The holiday season is upon us and there is so much going on!  It is magical to experience Christmas in Almuñécar & La Herradura, but it is tough to find out the when and the where for many things.  We’ve decided to share what we know here for you and as we learn more, we will just keep adding to this same post.  Many places don’t publicize until a few days prior to the event.  We aren’t sure why, but as soon as we find out more, we will continue to add to this post.

Bookmark this post so you can refer to it through the season!

2018 Holiday Season in La Herradura & Almuñécar

The 2019 program will be available in early December 2019.

Remember you are in Spain, so it isn’t just all about Christmas and then you are done.  Nope, the holiday season continues through the first week of January, to be sure we celebrate the Epiphany and the 3 Kings!

Check here to view our holiday Calendar.

If you happen to be looking for the public school School Calendar 2018-2019 holidays, we have that here for you too!

Keep in mind the supermarkets and grocery stores may be closed or have limited hours during the holidays.
View La Herradura & Almuñécar supermarkets here.

Okay, so what we plan to do is share with you the things we know about.  Keep coming back, as we will continue to add through the season.  If you have something you would like us to add, just send it to us via email and we will do our best to include it.  Please also keep an eye out on Facebook, the city tourism cultural agenda as well as the city council website.

2018 Christmas in La Herradura

La Herradura Christmas Window Contest

This year there will be a Christmas window decorating contest for the shops in La Herradura.  All participating merchants should have their windows completed by the 5th of December.  Then they will be judged and on December 6th the winners for 1st and 2nd prizes will be announced.  Take a stroll through the streets of La Herradura and check out the window displays!

La Herradura Christmas Shopping Raffle

Shop in La Herradura for a chance to win a 500 euro prize!

Make a purchase from participating merchants over €15 (from December 1 to 29) and you will receive a ticket to enter the raffle.  With a prize of €500 to exchange for purchases within that Asociación De Comerciantes, Artesanos y Profesionales La Herradura​

View video here, Winner announced December 30!

La Herradura Christmas Program

November 30

20:00  Civic Center exhibition hall
Exhibition and announcement of the winners of the Christmas postcard contest, organized by the Tenencia de Alcaldía and the public school of Las Gaviotas.  Located at the exhibition hall “Pepe Gamez”.

20:30  Civic Center exhibition hall
Inauguration and Blessing of the Municipal Nativity Scene

The municipal Nativity Scent will be blessed by the parish priest Don Nestor.  This will be located in the Civic Center (Pepe Gámez) exhibition hall.  Following the blessing, there will be a performance by the Flamenco group “Pablo Escudero”.

You may view the Nativity Scene
Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 14:00 and 16:00 to 22:00
Saturdays from 10:00 to 13:30

This is organized by Tenencia de Alcaldía La Herradura and Cofradía of La Herradura

December 3 – 9

Solidarity Rastro for of Caritas Parroquial on Calle Eucalipto.  Organized by Cofradía de La Herradura.

December 5

12:00  Town
They jury visits the shops of La Herradura to determine the winners of the Christmas window contest. This is organized by Tenencia de Alcaldía La Herradura.

December 7

20:00  Civic Center Theater
XI Poetry Contest “Friends of La Herradura”

December 8

17:00  Plaza de La Independencia
A traditional snack of churros and chocolate, organized by Tenencia de Alcaldía La Herradura, with collaboration of the ASOC. Friends of La Herradura and Churreria La Herradura.  The funds raised will go towards the Cabalgata de Reyes 2019.

There will also be a Christmas Market, food collection (benefiting Caritas).  Organized by Cofradía de La Herradura

December 14

19:30  Plaza de La Independencia
Zambomba Flamenca!  It is time to enjoy the most typical Flamenco Christmas carols by the fire.  Participants “Coro La Salinera” and group “Son Mediterraneo”.

December 15

17:00  Departure of the Pastora through the streets of La Herradura.

20:00  Civic Center Theater
Christmas carols, choir “La Salinera”

December 16

16:00  Plaza de La Independencia
A grand children’s party with ice skating rink, bouncy houses, mechanical bull, workshops and more.  The Royal Postman will visit the town center to collect all the letters of the children of La Herradura and deliver them to The Three Kings.

