Christmas on the Costa del Sol is a magical time, with plenty of seasonal festivities to enjoy – and although the temperatures are not as high as in the summer, the average of around 12C for December days can still offer some extra warmth than you’d get back in the UK.
In some years the daytimes are much warmer, meaning you could even take a dip in the sea on Christmas Day itself, but it’s always good to have a backup plan too.
Here’s our pick of some of the sights and sounds of Christmas on the Costa del Sol in 2016, which might make on of our rental Villas on the Costa del Sol the perfect base for your Christmas celebrations this year.
Carol Concerts, Benalmadena
If you are in Benalmadena in early December you have not one, but two opportunities to enjoy some Christmas carols to get your month off to a festive start.
On December 2nd at Castillo De Bil Bil and on December 3rd at the Parish Church in Bonanza Square, The International Music Society (TIMS) will be performing old favourites.
Be ready to make a donation towards supporting local charities, but the events are welcoming to all who wish to attend – perfect if your trip is at the start of December, rather than over Christmas week itself.
Find out more about the event here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1764071813844693/
https://www.facebook.com/events/334558416936707/
Selwo Marina, Benalmadena
Whereas you might find most UK attractions closed over Christmas itself, in Spain things can be a little different, so in Benalmadena you also have the option of heading down to Selwo Marina.
It’s open from 10am to 6pm local time, every Friday-Sunday of the month, and every day from December 23rd through to January 8th 2017.
January 6th in Spain is El Dia de Reyes, or Three Kings Day, and you’ll find many local families celebrate this with more excitement than Christmas Day itself – so don’t be surprised if the busier days are not when you’d expect them to be back home.
Bioparc Fuengirola
Another attraction for animal-lovers is Bioparc Fuengirola, one of the Costa del Sol’s truly year-round venues with access 365 days a year.
During December, gates open at 10am and the park closes at 6pm on most days, with final entries an hour before closing.
Christmas Fiestas, Malaga
Malaga’s decorations and illuminations can be enjoyed from the start of December but things definitely get brighter as the month goes on.
From December 20th until January 8th, the Christmas Fiestas are in full swing – head to the Casona del Parque for the most impressive nativity scene, step out on an outdoor skating rink, or just take in the bright lights of the season.
Sabor a Navidad, Antequera
Finally, enjoy the flavours of the Andalusian Christmas tradition, with a visit to the Convento de Belen in Antequera, Malaga.
The Sisters of St Clare have been making seasonal sweets at their convent here since 1628, and these are often eaten along with a serving of a local Anisette liqueur.
Andalusia is peppered with distilleries, so you should never be far from a sip during your stay on the Costa del Sol, putting some authentic festive flavour into your Spanish villa holiday.
