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.

Please use the table of contents to quickly jump to a section or date.

Bookmark this, so you can refer to it through the season (December 1, 2022 to January 6, 2023)!

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!

Almuñécar – La Herradura Christmas

Holiday Program La Herradura – December 1, 2022, to January 6, 2023

This year there are some great activities and events for Christmas in La Herradura.  See the full program below.

Holiday Program Almuñécar – December 7, 2022, to January 6, 2023

Christmas lights turn on Wednesday, December 7 at 18:30 in front of the Almuñécar Ayuntamiento.
Download the full program.

Cultural Agenda

Advent Calendar 

The Advent Calendar structure has been presented on Jesús Nazareno street, on the side of the Town Hall building. Each day a light bulb will be lit.

The Almuñécar retail campaign that participates in this new promotional initiative is held from Wednesday 7th to December 30th. Each customer who makes a purchase will receive a ticket to participate by attaching the purchase ticket. Subsequently, they must deposit them in the mailbox located in the Plaza de la Constitución next to the Town Hall. Prizes can be redeemed until January 10, 2023.
This new promotional initiative of the local Commerce of Almuñécar joins another carried out by the City Council at the local level and the well-known Christmas window decoration contest endowed with interesting prizes.

Christmas Menus & New Year’s Menus

There are so many wonderful restaurants in Almuñecar and La Herradura. Many offer special Christmas menus and New Year’s menus.

Christmas Markets

If you would like to see a list of all of the local Christmas markets, look no further.  We even cover some in the nearby areas!

Holiday events by date
Almuñécar – La Herradura & Surrounding Areas

December 12, 2022 – Motril Holiday Lights Turn On

The Motril Christmas Video Mapping is postponed to Monday, December 12 at 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

The streets of Motril are dressed for Christmas. The Christmas lights are in the squares and streets of Motril, with the traditional lighting at Paseo de la Explanadas.  The Christmas lights will be on from 18:30 to 02:00, Monday to Sunday, while Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and Three Kings’ Eve will remain on from 18:30 to 06:00.

December 3 – Almuñécar Recreational Sports for Charity

The Almuñécar City Council celebrates this Saturday, December 3, the IV Recreational-Sports and Solidarity Days in the Swimming Pool and the Municipal Sports Pavilion.

The event includes numerous activities for all audiences that will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and where participants will access by contributing 1 kilo of food products for the benefit of Cáritas Parroquial.

The mayor of Sports said that fun in the pool is guaranteed with inflatable water, in addition to swimming. To this will be added activities of archery, soccer 3, paint gun or climbing,  in addition to Theater with face painting, treasure hunt and more.

December 3, 2022 – La Herradura Christmas Lights

Full agenda in this link 

December 5 to 7 – 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 .

December 7 – Almuñécar Holiday Lights Turn On

Almuñécar Christmas lights turn on!
Thirty-five streets will be illuminated in Almuñécar.  Not to mention, three large Christmas trees: two will be located in Almuñécar, (Plaza del Ayuntamiento and Plaza Madrid).

Wednesday, December 7th at 18:30
Departing CEIP Virgen de la Antigua at 18:30 and parading to the end point Plaza de la constitución in front of the Ayuntamiento Almuñécar. At 19:00 you are in for a treat with the video mapping and amazing moment when the Christmas light illuminate!

December 8-11 Christmas Market Almuñecar    (cancelled due to weather)

This was once the Medieval market, but it has now become the Mercado de Navidad or the annual Christmas market.

Paseo del Altillo Crafts, food, Christmas products, gastronomy, toys, accessories…. Read more about the Medieval Market of the past.

December 9 – Christmas Music Almuñecar

Christmas music through the streets of Almuñecar. The municipal band will fill the streets with music in the central shopping area of the old town of Almuñécar. spreading joy and fun through music. Starts at 18:30.

December 9 thru January 6 – Nativity Scene Almuñecar

Visit the nativity scene (Belen) at the Casa de la Cultura Sala de Muestras

add your event here for free

December 10 – Zambombás Flamencas

The Christmas flamenco show will be with Zambombás Flamencas!
20:00 Plaza Madrid

December 10 – Valle Verde Christmas Fayre

Saturday, December 10, 2022
12:00 – 16:00
Arrayanes Hotel Terrace on Paseo de Cotobro 5

December 15 – Children’s Musical (La Reina de la Nieves)

The Christmas musical for the kids The Snow Queen!  Funds raised benefit the library for CEIP San Miguel.
14:00 Casa de la Cultura Auditorium

December 15 – Zambombá de Navidad

The Christmas flamenco show! Free tickets, limited availability. Pick up your tickets in advance at the Casa de la Cultura and Social Services.
19:00 Casa de la Cultura

December 16 – Christmas Music Almuñecar

Christmas music through the streets of Almuñecar. The municipal band will fill the streets with music in the central shopping area of the old town of Almuñécar. spreading joy and fun through music. Starts at 18:30.

