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, so we compile the information and keep it here for you! If we know the information, it will be in this post and we continue to provide updates through the season.
In 2020, there will likely be fewer activities and markets due to covid.
Bookmark this, so you can refer to it through the season (December 5, 2020 to January 6, 2021)!
2020-21 Holiday Season
Christmas Almuñécar – La Herradura
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!
Table of Contents
- 2020-21 Holiday Season Christmas Almuñécar – La Herradura
- Holiday events by date
Almuñécar – La Herradura & Surrounding Areas
- December 5 – Almuñécar – La Herradura Holiday Lights Turn On
- December 6 to 9 – Fiestas de Otivar Immaculate Conception
- December 7 to 8 – Fiestas de La Carrera Immaculate Conception Almuñécar
- December 10 – Motril Holiday Lights Turn On
- December 11 – Christmas Carols Almuñécar
- December 12 – Municipal Band Music
- December 12 – Valle Verde Animal Rescue Christmas Fayre
- December 18 – Christmas Carols
- December 19 – Municipal Band Music
- December 21 – Christmas Choir
- December 21 to 23 – Visit Papá Noel (Father Christmas, Santa Claus)
- December 23 – Municipal Band Music
- December 23 – Zambombá Flamenca
- December 24 – Christmas Carols
- December 28 – Municipal Band Music
- December 28 – All Fools Day
- December 30 – Christmas Carols
- January 2 – Municipal Band Music
- January 2 – New Year’s Concert 2021
- January 4 & 5 – Cabalgata de Reyes (The 3 Kings Parade) Almuñécar
- January 5 – Cabalgata de Reyes (The 3 Kings Parade) La Herradura
- Christmas Markets
- Christmas Contests & Window Displays!
- Christmas Lunch or Dinner
- New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Menus
- Christmas in Salobreña
- Christmas in Motril
- Christmas in Nerja
- Christmas in Granada
- Christmas in Málaga
- Christmas in Spain
- Do you have a holiday event to add?
- Happy Holidays! ¡Felices Fiestas!
- Where to Stay in the Area
Almuñécar – La Herradura Christmas
Holiday Program La Herradura – December 5, 2020 to January 6, 2021
This year we have prepared some virtual Christmas activities so that you do not miss anything and enjoy it with maximum safety with your family. We hope you like them and participate with all the enthusiasm that we have put into them. Virtual letters to Santa and the 3 kings, a recipe contest, nativity scene contest, Christmas carol contests and more! Read all about the activities here!
Holiday Program Almuñécar – December 5, 2020 to January 6, 2021
Christmas lights turn on Saturday, December 5 at 18:30 in front of the Almuñécar Ayuntamiento
Cultura Agenda
Letterboxes
Letterboxes to send a letter to the 3 Kings, Santa Claus, or Papá Noel will be located in the plazas around Almuñécar.
- Plaza de la Constitución (Ayuntamiento)
- Plaza Madrid
- Carrera de la Concepción
- Plaza de los Magnolios
- Plaza de los Higuitos
- Plaza Kuwait (Aquarium)
Toy Drive
Resources
Check here to view our holiday Calendar.
If you happen to be looking for the Junta de Andalucia public school calendar 2020/21 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.
Holiday events by date
Almuñécar – La Herradura & Surrounding Areas
December 5 – Almuñécar – La Herradura Holiday Lights Turn On
Almuñécar – La Herradura Christmas lights turn on!
Thirty-five streets will be illuminated in Almuñécar and thirteen streets in La Herradura. Not to mention, three large Christmas trees: two will be located in Almuñécar, (Plaza del Ayuntamiento and Plaza Madrid), and the other will be in La Herraduara (Plaza de la Independencia).
