The best ideas for Christmas in Andalusia

Rute Chocolate Nativity Scene, an essential Christmas experience in Andalusia

You will find one of the best ways to celebrate Christmas in Andalusia in Rute, where you will be able to enjoy this wonderful season with all your senses. More than 1,500 kilos of chocolate of numerous types were needed to create an original (and delicious) Nativity scene in this district of Córdoba. Each year it is based on a different theme, but this year sees a return to a more traditional Nativity scene (in 2021, for example, it was based on Alsace in France).

You can enjoy this extraordinary display of sweets created by Galleros Artesanos until the day of the Three Kings (6 January). And as this is bound to be a mouth-watering visit, your ticket includes tasting their best products, created by this iconic family business.

Mollina Nativity Scene Museum, one of our best suggestions for Christmas in Andalusia

Something you really should not miss when celebrating Christmas in Andalusia is the renowned International Nativity Art Museum. It is located in Mollina, just 65 kilometres from Málaga, and occupies more than 5,000 square metres. There are up to 70 artistic Nativity scenes, consisting of over 2,000 unique figures.

During the tour, you can enjoy nativity scenes created by renowned artists like José Luis Mayo, Antonio Bernal, Joaquín Pérez, Antonio Pigozzi and the Italian Claudio Mattei and the Monte San Pietro school.

In the central hall there is a Three Kings Parade with almost life-size figures, one and a half metres tall. Together with this stunning work you will also find a spectacular Neapolitan nativity scene made by Claudio Mattei and the Monte San Pietro School.

Another remarkable work is the Monumental Andalusian Nativity Scene, in which the creator Vicente Rodríguez represents the eight Andalusian provinces along a scene measuring more than 25 metres. Also not to be missed is the Monumental Nativity Scene by José Luis Mayo, a circular formation with a diameter of 10 metres, with representations of numerous scenes from the Bible, from Adam and Eve to the Resurrection of Christ.

There are other iconic Nativity scenes in the great Roman Theatre in Cartagena, Málaga and Bilbao, and another that gives us a perspective from the point of view of a mouse.

Living Nativity Scenes in Andalusia

Another Christmas spectacle not to be missed is the traditional Living Nativity Scenes, where local people become biblical characters. 

The Beas Living Nativity Scene has been in production since 1970, making it the oldest in Andalusia. In fact, it is recognised as one of the seven wonders of the Province of Huelva and it has won numerous awards. The tour includes up to thirty scenes, with the participation of up to 170 residents of this town in the province of Huelva.

The Arcos de la Frontera Living Nativity Scene has been declared a spectacle of Tourist Interest in Andalusia and it takes place on 17 December. It is an immersive experience, in which the old town of Arcos becomes the Judea of more than 2,000 years ago. The streets are filled with numerous biblical scenes, interpreted by about five hundred residents of this town in the province of Cádiz.

Other representative Living Nativity Scene in Andalusia well worth visiting are in Fontanar (a district of Pozo Alcón, in the Sierra de Cazorla), in Montoro (in the province of Córdoba) and in El Castillo de las Guardas (Seville).

Christmas Market in Málaga, one of the best in Europe

Something not to be missed this Christmas in Andalusia is the Christmas Market in Málaga, which has been chosen as one of the best in Europe by the prestigious portal European Best Destinations. It is full of stalls offering craft and cultural goods and it is full of Christmas spirit.

Nor should you forget the Calle Larios and its Christmas lighting, a true classic in a city where each year the lighting announces the beginning of the most beautiful season of the year.

Christmas sweets in Andalusia: Absolutely delicious

Of course, you should not forget the products that fill Christmas in Andalusia with flavour. The season would not be the same without them. Many of them have originated over the centuries in Andalusia.

Not to be missed are the Alfajores, whose origins date back to the time of Al-Andalus. The main ingredients are almonds, walnuts and honey and those made in Medina Sidonia, in Cádiz, are well worth a mention.

Another delicious Christmas sweet of Andalusian origin is the "Mantecado", made with egg yolk, flour, butter and sugar. They date back to the 16th century, at a time when there was an excess of cereals and lard and people there decided to take advantage of these ingredients.

Experts do not agree exactly where Mantecados originated: Some say it was in the pastry shops of Antequera (Málaga), while others are sure it was in those in Estepa (Seville). 

An unusual fact is that the iconic "Polvorón" is a variety of "Mantecado", where you substitute egg yolk for almonds and add more flour.

"Turrolatte" is a mixture of nougat and chocolate, as its name suggests. It is typical of Córdoba and originated as a gift given to women who had just given birth.

The "Borrachuelo" is a sweet filled with angel hair typical of Málaga, to which sweet white wine is added (hence the name). It can also be covered in sugar or honey.

Another Andalusian Christmas sweet not to be missed is "Pan de Cádiz", a variety of marzipan to which sugared fruit is added.

Which do you like best?

Merry Christmas!