The holiday season is upon us and there is so much going on!  It is magical to experience (Navidad) Christmas in Almuñécar, La Herradura & the surrounding areas.  We also know it can be difficult to find out when and where things are happening.  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, so you can refer to it through the season (November 29, 2019 to January 6, 2020)!

2019 Christmas Holiday Season
La Herradura & Almuñécar

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 2019-2020 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.

We also have a table of contents, which may be expanded to quickly jump to a specific date or activity.

Christmas in La Herradura 2019

Holiday Program La Herradura – November 29, 2019 to January 6, 2020

Christmas in Almuñécar 2019

Holiday Program Almuñécar – November 30, 2019 to January 6, 2020

Holiday events Almuñécar,
La Herradura & Surrounding Areas

November 30 to December 1 –  Christmas Market Almuñécar

The Almuñécar Activa Association and the Department of Culture and Festivities invite all the Almuñequeros and visitors to the first Christmas Market of the season!

To be held in Plaza Mayor, behind Carbonell, near the Roman baths & aqueduct.  It will be an event for the whole family.  Featuring different exhibits and craft stalls, homemade sweets, children’s workshops, and Christmas decorations as well as bouncy houses and other family attractions.  There will be live musical performances too!  On Sunday a giant paella will be made and all proceeds will go to the Three Kings Parade, as well as a collection of children’s products for Caritas.
Plaza Mayor map location
Saturday 16:00 – 22:00
Sunday 11:00 – 19:00

December 1 – Merienda La Herradura

It’s traditional churros and chocolate in Plaza de la Independencia, La Herradura at 17:00.  This is to raise funds for the Cabalgata de Reyes.

December 1 to 8 – Market La Herradura

Rastrillo Solidario a favor de Cáritas Parroquial
Mornings and evenings on Calle Eucaliptos

December 3 – Holiday Lights Turn On in Motril

The streets of Motril are dressed for Christmas. The Christmas lights are in the squares and avenues of Motril, with the traditional lighting on December 3.  There are thousands of LED bulbs and decorative elements, 938,774 LED bulbs in total.

December 5 – Holiday Lights Turn On and More Almuñécar 

Almuñécar Christmas turn on!
There will also be a choir, activities, and Merienda too.

Thursday, December 5th
Plaza de la constitución in front of the Ayuntamiento
Activities starting at 18:30

December 5 to 9 – Christmas Craft Market Motril

Mercado artesanal en Motril, Granada.  The market is in celebration of the Christmas season and will be held on the Paseo de la Esplanades, at the main roundabout in Motril, near the tourist center and outdoor Centro commercial.

Location:  Paseo de la Esplanades – map location

December 5 to 9 – Christmas Market Torrox Costa

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 many holiday 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 – Merienda & Christmas Activities Almuñécar

Afternoon snacks and activities.
Plaza de la Constitución (by the Ayuntamiento)  17:00

December 6 to 7 – International Christmas Market Booths Almuñécar 

This is when all of the international groups and clubs share a bit of Christmas cheer from their part of the world.

Plaza de la Constitución (by the Ayuntamiento)  11:00 – 22:00

Photo is from 2017 market in Plaza Madrid

December 6 to 9 – Medieval Market Almuñécar 

You’ve got to see the Medieval Market.  In 2019 the location is once again along Paseo San Cristóbal.  This is great fun for everyone, with great food and crafts too!

Paseo San Cristóbal
11:00 – 22:00

December 6 to 9 – Fiestas de Otivar Immaculate Conception 

At the beginning of December each year we can look forward to the Fiestas de Otivar, in honor of the Inmaculada Concepción (Immaculate Conception)!  This beautiful Pueblo Blanco is perched in the hills about 20 minutes outside of Almuñécar.  The village comes alive for 3 days and nights, with events, music, lights, food, horse show, magic shows, and more fun.
Read the full program for Fiestas de Otivar 2019.

December 7 to 8 – Fiestas de La Carrera Immaculate Conception Almuñécar

The neighborhood of La Carrera will celebrate festivities from December 7-8, 2019

XVIII Fiestas del Barrio la Carrera de la Concepción in Honor of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, to be held from December 7-8, 2019.

The festivities will start on Saturday, the 7th, with a race.  It will continue until Sunday, the 8th, 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 7-8, 2019.  We have a general schedule listed below.

