Christmas in Málaga
Many flock to the Málaga area for Christmas to grab some of our “almost guaranteed” winter sun. And whilst basking in the sun and gazing into palm trees definitely has a novelty, a lot of people start to look for more familiar December activities as the big day draws close.
Perhaps we should start off with a couple of little reminders which sometimes shock Anglo visitors to the area – the big Christmas celebration in Spain, as elsewhere in mainland Europe, is celebrated on the 24th December. This means that most restaurants will close after lunch on the 24th as people head home to celebrate with their families. Whenever we’re in Málaga for Christmas we book a restaurant with friends for Christmas Eve lunch and then have Christmas day at home, whereas Michelle and her family hit the slopes of Sierra Nevada for Christmas Day and then do their family meal the 26th.
If you’re desperate for a turkey dinner with all the trimmings you’ll probably need to look to some of the resort hotels to the west of Málaga. Spaniards will take their habit of a late evening meal to the extreme on Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) with people generally sitting down to eat around midnight. Christmas isn’t actually the big day of the season at all, at least as far as children are concerned, with Father Christmas/Santa still really being a figure from films. Spanish children are instead waiting for Los Reyes Magos (the Three Kings) to bring them their presents during the night of the 5th January to be opened on the 6th. Some families do now celebrate both!
If you’re in the area earlier in the month there’s still plenty to enjoy. The famous Málaga lights are traditionally turned on on the last Thursday of November (26th November 2021) at 18:30. As we go to press we’re still waiting to hear if the lights will be back to their pre-Covid glory with a light show. There are plenty of beautiful light displays all over the city and lots of giant Christmas trees to spot. This year the botanical gardens are also going to be lit up in what promises to be a magical display. Tickets can be bought via their website and it’s open 27 November 2021 to 09 January 2022, from 18:30 to 23:00.
From the beginning of December onwards there are also plenty of Christmas markets across the city, the most famous being at Parque de Málaga and nearby Muelle Uno. Christmas concerts, from flamenco to traditional hymns, will be taking place throughout the month too. As a family we like to wander through the city searching for Belens, or Nativity Scenes. And if you’re so inclined you can start your own by purchasing the figures at the Christmas markets.
New Year’s Eve (or Nochevieja) is another big family celebration. We tend to go for a meal and then be outside in the crowds for the countdown. We love Nerja for New Year where you can countdown with others on the Balcon d’Europa. Don’t forget to pop a grape into your mouth with each clock strike (and try not to choke!).
BluCee Real Estate would like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2022.