Saturday, December 5th at 18:30
Plaza de la constitución in front of the Ayuntamiento Almuñécar
Plaza de la Independencia, La Herradura
December 6 to 9 – Fiestas de Otivar Immaculate Conception
TBD likely canceled in 2020 due to covid
You can see what happened last year in 2019, just to give you an idea:
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
TBD likely canceled in 2020 due to covid
You can see what happened last year in 2019, just to give you an idea:
The neighborhood of La Carrera will celebrate festivities from December 7-8, 2019XVIII 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 2019 and we don’t know about 2020 yet, Fiestas de la Carrera, and events here.
December 10 – Motril Holiday Lights Turn On
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 10. There are thousands of LED bulbs, decorative elements, and 5,500 ornamental poinsettias. More details here.
December 11 – Christmas Carols Almuñécar
María Gómez “La Canastera” group will be performing through the central shopping areas and the old town of Almuñécar.
17:00 – 20:00
The event will be divided into two sessions.
- Plaza Madrid 17:00
- Plaza Ayuntamiento 18:30
add your event here for free
December 12 – Municipal Band Music
The municipal band will fill the street with music in the central shopping area of the old town in Almuñécar.
17:30 – 19:30
December 12 – Valle Verde Animal Rescue Christmas Fayre
December 18 – Christmas Carols
María Gómez “La Canastera” group will be performing through the central shopping areas and the old town of Almuñécar.
17:00 – 20:00
December 19 – Municipal Band Music
The municipal band will fill the street with music in the central shopping area of the old town in Almuñécar.
17:30 – 19:30
December 21 – Christmas Choir
Grupo rociero “Cosas Nuestras” will be performing through the central shopping areas and the old town of Almuñécar.
17:00 – 20:00
December 21 to 23 – Visit Papá Noel (Father Christmas, Santa Claus)
Visit Papá Noel / Santa Claus
December 21, 22, and 23
Plaza Madrid, Almuñécar
17:00 – 20:00
add your event here for free
December 23 – Municipal Band Music
The municipal band will fill the street with music in the central shopping area of the old town in Almuñécar.
17:30 – 19:30
December 23 – Zambombá Flamenca
The Christmas flamenco show will be with Zambombá Flamenca!
19:00 Casa de la Cultura Auditorium
add your event here for free
December 24 – Christmas Carols
María Gómez “La Canastera” group will be performing through the central shopping areas and the old town of Almuñécar.
11:30 – 14:00
December 28 – Municipal Band Music
The municipal band will fill the street with music in the central shopping area of the old town in Almuñécar.
17:30 – 19:30
add your event here for free
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 30 – Christmas Carols
María Gómez “La Canastera” group will be performing through the central shopping areas and the old town of Almuñécar.
17:00 – 20:00
January 2 – Municipal Band Music
The municipal band will fill the street with music in the central shopping area of the old town in Almuñécar.
17:30 – 19:30
January 2 – New Year’s Concert 2021
Welcome the new year with orchestra music! The “New Year’s Concert”
19:00 at the Casa de la Cultura.
add your event here for free
January 4 & 5 – Cabalgata de Reyes (The 3 Kings Parade) Almuñécar
Children will parade before His Majesties the Kings of the East.
“For people who for whatever reason cannot attend the Stadium or who are not from Almuñécar, on January 5, the Three Kings Parade will be broadcast live by streaming on the YouTube channel of the Almuñécar Department of Culture. So the Magic of Christmas, the City Council of Almuñécar and the Three Wise Men, are modernized and we hope it is to everyone’s taste ”, added the Magic of Christmas.
Stadium Grounds Almuñécar
16:00 – 20:00
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) NOT for 2021 No moving Parade.
January 5 – Cabalgata de Reyes (The 3 Kings Parade) La Herradura
The Three Kings will be stationary at the La Herradura Castle and hand out gifts by appointment only. Children will parade before His Majesties the Kings of the East.
Register at the La Herradura Mayor’s office on the 2nd floor of the Civic Center,
Christmas Markets
All markets are TBD for 2020
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
Holiday pop up shop 2020
Costa Women Online Pop Up Shop Facebook group.