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

Agenda, December 7

12:00 Race sponsored by the Área Municipal de Deportes.
12:30 Opening Parties
13.30 Performance of the Musical Group – Primavera
14:00 Popular food in the “Migas” Bar.
15:00 The Royal Family
15:30 Batukada 2.0
16:00 Yincana bicycle, sponsored by the Área Municipal de Deportes. Activities and challenges.
17:00 Children’s Fútbol Tournament with bouncy houses
19:00 Performance by Miguel Garena, contestant of Se llama copla de Canal Sur TV
20:00 Election of Queen of the party (Ages 6 to 10 years)

Agenda, December 8

11:00 Mass in Honor of the Immaculate Conception in the Plaza next to the Virgin
11.30 Free Columpios jujimar for all children
12:00 Breakfast offered by the Association of Neighbors La Carrera
13:30 Performance of the Musical Group – Primavera
14:00 Popular food offered by Barra Paella
14:30 Performance by María La Canastera and Niño Carmelo
15:00 Performance of the Zumba dance group Evi Martín
15:30 Performance of the flamenco dance group “Alma Marinera”
16:00 Popular games and entertainment for children with Tania
17:00 Encierro infantil de la vaquilla
20:30 Fireworks from the Castle and end of the fiestas

December 7 – Órgiva Tea Garden Christmas Fair 

The Órgiva Tea Garden will host a Christmas Fair.  Saturday, 7th December 2019.  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.
Órgiva, Las Alpujarras

December 8 – Christmas Fishing Contest Almuñécar 

The classic returns. Fishing Christmas Contest organized by the Costa Tropical Fishing Club.
San Cristóbal Beach in Almuñécar.

December 10 – Christmas Festival Almuñécar 

Christmas Festival with the Russian Academy of Music Elena Farkhutdinova.
Casa de la Cultura  19:00

December 12 – Christmas Carols Almuñécar 

Adult Carols Contest with the Mare Nostrum Center.
Casa de la Cultura  17:00

December 13 –  Merienda & Christmas Activities Almuñécar 

Entertainment and Christmas Snack with Andalucía Dance.
Plaza de la Constitución (by the Ayuntamiento)  17:00

December 14 – Christmas Concert Children’s Choir Almuñécar 

The Children’s choir will be performing.
La iglesia de la Encarnación 20:00

December 14 – Christmas Concert Municipal Band Almuñécar 

The municipal band of Almuñécar will be performing.
Casa de la Cultura  19:00

December 14 – Valle Verde Christmas Fair Almuñécar

Valle Verde Christmas fair at Hotel Arrayanes with mulled wine, mince pies, and the feeling of Christmas, including the new choir Allegro singing!  Stock up on your Christmas gifts with all of the goods on offer.  Proceeds go towards the Valle Verde Animal Rescue Center.
12:00 – 17:00 at Hotel Arrayanes, Paseo de Cotobro 5.

December 14 – Christmas Cultural Trip – Hiking & Chocolate!

Organized by the Sendero Club (Hiking Club)

This is a full-day excursion departing early 07:00 Motril or Granada and returning about 19:00.
You will have a guided visit of :

1. Chocolate museum
2. Chocolate nativity scene
3. Turrón museum
4. Aniseed brandy museum
5. Jamón Museum
6. Chacinas museum (preserved meat)
7. Sugar Museum

What’s Included for your 15€?
The trip includes round trip bus, travel insurance, and a guide. We will see and taste the wonders that this route offers us.  It will be an unforgettable day with wonderful sensations for our Sight, Taste, and Smell. Sign up and advance reservations required.

Not included – Entry tickets, shopping, and food.  Please bring money and bring snacks.

Meeting points and departure times: 
Motril: 07:00 hours, bus stop in front of Dany.
Granada: 07:45 Hours,  Door 00 Palacio de deportes, in front of McDonald’s.

Reservations
609 446 006  or celsendero@gmail.com

December 14 – Urban Mile of Nerja Christmas Run 2019

December 15 – Christmas Concert Almuñécar

The Mediterranean Chamber Orchestra will be performing.
Casa de la Cultura  19:00

December 16 to 20 – Christmas Market Almuñécar

waiting for detailed info to be published soon

Paseo del Altillo

December 20 – Christmas Flamenca Almuñécar

Casa de la Cultura 21:00

December 20 to 22 – Christmas Market in the Motril

Christmas market in Plaza de España (town hall square) of Motril, Granada. Map location here.