17:00  Departure of the Pastoral through the streets of La Herradura.

December 20

10:30  Civic Center Theater
Christmas Carols Contest by the public primary school, Las Gaviotas.

19: 30  Civic Center Theater
Christmas Gala by the secondary school, IES Villanueva del Mar”

December 21

21:00  Civic Center Theater
Musical: “A trip for Christmas”, represented by the theater group of the Parish of San José of La Herradura.  Free admission, with a to the parish of San José.

December 21 -24

06:00  Church in the old town of La Herradura
Rosary of the Aurora.  Century-old tradition of the town of La Herradura.

December 22

19:30  Plaza de La Independencia
Zambomba Flamenca by the group of “Paola Almodóvar”.  We will enjoy the most typical Christmas songs and flamenco dance by the fire.
Guitar: Rubén Campos, Cesar cubero.  Cante: Sergio Gómez “El Colorado”, Antonio Gómez “El Turry”, Marián Fernández, Alicial Morales.
Percussion: Chema of the Estad.  Dance: Paola Almodóvar, José Cortes “El Indio”, María “La Manzanilla”.

20:30  Departure of the Pastoral through the streets of La Herradura.

December 23

12:00  Futbol Field Las Tejas
The veterans match
14:00  sports coexistence.
Organized by Peña veterans

December 24

00:00  Traditional Midnight Mass at San José Church

December 26

17:00  Civic Center Theater
Children’s Cinema, movie for all audiences.  Free entrance.

December 28

19:30  Plaza de La Independencia
Zambomba Flamenca!  It is time to enjoy the most typical Flamenco Christmas carols by the fire. Participants “Coro Cosas Nuestras”

December 29

19:30  Plaza de La Independencia
Zambomba Flamenca!  It is time to enjoy the most typical Flamenco Christmas carols by the fire.  Featuring flamenco by María la Canastera and Niño Carmelo, with the participation of Chonchi Heredia, José el Francés, María La Canastera, Niño Carmelo.

December 30

17:00  Civic Center Ballroom
Biodanza (dance of life) workshop conducted by Encarna Garciolo.  Open to the public to participate.  All earnings will go towards to the “Ningún niño sin juguete” (no child without a toy) campaign.

17:00  Departure of the Pastoral through the streets of La Herradura.

2019

January 2

20:00  Civic Center Theater
New Year’s Concert by: Ana María Romero (Soprano), Eduardo Palomares (Piano), David Mancebón Morillas (Baritone).  Free entrance.

January 4

20:00  Civic Center Theater
New year concert. Musical Band Municipal History. Free entrance

January 5

The Three Kings visit the Children’s ward of the Santa Ana Hospital Santa Ana in Motril.

17:00  Departure from the La Herradura Pavillion
The Three Kings Parade will tour our town to make the dreams of the little kids a reality.

January 6

12:00  Mass with the Pastoral of La Herradura.

13:00  Departure of the Pastoral through the streets of La Herradura.

2018 Christmas in Almuñécar

Almuñécar Christmas Window Contest

This year there will be a Christmas window decorating contest for the shops in Almuñécar.  All participating businesses should have their windows completed by the 14th of December.  Then they will be judged and on December 17th the winners for 1st and 2nd prizes will be announced.  Take a stroll through the streets of old town and check out the window displays!

Almuñécar Christmas Program

November 30

17:00  Plaza de la Constitución (by the Ayuntamiento)
Christmas snacks and activities by Batukada 2.0

18:30  Lighting of the Christmas lights!  Accompanied by the YouTuber Silvia Sanchez and a Christmas performance

December 1

Casa de Cultura Auditorium
20:00  MUNDI (singer songwriter) Singing:  Serrat, Silvio Rodriquez, Pablo Milanés, Guitar and Musical direction: Nicolas Medina, Piano and accordion:  Walter Sabolo, Voice:  MUNDI

December 2

Casa de Cultura Auditorium
12:00  Christmas music
Russian Academy of Music: Elena Farkhutdinova “Festival de Musica de Navidad”

20:00  (Piano, words and emotions)
Juan Cervera: “Piano, palabras y emociones”

December 6

Casa de Cultura Auditorium
19:00  (Blues music) The Lito Blues Band “The Best of the Blues”.