Costa Women have created this Pop Up Shop to help Costa Women businesses promote and sell their products and services live and on-line. This pop-up festival is from Wednesday 11th November through to 6th December with each shopkeeper showing us their products through posts, lives. There will also be competitions and offers just for this festival.
Wednesday 11th November at 14.30 you will meet the shopkeepers with their products going on sale from Thursday 12th at 2 pm The shop will stay open after early January so you can continue to buy. 10% of all sales will be donated to Bancosol Alimentos (the Spanish Food Bank)
A Virtual Christmas Market 2020
This is a private Facebook group you may join to offer your goods or look to purchase from locals.
Virtual Christmas Market Spain
Here is the group’s about section:
“With the current situation, small businesses need our help more than ever. If you’re a small business or individual that makes/sells anything that would make a lovely gift then please feel free to post in this group and get your products seen ? Also if you’re looking for the perfect gift for Christmas this year, this is the group for you! Have a browse! Feel free to invite friends and family who may be interested in the group! Let’s support and shop local this Christmas and give a helping hand ❤ ”
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!
La Herradura contests!
Recipe contest
Send in your favorite Christmas recipe. Send in your recipe and participate in the La Herradura Recipe Contest and have a chance to win the € 300 prize (to spend in the neighborhood shops attached to the merchants association.). Attach photograph to show the finished product. Entries are accepted from December 2-20, 2020. The winner will be decided by vote by the chefs of the Association of Professional Women Cooks AMUCO
Read all about the activities here!
Christmas carol contest
Post a video singing a Christmas carol on your Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #navidadenlaherradura. Among the videos of raffling a check for € 100 to spend in the neighborhood shops attached to the merchants association.
Read all about the activities here!
Nativity scene contest
Show off your creativity and your Christmas spirit. Send in a photo of your nativity scene and participate in the La Herradura Nativity Scene Contest. Photographs are accepted until December 20, 2020. Starting on December 21, a gallery will be published on this website and on Facebook @AlmunecarAyto. There will be voting for the most popular from December 21 to January 5, 2021 at 12 noon, at which time the most popular will be announced via social media!
Read all about the activities here!
Christmas Postcard Contest Almuñécar 2020
Christmas Postcard Contest La Herradura 2020
The Mayor’s Office of La Herradura has launched the “Christmas Postcard Contest 2020” aimed at the First and Second Cycle of Primary CEIP “Las Gaviotas” of La Herradura. The winning postcard will receive a batch of school supplies and a winning diploma, and it will be the official greeting of this Christmas in La Herradura, as explained by the Mayor’s Office.
“The technique and materials to create the postcard will be free to choose. The only premise will be that it reflects the theme of Christmas and that it be presented on a sheet of paper ”, the La Herradura Mayor’s Office has clarified.
The deadline for submitting the postcards will be until December 4. There will be an exhibition with all those presented at the Civic Center of La Herradura that can be visited until January 7.
Almuñécar & La Herradura Christmas Window Display Contest 2020
The objective of this contest will help local businesses in Almuñécar and La Herradura. There will be Christmas baskets awarded to the winners for the best Christmas window displays. This brings a festive spirit to the commercial areas and a festive atmosphere, encouraging the promotion of Christmas activities. This event also attracts the public to visit the shops and encourages Christmas sales.
Rules and Judging
The decoration of the shop windows must be directly related to the Christmas theme, decorated and complete by December 5 at 18:00.
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, 2020 – January 6, 2021
Registration
Registration is free and can be done by presenting your application to the city council (Ayuntamiento) during standard business hours. You may download the file from the website www.almunecar.es.
The final decision of the Jury will be made and winners will be notified by telephone. The awards ceremony will be held on December 23! An informational poster will be installed in the winning businesses.
Awards
The prizes awarded will be the following:
- First Prize: Christmas Basket valued at 246.87 euros
- Second Prize: Christmas Basket valued at 155.33 euros
- Third Prize: Christmas Basket valued at 104.35 euros
- Runners up (3): Christmas basket valued at 87, 45 euros each
Let’s support our local businesses of La Herradura.
