The holidays bring warmth, conviviality and reflection, but on the Costa del Sol, December also means something else: sunshine, mild temperatures and a unique blend of luxury and Spanish traditions. For those who want to get away from the cold winter and crowds, this is the perfect place to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
In this article you will discover why the Costa del Sol is one of the most special places to spend the holidays, from atmospheric lighting and local traditions to culinary pampering and relaxation in a luxurious setting.
Celebrating Christmas under the winter sun
A Christmas in Spain feels different, and it starts with the weather. While in northern Europe you need thick sweaters and gloves, here you enjoy a pleasant 18-20 degrees with plenty of sunshine. The days are shorter, but the brightness and blue skies immediately give you a vacation feeling.
- Start your Christmas morning with a sumptuous breakfast on the terrace of your villa or apartment, overlooking the sea.
- Take an afternoon stroll along the beaches of Marbella or Estepona.
- End the day with tapas and wine at one of the charming chiringuitos (beach restaurants).
The white villages of the Costa del Sol, such as Mijas, Frigiliana and Casares, take on an extra magical look in December. The Christmas decorations contrast beautifully with the whitewashed houses and the bright blue light.
Málaga: the center of Christmas magic
In December, Málaga turns into a true Christmas paradise. Calle Larios, Málaga’s most famous shopping street, is world famous for its spectacular Christmas lights. Every year the street is transformed into a light show that attracts thousands of visitors.
Besides the lights, there are numerous other highlights in Málaga:
- Christmas Markets: The market at Muelle Uno offers crafts, decorations and local delicacies.
- Christmas Concerts: In the Cathedral of Malaga, enjoy beautiful choral singing and live music.
- Belenes (nativity scenes): Nativity scenes play a big role in Spain. Scattered throughout the city you can see impressive, often handmade Christmas scenes.
Tip: End your evening in one of the tapas bars in the old town and get a taste of the atmosphere of Malaga during the holidays.
New Year’s Eve: The 12 grapes and red lingerie
Spain has special New Year’s Eve traditions that are said to bring good luck in the New Year.
The 12 grapes of happiness
At midnight on New Year’s Eve, Spaniards eat 12 grapes – one for each chime. This tradition, known as Las doce uvas de la suerte, is said to bring good luck for each month of the new year.
How does it work?
- Have 12 grapes ready to go.
- With each chime you eat a grape. It’s trickier than it sounds, but mostly a lot of fun!
- After the final chime, everyone toasted with cava to a Happy New Year.
Red lingerie
Another tradition is to wear red lingerie during New Year’s Eve. According to superstition, this brings luck, love and passion in the New Year. But there is a condition: the lingerie must be new and given as a gift.
Culinary delights during the holidays
Known for its excellent gastronomy, the Costa del Sol offers an unforgettable culinary experience during the holidays. Here, traditional Spanish dishes and modern haute cuisine merge into a true feast for your taste buds.
Typical party dishes
No Spanish Christmas is complete without some iconic delicacies:
- Marisco: Freshly caught seafood such as prawns, lobster and crab are regulars on the banquet table.
- Turrón: Sweet nougat made from honey and almonds – a classic found in every Spanish kitchen.
- Polvorones: Delicious, brittle cookies that literally melt in your mouth.
- Cava: The Spanish counterpart to champagne, perfect for toasting at midnight to new beginnings.
Luxury dining experiences by the sea
The holidays are the time to treat yourself to luxurious and sophisticated dishes:
- Trocadero Marbella: Enjoy a festive lunch or dinner by the sea in a stylish setting. The beautiful decor, with natural materials and colonial accents, creates a warm and unique atmosphere. Perfect for an unforgettable culinary experience. The Trocadero restaurants (such as Trocadero Playa and Trocadero Arena) are beautifully located and perfect for both lunch and dinner. They offer a mix of international dishes and local produce, which is perfect for the holiday season.
- El Lago in Marbella: A Michelin-starred gastronomic gem where local ingredients are elevated to art.
- Puente Romano’s Nobu: An international experience that combines Japanese finesse with the conviviality of the Costa del Sol.