December 6 – 9

Paseo San Cristóbal
11:00 – 24:00, Medieval Market (new location)

December 6 – 15

Plaza de la Constitución (by the Ayuntamiento)
18:00  Christmas market with associations of foreign residents  (December 6-8)
11:00 – 20:00  Artisan Christmas market (December 10-15)

December 7

Plaza de la Constitución (by the Ayuntamiento)
17:00  Christmas snacks by Coradia El Huerto

December 8

Pavilion of the Carrera de la Concepción (near main city bus stop and Roman baths)
Festivities in Honor of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
Click here for program information

December 9 – 15

Plaza de la Constitución (by the Ayuntamiento)
11:00 to 21:00 Artisan Christmas Market

December 11

Casa de Cultura Auditorium
21:00  Flamenco Christmas (Maria Goma “La Canastera” and “Nino Carmelo”).

December 14

Plaza de la Constitución (by the Ayuntamiento)
11:00  Christmas Party Children’s Centers, visit Papa Noel (Santa Claus)
17:00  Christmas snacks and animation for “Sabor a Mar” (Taste of the Sea), visit Papa Noel (Santa Claus)

Casa de Cultura (conference rooms)
19:30  (lecture) Book presentation:  “En la tierra de los muertos” (In the Land of the Dead)
Authors:  Manuel Martin and Modesto Medina

December 15

17:00  Plaza de la Constitución (by the Ayuntamiento)
Christmas snacks and Zumba by Evi Martin.

18:00  Parade of the municipal band of music of Almuñécar
(Departure from the School of municipal music through the streets of the commercial center)

Casa de Cultura Auditorium
19:00  Chamber Orchestra Christmas Concert
Orchestra of Camara Mediterranea “Concerto de Navidad”

December 16

10:30  Heritage Visit
“A walk through history” Ingenio Real guided by the municipal archaeologist: Elena Navas
Reservation in email: enavas@almunecar.es

18:00  Casa de Cultura Auditorium
Ballet – Kiev Grand Ballet “Cascanueces”

December 19

Plaza de la Constitución (by the Ayuntamiento)
17:30  Christmas song performance by the Children’s choir “Arcos de Torrecuevas”
Christmas snacks by Cofradia la Burriquita to benefit the Association of ELA.

December 20

Plaza de la Constitución (by the Ayuntamiento)
17:00  Representation of a living nativity scene by the group Elenco teatro
Christmas snacks

December 21

Plaza de la Constitución (by the Ayuntamiento)
17:00  Christmas snacks entertained with Zumba by Evi Martin

18:00  Parade of the municipal band of music of Almuñécar
(Departure from the School of municipal music through the streets of the commercial center)

20:00  Church of the Incarnation
Christmas mass and the choir of Almuñécar
Director: Ariel Ramierez

December 22

Plaza de la Constitución (by the Ayuntamiento)
17:00  Christmas snacks and activities for the kids

20:00  Church of the Incarnation
Anniversary concert anniversary musical group Our Lady of the Incarnation.

December 23

Plaza de la Constitución (by the Ayuntamiento)
19:00  Zambomba Flamenca

Plaza Madrid
19:00  Flamenco Christmas with “Carmelo and Maria La Canastera”

December 27

Colegio Virgen de la Antigua (Primary school on Av. Juan Carlos I)
17:00  The Royal Postman visits and a great children’s party:  Enjoy Christmas snacks, activities and ice rink
(funds go to the Cabalgata of Kings).

December 28

Plaza de la Constitución (by the Ayuntamiento)
17:00  Christmas snacks entertained by the playroom with the Christmas elves

19:00  Solidarity race “San Silvestre Sexitana”
19:00  Departure for the children
20:00  Departure for the adults
Information and registration:  P.M.D. tel. 958 883 142 or one hour before departure

December 28

Casa de Cultura Auditorium
20:00  Teresa Karcher in concert, Songs of Lorca, Falla, Bizet and Marinos

December 29

18:00  Parade of the municipal band of music of Almuñécar
(Departure from the School of municipal music through the streets of the commercial center)

