Your family‑friendly guide to the year’s most unforgettable celebrations

If you thought the fun ended with New Year’s fireworks and the sparkle of the Three Kings Parade — think again! ✨


Spaniards know how to celebrate life — and there’s a fiesta almost every month of the year. From flour fights in sleepy villages to full-blown city carnivals, Costa del Sol is bursting with traditions that mix culture, colour, and just the right amount of chaos.

So whether you’re a local family, a curious visitor, or someone planning a future trip, here’s a month-by-month guide to the most exciting festivals, fairs, and family-friendly fiestas happening across the region.


🗓️ Keep in mind: Many smaller towns (especially the quirky ones we love most!) only confirm their exact dates a few weeks before the event. Local councils often wait until closer to the day to publish full programmes — especially for Carnivals and village fiestas tied to Easter or other movable holidays.

Festivals by Month

Jump to a month:
January · February · March · April · May · June · July · August · September · October · November · December

📅 January

👑 Three Kings Parade (Cabalgata de Reyes)
🗓️ 5 January

Forget Santa — in Spain, the real holiday VIPs are the Three Wise Men. On the night of January 5th, towns and cities across Costa del Sol put on magical parades with floats, music, and kilos of flying candy.

Málaga hosts the biggest show, but smaller towns like Fuengirola, Marbella, and Mijas often offer a more family-friendly experience — less crowded, better views, and more sweets caught by tiny hands.

📌 Family Tip: Bring a bag (or flip an umbrella upside down) — you’ll need it for all the candy raining down!

🗓️ See all 2026 parade times here:
👉 Three Kings Parades – Full Guide

📅 February

🎭 Carnival (Carnaval / Carnavales) 
🗓️ All Month Long. In 2026, the main Carnival week runs 7–15 February and into early March.

One of the biggest celebrations of the year! Think: colourful costumes, parades, music, confetti, and plenty of family-friendly fun before Lent begins.

🎭 Málaga Carnival  

🗓️ 7–15 February 2026

A big-city party with creative costumes, family parades, street shows, and music in every plaza. The vibe is festive and welcoming — perfect for dressing up with the kids and jumping into the fun.

👉 Full schedule & tips here: Carnaval de Málaga Guide

🎭 Alozaina – Carnaval de la Harina (Flour Carnival)

🗓️ Late February (Dates TBA)

Alozaina’s playful Carnival tradition involves music, dancing, and… flour fights! Known as the “Flour Festival” or “Flour Fight,” this is one of the town’s most unique winter festivities. Locals throw clouds of flour through the streets in a quirky celebration dating back to the 15th century.

The origins are romantic: young men once floured the women they fancied, and if she floured him back, the interest was mutual. 

🎭 There are costume contests, traditional dances (like the “wheel dance”), and the “burial of the sardine” — a symbolic end to the festivities.

Atmosphere: Very local, playful, and folksy

📌 Family Tip: Wear old clothes, and maybe leave the black jackets at home 😄

👉 Official dates posted here: Ayuntamiento de Alozaina

🎭 Tolox – Fiesta de los Polvos

🗓️ 17 February 2026 (always celebrated on Shrove Tuesday)

One of the oldest Carnival traditions in Málaga — and one of the messiest (in the best way!). Instead of flour, this celebration involves tossing talcum powder until everyone is completely dusted in white.

It started as a cheeky courting ritual — and now it’s just full-on powder fun for all ages.

📌 Family Tip: Bring a change of clothes and protect your phone/camera — talc goes everywhere!

Recognised as a Festival of Provincial Tourist Interest, the day draws a big crowd and has a lively, theatrical atmosphere.

🎭 Alhaurín de la Torre Carnival

🗓️ Mid-February to early March (dates TBA)

A colourful, community-style Carnival with a strong family focus — including face painting, balloon animals, costume contests, bouncy castles, and a parade.

📌 Family Tip: Arrive in the morning for kids’ activities, and don’t forget your costumes!

