Article published on December 12, 2014 in LF Recommends
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… the Lucas Fox Guide to celebrating the festive season in style in Ibiza, Mallorca, Marbella and Valencia
Valencia
Valencia’s Christmas Markets
At this time of year, the city comes alive with magical nativity displays (for example in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento), sparkling lights and twinkling Christmas trees. However what most characterises Valencia at Christmas are the city’s impressive array of festive street markets. For traditional Christmas toys and locally made turrón (nougat), head to the markets in Baron de Cárcer, La Merced and El Cabañal.
The Colón Market is number one in the glamour stakes, with endless rows of crimson poinsettias and pine trees. For incredible gourmet treats and ingredients for your Christmas feast don’t miss the tempting seasonal fare at Central Market. From 3 to 6 January the Mercado de Reyes (the Kings’ Market) fills the streets surrounding the Cabanyal Market, with close to 250 stalls.
The Christmas Concert at the Palau de la Música
On Sunday 21 December at 11.30am the Municipal Band of Valencia will perform the outstanding annual Christmas Concert for local residents and visitors. Set in the world-famous Iturbi Chamber of the Palau de la Música in the heart of Valencia, the concert is a lovely way to kick off the festive period surrounded by all the family. Good news – admission is completely free!
Marbella
Winter Sun Party at South Beach Marbella
Just because it’s nearly Christmas doesn’t mean cosying down by the fire quite yet! South Beach Marbella brings you the sounds of Summer, filling the winter months with sunny, beachy party vibes. On the second and last Sundays of the month, head down to Playa las Chapas from 2pm.
Explore Marbella Old Town
Be sure to explore Marbella’s Old Town on Friday 12 December. As well as the Christmas lights and the Belén nativity scene, the Marbella Town Hall has arranged holiday promotions and tasters with local businesses and shops. Don’t miss the opening of Boulevard de San Pedro Alcántara, one of the most anticipated Marbella Christmas events!
Christmas Concerts
Join the Collegium Musicum Costa del Sol for two evenings of classical music with performances of traditional Christmas music on 15 December in Benalmádena Costa, at 8pm in the Church of Our Lady of Carmen (near Bonanza Square), and on 17 December at 9pm in the Church of the Encarnación (Marbella Old Town). Both concerts are free!
Saint Lucía Day
From 6-8pm on Saturday 13 December, the Swedish school in Marbella will host the Día de Santa Lucía in Plaza de la Encarnación in the Old Town. Enjoy delicious Swedish cookies made with ginger, cinammon and cardamom, and plenty of chocolate, with lashings of glogg (hot Swedish wine). Don’t miss the parade of Santa Lucía, the most important part of this originally German tradition.
Mallorca
Christmas Markets
Palma’s Christmas markets take place from 28 November until 6 January, on Plaça Major, the Ramblas and Plaça Espanya. Enjoy some shopping or take in the bustling festive atmosphere and events, including the ice rink. Full details of the Christmas Programme can be found on the Ajuntamiento website.
A Christmas Carol
Don’t miss the ISLA Theatre Project’s English production of Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol for a fun evening for all the family. The show will run from 12 – 21 December at the Teatro Municipal Catalina Valls.
Ibiza
Dalt Vila Christmas Market
This Christmas the cobbled streets of Dalt Vila will be transformed into a market and open air art exhibition from 19 – 31 December (from 8pm – 3am). With international street food, cracking drinks and a fantastic atmosphere, don’t miss this lovely festive market. Most shops will also stay open late, with fantastic seasonal bargains to be had. The market will close with a bang on New Year’s Eve, with a colourful street party, DJs and dancing under the wintry night sky.
Underground Ibiza
Ibiza’s favourite winter party destination Underground Ibiza will throw its annual Christmas Eve soirée for island locals on 24 December from 11pm, with special guest DJs. Expect one helluva party!
La Galeria Elefante Christmas Party
This boutique concept store is one if the island’s most divine spots, set in a 17th century finca, selling divine homeware, antiques, fashion and art. Don’t miss their “Reach for the Stars” Christmas sale – offering incredibly tempting discounts on a range of items. On Saturday 13 December, La Galeria will throw open its doors for festive fun involving scrumptious mince pies and warming mulled wine, as well as book signings with some of the island’s best known authors (from 7 – 10pm).
Las Dalias Christmas Market
Throughout the month of December (from mid December to 23 December and 27 December to the beginning of January) the Las Dalias Restaurant in San Carlos is transformed into a daily Christmas Market. With over 50 stalls selling everything from food to fashion, highlights include the glühwein and the thriving local community atmosphere. Don’t miss Santa’s visit on 22 December from 7 – 9pm!
