Spend a Unique Christmas in Marbella

At this time of year, streets everywhere take on a magical air. Nothing conveys a festive feel more than a Christmas market, and in Marbella, they complement the street lights and installations perfectly. Staff at Engel & Volkers have got the Christmas spirit, and are keen to share these experiences with you.

You could argue that it seems like Christmas all year round in the special atmosphere of the Golden Mile. At one end, Puerto Banús is always lively, but the Christmas Market on Muelle del Ribera just makes it more so. This is its second year, and its Christmas village will host thirty stalls, to the delight of visitors and locals alike. Santa Claus will be on hand, and the Three Kings of the Orient will be continuing the Spanish tradition of handing out sweets.

Check it out from around the middle of December until 5 or 6 January, and expect to find gourmet food, toys and artisan products. Bring your skates for the ice rink, and try out all the other activities. Especially for the young ones, there will be face-painting, craft workshops, stories and entertainment. For the first time, lights along the harbour will link up installations around the marina, with luxury yachts as a dazzling backdrop.

The La Virginia annual market is something unusual. The pretty pueblo-style urbanisation of La Virginia is close to the Golden Mile, but retains the charm of a traditional Spanish village. On December 8, residents open their doors to provide food and drink, and high-quality products, including hand-made goods by local artists.

A one-day Christmas Market springs up on 14 December in San Pedro de Alcántara, where the light displays are simply stunning. Pitched along Avenida Marques del Duero, it features live music to get you in the mood for browsing. San Pedro is one of the many places featured on the books of Engel & Volkers, for anyone who wants to prolong the celebrations with their very own villa.

Away from Marbella, Benalmádena's International Christmas Festival lights up Plaza de la Mezquita in Arroyo de la Miel (behind the train station) every year, offering gifts and food from around the world. See it this year on the weekend of 13 to 15 December. Events include rides, children's entertainment, musical performers and a visit or two from a certain Santa Claus.

There are more markets dotted around the coast beyond Marbella, and it makes for a pleasant trip to seek them out. The climate is pleasant enough for wandering around, although you might want to take another layer for the cool of the off-season evenings. It's worth noting, too, that in Spain, Christmas festivities last until twelfth night, January 6, so although Christmas Day itself might seem quiet to outsiders, things soon pick up again after that! While you're waiting, why not have a look at the properties for sale at Engel & Volkers? And then pay us a visit as soon as we're open.