👉 Dates posted here: Alhaurín de la Torre Agenda

🎭 Nerja Carnival 

🗓️ 12–15 February 2026

Nerja throws one of the liveliest coastal Carnivals — with extra charm and a big heart. You’ll find costume parades, live music, dance events, and the famous theatrical “Burial of the Sardine” to close it all off.

👑 Look out for the crowning of the Carnival King (“Rey Momo”) and Nymphs — a fun, quirky local touch.

📌 Family Tip: Dress the kids up, grab a good parade spot early, and stay for the final sardine procession (it’s full of flair!).

👉 Event info: Nerja Carnival Details


Nerja’s Carnival is officially recognised as a Festival of Singular Tourist Interest in Málaga Province.

🎭 Torremolinos Carnival

📅 Late February / Early March (Dates TBA)

Torremolinos doesn’t just do Carnival — it lives it with flair, costumes and a contagious, seaside party spirit that’s perfect for families wanting something colourful but a bit more relaxed than the big city carnivals. 🥳  

🎉 Highlights:

• Family-friendly parades with music and dancers

• Costume contests (including for kids!)

• Chirigotas (humorous musical groups)

• Drag Gala — an extravagant evening show for older audiences
  
  

📌 Family Tip: Come early for kids’ events, dress up, and enjoy the festive mix of tradition, laughter, and sea views.

👉 Check torremolinoscultura.es for updated schedules.

🇪🇸 Día de Andalucía 

🗓️ 28 February

A quieter but deeply meaningful celebration across the region, Andalusia Day is a public holiday that honours the region’s autonomy — and a lovely moment to connect with local culture as a family.

Expect green-and-white flags in every plaza, regional music and dance performances (like verdiales), and community breakfasts featuring toast with local olive oil and fresh orange juice. 🍊🍞

In places like Torremolinos, Mijas, or Benalmádena, you might also find:

🎶 Live music and traditional dance shows
🎤 Children’s choirs or school performances
🏛️ Free museum entry or cultural exhibits
🟩 Flag ceremonies in town halls and plazas

📌 Family Tip: It’s a great day to slow down, visit your local plaza, and enjoy some easygoing culture — from street storytelling to live guitar music. Restaurants often serve regional menus, and the whole day has a gentle, neighbourly feel.

Keep an eye on local council websites and community boards for last-minute announcements — especially in towns like Estepona, Málaga, or Fuengirola.

📅 March

🎭 Estepona Carnival 

🗓️ 1 March 2026 (town that stretches the Carnival fun into early March)

Estepona’s celebration is smaller, but full of heart. It features kids’ costume contests, parades, music, and a cheerful, community vibe. Children’s parties and costume contests.

📌 Family Tip: Come early for children’s events, then enjoy lunch on the promenade.

👉 Details: Estepona Carnival Article

🎬 Málaga Film Festival (mid‑March)

🗓️ Mid‑March (Dates TBA, usually mid‑late March)

This internationally respected event features Spanish-language films, red-carpet premieres, and plenty of family-friendly screenings — including some outdoors in city plazas.

It’s a lovely cultural festival that gives families a mix of film, workshops and outdoor screenings in plazas — perfect for older kids and teens who love movies (and grown‑ups too).

🌿 Semana Santa (Holy Week)

🗓️ 29 March – 5 April 2026 (Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday)

Holy Week in Andalusia is a powerful mix of tradition, music, and emotion — with centuries-old processions filling the streets of cities and towns across Costa del Sol.

In Málaga, expect majestic floats (pasos) carried by costaleros, slow-drum marching bands, candlelit processions and even military parades. In smaller towns like Coín, Mijas or Alhaurín el Grande, it’s more local and intimate — often easier to navigate with kids.

📌 Family Tips:

• Go early in the evening for a calmer atmosphere and front-row views.

• Pack water, snacks and something for the kids to sit on — processions move slowly!

• Avoid the busiest crowds around midnight and Holy Thursday/Friday in major cities.
  
