COSTA del Sol is where the sun never stops shining during summer. It is located in the southeastern portion of Spain facing the Mediterranean. As such, it has idyllic beach resorts all accredited blue flag reputation by the European Union and perfect for tanning by the many British tourists who come here every summer or so to unwind.

But many do not know that spending Christmas here is idyllic too. And especially for British tourists who are Catholic at heart. Since Spain is mainly a Catholic country, Christmas here is definitely swell and makes for a perfect blend between religious rites and commercialization. Many beach resorts here offer huge Christmas discounts to tourists because they simply want their businesses to continue booming during winter.

During winter, temperatures here tend to go down to about -2 degrees Celsius or so just like the rest of Europe, ideal for everyone to either strap down at home or enjoy the sight at the Pyrenees and have some skiing. So no one’s going to the beaches at this time of the year except the really adventurous ones and those who look at any situation in its positive way. For instance, a seaside winter wedding could be romantic and so, spending Christmas in Costa del Sol may not be bad after all.

Christmas here could be spent tucked in churches all nine dawns before Christmas. That’s nine days of vigil before the birth anniversary of the Messiah and the Spanish call it misa de aguinaldo. After each misa de aguinaldo, the local folks enjoy a hot cup of cocoa as well as certain Spanish delicacies. It’s nice to enjoy blending with them and it’s even nicer to befriend a Spanish family in Costa del Sol while you’re staying here so you can appreciate their culture that much.

Immersing yourself with a local family is usually coursed and experienced if you’re with an official research or study group or if you’re enrolled in a Spanish language institution. These special arrangements are provided by your employer if you’re posted here in Spain in the near future. Your employer will provide you cultural integration seminars in Spain. These seminars are usually held at the capital of Madrid but there are special arrangements for your group to go to Costa del Sol to enjoy Christmas and New Year here.

If Christmas is a bang, then New Year is really a fiesta. There are fireworks everywhere and they are made all the more spectacular because they are held over the Mediterranean. You will really forget all the coldness associated with winter once you’ll enjoy yourselves in the midst of the people. It may not hurt too to learn a few local words here. A typical Spanish family enjoys New Year with a big and hearty New Year’s Eve midnight dinner consisting of yummy roast lamb, some sweets and topping them off with local wine.

Reserving a flight for two months ahead to the regional airport in Malaga may be advisable as although there are a few tourists here during winter, many locals travel back and forth during the holiday season and domestic flights tend to be full.