Charming culinary hotspots in Malaga
In addition to luxurious venues, the Costa del Sol also offers authentic culinary experiences. In Málaga, there are plenty of options worth exploring:
- Blossom in Málaga: This stylish restaurant combines modern flair with seasonal dishes. Perfect for those looking for refined flavors in a warm and cozy environment during the holidays.
- Tapas bars in San Pedro de Alcántara: For a more traditional and authentic experience, the charming tapas bars are ideal. Enjoy dishes like gambas al ajillo and jamón ibérico in an atmospheric setting.
Whether you choose a luxurious dinner by the sea at Trocadero, a Michelin-starred restaurant or a tapas evening in a historic center, the Costa del Sol makes the holidays a culinary adventure to remember.
Spanish Christmas traditions: Authentic and atmospheric
Los Reyes Magos – the Three Kings
In Spain, Epiphany on Jan. 6 plays a much bigger role than Santa Claus. Children eagerly await the arrival of Los Reyes Magos. The night before, colorful parades(Cabalgatas) march through towns and villages, where floats scatter candy to the cheering crowds.
Roscón de Reyes
With Epiphany comes the traditional roscón de Reyes, a round cake decorated with candied fruit. Inside the cake is hidden a bean and a small figurine:
- Do you find the figurine? Then you are the “king” for a day.
- Find the bean? Then you have to pay for the cake next year!
Eating roscón is a festive and especially tasty way to end the Christmas season.
Luxury and relaxation in December
December on the Costa del Sol offers the ideal balance between relaxation and activity:
- Golf: The Costa del Golf has more than 80 golf courses. The winter sun makes it perfect to play a round at top courses such as Valderrama or La Quinta.
- Wellness: Treat yourself to a day at the spa at Finca Cortesin or Six Senses Spa in Marbella.
- Beach Walks: Explore the beautiful coastline in quiet, sunny December days.
A fresh start in 2025
December is not only a month of reflection, but also of looking forward. The new year offers new opportunities and dreams, and where better to realize them than on the Costa del Sol? For many, this beautiful region will be more than a vacation destination; it will be a new home base where luxury, sun and comfort come together.
Why December is the time to invest
The winter months offer unique advantages for those looking for their dream home:
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Less competition
While spring and summer are traditionally busy periods for the real estate market, December is more peaceful. This means less competition from other buyers, giving you better chances of finding your ideal home without rushing into decisions. -
Personal attention
The quiet of winter ensures that you get plenty of personal attention from real estate agents and developers. Viewings are relaxed and there is more room to go into detail about what you find important. Your wishes and questions are really central. -
Practical advantages
- Winter provides an opportunity to view the home and its surroundings under different conditions. Is there enough light? How does the climate feel on a winter day?
- You have time to plan everything well, so that by spring or summer you will be fully ready to enjoy your new home.
From dreams to reality
Whether you are looking for a luxury villa with sea views, a modern penthouse with large terrace or an attractive apartment in a white village, the Costa del Sol offers a wide range of properties for every taste and lifestyle.
Picture this:
- You drink your first cup of coffee of the year on your own terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
- A fresh New Year’s swim on one of the golden beaches of Marbella or Estepona.
- Golf at world-famous courses such as Valderrama or La Quinta under the winter sun.
- You’ll discover the cultural charm of Málaga or dine at upscale restaurants such as Trocadero Arena or Blossom.
The Costa del Sol is synonymous with quality of life. Here it is not just about buying a home, but embracing a lifestyle that combines relaxation, culture and comfort.
Investing in a promising future
In addition to its unique lifestyle, the Costa del Sol is also a smart choice for investors:
- Demand for housing in this region continues to rise, especially among international buyers.
- The stable real estate market offers excellent returns, whether you are looking for a second residence, a permanent home or a lucrative investment for vacation rentals.
Experience the holidays in style on the Costa del Sol
The Costa del Sol combines the best of both worlds: mild temperatures and sun-drenched days, complemented by unique Spanish traditions such as Las doce uvas de la suerte, Epiphany and culinary indulgence.
Whether you come to relax, experience Spanish culture or find your dream home, this is where you will make the holidays truly unforgettable.