  

👉 For full Málaga processions map and times, check: malagaturismo.com

📅 April

🌼 Fiestas de Primavera – Spring Fair in Coín

🗓️ 30 April – Early May (dates vary slightly each year)

It’s a true town festival vibe — part fair, part cultural celebration, part community party — and it’s officially one of Coín’s standout events of the year with lots of activities suitable for kids and families.

It is one of the biggest and most varied celebrations the town hosts each year, drawing locals and visitors together for several days of fun, culture and tradition. 
Welcoming spring with music, dancing, and family fun.

🎠 What to Expect:

🥁 Parades with floats and music
🎡 Children’s Day with rides at reduced prices
🎶 Flamenco performances and local music
🍴 Traditional food stalls and sweet treats
✨Daytime events are very family-friendly — especially the horse parade and folklore shows.

📌 Family Tip: Go during the early afternoon for fewer crowds and cooler weather. Bring cash for rides and local goodies. The event’s broad schedule means you can tailor your visit to toddlers, big kids or adults who just want to soak up local culture.

👉 Check official updates on coin.es

🌍 International People's Fair (Feria Internacional de los Pueblos) - Fuengirola
🗓️ April 29 to May 3, 2026

This vibrant multicultural fair brings the world to the Costa del Sol!

Vendors from more than 30 countries gather to share their culture, traditional foods, crafts, performances and music from across the globe — a colourful, friendly and great multicultural event which attracts numerous visitors each year.

📌 Family Tip: Create a little “passport” game for the kids — see how many countries you can taste or visit in one afternoon!

📅 May

May on the Costa del Sol is blossoming with spring energy — from food and citrus celebrations to multicultural markets and colourful spring traditions. It’s a great time for families to explore outdoor events, enjoy seasonal produce, and discover both local and international heritage through music, dance and food.

🍊 Día de la Naranja — Istán 

🗓️ Early May (Dates TBA)

Istán’s Muestra Gastronómica y Día de la Naranja is a smaller, more food‑focused celebration — great for family lunch outings and tasting experiences.
Typically with a ruta de la tapa (tapas trail) and food stalls across the village. 

It’s part of the town’s seasonal cultural calendar and officially recognised as a Fiesta Singular by the province of Málaga. 

What makes it lovely:

🍊 Showcases traditional local recipes featuring oranges

🍽️ Tapas & tasting stalls in bars and restaurants

🎶 Live music and a relaxed village atmosphere

👨‍👩‍👧 A gentle cultural outing that pairs well with a walk through the historic streets and the nearby natural surroundings (like Sierra de las Nieves and La Concepción reservoir).

Vibe: Chill and elegant village vibe

🍊 Fiesta de la Naranja — Coín

🗓️ May (Dates TBA)

May brings sweet citrus centre‑stage in Coín with the Fiesta de la Naranja, celebrating the region’s famous oranges and fresh seasonal flavours.

It’s a traditional orange harvest celebration that marks the end of the season and has become one of the town’s signature events each May.  

What makes Coín’s festival stand out:

🍊 Free tastings of fresh orange juice, orange salads, desserts and sopa hervía — a local broth featuring oranges that’s very traditional.
🧑‍🍳 Food stands with local producers’ fruit, veg and other agricultural products.
🎶 Live music, performances and entertainment throughout the day.
🎭 Competitions, shows and activities that give it more of a full‑on party feel than the Istán event.

Vibe: Lively with bigger crowds.

It’s often accompanied by other Spring Festival (Fiestas de Primavera) events in the town, widening the celebration window and drawing in families and visitors from around the region.  

📌 Family Tip: Try freshly squeezed juice while wandering casual street stalls — bright colours and fun flavours make this easy for kids.

🐴 Feria del Caballo — Jerez de la Frontera (mid‑May)

🗓️ May 9 to 16, 2026

While Jerez de la Frontera isn’t on the Costa del Sol coast itself, this renowned Andalusian Horse Fair makes a fantastic day trip and a colourful cultural experience for families.
One of the most beautiful and photogenic festivals - true traditional, like stepping back in time and straight into a movie.