December 16  Christmas Carol Contest Almuñécar

Enjoy the Christmas carol contest
10:00 Casa de la Cultura

December 16 – January 8 – Christmas Village Almuñécar

Almuñécar has these Christmas holidays with a Christmas amusement park. Located across from Rio Verde Park (where the Feria del Dia grounds are located)
17:30 on December 16th is the kick off and there will be free entry for 2 hours (17:30 – 19:30).

It is intended for the little ones to enjoy these days of Christmas. You will find all types of attractions, from bouncy houses and games to delicious merienda snacks and treats.

December 16  Christmas Window Contest awards Almuñécar

21:00 Casa de la Clutura

December 17- Queen Musical Tribute

Tickets sold at the Casa de la Cultura, Viajes Eroski, Libreria Coral (La Herradura) and Brovoentradas.es
20:30 Casa de la Cultura Auditorium

December 17-18, 2022 Christmas Market La Herradura

11:00 at the Plaza Centro Cívico
Local businesses will be gathered all in one place at the Plaza del Centro Cívico!  Here we will celebrate with the La Herradura Christmas Market.

17:00  The traditional merienda of chocolate & churros will be available.  The proceeds will benefit the Cabalgata de Reyes 2023.

18:00 The finishing touch will be Zambombá Flamenca by Niño Caramelo and María Gómez “La Canastera”.

December 17- Zambombás Flamencas

The Christmas flamenco show will be with Zambombás Flamencas!
20:00 Plaza de la Rosa

December 18 – Christmas Concert Almuñécar

Mediterranean Chamber Orchestra  €16.50
Casa de Cultura  19:00
tickets at bravoentradas.es

December 22 Christmas Concert Almuñécar

Enjoy the sounds of Christmas with Raya Real  “Asi sueno la Navidad”
19:00 Plaza de la Constitución (by the Ayuntamiento)

December 23 – Gala de Navidad 

The Christmas show not to miss. This is put on by the school of music and dance.
18:30 Casa de la Cultura Auditorium

December 23 – Visit Papá Noel (Father Christmas, Santa Claus) 

Visit Papá Noel / Santa Claus and see the parade!
19:00 Departing CEIP Virgen de la Antigua (located on Avenida Juan Carlos I, across from the central bus station)

add your event here for free

December 27 – Christmas Concert Almuñecar

Ticket sales at Bravoentradas.es and at the Casa de la Cultura
19:30 Casa de la Cultura Auditorium

December 27 – Christmas Music Almuñecar

Christmas music through the streets of Almuñecar. The municipal band will fill the streets with music in the central shopping area of the old town of Almuñécar. spreading joy and fun through music. Starts at 18:30.

December 28 – Visit by the Royal Postman 

The royal postman will be at San Miguel Castle accepting letters for Papá Noel (Santa).
There will also be bouncy houses, snacks, activities, workshops and more!
17:00 San Miguel Castle

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 28  – Fun Run! Carrera San Slivestre Almuñecar

Fun run departing from Plaza de la Constitucion (Ayuntamiento)
19:00 Kids depart
19:30 Adults depart

December 28  – Christmas Gala Parroquia de Almuñecar

Tickets available at the Parroquia
20:30 Casa de la Cultura

December 30 – Christmas Music Almuñecar

Christmas music through the streets of Almuñecar. The municipal band will fill the streets with music in the central shopping area of the old town of Almuñécar. spreading joy and fun through music. Starts at 18:30.

January 3 – New Year’s Concert 2023 Almuñecar

Welcome the new year with orchestra music!  The “New Year’s Concert”
19:00 at the Casa de la Cultura.

 

tickets at bravoentradas.es

add your event here for free

January 3 – Letters for the Three Kings Almuñecar

Get your letters ready to send to the Three Kings! Join in on the parade and be sure to bring your letters.
19:00 Departing CEIP Virgen de la Antigua (located on Avenida Juan Carlos I, across from the central bus station)

Route: Avenida Juan Carlos I, Carrera de la Concepcion, Avenida Andalucia, Calle Alcalde Julio Fajardo, Paseo del Altillo, Plaza de la Rosa, Calle Baja del Mar, Calle Real, Plaza de la Constitucion, Calle Jesus Nazareno, Calle Puerta de Granada, Casa de la Cultura.

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

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 in Motril, Salobreña, Nerja, Lentejí,
Velez-Malaga, Granada & Malaga and more!

We have a list of things to do and see for Christmas in Salobreña, Motril, Granada, Malaga and More, we also show the program for other areas too.

Resources

Check here to view our holiday Calendar.

If you happen to be looking for the Junta de Andalucia public school calendar 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.

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.