19:00  (Gospel) Casa de Cultura Auditorium
Rebeca Rods & Black Light Gospel Choir

2019

January 2

17:00  “Christmas Caritas” party.  All earnings will go towards to the “Ningún niño sin juguete” (no child without a toy) campaign.
Christmas snacks, bouncy houses, and a visit by the Royal postman and parade of the new year

19:00  (New Year’s Concert)
Young Mediterranean Orchestra
Director Michael Thomas

January 5

17:00  Gran Cabalgata – The Grand Parade of the Three Kings 2019
It will depart from the municipal sports stadium “Francisco Bonet”

Other Holiday events in Almuñécar, La Herradura
& Surrounding Areas

November 30 – Holiday Lights and More

Almuñécar Christmas lighting!

Friday, November 30th
Plaza de la constitución in front of the Ayuntamiento
Activities starting at 17:00 with the lights going about 18:00

December 1 – Órgiva Tea Garden Christmas Fair

The Órgiva Tea Garden will host a Christmas Fair.  Saturday, 1st December 2018.  11:00 – 17:00

As in previous years we will be having lots of super stands selling a great variety of local goods and produce, some fantastic live music during the whole afternoon and a great selection of hot and cold food.  And of course lots of fun things to keep the children amused.

December 5 thru 9 – Torrox Costa Christmas Market

The market is located in a marquee on Avenida el Faro in Torrox Costa, just near the viewing platform.  This 5-day Christmas Market starts on December 5th and runs through December 9th.  During those dates it is open from 12:00 – 21:00 each day.  There are approximately 27 stalls with  a wide variety of goods, including handmade crafts.  They also offer a children’s play area and there are three bars just outside the marquee.  Approximate location.

December 6 to 9 – Almuñécar Medieval Market

You’ve got to see the Medieval Market.  In 2018 the new location is along Paseo San Cristóbal.  This is great fun for everyone, with great food and crafts too!  It is open each day from 11:00 – 14:30 and 17:00 – 23:00.

Photo location is from 2017 on the Paseo del Altillo

December 6 thru 9 – Almuñécar Christmas Market Booths

In 2018 it will be located town hall square, Plaza de la Constitución (by the Ayuntamiento)
Thursday, December 6 from 18:00 – 22:00
Friday, December 7 from 11:00 – 22:00
Saturday, December 8 from 11:00 – 22:00

Christmas market with associations of foreign residents.

Photo is from 2017 market in Plaza Madrid

December 6 – January 6 –  Nerja Artisan Christmas Market

Located on the Paseo Balcón de Europa in Nerja. It runs from December 6 through January 6, Daily from 10:00 – 21:00

December 8 – Salsa Hairdresser Hosted Christmas Party 

December 8 to 9 – Fiestas de La Carrera Immaculate Conception 

The neighborhood of La Carrera will celebrate festivities from December 8 – 9,m 2018

The delegate councilor of Institutional Relations and Festivities of the City of Almuñécar, María del Mar Medina, and the president of the Association of Neighbors of La Carrera, Toñi Salinas Muñoz, have presented the official program of the XVII Fiestas del Barrio la Carrera de la Concepción in Honor of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, to be held from December 8 to 9.

The festivities will start on Saturday, the 8th, with a sound rocket in the morning.  It will continue until Sunday, the 9th, ending with a fireworks display.  This is a celebration in Honor of the Immaculate Conception (Virgin Mary) in La Carrera de la Concepción neighborhood Almuñécar, December 8 – 9, 2018.  We have a general schedule listed below.  When the detailed schedule is published, we will add it here (usually last-minute).

Be on the lookout for fireworks as well!  View full agenda for Fiestas de la Carrera and events here.