You’ll find horse parades, elegant carriages, flamenco music, traditional food, and a public fairground area with rides — and it officially includes a “Children’s Day” with special activities for younger visitors. 

📌 Family Tip: The fair’s “Día de Niñas y Niños” (Children’s Day) makes this one especially enjoyable with kids.

📅 June

🐟 Día del Pescaíto — Torremolinos 
🗓️ June 11, 2026 (First Thursday in June)

🍤 A beloved gastronomic tradition celebrating the Costa del Sol’s favourite fried fish — pescaíto frito. For this event, chiringuitos and restaurants along La Carihuela promenade serve free portions of golden fried fish and drinks to locals and visitors alike. 

📌 Family Tip: Combine the festival with a stroll on the beach or a gelato pit stop — it’s a fun, tasty way to welcome summer.

🎉 Feria de San Bernabé — Marbella (Early June)

🗓️ Early June (often 6–12 June, dates can vary)

One of Marbella’s biggest annual events — a full week of traditional fair fun, honouring the town’s patron saint. Expect fairgrounds, decorated casetas, flamenco music, and family-friendly rides.

🎠 Attractions and rides for kids
🎶 Live music and flamenco shows
👗 Traditional dress and parades
🎆 Fireworks to close the celebrations

📌 Family Tip: Head to the old town during the day, then explore the fairgrounds and shows in the evening.

🔥 Noche de San Juan - Coastal Towns
🗓️ June 23, 2026 (Summer Solstice)

The most magical beach night of the year — the night that officially welcomes summer. Across the Costa del Sol (from Málaga to Fuengirola and Marbella), families and friends gather on the beaches to build bonfires, enjoy picnics or moragas, and celebrate long into the night.  

Typical San Juan traditions include:

🔥 Bonfires on the beach at sunset
🌊 Midnight dips in the sea for good luck
🎇 Fireworks and live music
🍢 Beach barbecues with espetos (grilled sardines) and picnic food

San Juan is rich in tradition and folklore — some families even make wishes or jump over embers for a symbolic fresh start to the summer.

📌 Family Tip: Arrive early in the evening for a relaxed picnic before the bonfires and crowds grow bigger.

📅 July

🎡 Feria de Corumbela
🗓️ 3-5 July, 2026

A traditional village feria where local music, dancing and casual celebrations make this a nice first‑weekend‑of‑summer outing.

A charming village feria that kicks off the summer with local music, dancing, and small-town warmth.

📌 Family Tip: Ideal for a low-key family outing in the Axarquía countryside.

🎡 Feria de Estepona
🗓️ 7–12 July, 2026

One of the larger summer fairs on the Costa del Sol - packed with live music, dancing, rides, food stalls, and community celebrations. 

📌 Family Tip: Head there in the late afternoon for kids’ rides and music before it gets lively in the evening.

🌞 Mijas con Alma
🗓️ Early July (Dates TBA)

This is one of the most magical summer happenings in Mijas Pueblo. For a few summer nights each July, the historic whitewashed streets are transformed into a fairy‑tale world lit by more than 15,000 candles — creating a warm, glowing atmosphere that feels like stepping into a storybook. 

From about 21:30 each evening, the narrow cobblestone lanes — including Plaza de la Constitución, Calle Málaga and Plaza Libertad — are filled with flickering candlelight and live music, art, and cultural activities. 

What you’ll find:

🕯️ Candle‑lit streets and squares — beautiful and peaceful at sunset.
🎶 Live concerts — often themed performances including tributes and jazz, with shows starting around 22:00 at the municipal auditorium.
🛍️ Artisan & medieval market — over 40 stalls with crafts, local products and fun discoveries.
🎁 “Wishing Tree” and community touches — families and visitors can add wishes and messages in the heart of the village.

📌 Family Tip: Mijas con Alma is best enjoyed after dinner once the candles are lit — bring a light jacket for the evening and plan a sunset stroll through town before the music begins.  

