Marbella’s La Fonda Heritage Hotel launches festivities with the world’s biggest “cookie Christmas tree”

On Friday, November 21, the historic heart of Marbella officially welcomed in the festive season as La Fonda Heritage Hotel unveiled what it claims to be the world’s largest Christmas tree made entirely of cookies. The spectacular two-metre-tall edible installation, featuring nearly 1,000 handcrafted biscuits suspended in the hotel’s elegant and historic atrium, was illuminated in a glamorous ceremony attended by more than 80 guests, including local dignitaries, business leaders, and loyal patrons. Created by internationally renowned British artist Debbie Wingham, dubbed the “Countess of Confectionery” and founder of luxury cookie brand Crumbz Cookies, the tree is both a visual masterpiece and a sensory experience. Classic gingerbread men, stars, linzer cookies, and mini Christmas trees hang alongside Wingham’s unique creations such as the Sprinkle Piñata, Mint Chocolate Fondant, and OG Cookie Cake. The moment guests step into the atrium, they are greeted by the irresistible aromas of cinnamon, ginger, and clove. “This installation blends tradition, luxury, and fantasy,” Wingham said. “I wanted to transform the hotel’s atrium into an immersive experience that surprises everyone who walks through the door.” The lighting ceremony culminated with the tree sparkling to life under thousands of tiny lights, followed by a toast with organic La Vie en Rose cava. La Fonda’s general manager, Carmine Sacco, described the tree as “more than an artistic piece – it represents collaboration, passion for craftsmanship, and the magic we want to share with Marbella every Christmas.” Euro Weekly News’ Nicole King was also on hand to take part in the celebrations, along with Good Morning Spain’s Kate Hill. The event also was a show of the hotel’s growing international prestige. A proud member of Relais & Châteaux, La Fonda recently received the coveted Michelin Key for exceptional hospitality and was named by American Express among the Trending Destinations 2026 for its contribution to Marbella’s gastronomic and cultural scene. Throughout December, the hotel will host family cookie-decorating workshops and gingerbread house sessions led by Debbie Wingham and Crumz. Good Morning Spain’s Kate Hillbz Cookies, along with a packed festive calendar that includes a Mediterranean take on Thanksgiving (November 27), Christmas Eve dinner (€155), Christmas Day à la carte lunch with live music, a lavish New Year’s Eve gala (€385), and a relaxed New Year’s Day brunch. On December 13, in partnership with Marbella Town Hall and the Swedish School, La Fonda will celebrate the traditional Scandinavian Santa Lucía festival with a children’s lantern procession, glögg, and Nordic-inspired dishes. Located in a beautifully restored building in Marbella’s charming old town, the intimate 20-room La Fonda Heritage Hotel continues to position itself as the culinary and cultural epicentre of the Costa del Sol’s festive season – proving once again that Christmas in Marbella can be both deliciously sweet and unforgettable.