Agenda Saturday, December 8

10.30  Cheerful waking up with sound rockets
11:00  Mass in honor of the Immaculate Conception on the square next to the Virgin
12:00  Breakfast of donuts with chocolate, offered by the Neighborhood Association
12,30  Activity offered by Athletismo Sexitano
13.30  Performance by Orquesta Davinci
14:00  Popular food at the bar (Migas)
14:30  Performance by the María “La Canastera”
15:00  Batukada 2.0
15:00  Free attractions for the kids
16:00  Music with DJ Roberto Cortés
17:00  Games
17:30  Animation for all ages
19:00  Election of Queen of the party (Ages 7 to 10 years)

Agenda Sunday, December 9

10.30  Cheerful waking up with fireworks
12:00  Athletics organized by Athletics Sexitano and sponsored by the Municipal Sports Board of Almuñécar.
13:00  Music with DJ Roberto Cortés
13.30  Club de Moteros “Los Tiburones”, will offer fun games
14:00  Popular food at the bar (Paella)
14:30  Performance of the dance group Alma Marinera
15:00  Free bouncy houses for the kids
15:30  Zumba with Evi Martín
16:00 Games with Spiderman and sweets for the kids
16:30  Performance of the Almainova dance group
17:00  Yincana sponsored by the Municipal Sports Board of Almuñécar
17:30  Bachata class by Juanfran
18:00  80’s party with prizes
20:00  Fireworks from the Castle and end of the fiestas

December 10 to 15 – Artisan Christmas Market

Plaza de la Constitución (by the Ayuntamiento)
11:00 to 20:00 Artisan Christmas Market (Arts & Crafts Fair)

December 9 to 25 – Cristina’s 12 Days Of Christmas Giveaway

Cristina’s 12 Days of Christmas Gift Giving! Every day for next 12 days (except for Sunday’s) we will be GIVING YOU A DIFFERENT FREE GIFT when you purchase that day’s FEATURED GIFT CERTIFICATE.  Here’s a sneak peak… on the first day of Cristina’s Christmas Gift Giving you will get a free pedicure. Want to know how? Make sure to follow on Facebook and comment you found us on AlmunecarInfo!  Then you can learn about how to get our daily free gift with purchase. Merry Christmas everyone!

ANUNCIOS.Cristina’s 12 días de regalos.Cada día para los próximos 12 días antes de Navidad ( excepto domingos)vais a RECIBIR UN REGALO. Como es possible? Aqui está el truco…Cada día se recibe un regalo siguiendo las ofertas y eligiendo la que más se adapte a tus gustos y necesidades.Que hay que hacer?Asegurate de seguirnos y ver nuestras ofertas diarias y por adquirir uno de nuestros tratamientos vas a conseguir los premios correspondientes. Estas Navidades regala salud, belleza y bienestar. FELICES FIESTAS A TOD@S!!!

December 14 – 15 Christmas Market Pandi Cupcakes

Friday/Saturday 14/15
10:00 – 20:00
Remember t join the fun with Pandi Cupcakes and their artisan market on Friday 14 and Saturday 15.  They will have a booth full of activities and fun at the Christmas market in Almuñécar.

December 15 – Christmas Fayre

December 21 – Christmas Choir

December Tuesdays Trapiche Market

Trapiche Market in Los Jardines del Trapiche, near Velez Malaga.
Every Tuesday 09:30 – 13:30

December Fridays Almuñécar Market

The Friday Market (Mercadillo de Almuñécar) has plenty to offer you during the holiday season.
Every Tuesday 09:30 – 13:30

December 28  All Fools Day

In Spain, All Fools Day is known as “Día de los Santos Inocentes” and takes place right in the middle of the long Christmas season (which runs all the way through to January 6, the Epiphany).  On December 28 it’s your turn to play your favorite jokes on friends and family!
Read more now

January 5 – Cabalgata de Reyes (The 3 Kings Parade)

This begins at the stadium at 17:00 each year.  Be prepared to see some amazing performances and have candy thrown to the spectators from the floats.

The Royal Procession of the 3 Kings (Cabalgata de Reyes) 2016

Official Almunecar Map of 3 Kings parade route 5pm January 5th

Starting point is at the stadium (snowflake icon)

Celebrate the Holidays in Granada

• Guide to celebrating Christmas in Granada – click here to read all of the great information for you, from lights to ice skating!
• Christmas in Granada – Read more now.
• Getting to Granada – bus instructions/directions

Ski Sierra Nevada Spain!

Why not take the family for a bit of fun to snowboard, toboggan, and ski Sierra Nevada Granada.

• Sierra Nevada ski maps – view now
• Sierra Nevada Spain – snow report
• Sierra Nevada webcams – view now

There is so much to do and check out some great places to stay below.

