Benahavís is renowned for its natural beauty and offers numerous outdoor activities. The municipality remains ideal for outdoor lovers even in December, with crisp mountain air and fewer crowds making hiking and nature-walks very enjoyable.

• Hiking and Nature Trails: Explore trails like the Guadalmina River path and the Cañón de las Angosturas, offering scenic views and opportunities for swimming in natural pools (for the hardy).
  
• Canyoning Adventures: For thrill-seekers, canyoning in the Guadalmina River combines swimming, climbing, and jumping in a stunning natural setting.
  
• Golfing: Benahavís boasts some of Spain’s finest golf courses, including La Quinta Golf & Country Club and Los Arqueros Golf & Country Club, catering to both amateurs and professionals.
  You can find our guide to golf courses in the municipality here.
  
• Local Culture & Gastronomy:
  While not specific to December, Benahavís is celebrated year round for its rich gastronomy and natural heritage —
  perfect for pairing an event out with a memorable meal or walk. You can find our guide to restaurants in the municipality here.
  

We are proud to sponsor the music at Coto Restaurante. This month’s events include:

• Every Friday evening – Chill Out Fridays with Johnny Baker
• Every Saturday evening – Saturday Sessions with Lucas Gonzales
• Every Sunday lunchtime – Sunday Lunch with Gema Cabanas
• 6th December - Charity Christmas Gala in aid of Maiti Nepal
• 20th December - A Micheal Buble Christmas Tribute
• 22nd December - A Festive Eveing with Bibi Cello
• 25th December - Christmas Menu with live music SOLD OUT
• 31st December - NYE Gala Dinner. Live music & variety entertainment.

A special Christmas menu is available throughout December, you can view the menu here.  Coto Restaurante can be contacted here.

December in Benahavís marks the start of the mild Mediterranean winter: bright days, crisp evenings, and the occasional rainy spell. It’s a cosy month - perfect for festive plans, village walks and fireside dining.

Typical December conditions:

• Average daytime temperature: ~16–18 °C
• Evenings & mornings: Cooler, around 9–12 °C
• Sea temperature: ~16–17 °C (mostly too cool for swimming except for the brave)
• Rainfall: Noticeable increase vs November — expect periodic showers, often short
• Sunshine: ~5 hours/day, with earlier sunsets
• Wind: Light to moderate — some breezy days along the coast

👉 What to pack: Warm layers, a light coat or knitwear for evenings, waterproof jacket for walks, and comfortable shoes.

Just minutes from Benahavís, December brings a festive calendar across Marbella, San Pedro and Estepona.

🎄 Seasonal Markets & Festive Atmosphere

• Marbella Old Town Christmas Lights & Market
  Plaza de la Iglesia & surrounding streets — beautiful lighting, artisan stalls, mulled wine, sweets & gifts.
  Daily from early December.
  
• San Pedro Alcántara Christmas Market
  Family-friendly stalls, kids’ activities, sweets and live performances.
  Dates typically early–mid December (2025 schedule pending).
  

🎭 Other cultural activities

• Indoor flamenco nights around Marbella Old Town
• Gastronomy events in Estepona (cheese, wine, and artisan fairs often appear mid-December)
• Beachfront hotels hosting Christmas brunches & live music (Kempinski, Puente Romano, El Fuerte Marbella)

Because schedules are updated weekly, best check:

➡️ Marbella Ayuntamiento (events)
➡️ Fever Marbella
➡️ Estepona Cultural Events

December is one of Spain’s most atmospheric months, mixing religious tradition, winter festivals, gastronomy, and pre-holiday energy.

⭐ National Highlights

• Zambombas (Andalusian Christmas singing gatherings)
  Hugely popular in Andalusia — especially Jerez, Málaga, Marbella and Benahavís.
  Expect: guitars, hand-held percussion, sherry, polvorones and dancing.
  
• Constitution Day — 6 December
• Immaculate Conception — 8 December
  Long public holiday weekend (“puente”), meaning events, markets and family gatherings across Spain.
  
• Christmas Markets in Major Cities
  
  • Madrid: Plaza Mayor traditional market
  • Málaga: Calle Larios light show + market at Muelle Uno
  • Seville: Alameda Christmas stalls & craft markets
  • Granada: Bib-Rambla market

✈️ If Planning a Weekend Trip…

• Málaga Christmas Lights (Calle Larios) — One of Spain’s most famous displays
  
• Madrid Winter Festivals — Music, theatre, opera, ice rinks
  
• Seville — Gastronomy fairs + Christmas crafts
  
• Granada — Snow-tipped Sierra Nevada + Christmas markets
  

🌅 Seasonal Atmosphere

• Shorter days make sunsets earlier — between 17:45–18:00
  
• December nights in Andalusian villages (incl. Benahavís) feel magical: lights, music drifting from restaurants, and crisp, fragrant air.