Events on the Costa del Sol – 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)

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

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 theme for 2025 is “The Birth of Light.” Every evening, Calle Larios hosts three light-and-music shows (at 18:30, 20:30 and 22:00, except on 24 and 31 December) — the lights “dance” to Christmas music, featuring both classical pieces and pop hits.

The south tower of Málaga Cathedral becomes the backdrop for the holiday videomapping show “El pescador de sueños” (“The Dreamcatcher”), which tells local Christmas stories through light effects. The cathedral shows run every evening (except 24 and 31 December) at approximately 19:00, 20:30 and 22:00 and last about 8 minutes.

Another highlight is the fairytale-like light installation “Alice Christmas” at the La Concepción Botanical Garden, taking place from 28 November to 6 January 2026 in the evenings (ticketed event). The illuminated garden is inspired by Lewis Carroll’s Alice stories — the pathways are lit by millions of lights, creating a fantasy-filled atmosphere with music and literary characters.

In addition, on selected evenings there will be a drone light show over Málaga’s port — 120 drones draw Christmas motifs in the sky. The show is best seen from the Muelle Uno promenade and Plaza de la Marina, taking place on 3, 4, 6, 7 and 9 December at 20:30, with a special session on 23 December at 19:30. On these nights, the sky fills with images such as the Star of Bethlehem, Santa’s silhouette and other Christmas symbols.

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 makes a strong impression this holiday season with its brand-new “Parque de la Navidad” — a Christmas park designed especially for families. This open-air theme park is located on the outdoor grounds of the Teatro Auditorio Felipe VI and is open from 29 November to 4 January, every day from 17:00–23:00 (closed on 24 and 31 December; on 25 December and 1 January open exceptionally from 11:00–23:00).

The Christmas park features spectacular light decorations and a variety of attractions: an authentic ice rink, Santa’s house, a vintage-style carousel, children’s funfair rides (bumper cars, an ice slide, trampolines) and a food area for enjoying snacks.

One of the highlights of the Estepona Christmas market is the artificial snow — at certain times snow is “sprinkled” over the promenade to bring a touch of Nordic charm to a tropical Christmas evening.

Estepona is full of cultural events throughout December. The city has prepared a Christmas programme with more than 50 events, including concerts, shows, dance evenings and traditional holiday celebrations.

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!