Vincci Selección Rumaykiyya

The only 5-star hotel in the Sierra Nevada resort of Monachil, this hotel enjoys ski-to-door access to the local slopes.  Free Wi-Fi is available.
Check here for availability and deals!

Hotel Melia Sierra Nevada

The Melia Sierra Nevada has easy access to the Sierra Nevada Ski Resort’s ski runs, 92 m away.  The hotel features a modern spa and rooms with balconies and free Wi-Fi.
Check here for availability and deals!

Hotel Hotel Telecabina

Telecabina Hotel is in the center of the Sierra Nevada Ski Resort, a few meters from the Al-Andalus and Borreguiles ski elevators.  It offers free Wi-Fi in public areas.  Each simple, spacious room includes a private bathroom with a hairdryer.  Rooms also have satellite TV, a telephone and a safety deposit box.
Check here for availability and deals!

Apartamento Nieve

A terrace is provided in-house at Apartamento Nieve, which is located in Sierra Nevada.  It’s just 458 m away from Parador I – Zona Media and one kilometer away from Telecabina Borreguiles.  Guests have access to free WiFi.
Check here for availability and deals!

Booking.com

New Year’s & Christmas in Malaga

• Malaga light show turn on November 30th  19:30 (30 November – 6 January)
  This year, it will also be a light and sound show at 18:30 pm and 21:30 pm.  With traditional Christmas songs, lasting 2 to 3 minutes.  There will be new streets in addition to Calle Larios where you can enjoy the lights: Calle Marqués, Sagasta, Souvirón, Plaza de Camas, Calle Herrera del Rey, Puerta del Mar, Calle Moreno Carbonero, Calle Álamos and Calle Granada.  More details here.
• 50 Things to do in Malaga at Christmas – Read more now.
• A Magical Malaga Christmas, with things to do from Christmas markets to ice skating, seeing the lights and dining out.  New Years Eve activities too – Read more now.
• Getting to Malaga – bus instructions and directions  (these are airport related, but the bus stops in central Malaga)

Christmas in Spain

As in most countries Christmas is very much a time for family in Spain and in Costa Tropical.  For Spaniards Christmas Eve, known in Spanish as ‘La Nochebuena’ or ‘Vispera De Navidad’, is a time to be with family and friends.  Everyone gathers for a large family feast, which is a standard late meal.  The menu can vary with lots of different traditional dishes but you can be sure that Turrón, polvorones or mantecados will make an appearance somewhere.  After the meal it’s common for families to go out to the local bars and meet up with extended family and neighbors.

With Christmas Eve being of greater significance, Christmas day is a little different to what you may expect.  The day is a public holiday but restaurants, cafés and bars will be open and often with Christmas menus to cater for functions and tourists.

Check out these creative ways to present a gift to someone special!

Epiphany Three Kings – Los Reyes Magos

Just when you thought you couldn’t bear to think about Christmas until next year, everyone is out in the streets, packing the shops in search of gifts “from” the Three Kings (the Three Wise Men).  Coinciding with the feast of epiphany when the Three Wise Men arrived in Bethlehem this event is most exciting for the children, as this is the day that they’ll finally get their presents.  In Spain the tradition of Los Reyes Magos is more popular than Santa Claus and is celebrated with a parade through the streets.  As the floats with the Three Kings pass, sweets are thrown to the kids (and adults) in the crowd with the inevitable competition of who can collect the most!  The parade sets out on the 5th January normally at 5pm.

As well as the parade and presents Los Reyes Magos also bring with them another tradition, the eating of the Roscon.  This is a large, round cake with a hole in the middle filled with cream. There is usually something hidden inside, a toy, figure of one of the kings or a figure of Jesus.

Do you have a holiday event you would like to add? 

Are you offering something special for Christmas in Almuñécar & La Herradura or Los Reyes?  We do our best to give back to the community during the holiday and offer publicity for your Christmas event here.

We have a reach of about 3000 on Facebook each week and more than 13,000 views on the blog each month.  It is good publicity for you!

Please contact us and we will do our best to add it here.

Happy Holidays!

¡Felices Fiestas!