Christmas on the Costa del Sol: The Ultimate Family Guide to Winter Magic on the Coast (2025)

Markets, lights, workshops, ice-skating, and more — for families who like their Christmas with a sea breeze.

Sunshine & Santa Vibes

There’s something magical about Christmas in southern Spain. Every ayuntamiento puts up the lights in the most magical way, while plazas fill with music, markets, and that cosy end-of-year feeling.

You’ve still got sunshine on your face and sand in your shoes, but now there’s tinsel in the palm trees and cinnamon in the air.

Whether you’re a local family or just here for the holidays, Costa del Sol offers a kind of Christmas that’s a little warmer, a little slower, and a whole lot of fun for kids.

We’ve rounded up the best events, markets, and winter wonders happening in 2025 — from Málaga to Gibraltar, and plenty of hidden gems in between.

And yes, you’ll find Santa here. Might be wearing sunglasses though.

Kickoff Events. Lights, Markets & Santa Visits

Before the main rush, these events get the season started:

Lights Switch-Ons
Towns all along the coast light up in the first days of December — from twinkling side streets to full-on musical light shows.

Málaga’s Calle Larios display is the big one (and yep, it gets crowded), but smaller towns like Mijas, Estepona, and San Pedro bring their own kind of charm — with fewer people and a more local vibe.

Want something extra magical? Explore the Alice in Wonderland–style enchanted scenes at the Botanical Gardens’ Magical Garden of Lights

Christmas Markets Begin
It’s not winter here in the classic “woolly hat” sense, but you’ll still find wooden stalls, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and twinkly lights that make everything feel just right.

Markets are popping up in cities and small towns — some with carousels, others with live music or skating. Keep an eye on your town square, or head to the coast to discover something new.

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If you’re near Estepona, don’t miss the Christmas Park — it’s full of festive rides, fairground snacks, and big-kid energy. 

Santa Visits
The man in red has a busy schedule across the coast — and he’s not just showing up for photos.

At the Santa’s Toy Factory Experience, kids get to help the elves, craft toys, and whisper their wish list straight to the big guy himself.

Some local cafés, play centres, and schools also host Santa pop-ups — so don’t be surprised if he makes more than one appearance in your calendar. He’s got range.

Peak Festive Vibes

This is when the calendar fills up fast. Weekends are packed with:

Creative Christmas Workshops
From candle-making to festive slime labs, there are events for every interest and age. Look for art clubs, forest schools, cafés and toy stores hosting small-group sessions.

Ice Skating & Fairgrounds
Temporary rinks pop up in places like Málaga city centre, Mijas Pueblo, and Benalmádena. Some markets come with mini roller coasters, music, and light tunnels.

Themed Pop-Ups
Think gingerbread-making at cafés, storytelling with elves, or even mini Christmas discos for toddlers.

LFH Tip: Some of the best events happen in the smaller towns or residential areas — keep an eye on school newsletters, community WhatsApp groups, and of course, our Events page.

👶 Low-Key & Little-Kid Friendly Picks

Sometimes you don’t want a full-day extravaganza. Here are some ideas when you just want a bit of sparkle, some calm, and the chance to sit down:

✦ Christmas Games & Stories at Ludiverso
Cosy up with festive tales, sensory games, and small-group joy. See event →

✦ Craft Corners at Local Cafés
Like this one in Fuengirola with Christmas art, snacks, and zero pressure. See event →

✦ Playground + Hot Chocolate Combo
Go for a play, then warm up with a treat. We tried this in Benalmádena and it never fails. See video →

🧑‍🎄 Big-Kid Energy & Active Adventures

Got older kids or teens who think they’ve outgrown the magic? Here’s how to get them back in the festive zone (without bribing them… too much).

✦ Christmas Nerf Battle at Paradox Parkour (Coín)
Big energy, and flying foam. What more could you want? See event →

✦ Christmas Magic Show (Torremolinos)
Something even the grown-ups will love it. See event →

✦ Larger skating rink at a Christmas park in Estepona ​​See event →

LFH Tip: Let them help plan. Pick one chill event and one wild card. Bribery with churros is always acceptable.

Final Thoughts

Christmas on the Costa del Sol has a rhythm of its own. It’s twinkling lights wrapped around palm trees, Santa might wear sunglasses, and the sea is always just a few minutes away.

It’s a season full of memory-making moments — big ones, small ones, and everything in between.

Explore all the Christmas events on our site here: Christmas Events 2025 → 
Tag us @littlefamilyhub in your favourite festive moments. We'd love to see the magic through your eyes.

Written with cocoa-stained fingers and Christmas spirit by the Little Family Hub team.