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 that you can refer to it through the season (December 1, 2023 to January 7, 2024)!

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!

Holiday Program La Herradura
December 3, 2023 to January 7, 2024

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

Holiday Program Almuñécar
December 15, 2023, to January 7, 2024

Christmas lights turn on Friday, December 15 at 19:00in front of the Almuñécar Ayuntamiento.  During the Christmas season, there will be no shortage of theater and musicals, and the parish Christmas Gala. There will be a lot of music in the streets. In this sense, we are going to prepare zambombas and musical walks with the Municipal Music Band and Granada Music.

Added to this is the traditional San Silvestre Race and the great parades such as that of Santa Claus and the visit of the Royal Postman that will take place in the castle of San Miguel, as well as the route of the Royal Herald that will collect the letters of our little ones. and we will end this fantastic Christmas with the Great Three Kings Parade, on January 5, which this year will be themed with the magic of the sea
Download the full program. (Coming soon)

Cultural Agenda

🎄YOUTH CHRISTMAS PROGRAMMING🎄

We present the Youth Programming for these Christmas holidays
🎄Cinematographic Talks
🎄Workshops
🎄Cineforum
🎄Storyteller
🎄Gymkhanas
🎄 Role-playing games
And of course, our yearly classic returns,
🌟”Malaga illuminated”🌟
Get ready to live December in style.
ℹ️More info at juventud@almunecar.es y 630 856 244

Advent Calendar 

The Advent Calendar structure has been presented on Calle Jesús Nazareno, 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 3  Christmas Market La Herradura

11:00 Plaza de la Independencia
🎁 Please buy local this Christmas
Christmas Market🎄by the La Herradura Merchants Association.
☕️🍫Traditional chocolate and churros to benefit the Three Wise Men Parade of La HERRADURA, there will be DJ Spiry entertainment, Pastoral de La Herradura, bouncymattresses for the little ones!

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December 4, 2023- La Herradura Christmas Nativity 

Centro Civico Sala de exposiciones “Pepe Gamez”

20:00 Exposition and awards for the Christmas posters

20:30Inauguration of the Nativity Scene and choir performance

Visits to the Nativity Scene
Monday through Friday 09:00 – 14:00 and 16:00 to 22:00
Saturdays 10:00 to 13:30

December 4 – 10, 2023- La Herradura Christmas Market

Rastrillo Solidario for Caritas Parroquial
Organized by the Cofradia de La Herradura held each morning and afternoon
La Herradura Municipal Market.

December 5, 2023 – Motril Holiday Lights Plaza de España

December 5 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.

add your event here for free

December 7 – Charity Gala  “Deja tu huella”

The Gala which benefits Asinal will be held on December 7th.
Entry 6 euro donation
20:30 Casa de la Cultura Auditorium

December 8-10 Medieval Christmas Market Almuñecar 

The Medieval market is back with a touch of Christmas! This is one of the annual Mercado de Navidad or Christmas markets.

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

December 10  Muscical Performance “Wednesday the Musical”  Almuñécar

12:30 Casa de la Clutura
Tickets at giglon.com,

December 14 – January 7 – Christmas Village Almuñécar

Almuñécar has these Christmas holidays with a Christmas amusement park, including rides, snacks, and other attractions. Located across from Rio Verde Park (where the Feria del Dia grounds are located)
December 14th is the kickoff

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 15 Christmas Workshop Nerja

Let the Christmas spirit come! On December 15th, 11am-1pm during the Christmas Decoupage Workshop, we are going to decorate a big Christmas bauble at the Courtyard Cafe, Nerja.
At the end, you will have your beautiful bauble to add to your festive decorations or to give as a beautiful gift to someone special. Come and I’m sure you will enjoy it very much, give yourself an incredible moment !!!

December 15 Christmas Window Contest awards Almuñécar

13:00 Casa de la Cultura

December 15 – Zambombá Flamenca

The Christmas flamenco show will be with Zambombá Flamenca!
Plaza de la
17:00 Lights on
19:30 Flamenca

December 15 – 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. they are spreading joy and fun through music.
Starts at 18:30.

December 15- 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).

Friday, December 15th at 19:00
Departing CEIP Virgen de la Antigua at 18:00 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 an amazing moment when the Christmas lights illuminate!

December 15 – January 7 –  NEW Almuñécar Christmas Park!

