Three reasons to spend Christmas on the Costa del Sol

You don’t have to fly long haul to experience a magical and sunny Christmas this year. The Costa del Sol makes an ideal place for a Christmas or New Year getaway for families, couples or groups of friends looking to do something a bit different over the festive period.

Many people only think of the Costa del Sol as a summer destination, but it’s great all year round and Christmas is extra special. Here are three reasons we think you’ll love to spend Christmas on the Costa del Sol.

To make it even more attractive for you, we’re offering a 10% discount on all our properties for Christmas and New Year bookings from the 15^th of December to the 15^th of January 2020. To claim your discount, browse our Costa del Sol holiday rentals online, choose your favourite and email  matthew@holidayrentalontheweb.com with your accommodation choice and your dates.

Here’s why we love Christmas on the Costa del Sol and think you will too –

1. The festive magic and events

The Christmas lights have been turned on across the Costa del Sol and all the towns and villages are looking fantastic. As well as the lights, you’ll find the traditional nativity scenes or “belen” gracing squares, churches and even the airport. These are incredible depictions of the Christmas story, which add a traditional Spanish touch to the season. Many towns on the Costa del Sol have routes around the different nativity scenes, which can be a very festive way to explore a new place, just ask at the closest tourist office to your holiday rental.

If you’re travelling with the family, you’ll be pleased to know that there are lots of special activities for the children. You can visit one of the grottos in town centres and in the main shopping centres on the Costa del Sol.  The Town Halls organize lots of excellent family friendly activities such as musical performances, outdoor ice rinks and kids’ parties. For example, in Marbella there is a children’s party on the 14^th of December, an outdoor ice rink from the 21^st to the 26^th of December, Christmas themed activities including a Christmas train from the 28^th of December to the 6^th of January and a New Year’s Eve Christmas party for kids at midday. Check the programme of activities in your local tourist office for times and places when you arrive, but be assured there’s lots going on.

Restaurants and bars put on special Christmas events with live music in the run up to Christmas. There are special Christmas Eve events and meals and of course there are lots of brilliant options for the day itself if you don’t fancy cooking. You will still be able to find a traditional British Christmas dinner if you want to go the traditional route, or you can try something international, there are options to suit all palates. Check out this list of Christmas events to inspire and excite you.

There are lots of great things to do for New Year’s Eve as well. Take the traditional Spanish option and head to the main Town Square for midnight, to enjoy the fireworks and entertainment late into the night. Not much happens before midnight, so find a cosy bar or restaurant near the square to enjoy some tapas and few drinks a little earlier. You can pick up party packs from Spanish supermarkets with the traditional 12 grapes, party poppers etc to do it like the locals. Alternatively, there are loads of New Year’s Eve parties and events, from super swanky gala dinners, to more informal meals and drinks which last late into the night. You’re sure to find an option that’s right for you. Ask us for recommendations near to your holiday rental.

2. The great weather and outdoor activities you can enjoy

When it’s dark and cold at home it stays warm and bright here on the Costa del Sol. Average temperatures for December are 12⁰C, with highs of around 16⁰C most days. While it’s not bikini weather, it is perfect for an active holiday. Get out onto the golf course, hike in the hills, stroll along the seafront promenade or simply enjoy dining al fresco – in December it’s a real treat.

This is a great time of year to enjoy the stunning countryside inland from the Costa del Sol as well. Explore the beautiful white villages or walk the Caminito del Rey, as well as seeing the incredible Christmas light shows in Malaga. There are so many options under sunny skies. You could even take a day trip to the mountains and ski!

3. You can enjoy Christmas for longer

Another reason to love Christmas in Spain? It keeps going!

If you’re one of those people that never wants Christmas to end, Spain is for you – you get a whole extra week and a fabulous traditional Spanish experience.

After the New Year’s Eve celebrations comes Three Kings, the time when Spanish children receive their Christmas presents. The Three Kings visit kids on the night of the 5^th of January and all the towns and villages along the Costa del Sol hold a special parade to welcome them. These parades feature marching bands, floats with kids’ favourite characters, sweets being thrown into the crowds and the three kings themselves waving and throwing sweets to the children. In Marbella, the Kings even arrive by speed boat into Marbella port, for an extra touch of Marbella glamour!

If this sounds like heaven, get your booking in and enjoy 10% off your holiday rental property between the 15th of December and the 15th of January. Browse online for your ideal property, or send your requirements and dates over to matthew@holidayrentalontheweb.com and he will send you a list of suitable properties and apply your special Christmas booking discount.

We look forward to hearing from you.