
The world-famous Málaga Christmas lights are switched on every year on the last Friday of November at 19:00.
The main spectacle takes place on Calle Larios, transformed into a cathedral of glowing “heavenly angels.”
Three daily light-and-music shows fill the streets with thousands of visitors. Over 2.5 million LED lights illuminate 80 streets across the city, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Similar light displays take place in Marbella, San Pedro de Alcántara, Torremolinos, and Estepona.

Christmas Markets

Málaga – Muelle Uno Christmas Market
A festive waterfront market offering handmade gifts and crafts throughout December.

Fuengirola – Plaza de la Constitución
The city’s main square hosts Fuengirola’s traditional Christmas market and concerts.

Mijas Pueblo – Plaza de la Constitución
The white-washed mountain village celebrates with a market, concerts, children’s workshops, and a gingerbread house corner.

Estepona – Old Town & Avenida San Lorenzo
Estepona transforms into a Christmas wonderland, with a festive market and light displays across the old town. The 2024 Christmas Fair took place at the Palacio de Exposiciones y Congresos, with 2025 details to be confirmed.

Gran Feria Sabor a Málaga (Málaga, early December 2025)
The province’s largest gourmet fair showcases local products — olive oils, wines, craft beers, cheeses, sausages, pastries (mantecados, alfajores), honey, jams, and more.
The event includes cooking workshops, show-cookings, and tastings open to the public.

Zambomba Flamenca
An Andalusian Christmas tradition where locals gather to sing flamenco-style carols accompanied by guitars and drums. These joyful evenings take place across Málaga, Marbella, and Estepona.

New Year’s Eve Celebrations

On 31 December, open-air New Year’s parties take place across major cities.
In Málaga, thousands gather at Plaza de la Constitución, where the city distributes festive packs from 10 p.m. — each with 12 grapes and party accessories for about 5,000 guests.
At midnight, everyone eats 12 grapes to the chime of the bells — a Spanish good-luck tradition — followed by champagne, fireworks, and dancing into the early hours.
Similar open-air celebrations take place in Marbella (Plaza de los Naranjos), Estepona, and other towns along the coast.

Conclusion

The Costa del Sol offers far more than sunshine in December — it’s a time when culture, music, and tradition fill every street and square.
Whether it’s Handel’s Messiah, the Málaga Jazz Festival, the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship, or the magic of the Christmas lights, every event carries its own spirit.
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy the holidays warmly, flavourfully, and memorably, the Costa del Sol is the perfect destination — a seamless blend of culture, sport, and festive joy.

🎄 Wishing you a wonderful holiday season on the Costa del Sol!