Since 2015, we have come here almost every year in the intervening days to celebrate Christmas in Nerja, a Spanish Christmas (where a lot goes on until the 13th) and New Year. We stay until schools start again in Sweden. So wonderful to pull out all the Christmas celebrations and get a few days of beach weather, sun and Spanish culture. In the evenings of December and January, it's jacket weather, but the days are usually sunny and wonderful!
Image of Burriana Beach on January 30, 2023
The municipal hall and the entrance to Plaza Espana in December in the evening
Program Christmas and New Year in Nerja 2024
The Christmas program is in full swing!
Christmas Program in Nerja 2024/2025
December 2–6
December 2: 17:00 - Workshop: Christmas ornaments at the Senior Center (CPA).
December 3: 17:00 - Workshop: Advent wreaths at San Miguel Church.
December 4: 17:00 - Workshop: Advent wreaths at Sala Mercado.
December 5: 17:00 - Opening of the Christmas market at Plaza España.18:00 - Inauguration of the municipal Nativity scene (Town Hall).19:00 - Christmas lights inauguration at Balcón de Europa with violinist Klara Gomboc.
December 6: 13:00 - Circus show at Plaza España.17:00 - Christmas parade from Parque Verano Azul to Balcón de Europa.
December 7–13
December 7:12:00 - Magic show at Plaza España.17:00 - Musical "Beauty and the Beast" at the Cultural Center (€10).
December 8:13:00 - "Día de las Migas" in Maro (Plaza de la Iglesia).16:00 - Choir gathering at Iglesia El Salvador.17:00 - Storytime with Susana Rico at Sala Mercado.
December 10: 16:30 - Choir performances at Iglesia El Salvador.
December 12: 17:00 - Workshop: Santa sacks in Maro.
December 13: 17:00 - Puppet theater stories at Plaza España.
December 14–20
December 14: 12:00 - Acrobatics show at Plaza España.12:00 - "Zambombada Navideña" with free food and music (Giner de los Ríos).
December 15:13:00 - Concert: "Blue Sky" at Plaza España.17:00 - Mass for the Virgin Mary at Iglesia El Salvador.18:00 - Procession with local artists through Nerja.
December 20: 17:00 - Opening of the Christmas Park at Plaza España (open daily until January 6).
December 21–31
December 21: 17:00 - Christmas carols and activities at Plaza España.20:00 - Christmas concert at the Cultural Center (€5).
December 23: 17:00 - Christmas parade with Santa (starting at Balcón de Europa).
December 24: 18:00–19:00 - Midnight Masses at Nerja's churches.
December 31: 23:00 - New Year's Eve celebration at Balcón de Europa and Giner de los Ríos with fireworks and music.
January 1–6, 2025
January 5: 16:00 - Arrival of the Three Wise Men at Balcón de Europa followed by a procession through Nerja.20:00 - Fireworks.
January 6: 10:30–19:00 - Epiphany celebrations with Masses at churches in Nerja and Maro.
Our suggestions - to do at Christmas in Nerja
At the beginning of December, the tourist office sets up a wonderful nativity scene, worth stopping by and looking at in their large window during the Christmas celebrations.
Nativity scene Nerja tourist office
The Christmas lights on the Balcón de Europa
Picture of the big Christmas tree on the Europa balcony in December
Christmas park and market in Plaza España, where children can jump in bouncy castles and buy cotton candy, and much more! Tip! Bring cash if you go to the "Christmas park" up in Plaza Espana. The attractions (for children) usually cost between 1-2 euros. In addition to attractions for children such as bouncy castles and fake ice skating rink, so there is candy, cotton candy and more to buy. Some day in December, the "royal postmen" will come to take the children's letters to the three wise men. There are usually performances and long lines of children for these royal postmen.
The nativity scene (with live actors) outside the Nerja church (the first year we saw this it was a little baby playing the baby Jesus - they really all go in).
Parade with Santa Claus (23 Dec) around Nerja's streets and squares.
New Year's party at the Balcon de Europa. There are a lot of people and serving of drinks in the square and more.
We have always loved taking the kids to the Three Wise Men parade on January 5th. Bring a small box or bag to collect sweets in. The three wise men have sweets for the children which they throw out from their mammoth parade floats.
Foto från visitanerja.es
Traditions and important dates in Spain around Christmas
Christmas in Spain: A Season Full of Traditions
If I were to compare Christmas celebrations in Spain to those in Sweden (I love Christmas), it can be said that Spain has a much longer holiday period. Christmas Eve is more family-focused, while Epiphany (January 6) is more gift-centered.
December 8 – La Inmaculada Concepción
Christmas officially begins on December 8 with La Inmaculada Concepción (The Immaculate Conception). This is an important Catholic holiday, especially celebrated in Seville, where La Danza de los Seises (the dance of the choirboys) is a tradition that fascinates many.
December 22 – La Lotería de Navidad
Spanish Christmas wouldn’t be the same without the grand Christmas lottery, El Gordo (The Fat One). Almost everyone in the country participates, and the drawing is broadcast on TV and radio for several hours. El Gordo is a collective celebration, and winners often share their prizes with family and friends.
December 24 – La Nochebuena
On Christmas Eve, families gather for a festive dinner, often featuring dishes that vary by region but typically include classics like lamb, ham, and fish. It’s a time to be close with family and friends, often accompanied by Christmas music in the background.
December 25 – La Navidad
Christmas Day in Spain is traditionally quieter, celebrated with close family. While gifts are sometimes exchanged on this day, many people wait until January 6, when the Three Kings bring presents.
December 31 – La Nochevieja
New Year’s Eve in Spain is similar to Sweden, but with one unique and important tradition: eating twelve grapes—one for each chime of the clock at midnight. If you manage to eat all twelve in sync with the chimes, it is said to bring good luck for the coming year.
January 5–6 – Los Reyes Magos (The Three Kings)
The holiday season reaches its climax with the Epiphany celebrations, when the Three Kings, Los Reyes Magos, arrive bearing gifts. On January 5, grand parades (Cabalgatas) are held, during which the Kings throw candy to children. On the morning of January 6, children open their presents.
Spanish Christmas Traditions and Symbols
Belén (Nativity Scene)In almost every Spanish home and in many public spaces, you’ll find Belén—a detailed nativity scene depicting the birth of Jesus. Many nativity scenes are incredibly elaborate, including entire villages and characters like shepherds and animals.
La Misa del Gallo (Midnight Mass)Many Spaniards attend Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, called La Misa del Gallo. The name, which means "The Rooster’s Mass," comes from the legend that a rooster crowed on the night Jesus was born. This is a solemn ceremony that many participate in.
Turrón and PolvoronesChristmas sweets are a must! Turrón is an almond nougat that comes in various forms—both soft and hard. Polvorones, crumbly almond cookies, are also popular.
(We love Turrón but aren’t as fond of Polvorones 😊)
See you at Christmas in Nerja 2023!
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