15th December 2025 
Leave a commentAs many of our readers may already know, this year has been a historic one in Malaga in terms of holiday visits.
Many may have not yet tried it, we cannot recommend enough visiting the Costa del Sol in winter. You will love it, with its mild spring weather far away from the cold and snow.
Increasing trend to travel outside high season
There is as well clearly a new trend to travel to Malaga also outside the classic summer high season.
Malaga is preparing to close the year with extraordinary figures in the tourism sector. Forecasts point to a record number of visitors in December 2025: The festive atmosphere an the allure of the Christmas lights attracts both domestic and international tourists.
By the end of the year, forecasts point to almost 80% hotel occupancy. The month of December is classically a second high season.
The pleasant weather remains one of the biggest draws for visitors in winter. With mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine, Malaga offers ideal conditions for enjoying the outdoors, strolling through the city centre or visiting its beaches, even in December.
Many people take advantage taking a trip to sunny Malaga: Whether to play golf in Malaga or to see the beautiful Christmas lights in Malaga. Or simply to enjoy relaxation and wellbeing in the best climate in Europe.
If you are one of those who still haven’t made up your mind and are waiting to book at the last minute, here are some of the best rated hotels on the Costa del Sol that open in December.
Which hotels in Malaga open during winter?
In general, it can be stated that, due to their excellent condition, basically all 5-star hotels in Malaga are open during the winter months.
Note that December counts as high season. However, if you want to stay in a first-class hotel for a very reasonable price, you can choose to book in January or February, when prices are considerably lower.
Returning to the subject: Many of these first-class hotels offer their guests gala Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve dinners to celebrate New Year’s Eve in a luxurious and elegant setting.
Some of the best Hotels in Malaga open in December
We do not claim this selection to be exhaustive. We just want to give you an impression of what is available in the most popular towns along the Costa del Sol.
Furthermore, in this article we have prepared for you a selection of Hotel Restaurants for Christmas or New Year’s Eve in Malaga city, Hotels that are of course also open for hotel guests on these dates.
Vincci Larios Diez – Malaga
4* Hotel located in Calle Larios, one of the most emblematic areas of the city. It is one of the most elegant and relevant historical, commercial and cultural streets of Malaga.
Vincci Selección Aleysa 5* – Benalmadena
The Hotel Vincci Selección Aleysa is one of the most sophisticated 5-star hotels in Benalmadena, just 11 km from Malaga International Airport. It is a boutique hotel on the beachfront.
Higueron 5* – Fuengirola
The hotel features the Michelin-starred Sollo restaurant and one of the best spas on the Costa del Sol. Located 1.2 km from Carvajal Beach, it offers a free shuttle service to the beach.
The Hotel has prepared a New Year’s Eve Gala by its Michelin Star chef Diego Gallegos. There will be live music and DJ, open bar until the early hours of the morning and Brunch Buffet in the morning.
La Zambra Resort 5* GL – Mijas
Recently completely renovated, this is a 5 star GL resort in Mijas situated in the Mijas Golf Urbanisation. Within a short buggy ride of the hotel are several excellent golf courses.
The Hotel offers a Mediterranean Christmas dinner, There is also a spectacular brunch on Christmas Day and an elegant New Year’s Eve gala dinner.
El Fuerte 5* – Marbella
El Fuerte is a historic establishment on the Costa del Sol. It now upraded to 5 stars. The Hotel is located on the city centre’s beachfront and only 5 minutes’ walk to the old town.
For Christmas Eve, El Fuerte will offer a buffet. And on New Year’s Eve, there is a gala dinner menu curated by the prestigious, 5-Michelin-stars-awarded chef Paco Pérez. Followed by live music and lucky grapes, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Marriott’s Playa Andaluza 4* – Estepona
Marriott’s Playa Andaluza is located in Estepona, close to the exclusive “Millionaire’s Paradise” of Puerto Banús, Marbella.
The Estepona beach resort offers exclusive private flats.
