La Fonda Heritage Hotel presents the world’s largest cookie Christmas tree
Glamour and creativity at La Fonda: Debbie Wingham dazzles Marbella with her handmade cookie tree
- The Fonda Heritage Hotel is home to the world’s largest gingerbread Christmas tree, designed by artist Debbie Wingham.
- The hotel has been awarded the Michelin Key for its exceptional hospitality and recognised by AMEX as one of the venues that enrich the gastronomic scene in its Trending Destinations 2026.
- La Fonda consolidates its position as the cultural and gastronomic epicentre of the city with a programme of festive events and special menus throughout the season.
Marbella, 24th November 2025. – La Fonda Heritage Hotel, a member of Relais & Châteaux and a benchmark for haute cuisine in Marbella, celebrated this afternoon the official lighting of the world’s largest cookie Christmas tree, a monumental work created by renowned British artist Debbie Wingham, in collaboration with her new artisan bakery brand, Crumbz Cookies.
The event, presided over by Rubén Sánchez, General Director of Trade, Tourism and Events Promotion for San Pedro Alcántara, alongside Carmine Sacco, General Manager of the hotel, and Cristina Paraja, Director of Operations, officially inaugurated the Christmas season at the iconic establishment in the Old Town.
With nearly 1,000 handmade cookies suspended from a structure over two metres high, the tree designed by Debbie Wingham, internationally known as the Countess of Confection, stands in the heart of La Fonda as an ode to imagination and baking tradition.
The aroma of cinnamon, ginger and cloves envelops the interior of the hotel, creating a unique multisensory experience. Among the pieces on display are classic gingerbread men, stars, trees and Linzer cookies, along with exclusive creations from the Crumbz line, such as the Sprinkle Piñata, the Mint Chocolate Fondant and the OG Cookie Cake.
During the ceremony, Rubén Sánchez highlighted “the role of La Fonda as a symbol of Marbella’s new splendour, a city that combines history, gastronomic excellence and creativity, attracting artists and visitors from all over the world”. He also congratulated the hotel team on the recent award of the Michelin Key, the distinction with which the Michelin Guide recognises exceptional hotels for their outstanding hospitality, a milestone that further consolidates La Fonda’s position.
In the same vein, Cristina Paraja pointed out that “the hotel has also recently been recognised as one of the venues that add value to the local gastronomic scene among the destinations selected by AMEX (American Express) in its Trending Destinations 2026 list, reinforcing its relevance and prestige on the international scene”.
For his part, Carmine Sacco, general manager of the hotel, pointed out that “this tree is more than a work of art: it represents the spirit of collaboration, the passion for craftsmanship and the magic that we want to share with Marbella every Christmas. La Fonda is a meeting point between tradition and innovation”.
The event, held from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., brought together more than 80 guests, including local authorities, prominent figures from Marbella society, businesspeople, friends and regular customers of the hotel, who wanted to accompany the La Fonda Heritage Hotel team at the official start of the Christmas season. The event culminated with the lighting of the Christmas tree, an emotional moment that filled the hotel atrium with light and festive spirit, transforming it for one night into the epicentre of Christmas magic in Marbella.
“Every event at La Fonda seeks to tell a story. This Christmas tree is our way of celebrating the beauty of sharing and continuing to put our hotel on the international map of excellence”, concluded Cristina Paraja, director of operations at La Fonda.
Seasonal events: La Fonda, the epicentre of Christmas celebrations
La Fonda Heritage Hotel continues to establish itself as one of the leading leisure and gastronomic destinations in Marbella with an events calendar that celebrates diversity and the international festive spirit.
La Fonda restaurant, under the direction of chef Jorge González Carmona, presents a menu that blends tradition, creativity and local produce, with the following schedule for the festive season:
- Thanksgiving (27th November): set menu for €70, available all day, paying tribute to Marbella’s multiculturalism and American cuisine reinterpreted with La Fonda’s signature style. (No à la carte menu will be served on this day.)
- Christmas Eve (24th December): special menu for €155, with dinner from 7.30 pm and live music.
- Christmas Day (25th December): à la carte service at midday from 1 p.m., accompanied by a performance by Vintage Experience.
- New Year’s Eve (31st December): set menu for €385, with dinner from 7.30 p.m., live music and DJ to see out the year.
- New Year’s Day (1st January): à la carte lunch from 1 p.m., accompanied by live music.
The restaurant also offers special menus for groups and companies, with different options ranging from €55 to €70, drinks included, ideal for celebrating Christmas with friends or toasting with colleagues.
In addition, La Fonda, in collaboration with Marbella Town Council, will celebrate the Festival of Saint Lucia together with the children of Svenska Skolan Marbella, the city’s Swedish school. The event will take place on 13 December, a tradition that lights up the winter with a children’s parade of lights and crowns, symbols of hope and renewal. During the event, spiced mulled wine (glögg) and hot chocolate will be served, while the restaurant will offer a menu inspired by Nordic Christmas cuisine.
About La Fonda Heritage Hotel
In the heart of Marbella’s old town, La Fonda Heritage Hotel combines history, elegance and haute cuisine in a unique setting. A member of Relais & Châteaux, this exclusive 20-room boutique hotel offers a complete sensory experience, with signature cuisine led by chef Jorge González Carmona, based on local and seasonal produce. Its offering is spread across three spaces, each with its own personality — La Fonda Restaurant, Los Patios and La Ermita — as well as the Skybar with views of the old town, and La Bodega, which pays homage to traditional Spanish cuisine. Thanks to its unique atmosphere and versatility, La Fonda is also the perfect venue for private events with character and style.
About Debbie Wingham
Debbie Wingham is one of the world’s most renowned pastry artists. With multiple television series, international collaborations and a strong media presence, she has been named the ‘Countess of Confectionery’ by the Food Network. Her career includes unique creations that have positioned her as a visionary in the art of sugar and luxury confectionery.
About Crumbz Cookies
Crumbz Cookies is the artisan baking company created by British artist Debbie Wingham. Inspired by baking tradition and sustainability, it combines creativity and locally sourced ingredients to offer unique cookies, described by their creator as ‘a cookie that thinks it’s a cake.’ Made without additives and presented in recyclable packaging, Crumbz Cookies reflect the balance between craftsmanship, innovation and gourmet pleasure.