🎵 Weekend Beach Festival — Torre del Mar

🗓️ 9–11 July 2026

A mayor summer music festival right on the beach with a multi‑genre lineup — pop, rock, electronic and more. It’s lively and energetic, perfect for older kids and teens who love music festivals, and families who enjoy a beach party vibe. 

📌 Family Tip: Check the lineup — some concerts may be more adult‑oriented, but the beach party atmosphere is fun for everyone.

🍊 La Cala de Mijas Fair

🗓️ 24–28 July, 2026

A lively coastal town fair with rides, music and community fiestas — perfect for families who want a mix of beach time and fiesta fun.  

📅 August

🎉 Feria de Málaga 

🗓️ 15-22 August, 2026

Feria de Málaga is one of the Costa del Sol’s biggest and most beloved summer celebrations — a full week where the whole city turns into a party with music, dancing, food, fireworks and family fun. It blends traditional Andalusian culture with vibrant street life in a way that’s truly unforgettable for kids and adults alike.

Expect:

🎶 Live music & concerts across stages in the city centre
💃 Flamenco, Sevillanas and dancing in the fairgrounds and streets
🎡 Fairground rides for all ages
🍢 Food stalls & local treats — everything from churros to espetos
🎆 Fireworks over Málaga to light up those warm summer nights

The celebrations take place both in the historic centre (with concerts and free shows) and in the Recinto Ferial fairgrounds (with rides, casetas and nightlife), so there’s always something for families to enjoy — from daytime outings with the kids to evening dancing and spectacles.

📌 Family Tip: Go early in the day for rides and kid‑friendly shows, and stick around after dinner for music under the lights and fireworks to close the night.

🎠 Feria de Benalmádena Pueblo 

🗓️ Around 13-17 August, 2026 (Dates TBA, usually mid‑August)

Tucked into the whitewashed streets of the old town, Feria de Benalmádena Pueblo is a charming and more traditional fair — full of Andalusian culture, music, and community spirit.

Expect:

🎠 Rides and games for kids in the fairground area
💃 Daytime festivities in the main square with flamenco, live music, and family shows
🌅 Evening parades, fireworks, and food stalls lining the streets
🕯️ A religious procession in honour of the town’s patron saint, often with locals in traditional dress

📌 Family Tip: Visit during the early evening for a mix of music, dancing, and a relaxed village vibe. Great for little ones who want a taste of feria fun without the big city crowds.

📅 September

🏰 Medieval Market of Fuengirola

🗓️ Usually early September (Dates TBA and they vary slightly each year)

📍 Sohail Castle, Fuengirola

Set inside the stunning 11th-century Sohail Castle, Fuengirola’s Medieval Market is one of the most magical family events of the year. The castle transforms into a lively time-travel village with:

🛡️ Medieval costumes, knights, and live performances
🐴 Falconry shows, pony rides, and street entertainers
🍗 Rustic food stalls, sweets, artisan cheeses, and roasted meats
🛍️ Craft stalls selling handmade toys, jewelry, soaps, leather goods, and more
🧙‍♀️ Wandering minstrels, stilt walkers, and even fire shows after sunset

📌 Family Tip: Come in the late afternoon to beat the heat and stay until dark — the candle-lit castle walls and festive music make for a truly unforgettable evening with kids. Many families (and kids!) come dressed up, so feel free to join in the fun!

🌀 Festival of the Moorish Moon (Festival de la Luna Mora) — Guaro 

🗓️ 5-6. September, 2026 (Held over first or second weekend in September)

This arts, crafts and music festival has grown from a humble celebration into a significant event playing host to local, national and international talent.

Artists from the fields of classical, popular and flamenco music and dance offer concerts in the village's purpose built, open-air amphitheatre. Past performers have included internationally acclaimed classical guitarist Paco de Lucía; contemporary flamenco/pop singer Diana Navarro; and Malaga-born pop singer Pablo Alborán.

Throughout the evenings of the festival there is a Moorish style street souk, and the entire village is illuminated by over 20,000 candles.  

This is a very popular festival attended by thousands and special parking arrangements are made outside the village. 

