The best 10 Plans to Enjoy Christmas in Estepona: A Seaside Guide for the Festive Season

Christmas in Estepona feels different. The sky stays blue, the air is soft, and the sea sets the rhythm. For more than a month, the city unfolds a festive programme of concerts, belenes, flamenco nights, food fairs and activities for all ages. It is a Mediterranean version of the holidays—bright, open-air and unhurried.

Most celebrations take place between the Old Town, the seafront promenade, and the Felipe VI Theatre, all within a short walk. White façades, flowers, plazas and the sound of the Mediterranean create a setting that makes even the simplest plan feel special.
For anyone wondering what to do at Christmas in Estepona, the answer remains simple: everything happens outdoors.

1. Christmas Lights in the Old Town

28 November, 19:00 — Plaza Antonia Guerrero

The season begins when the lights switch on and the square fills with families, live music and the first pastoral songs. From that moment onwards, Estepona glows. Arches of light frame the streets, while the Old Town turns into a quiet maze of white façades and warm cafés.

2. The Municipal Nativity Scene in Plaza del Rocío

At the heart of the Old Town, Plaza del Rocío hosts the city’s official Belén. The blessing of the Niño Jesús, held in mid-December, is a traditional moment that invites a slow stroll through the surrounding streets, ending with hot chocolate or a glass of wine.

3. The Estepona Nativity Route

Nativity scenes are part of Andalusian Christmas culture. Estepona keeps the tradition alive with its Ruta de Belenes, created by hermandades and local associations across the centre.
It is a calm way to explore lesser-known corners of the Old Town, either in one afternoon or spread over several days between cafés and small shops.

4. A Christmas Park for Children

29 November–4 January, 17:00–23:00 — Teatro Auditorio Felipe VI
Special hours on 25 December and 1 January. Closed on 24 and 31.

The area around the Felipe VI Theatre becomes a dedicated Christmas Park with an ice rink, Santa’s house, bumper cars, ice slides, inflatables and food stalls. It is one of the places families return to more than once.

5. Santa’s Village & the Living Nativity

21 December — Plaza del Ajedrez
Santa’s Village brings a full day of games, workshops, inflatables and artificial snow.

20 December, 19:30 — Nueva Atalaya
The Living Nativity Scene recreates the birth of Jesus with costumes, music and open-air stalls. Intimate, traditional and perfect for children and grandparents.

6. Christmas in Cancelada

Cancelada adds its own festive rhythm with:
– 12 December: Zambomba with flamenco performances and holiday treats
– 17 December: Traditional dessert competition featuring family recipes like rosquillas, pestiños and spiced cakes

A warm neighbourhood atmosphere filled with anise, cinnamon and chocolate.

7. Circus Shows and Family Performances

A full December programme at the Felipe VI Theatre and the Palacio de Congresos:

– Gran Circo Acrobático de China, 28 November
– Circo Bravo Aqua Show, 19–21 December
– Children’s shows such as Cantajuego, La Isla de Maui, Tadeo Jones
– The Nutcracker, 7 December

Estepona strengthens its identity as a family destination through culture.

8. Christmas Food Fairs and Local Produce

The season also unfolds through flavours:
– 12–14 December: Cheese Fair “Popi, Sabor a Málaga”, Calle Real
– 11 December: Dulce Encuentro Navideño, Casa de Las Tejerinas (Plaza de las Flores)
– 17 December: Cancelada Dessert Competition

Goat and sheep cheeses, honey, nuts, chocolates, artisanal sweets and updated versions of local classics bring Málaga’s food heritage to the centre of town.

9. Fine Dining by the Sea

Winter on the Costa del Sol allows a rare luxury: lunch outdoors in December.

Malva Beach, the boutique beachfront restaurant linked to the Tyrian lifestyle, remains open almost every day and introduces a special festive menu served by the sea. A relaxed plan after a walk along the promenade, with gentle winter light and Mediterranean flavours.

On 13 December, Eva Estepona hosts “Mediterranean Aromas with Marc Fosh”, led by the Michelin-starred chef.

The Kempinski Hotel Bahía Christmas Market adds gourmet stalls, wines, sweets and artisanal gifts in a five-star setting.

