A Merry Marbella Christmas

A Merry Marbella Christmas

Celebrations and fun over the festive season

Marbella may not have snow and frost during the Christmas period but it is still a very festive place to be, with lots of activities for both kids and adults that will get you in to a merry mood. Whether you choose to spend an evening walking through the town centre taking in the Christmas lights or to take your children to Santa's grotto, Christmas can be as magical in Marbella as anywhere else in the world.

Traditionally, Christmas time begins with the switching on of the Christmas lights in Marbella and San Pedro town centres. This year it takes place on November 27 and the special celebrations continue during the evening with Santa's Grotto opening in both locations and hot chocolate and doughnuts being served for that sweet treat on a chilly winter's night.

The festive events continue all along the coast throughout December, with concerts, carol services and Christmas bazaars or fayres where you can buy gifts, holiday baskets and a host of other items.

If you are in Marbella with the children, take a trip to La Cañada where they can meet the jolly, red-suited man himself from December 1 to 26 sat infront of the huge beautiful Christmas tree. Also remember to help prepare your children's letter to Santa so they can drop them off to Santa's Grotto in Parque de la Alameda in Marbella - they will receive a reply so be sure to put their names and addresses on the letters too!

Christmas Lights

With Christmas parties to attend, most women (and of course certain gentlemen too!) will enjoy a little pampering and will want to look their best for Christmas Day. Lots of hairdressers and beauty salons along the coast offer special Christmas packages at great prices. Try Salon La Vida by Vera in Nueva Andalucia or Reflections in Puerto Banus, you will leave feeling preened to perfection like a beauty queen ready to hit the town for a few pre-Christmas and New Year cocktails.

On the big day itself, if you don't fancy slaving over a hot stove for most of the morning, then many of the restaurants in Marbella offer the traditional Christmas three-course lunch at very reasonable prices - try La Sala, Sloanes and The Beach House for some gourmet cuisine. Or, if you don't fancy turkey with all the trimmings, then some restaurants offer Scandinavian, Spanish and other Mediterranean alternatives - head to El Gran Gatsby with their stunning panoramic views or some of the restaurants at Plaza Village at the Puente Romano Beach Resort Marbella for a taste of something different.

La Cañada

Once the Christmas celebrations are done and dusted, it's time to look forward to the New Year and those fabulous New Year's Eve celebrations that take place all over Marbella. From small intimate dinners at some of the finest restaurants including Villa Tiberio and Magna Cafe, to big, extravagant parties at the top bars and clubs such as Suite and Aqwa Mist, there is always something to do to celebrate the start of a brand new year.

The town halls also put on celebrations in Marbella, San Pedro and Estepona with fireworks, music and the traditional lucky grapes at midnight.

If you are feeling a little delicate on New Year's Day after one too many glasses of champagne the night before, then head to the front line of Puerto Banus and there's plenty of great eateries to choose from, why not try great pastas and pizzas at Carpaccio or delicious fresh fish dishes at La Marina, or for a sumptuous brunch that will have you feeling brand new again! And head to YHI Spa La Quinta for a complete relaxation indulgence, you'll need it after all those late nights and parties!

To find out more about what's going on this festive season, our events calendar has the lowdown.