December 21 – Visit from Santa and Christmas Merienda Almuñécar

Entertainment and Christmas Snack with Santa!
Plaza de la Constitución (by the Ayuntamiento)  17:00

December 21 – Christmas Market La Herradura

Today you can enjoy a Christmas market, big paella, activities, bouncy houses, workshops, and more!
Plaza de la Independencia  11:00

December 22 – Christmas Party in La Herradura

It’s a Christmas Party in La Herradura!  11:00 – 13:00

? CHRISTMAS PARTY ?
Christmas party for 0-10 years lots of crafts, playdough, and painting – followed by a disco with Elves!
50% of the tickets sold already!
Please message +34611014417 to buy a ticket!

December 22 – Christmas Gala Almuñécar 

Casa de la Cultural  18:00

December 23 – Santa visits the city center streets Almuñécar

Calles Centro Commercial  18:00

December 26 – Kids Christmas Party Almuñécar

CEIP Virgin de la Antigua  18:00

December 27 – Christmas Music in the city streets of Almuñécar

The Almuñécar municipal band will play in the streets of the city center.
Calles Centro Comercial  19:00

December 27 – Christmas Solidarity Run Almuñécar

The Christmas run through the streets of Almuñécar, “San Silvestre Sexitana”.
Almuñécar Stadium 19:00 and 20:00

December 28 – Christmas Merienda Almuñécar

Entertainment and Christmas Snack.
Plaza Madrid  17:00

December 28 – Villancicos Flamencos Almuñécar

Plaza Madrid  19:00

December 29 – Children’s Christmas Film Almuñécar

Casa de la Cultural  12:00

December 29 – Children’s Christmas Party La Herradura

Plenty of activities and fun for everyone, including and ice skating rink, bouncy houses, mechanical bulls and more.
Plaza de la Independencia 16:00

December 29 – Christmas Concert Piano y Soprano Almuñécar

La iglesia de la Encarnación 20:00

December 30 – Christmas Music in the city streets of Almuñécar

The Almuñécar municipal band will play in the streets of the city center.
Plaza de la Constitución (by the Ayuntamiento)  19:00

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

December  – Holiday Photo Offer

Holiday photos of your family and pets!

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

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

The starting point is at the stadium (snowflake icon)

Christmas Markets for the season

December 6 to January 6 –  Artisan Christmas Market Nerja

Located on the Paseo Balcón de Europa in Nerja. It runs from December 6, 2019 – January 6, 2020.  Daily from 10:00 – 21:00  More info.

December Saturdays – Market Velez-Málaga

The Christmas markets at Mercado de San Francisco in Velez-Málaga(every Saturday throughout December)

December Tuesdays – Trapiche Market Velez-Málaga

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

December each Friday – Almuñécar Market

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

Christmas Contests & Window Displays!

Almuñécar & La Herradura Nativity Scenes

The Almuñécar City Council announces the V Paco Aguado Memorial Nativity Exhibition, which may be visited from December 8 to January 6, 2020.
Almuñécar  19:00 a 21:00

• Amigos del Belén. Calle Vélez, junto a la plaza de la Constitución.
• Asociación Cultural Cruz Alhambra. Calle Real, 2.
• Cofradía Virgen de los Dolores. Casa Hermandad, acceso por la calle Alta del Mar, junto a la calle Real.
• Cofradía Nazareno. Casa Hermandad, en la calle Nazareno (junto al Ayuntamiento).

La Herradura  09:00 a 14:00 y 16:00 a 19:00

• Belén municipal de La Herradura. Centro Cívico.

The theme of the exhibition is the Bethlehem, understanding as such the representation with figures of the birth of Jesus Christ, including other scenes.  Each participant will present a nativity scene, without size limit, figures or scenes, but having at least three scenes:

1. Birth with the Holy Family (Saint Joseph, Saint Mary, and Jesus Christ child)
2. A scene with the Magi of the East in adoration (or on pilgrimage)
3. A scene with the Annunciation to the shepherds.

The absence of any of these figures or scenes will not entitle you to participate in the Exhibition.

Registration is free and will be made through the presentation of the corresponding application that we will provide at the Almuñécar City Council during business hours or by downloading the generic application from the website (www.almunecar.es).

La Herradura Christmas Shopping Prize

Almuñécar Christmas Postcard Contest

The Department of Culture, Festivities and Institutional Relations of the City of Almuñécar presents a contest for the upcoming Christmas holidays.  The intent is to promote plastic creativity among the kids of the municipality.  This is the III Christmas Postcard Contest, which should reflect traditions and cultural heritage.

