Christmas in Sotogrande: traditions, lights and festive plans close to home
By Gloria Perez Lozano, 13 Nov 2025
The Christmas spirit in Sotogrande
At the beginning of December, the lights start to sparkle around the Marina and the streets of Pueblo Nuevo, marking the start of the festive season.
The lighting of the Christmas tree —whether at Plaza Blanca or by the port— gathers residents and visitors alike, while restaurants and clubs unveil their seasonal menus.
Throughout December, local venues such as The Hairy Lemon, Ke Bar, and The Beach Club at La Reserva host Christmas-themed events, live music and outdoor celebrations.
Children enjoy activities at the Sotogrande International School, while adults gather to toast the end of the year.
A sophisticated, relaxed and warm atmosphere fills the area — the true Sotogrande lifestyle.
Festive Events in Sotogrande 2025/2026

29 November – Christmas Fair with Artisans
Ribera del Marlin
10:00 – 14:00
A charming Christmas fair featuring artisans from Los Alcornocales Natural Park and other protected natural areas of Cádiz.
Local handmade products include leather goods, ceramics, natural cosmetics, cured meats, traditional sweets, honey and gourmet treats.
A wonderful opportunity to find meaningful gifts and support local craftsmanship.
30 November – Sunday Christmas Market
Mercado de Levante, La Marina
10:00 – 14:00
The traditional Sunday Market transforms into a festive wonderland filled with lights, artisanal products, music and seasonal treats.
A perfect family plan by the Marina’s canals.
6 December – The Big Lighting & SIS Carols
La Marina, Sotogrande
19:00
Sotogrande’s official Christmas tree lighting, followed by a beautiful performance of carols by the SIS students.
A cherished event that brings together the community and marks the official start of Christmas in Sotogrande.

7 December – Christmas Charity Event (Plaza Blanca)
Plaza Blanca, Sotogrande
11:00 – 14:00
A festive charity event featuring:
5 km Fun Run/Walk organised by Feathers Fitness (10€ donation)
Meet & Greet with Santa
Children’s Choir at 12:00
Festive activities, sweets, raffle prizes and more
All in support of Africa’s Gift.
7 December – Sunday Christmas Market
Mercado de Levante
10:00 – 14:00
The second festive market edition, perfect for discovering unique gifts, live seasonal music and Christmas atmosphere by the Marina.
14 December – Toy Collection by Nuevo Hogar Betania
Mercado de Levante
10:00 – 14:00
A heart-warming toy collection day to help children in vulnerable situations.
A simple gesture that brings joy, hope and kindness during the festive season.

14 December – Sunday Christmas Market
Mercado de Levante
10:00 – 14:00
The third Christmas market of the season, ideal for supporting local artisans and enjoying the festive ambiance.
24 December 2025 – 1 January 2026
SO/ Sotogrande Spa & Golf Resort

The hotel offers a full festive programme:
24 December – Christmas Eve Dinner
Cortijo Santa María 1962 – A beautifully curated Bistronomy menu designed especially for the evening.
25 December – Christmas Roast
Society Clubhouse – A traditional festive lunch in an elegant setting.
31 December – New Year’s Eve
Three exclusive experiences:
Adults-only Gala Dinner – Cortijo Santa María 1962
Festive New Year’s Dinner – Society Clubhouse
New Year’s Eve dinner – Marxa Chiringuito
1 January – New Year’s Roast
Society Clubhouse – A relaxing way to welcome the New Year.

30 December – The Alto Winter Tournament
The Alto Golf
Shotgun start: 09:00
A festive golf tournament in Individual Stableford format.
Includes a drink and paella lunch at the Ixo Lounge Patio.
Registration fee: €105.
A perfect way to end the year with friends, sport and gastronomy.
31 December – New Year’s Eve Party at Ágora Sotogrande
ÁGORA, Centro Comercial Mar y Sol
00:30 – 06:00
The most anticipated New Year’s Eve celebration in the area.
A black-tie event featuring DJs playing reggaeton, afro-house, dance and commercial music, plus open bar all night long.
The first four ticket releases have already sold out — making it one of the most popular NYE events in the region.

Festive Escapes Near Sotogrande
Living in Sotogrande means being minutes away from some of Andalusia’s most magical Christmas destinations.
Jerez de la Frontera – Home of the Zambombas
21 November – 25 December
The Zambomba of Jerez, declared a Cultural Heritage Event, is one of Andalusia’s most iconic Christmas traditions.
Celebrated in flamenco clubs, courtyards and neighbourhood streets in Santiago and San Miguel, families and artists gather to sing flamenco-style carols accompanied by zambombas, handclaps and panderetas.
Not to miss:
Peña Buena Gente, Peña La Bulería, Peña Tío José de Paula
Traditional sweets, anís and Jerez wines
Brotherhood zambombas for a truly local atmosphere
Jerez Three Kings Parade
4 January 2026
One of the largest parades in the province, featuring 15 floats, hundreds of performers and thousands of spectators in the historic centre.
Málaga – Lights, Culture and Christmas Magic
Calle Larios Lighting: 28 November 2025

Malaga’s Christmas lights are among the most famous in Europe, with three nightly sound-and-light shows.
What to see in Málaga:
Christmas Market at Paseo del Parque (1 December – 7 January)
Muelle Uno Market by the sea
Video-mapping shows in Plaza de la Constitución or the Cathedral
Concerts, exhibitions and the city’s traditional nativity route
Málaga Three Kings Parade
5 January 2026
A historic parade dating back over a century, ending with the traditional Adoration Ceremony at the Cathedral façade.
Seville – Art, Culture and Christmas Tradition
Seville becomes especially enchanting during Christmas, blending culture, heritage and festive joy.

Highlights in Seville:
Feria del Belén next to the Cathedral
Nativity scenes at the Archivo de Indias and Círculo Mercantil
Christmas concerts in the Reales Alcázares
Artisan markets in Plaza Nueva and Las Setas
Seville Three Kings Parade
5 January 2026
Organised by the Ateneo since 1918, it is the most traditional and prestigious parade in Andalusia, with over 30 floats, hundreds of participants and a vibrant route through the entire city centre.
Cádiz – Lights, Music and Coastal Spirit
The city of Cádiz shines with festive cheer:
Nativity scenes, choral performances, coastal lights and popular streets filled with music.
Highlights:
Live nativity scenes in La Viña and Santa María
Choirs and pastorales around the historic centre
Christmas Market in Plaza de la Catedral
Cádiz Three Kings Parade
5 January 2026
A joyful and family-friendly parade that winds through the old town with music and tradition.
A Sunny and Peaceful Winter

Even in December and January, Sotogrande enjoys bright days, mild temperatures and crisp sea air.
It is the perfect moment for strolls around the Marina, golfing, polo, hiking, or visiting nearby white villages — or simply enjoying a festive brunch by the sea.
Here, Christmas is lived through light, calm and tradition: a blend that makes Sotogrande a truly special place to celebrate the season.