🇬🇮 Gibraltar National Day & Fair

🗓️ 10 September

Gibraltar’s National Day is a lively celebration marked with street parties, children’s fancy dress, concerts, and fireworks celebrating the community’s identity. 

📌 Family Tip: National Day events include entertainment adapted for all ages — from live music to children’s activities and fun processions.

🎉 Feria de Mijas

🗓️ September (dates TBA)

One of the classic autumn ferias in the region, held in Mijas Pueblo, with parades, music, dancing, rides, local food and lots of community joy. 

📌 Family Tip: Go during the day for a gentle introduction to feria culture — evening lights and concerts add extra sparkle.

🎡 Feria de Torremolinos

🗓️ Late September (dates TBA)

Torremolinos puts on its own colourful fair with rides, live music, festive music and fun for kids and adults alike. 

📌 Family Tip: This is a great way to combine an end‑of‑summer beach day with a lively evening fairground.

 
📅 October

🍇 Feria del Rosario — Fuengirola
🗓️ 6 - 12 October, 2026

Fuengirola Fair, also called Feria del Rosario, is one of the most important in Andalusia with the horse as the protagonist and the fairgoers are dressed up in their finest traditional costumes.
The streets are filled with carriages and a festive atmosphere throughout the day, and at night the party and dance continue at the fairgrounds.

The fair begins on the 6th and ends on the 12th of October, the same day Columbus Day, also called 'dia del Pilar', a free national day, is celebrated.

🎪 Feria de Nerja
🗓️ Mid-October (dates TBA, usually around 10–15 October)

A long‑loved traditional fair with music, horses, and local foods.

Nerja’s biggest celebration of the year brings together tradition, music, and that joyful southern spirit — all wrapped up in sea views and Andalusian charm. Expect daytime parades, flamenco, local food, and lively casetas (party tents) that light up the evenings.

From fairground rides and costume contests to concerts and cultural events, the Feria offers something for all ages — with the bonus of Nerja’s beautiful old town and beaches just steps away.

📌 Family Tip: Come early for the daytime events and parades, and plan a treat stop at one of the local heladerías or churro stalls between activities!

🎃 Halloween in Costa del Sol
🗓️ 31 October, 2026 

👻 It might not be a traditional Spanish holiday, but Costa del Sol has fully embraced the spooky spirit — and local ayuntamientos (town halls) are going all in!

From haunted houses in civic centres to costume parades, trick-or-treating, and eerie plaza parties, towns across the region turn October 31st into a fun, fright-filled day for kids and families. Expect creative decorations, themed workshops, and just the right amount of spooky (but not too scary) vibes.

📍 Look out for themed activities at places like Tiny Tunes Marbella, Paradox Parkour Coín, Alma Forest School, and Selwo Marina.

📌 Family Tip: Check your local town hall or cultural centre for Halloween programmes — many include free events, games, and costume contests!

Ps! Nearer the date, we’ll publish a full roundup in October — spooky but not too scary 👻

📅 November 

November acts as the calm before the Christmas sparkle, with a slower pace but still plenty of cozy, family-worthy moments. 

🍂 Chestnut Season & Autumn Hikes  

November is peak chestnut season in Andalusia — and you can smell it in the mountain air.

Towns like Genalguacil, Pujerra, and Yunquera host traditional Fiestas de la Castaña (Chestnut Festivals), where you’ll find open-fire roasting, seasonal treats, local music, and that perfect rural autumn charm.

🗓️ Event details and times are usually announced closer to the date — keep an eye on the official channels of the @AytoGenalguacil, @AytoPujerra and @AytoYunquera for updates.

📌 Family Tip: Combine a visit with a forest walk — the Genal Valley in November is glowing with copper leaves and makes a stunning family hike.

🎄 Start of Christmas Season

By late November, the coast starts to sparkle ✨

🌟 Málaga’s famous Christmas lights switch-on typically happens during the last weekend of the month, turning Calle Larios into a glowing, musical spectacle that kicks off the festive season in style.