“How they celebrate Christmas in our town”, is the theme and it must include at least one known monument of Almuñécar.  Participants will be between 5 and 12 years old.

The works will be on display from the day after the announcement of the winners until Thursday, December 5, 2019.  Located Museum of Almuñécar, at the Casa de la Cultura, from 10:00 to 13:30. and from 17:00 to 20:00.

Almuñécar & La Herradura Christmas Window Display Contest

The objective of this contest will help small and medium-sized businesses in Almuñécar and La Herradura. There will be winners, being rewarded for the best Christmas window displays.  They will be judged for decorations with the most festive atmosphere, encouraging the promotion of Christmas activities.  This event also attracts the public to visit the shops and encourages Christmas sales.

The windows will be judged on; artistic creation (originality, assembly, and artistic creativity), the materials used, the use of recycled elements, as well as the effort put into the display.  All of these will be positively influence the judgment.

La Herradura & Almuñécar Centro Commercial Christmas windows will be displayed December 5, 2019 – January 6, 2020

Salobreña Christmas Window Decorations

Salobreña Centro Commercial Christmas window decoration contest will be displayed December 14, 2019 – January 6, 2020

Christmas Dinner

Calabajío Restaurant, Almuñécar

Offering 2 menus for Christmas dinner.  View menus on Facebook.
Reservations 622 143 683 / 665 633 889  Info@calabajiorestaurante.com

Taberna Ayer, Almuñécar

Offering Christmas dinner and special lunches.  View more info on Facebook.
Call +34 622173269 or call Taberna Ayer to reserve.

El Chaleco, Almuñécar

This Michelin star restaurant is offering special holiday menus, Christmas eve, Christmas day, & New Year’s eve.

Balcon de Cotobro, Almuñécar

Special menu for Christmas eve and Christmas day. Facebook post here.

Fitzgerald’s, Nerja

Join us for a 3-course dinner, with a welcome drink and live music on Christmas Day at Fitzgerald’s.
A special menu awaits you in Nerja!  make reservations

Christmas in Salobreña

December 8, 2019 to January 6, 2020

If you are lucky enough to be in Salobreña for Christmas, you are in luck. Numerous activities and concerts will fill the season. Christmas nativity scenes, concerts, sports activities, among others.
Please view the program presented by the town hall here!
this link should be updated with 2019/20 info soon

Christmas in Motril

December 3, 2019 to January 6, 2020

 

Christmas closes the festive events of Motril. The city is decorated in December with Christmas lights and motifs, the official lighting of the Christmas Lighting is a big event on December 3 at 20:00.

Nativity scenes, street markets, outdoor concerts, children’s activities complete the festive events that last until the eve of Three Kings Day, when, after receiving their majesties in the port of the City, the Cavalcade runs along the main streets from the city.

Christmas in Nerja

December 1, 2019 to January 6, 2020

Please view the town hall website for full program details.
this link should be updated with 2019/20 info soon

Christmas in Granada

November 29, 2019 to January 6, 2020

• 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 the 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

Christmas in Málaga

November 29, 2019 to January 6, 2020

• Málaga light show turn on November 29th  19:00 (29 November – 6 January)
  This year, it will also be a light and sound show at 19:00 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 Málaga at Christmas – Read more now.
• A Magical Málaga 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 Málaga – bus instructions and directions  (these are airport-related, but the bus stops in central Málaga )

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 from 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 to 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 of January normally at 5 pm.

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, a figure of one of the kings or a figure of Jesus.

Three Kings Cavalcade 2020: tour and schedules in the main cities of Spain

In this list, you will find the routes and schedules of the Three Kings 2020 parades in the main cities of Spain, as well as details about the floats, the gifts that will take His Majesties, Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar, his entourage, the pages and heralds and celebrations of Christmas.

Do you have a holiday event 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 this free publicity for your Christmas event here.

We have a reach of about 4000 on Facebook each week and more than 23,000 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!

Where to Stay in the Area

his area is filled with amazing places to stay from the high-end hotels, to the more inexpensive hostels and campgrounds, to holiday rentals, rural villas, and estates.  We have them all here and you will be amazed at what you can get for your money.  This town itself has many hills, so more opportunity for those incredible sea views.  Read more about where to stay in Costa Tropical.

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