Christmas and New Year in Nerja
Nerja celebrates Christmas with festive lighting, the municipal nativity scene, concerts, Christmas markets, New Year’s Eve at the Balcón de Europa and the Three Kings Parade.
Christmas in Nerja is a special time that transforms the municipality with festive lighting, nativity scenes, concerts and markets. From the beginning of December until Three Kings’ Day, Nerja offers a wide programme of activities for all ages.
Christmas 2026-2027 in Nerja: what we know so far (updated 26 October 2026)
The Christmas 2026-2027 programme has not been published yet. The Town Council usually presents it at the end of November (in 2024, on 29 November); we will add it here as soon as it is out.
How Christmas 2024-2025 went (to give you an idea)
According to Nerja Town Council (29-11-2024), there were more than eighty activities in Nerja and Maro from 2 December to 6 January:
- 5 December: the Christmas Market opened in Plaza de España at 17:00, the municipal nativity scene was unveiled on the ground floor of the Town Hall at 18:00 and the Christmas lights were switched on from the Balcón de Europa at 19:00.
- The Christmas Market in Plaza de España stayed open until 6 January (report of 5-12-2024).
- Craft workshops from 2 December, the Christmas Fairies parade on 6 December, children's musicals at the Centro Cultural Villa de Nerja, and zambombás and carol groups in Las Protegidas, Los Poetas, Maro, Plaza de España and the Church of El Salvador.
- Father Christmas and Three Kings parades, a New Year's Eve party and the Las Protegidas living nativity.
Christmas lights
The main streets in the centre are dressed with Christmas lights that create a magical atmosphere, especially around the Balcón de Europa, Calle Pintada and Plaza de España.
Municipal nativity scene and markets
The Town Hall installs a large-format municipal nativity scene in an emblematic spot in the centre. In addition, Christmas markets are organised with handicrafts, local products and gifts.
Las Protegidas living nativity
On a Sunday before Christmas, Plaza de Andalucía in Las Protegidas becomes a living nativity scene in which more than a hundred local people recreate Bethlehem at the time of Jesus (in 2025, on 21 December from 4 to 8 pm; about 3,500 visitors the year before). It is organised by the residents’ association with the town council and has been declared a Fiesta of Local Tourist Interest and of Provincial Tourist Singularity.
New Year’s Eve at the Balcón de Europa
Thousands of people gather at the Balcón de Europa to see out the year with the chimes, music and a fireworks display over the sea. It is one of the most beautiful New Year’s Eves on the Costa del Sol.
Cultural programme
Throughout the Christmas period there are choral concerts, children’s performances, workshops, sports competitions and other events organised by the Concejalía de Tradiciones Populares and local associations.
Video
1 videoChristmas and New Year in Nerja — video 1
History
Expected weather
In December temperatures reach around 17°C. Bring a light jacket for the evenings (9°C) and a raincoat just in case.
17°C
High
9°C
Low
6h
Sun/day
6
Rain days
Sea temperature: ~16°C
Historical climate data — real forecast will appear within 16 days of the event
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Christmas and New Year in Nerja
Balcón de Europa, Nerja, Málaga
Countdown
until Christmas and New Year in Nerja
2 December, 2026 – 6 January, 2027
36 days
Organized by
Ayuntamiento de Nerja