SHOWCASE DECORATION contest organized by the Association of Merchants and Craftsmen of La Herradura in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of La Herradura.
Almuñécar & La Herradura Home Christmas Decoration Contest 2020
The Almuñécar City Council announces the first Christmas decoration contest of your home!
The 1500 € worth of prizes will be distributed by vouchers for products from local merchants.
Residents interested in participating in this contest have from Monday, December 7th to December 13 at 23:59, to send a maximum of 5 photographs to the Fiestas Department: fiestas@almunecar.es
The email must include
- A pseudonym
- Name and surname
- ID
- Address
- Contact telephone number
- And the following text:
“I authorize the Department of Culture of the Almuñécar City Council to publish in any of the media that it deems appropriate.”
The winners will be those who receive the most “likes” on the Facebook posts by the Department of Culture and Festivities of the Almuñécar Ayuntamiento.
The prizes will be:
- First prize, a 500 euro voucher
- Second prize, a 300 euro voucher
- Third prize, a 200 euro voucher
- And 5 runner up prize vouchers of 100 euros each will be awarded.
All this to be exchanged at local stores.
Salobreña Christmas Window Decorations
Salobreña Centro Commercial Christmas window decoration contest will be displayed December 14, 2020 – January 6, 2021
Christmas Lunch or Dinner
We will continue to update this list, as we confirm 2020 openings.
Mesón Del Gusto (on Av. Europa, just across from Majuelo Park)
Offering 2 menus for Christmas eve & Christmas day (take away too!).
It is a gastronomic menu, suggested by Chef François for Dec 24th & 25th, starting 12.00 pm to 4.00 pm CET.
As the capacity of the interior of the restaurant is limited to 16 people, bookings need to be made in advance.
First come, first served. Last day for pre booking: Sunday Dec 20th.
Until the weather is certain for the terrace they can’t yet make reservations for the terrace.
Please send us by Messenger, WhatsApp or Instagram messenger, your reservations (name, # people, day, and time).
they will then come back to you regarding the menu options.
WhatsApp phone 657477123 English 689265630 French
Restaurante FIRMVM
Balcon de Cotobro, Almuñécar
Special menu for Christmas eve and Christmas day. Facebook .
Calabajío Restaurant, Almuñécar
Offering 2 menus for Christmas dinner. View menus on Facebook.
Reservations 622 143 683 / 665 633 889 Info@calabajiorestaurante.com
El Chaleco, Almuñécar
This Michelin star restaurant is offering special holiday menus, Christmas eve, Christmas day, & New Year’s eve.
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
New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Menus
Mesón Del Gusto (on Av. Europa, just across from Majuelo Park)
Offering New Year’s Eve (take away too!)
Advanced reservations only. All reservations must be made by December 28th afternoon. Read more about the Mesón Del Gusto.
There are 2 menu options for dining at the restaurant and offering take away from 17:00 to 20:00. There is a maximum of 16 people allowed for our indoor seating starting at 20:00.
Please send us by Messenger, WhatsApp or Instagram messenger, your reservations (name, # people, day, and time).
WhatsApp phone 657477123 English 689265630 French
Restaurante FIRMVM
Christmas in Salobreña
December to January 6, 2021
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. Many will be adapted or removed due to covid restrictions.
Please view the program presented by the town hall here!
this link should be updated with 2019/20 info soon
Christmas in Motril
December 10 to January 6, 2021
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 10.
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.
Read more about the plans for Christmas 2020 in Motril.
Christmas in Nerja
December 1, 2020 to January 6, 2021
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, 2020 to January 6, 2021
- 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!
Christmas in Málaga
November 27, 2020 to January 6, 2021
- Málaga light show turned on November 27th 19:00 (27 November – 6 January)
The design for 2020 is a winter forest with giant trees, suns, angels, and autumn leaves. Stunning at night and almost as good in broad daylight. 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 opportunities for those incredible sea views. Read more about where to stay in Costa Tropical.
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