Christmas in Marbella 2026: markets, lights and Puerto Banús plans
Your guide to Christmas in Marbella: the Avenida del Mar market, the lights switch-on, the Puerto Banús Christmas market and where to eat after.
Marbella changes pace in December: fewer beach towels, more evening strolls under the lights. This guide gathers what you need to plan Christmas in Marbella and Puerto Banús. We will update it as soon as the Town Hall publishes the official 2026 programme.
The Avenida del Mar Christmas market
The big classic. In the 2025-26 season the Avenida del Mar market ran from 28 November to 5 January, with more than 30 stalls of gifts, crafts and seasonal food, children's activities and opening hours of 12:00 to 22:00. It makes a lovely walk between the avenue's Dalí sculptures and the Old Town.
The lights switch-on
In 2025 the lights were switched on on Saturday 29 November at 20:00 on Avenida Ramón y Cajal, followed by a live show. A similar late-November date is expected for 2026: check marbella.es before you go.
Christmas by the yachts: Puerto Banús
In 2025 Puerto Banús launched its own Christmas market, from 6 December to 6 January, with wooden chalets and gourmet stalls by Muelle Ribera. If it returns this year, it is the perfect excuse to combine shopping, a harbour stroll and dinner.
Practical tips
- December weekends are busy in the centre: use the public car parks and walk.
- Evenings are cool but pleasant: bring a light jacket.
- Book group dinners in December well in advance.
