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Why we love Christmas on the Costa del Sol

Are you looking at houses in Spain? Maybe you are interested in new build homes for sale on the Costa del Sol or you have already found the perfect apartment? Unless you are buying an investment property, you are most likely intending to relocate permanently or to visit regularly. If this is the case, you will be interested to know just how magical Christmas on the Costa del Sol can be.

Winter sunshine

If you originate from northern Europe or any other region where the winters are cold and wet and the skies are grey, you will be pleasantly surprised to hear that the Costa del Sol has lots of sunshine, all-year-round. Yes, it can be a bit nippy in the evening and there can be some rain, but this tends to be a bout of heavy rain, then back to sunshine and blues skies. When comparing the average temperatures of between 9 and 17 degrees in Marbella during December and 0 to 4 degrees in Berlin and 2 to minus 2 degrees in Stockholm during the same period, the attraction becomes clear!

This temperate winter weather means that you can continue enjoying outdoor activities, such as golf, walking, horse riding, sailing and even sunbathing, during December. It also makes it a great destination for enjoying the festive events and light shows.

Christmas lights

Virtually every city, town and village in Spain goes all out for Christmas, with lights and nativity scenes. Malaga’s Christmas light show is currently largest in Europe, and the first to combine light shows with Christmas musical interludes.

The main high street, Calle Larios, is transformed into a celestial forest display of glittering columns and angels, there are drone shows and also a light show projected on to the Cathedral tower. In order to save energy and money in these difficult times, LED lighting is used and will only be on for 2 hours each day at specified times: 18.30, 20,30 and 22.00 each day. On Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the lights will remain on all night. The shows will continue until the Three Kings on the 6th January. For more information click here.

Christmas magic in Marbella

If you cannot get into Malaga city centre to see the lights, you could go to Marbella’s Old Town, where you will see some beautiful Christmas lighting displays. Already one of the prettiest and atmospheric areas on the Costa del Sol, it is enhanced further with the glistening lights on the winding narrow streets and tiny alleyways. There are is also a large Christmas on Avenida del Mar and many impressive nativity scenes that can be seen around the town. Marbella’s Town Hall has a full list of activities on their website.

Anyone for golf?

The Costa del Sol has long been recognised as a golfers’ paradise, and is often referred to as the Costa del Golf, due to the volume of golf courses. Golfers are attracted to the region from all over the world and are keen to source the perfect golf property. However, some people find that the high mid-summer temperatures (particularly md-day) are a little too hot for golf. This is not a problem during the winter, in fact the warm winter sunshine is perfect for teeing off. If you aren’t a golf aficionado, there are the views of the beautiful undulating greens and water features, the club house facilities and the social life at your preferred golf club.

Christmas markets

The image of Christmas markets conjures up snow and depending on where you are, maybe a cup of Glogg, mulled wine or feuerzangenbowle, Yet, you may be surprised to learn that there are plenty of Christmas markets and bazaars in the run to Christmas.

One of the largest can be found in Plaza de Antonio Banderas, the main square in Puerto Banús, bursting with food, arts and crafts and there is a smaller version in the marina. Even better… if the markets whet your appetite for some Christmas shopping, there is a branch of El Corte Ingles (Spain’s upmarket department store) just opposite the plaza and an avenue of designer boutiques in the port.

El Gordo lottery

Unless you live on the moon, you will most likely have heard about the infamous Spanish lottery “El Gordo”. What makes this so unique is that the draw takes place on the 22nd December and the results are sung live by school children.

Christmas traditions

As with all events in Spain, Christmas is a time for family and it lasts until the 6th January, the Epiphany. The night before, on the 5th January, there will be Three Kings processions in every town throughout the country, it is this night when Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar, the Three Kings, deliver Christmas presents to Spanish children, rather than Santa Claus. In reality, many children are lucky enough to have two Christmas celebrations, also receiving gifts on the 24th of December. It is also on the evening of the 24th that Christmas dinner will take place.

Of course, we have only touched upon a few of the many wonderful Christmas events and opportunities available to you when you decide to spend Christmas on the Costa del Sol. There are simply too many enjoying, exciting and charming activities to experience when you spend Christmas in Spain. Our advice is to give it go, get involved and find out just how great Christmas on the Costa del Sol can be.

If you would like assistance in finding the best Marbella properties or real estate on the wider Costa del Sol, contact info@imvesta.com.