🎶 Around the same time, smaller towns begin setting up markets, light displays, and Santa sightings.

📌 Family Tip: Make it a cozy family tradition — evening churros, a city stroll, and the season’s first sparkle moment. Magical (and totally free).

🎁 Planning ahead?
We’ve put together a guide to the season’s best events, markets, and winter wonders across the region:

👉 Christmas Activities 2025 on the Costa del Sol →

📅 December

🌿 Fiesta de la Aceituna — Martos (Jaén Province)

🗓️ 8 December (every year)

Held in the olive oil capital of Spain, this annual celebration marks the start of the olive harvest and pays tribute to the people who work the groves. Recognised as an Andalusian Tourist Festival, it’s a flavorful, cultural day with music, traditional dress, olive tastings, and the symbolic desayuno aceitunero — a breakfast of fresh bread, olive oil, and olives.

📌 Family Tip: A great excuse for a countryside day trip — combine it with a visit to an olive oil mill or museum!

🎄 Christmas Markets & Lights Everywhere

From the very start of the month, towns and cities light up — literally. Plazas sparkle with fairy lights, life-size nativity scenes (belenes) appear, and festive markets pop up in nearly every town.

📍 Don’t miss:

• Málaga Christmas Lights – Calle Larios light show (daily music & light displays)

• Mijas Pueblo, Estepona, and Benalmádena – charming, less crowded markets

• La Cala de Mijas – Winter Market with kids’ rides and wooden stalls

📌 Family Tip: Visit midweek or early in the day to avoid crowds and enjoy the decorations at your own pace.



🎅 Santa Visits & Toy Factories

Ayuntamientos go all in on Santa setups! From walk-through toy factories to “Meet the Three Kings” experiences, there’s plenty of festive magic.

• Parque de la Navidad (Málaga) – themed park with shows, crafts, and Santa photo ops

• Visit Santa’s Toy Factory in Mijas – an interactive experience with elves and workshops
  
  

📌 Family Tip: Book early if there’s a reservation system — some places require timed entries.



🧁 Christmas Workshops & Pop-Ups

All month long, cafés, toy shops, art studios, and play centres host festive workshops — from cookie-decorating and Christmas crafts to slime-making and storytime with elves.

• Look out for: forest schools, bilingual cafés, and indoor play spaces offering events for all ages
  
  

📌 LFH Tip: Some places host last-minute pop-ups — keep an eye on their socials or our Events Page

👶 Little-Kid Friendly Magic

• Craft corners in cafés and cultural centres

• Christmas puppet shows and music sessions

• Storytime & sensory play for toddlers
  
  📌 Keep it easy: Pair a playground trip with hot chocolate nearby — simple and festive always wins.

🕯️ Living Nativities (Belenes Vivientes)

In villages like Almayate, Cártama, and Alhaurín el Grande, entire communities come together to recreate the nativity with real people (and sometimes real donkeys). It’s part theatre, part history, and very atmospheric.

📌 Family Tip: Wrap up warm and bring snacks — there may be queues, but it’s a magical one-off experience.

🎠 Ice Skating & Pop-Up Fairs

Temporary ice rinks and mini theme parks are installed in central areas like Málaga, Fuengirola, and Benalmádena.

📌 Family Tip: Combine the rink with a Christmas market for a full afternoon of fun — and don’t forget gloves!

📚 School Holiday Camps Begin

By mid-late December, local holiday camps kick off — perfect if you need to balance work with play during the Christmas break.

👉 See current listings on our Winter Camps page

🎁 Want the full holiday rundown?

Check out our full festive guide:

👉 Christmas on the Costa del Sol — The Ultimate Family Guide →

✨ How to Enjoy These with Kids

• Keep it slow: Early mornings or late afternoons avoid the heat and crowds.

• Mix and match: Pair a feria with a playground, beach stop or picnic in a nearby park.

• Local traditions: A village fiesta can be as memorable as big city celebrations — and often much easier with little ones.

• Comfort first: Sunscreen, snacks and water make all the difference when waiting for parades or processions.