If you’re weary of chilly winter Christmases and yearn for a touch of summer as you tuck into your festive feast, why not escape the UK for your holiday and jet off to an island where December temperatures are a cosy 18 degrees.
The island of Malaga in the Costa de Sol even boasts a Christmas Market for you to soak up the festive spirit.
According to a review of four-night packages (flights and hotel included) available through loveholidays between December 1-15, 2024, Malaga is also the ‘most affordable’ sunny Christmas market break, averaging at £277 per person.
The Malaga Market operates from November 24 through to January 5 and offers a variety of mouth-watering treats to try, festive lights and children’s toys, as well as floats and processions to admire.
For the gastronomes among us, there’s much to appreciate about Christmas in Malaga. Traditional sweets including shortbread, marzipan, nougat and borrachuelos (wine-flavoured fried pastries) are on offer as you stroll through the streets at the Paseo del Parque market.
There’s even a festive drink, with mulled wine flowing freely. You’ll also discover an impressive array of decorations scattered throughout the city, from Nativity scenes to twinkling lights and wicker figures.
The annual light display at Malaga’s Botanical Gardens is a sight to behold. Established in 1855 by the Marquises of Casa Loring as a place of entertainment for the bourgeoisie, these stunning gardens now house over 50,000 plants and are one of Europe’s few subtropical gardens, reports the Mirror.
This year, the Christmas theme is ‘Illusion: Christmas has many faces… but only one heart’, with seven themed areas including The Elf Queen’s Abode, the Polar Express Station, the Grinch’s Lair, the Magical Elf Forest and Santa’s Mansion, the Forest of Chimneys and the Lighthouse of Illusion.
Catering especially to children and families, kids under 12 will receive a free cotton wool cloud to accompany them on their journey.
There’s even a square offering hot chocolate and freshly roasted nuts. General admission tickets are priced at 15.5 euros for adults and 11.5 euros for children, running from November 29 to January 6.
If you prefer a beachside Christmas, Malaga is your ideal destination.
Known for its golden sands and crystal-clear waters, it provides the perfect setting for a relaxing seaside day.
Despite being winter, temperatures remain comfortable at around 17 to 18 degrees during the day, with sea temperatures slightly cooler at around 16 degrees.
Although it might not be the most heated dip you’ve ever taken, it’s still delightful.
If you prefer to stay above the water, there are ample opportunities for that as well with activities like kayaking, boating and even parasailing for the daring.
Flights to Malaga depart daily in December from several UK airports including Bournemouth, Glasgow, Leeds and London. A return journey is currently priced at approximately £120, a minor cost for a slice of midwinter sunshine.