And so Begins a Season of Light, Music and Local Traditions
Rota’s Christmas programme for 2025 arrives with the familiar mix of culture, community spirit, and small coastal-town charm that makes December here feel genuinely special. Streets around the Castillo de Luna, the Plaza de la Merced, and the old town squares slowly fill with music, warm lights, and the gentle rhythm of neighbourhood life preparing for the festive season. What stands out each year isn’t just the scale of events, but how naturally local traditions blend with visitors’ curiosity and the easygoing atmosphere of a village by the Atlantic.
The celebrations begin on 4 December with literature and live music, gradually unfolding through the month with flamenco zambombas, classical ballet, artisan markets, Nativity scenes, children’s activities, local choirs and theatre. It’s a programme shaped by tradition yet grounded in everyday village life, creating the kind of festive season that visitors remember for its warmth rather than its spectacle.
Below is the complete day-by-day schedule for December 2025:
Day-by-Day Christmas Programme – Rota 2025
Thursday, 4 December
- 17:30 – Book presentation: “A Taste of Rota”, Cultural Hall, Castillo de Luna
- 20:00 – Concert “Por Navidad” by Jonathan Santiago & Manuel Barraquero, Auditorio Alcalde Felipe Benítez (25€)
Friday, 5 December
- 20:00 – Flamenco zambomba by Rocío Ruiz, Christmas Market, Plaza de la Merced
- 20:00 – Classical ballet: Swan Lake, Auditorio Alcalde Felipe Benítez (28€)
Christmas Market (5–8 December)
Artisan stalls, traditional flavours, music and a festive atmosphere in Plaza de la Merced.
Saturday, 6 December
- 19:00 – Inauguration of the Nativity Scene by the Camino de Belén Association, Torre de la Merced
- 09:00–15:00 – One Piece TCG Tournament (Club Kraken), Pabellón Manuel Villalba
Sunday, 7 December
- 11:00–21:00 – Agro-Artisan Market La Laguna, Plaza de la Merced and surrounding streets
Thursday, 11 December
- 18:30 – Book presentation: “Me llamo Mateo, el pequeño Genio”, Cultural Hall, Castillo de Luna
Friday, 12 December
- 17:00–21:00 – Christmas Market, Plaza de la Merced
- 18:00–22:00 – Living Nativity (Belén Viviente), Plaza de España (2€ donation)
- 17:00 – Nativity Route (Ruta de Belenes) with Camino de Belén Association. Tourist train departure: Avda. San Fernando
- 20:00 – Flamenco zambomba “San Joaquín y Santa Ana” performed by Rocío Ruiz, Auditorio Alcalde Felipe Benítez (10€)
Saturday, 13 December
- 11:00–15:00 & 17:00–21:00 – Christmas Market, Plaza de la Merced
- 18:00–22:00 – Living Nativity, Plaza de España (2€ donation)
- 18:00 – Christmas charity festival “La esperanza de Belén”, Academy of Ofelia Márquez, Auditorio Alcalde Felipe Benítez (6€)
- 20:00 – Christmas choral concert “In Altissimis Deo”, Escolanía Domus Carmina, Parroquia Ntra. Sra. de la O
Friday, 19 December
- 17:00–21:00 – Christmas Market, Plaza de la Merced
- 19:45 – Christmas carols by Orfeón Virgen de la Escalera, Parroquia Ntra. Sra. de la O
Saturday, 20 December
- 11:30 – Santa Claus Parade (Pasacalles de Santa Claus) departing from Castillo de Luna
- 11:00–14:00 & 17:00–21:00 – Christmas Market, Plaza de la Merced
- 17:00–20:30 – Santa Claus letter collection, Parque de la Laguna del Moral
- 17:00–20:00 – Christmas bauble photocall, Parque de la Laguna del Moral
- 19:30 – Theatre: “La consulta”, Histónico Theatre Group from Ateneo de Jerez, Auditorio Alcalde Felipe Benítez (6€)
- 19:45 – Joint Christmas carol concert, Orfeón Virgen de la Escalera & Coral Ntra. Sra. de La Esperanza (Valencia del Ventoso), Parroquia del Carmen
Sunday, 21 December
- 13:00 – Christmas carols by Orfeón Virgen de la Escalera, Chapel of San Roque
Monday, 22 December
- 17:00–20:30 – Santa Claus letter collection with Bombastic Elves, Castillo de Luna
- 19:00 – Christmas dance showcase, Yvonne Trigo School, Auditorio Alcalde Felipe Benítez (8€)
- 19:00 – Musical parade through the town centre, Municipal Band Maestro Enrique Galán
A December full of atmosphere
From artisan stalls and children’s activities to evening concerts in centuries-old churches, Rota’s festive season creates a warm rhythm that visitors fall into with ease. Whether you’re staying in Costa Ballena or visiting from nearby towns, December in Rota invites you to slow down, explore, and enjoy these small but meaningful traditions.