Almuñécar has a new Magical Christmas park! This is a special and intimate Christmas park with snacks and entertainment, Christmas story-telling, and a visit from Santa Claus, among other activities.
Plaza Marruecos (Morocco Square).  Map Link
Located on the edge of the old town off of Avenida Andalucia, (the former Bonsai park).
19:30 December 15th through January 7, 2024

December 15 – Ménage à Trois Performance Almuñecar

20:30 Casa de la Cultura
Entry, 6 Euros donation

December 16 thru January 7 – Nativity Scene Almuñecar

Visit the 2023 nativity scene (Belen) on the Paseo del Altillo!
18:00 arrival at the paseo
19:00 arrival of the church

December 16 – Zambombá Flamenca

The Christmas flamenco show will be with Zambombá Flamenca!
19 :00 Plaza Marruecos

December 17 – Christmas Concert Almuñécar

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

As every year we present our Christmas Concert by the MEDITERRANEAN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA with its new formation of 15 string instrumentalists plus the harpsichord soloist Francisco Javier Jiménez, magnificent organist of the Cathedral of León.

The Orchestra will present a very appropriate program for the holidays we celebrate, consisting of the Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major by JS Bach; Vivaldi’s Concerto for Two Cellos and Orchestra in G Minor; Mozart’s Divertimento in F major k.139; the Andante Festivo of Sibelius; Oblivion-Libertango by Piazzolla and a Christmas selection composed of the works: Schedryk (Ukraine), Somewhere in my memory by John Williams, Last Christmas by George Michael, Jingle Bells by James Pierpont, All I want for Christmas is You (Mariah Carey) , ending with the very famous song White Christmas.

December  17 Christmas Concert Choir of Almuñécar

Enjoy the sounds of Christmas with the municipal choir
20:00 Iglesia de la Encarnación

add your event here for free

December 21 Piano and Clarinet Concert Almuñécar

19:30  Casa de la Cultura
Tickets Casa de la Cultura. Eroski Viajes, Libreria Contreras

December 22 – Papá Noel  Parade and visit Almuñécar

Visit Papá Noel / Santa Claus and see the parade!
18:30 Departing CEIP Virgen de la Antigua (located on Avenida Juan Carlos I, across from the central bus station)

December 22- Visit Papá Noel  La Herradura

Visit Papá Noel / Santa Claus and send in your letter!
It is going to take place in barrio Las Maravillas!
On December 22 we are waiting for you all to give the letter to Santa Claus

December 22 – 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 22 – Navidad de Cai – Toma castaña  Almuñecar

The Christmas show! Free performance
20:00 Plaza de la Constitucion

December 26 – 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. they are spreading joy and fun through music.
Starts at 18:30.

December 27 – Ballet (Sleeping Beauty) Almuñecar

The National Ballet of Moldova has its roots in the ethnic dance of ancient Greece, Rome, and the peoples of the Balkans. In 1957, the choreographers of the Leningrad School: Vladimir Tkhonov, Petr Leonardi, Vitalie Poklitaru, Vera Salkutan, and Claudia Osachi, settled in Chisinau and founded a Ballet Company to which the famous dancers Galina Melentieva and Pavel Fesenko joined. They will be performing for us this Christmas season.

Casa de la Culture 20:00

December 27 – Visit by the Royal Postman Almuñecar

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

The Almuñécar City Council celebrates this Saturday, December tbd, 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 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.

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 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 – 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. they are spreading joy and fun through music.
Starts at 18:30.

December 28 – Gala de Navidad 

The Christmas show is not to miss. This is put on by the school of music and dance.
20:00 Casa de la Cultura Auditorium
Tickets can be obtained at the Parish

December 29 – Fun Run! Carrera San Slivestre Almuñecar

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

December 29  – Christmas Musical “Los Elfos del Pod y el Libro Magico” Almuñecar

Tickets available at giglon.com
17:00 Casa de la Cultura

At the North Pole, in the village of Brillita, three elves have a very special dream that they want to fulfill. To do this, they have the help of a magical book that will guide them on their path. But they will not be alone, as an evil elf will make things difficult for them and try to prevent them from achieving their goal. Will the elves be able to overcome the obstacles and achieve their dream?

Join them in this musical theater play full of magic, humor, and fun, where you will enjoy their songs, their characters, and their story. The Elves of Pop and the Magic Book is a play that will show you that dreams can come true if you fight for them.  Don’t miss it this Christmas, you’ll love it!

Tickets giglon.com   10 euros

January 2 – 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.
18:30 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 3 – New Year’s Concert 2024 Almuñecar

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

tickets at bravoentradas.es

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 that 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 and the city council website.

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

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.