10. Flamenco Zambombas, Concerts & the Arrival of the Three Kings

December fills Estepona with guitars, choirs and flamenco. Zambombas happen across the month, including “La Zambomba del Año” at the Palacio de Congresos.

The Christmas Proclamation & Concert takes place on 13 December at the Felipe VI, followed by Los Cantores de Híspalis on 19 December and the Extraordinary New Year’s Concert with the Málaga Philharmonic on 4 January.

New Year’s Eve — 31 December, 23:00, Plaza del Reloj
Live music, cotillón and fireworks after the countdown.

Three Kings: 3 & 5 January
– 3 January: Visit from the Royal Postman at Plaza Antonia Guerrero
– 5 January, 17:00: Gran Cabalgata de Reyes, ending at Plaza Antonia Guerrero

Floats, lights and music fill the main avenues before greeting Melchior, Gaspar and Balthasar.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas in Estepona

What is the weather like in Estepona in December?

December in Estepona is mild, with bright days and soft light. Although temperatures vary year to year, winter here is generally gentle enough to enjoy outdoor walks, terrace lunches and evening plans by the sea.

Where do Christmas events take place in Estepona?

Most activities happen around:
– Plaza Antonia Guerrero (lights switch-on, Royal Postman)
– Plaza del Rocío (Municipal Nativity Scene)
– Teatro Auditorio Felipe VI (Christmas Park + major shows)
– Plaza del Ajedrez (Santa’s Village)
– Casa de Las Tejerinas in Plaza de las Flores (Dulce Encuentro Navideño)
– Calle Real (Cheese Fair)
– Nueva Atalaya (Living Nativity)
– Cancelada (Zambomba + dessert competition)

What time do the Christmas lights switch on?

The official switch-on takes place on 28 November at 19:00, in Plaza Antonia Guerrero.

When is the Christmas Park open?

The Christmas Park beside the Felipe VI Theatre opens 29 November to 4 January, from 17:00 to 23:00,
with special morning hours on 25 December and 1 January,
and closed on 24 and 31 December.

Is Estepona good for families at Christmas?

Yes. Many activities are designed for children, including:
– The Christmas Park
– Santa’s Village on 21 December
– The Living Nativity in Nueva Atalaya on 20 December at 19:30
– The Zambomba and traditional sweets events in Cancelada
– Family shows at the theatre and Palacio de Congresos

Distances are short and most plans are walkable.

Where can I visit Nativity scenes in Estepona?

Confirmed stops for the Ruta de Belenes include:
– Hermandad de la Veracruz (Calle Veracruz)
– Hermandad de San Isidro (Casa de Las Tejerinas, Plaza de las Flores)
– Asociación Belenista Sierra Bermeja (Calle Sirena)
– Hermandad del Cautivo (Calle Cautivo)
– Hermandad de los Remedios (Plaza Francisco Umbral)

When is the Three Kings Parade in Estepona?

– 3 January: Royal Postman at Plaza Antonia Guerrero (afternoon).
– 5 January, 17:00: Gran Cabalgata de Reyes Magos, ending at Plaza Antonia Guerrero.
In the morning, the Kings arrive at the Recinto Ferial, traditionally by helicopter, followed by a children’s show.

Are there confirmed gastronomic events for December?

Yes.
– 12–14 December: Cheese Fair “Popi, Sabor a Málaga” (Calle Real)
– 11 December: Dulce Encuentro Navideño (Casa de Las Tejerinas)
– 17 December: Traditional Dessert Competition (Cancelada)

Are there festive dining options by the sea?

Yes.
Malva Beach, part of the Tyrian lifestyle offering, will serve a special festive menu directly by the sea during the holiday season.

What cultural shows are scheduled?

Confirmed events include:
– Gran Circo Acrobático de China: 28 November
– Circo Bravo Aqua Show: 19–21 December
– Children’s theatre and musicals: Cantajuego, La Isla de Maui, Tadeo Jones
– The Nutcracker: 7 December
– 13 December: Christmas Proclamation & Concert
– 19 December: Los Cantores de Híspalis
– 4 January: Extraordinary New Year’s Concert with the Orquesta Filarmónica de Málaga