Christmas in Malaga: Lights, Markets and More

Last updated: 15th of November 2025

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year and experiencing the festive period in the extraordinary city of Malaga is no exception. Whether you’re planning a pre-Christmas trip to unwind and purchase presents for your friends and family, or are looking to escape to somewhere different for December 25th, there is a host of things that will get you feeling Christmassy in no time!

Christmas lights in Málaga and Costa del Sol 2025

At many different points in the province of Málaga you can enjoy light shows that become an unforgettable experience for visitors and locals alike.

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Christmas in Málaga

When wandering around Malaga during the Christmas period, it will be hard not to have your breath taken away by the incredible array of Christmas lights that have been installed.

Christmas lights in Calle Larios

Without a doubt, Calle Larios is one of the most iconic places to experience the Christmas decorations in Málaga. Strolling along this famous street during the festive season has become a true tradition for both locals and visitors, thanks to its dazzling display of light, color, and music.

Over the past three years, the decoration theme has been inspired by the Celestial Angels, a stunning light composition accompanied by a musical show that filled the historic center with magic.

In 2025, however, the city will unveil a brand-new theme: the decoration will be transformed into “Nativity of Light”, featuring stars and Nativity scenes that will replace the traditional angels.

Specifically, the Christmas lights on Calle Larios in 2025 will be switched on Friday, November 28, and visitors will be able to enjoy the display until January 6. There are three light shows every day, taking place at 6:30 pm, 8:00 pm, and 10:00 pm.

You can get to the centre of Malaga using our car hire service from Malaga airport, and you can park in the car parks in the city centre of Malaga.

Video mapping in Málaga Cathedral

In the past years, the Cathedral of Malaga has become one of the most anticipated attractions of the city’s Christmas celebrations. Every December, a video mapping show is projected onto the south tower, where light and animated visuals tell magical stories that delight visitors of all ages.

In previous editions, we enjoyed displays such as “Manto de Estrellas” or “Ángel de Luz”, enchanting visual tales shown in three daily performances throughout the festive season.

This year’s show is titled “El pescador de sueños” (The Dream Fisherman), a Christmas story inspired by the cenacheros, one of Málaga’s most traditional trades. The projection features an introduction, the main story, and a 3D finale with stained-glass effects and other stunning visual elements.

The show will take place every day, except on December 24 and 31, with performances at 7:00 pm, 8:30 pm, and 10:00 pm, from Saturday, November 29, until January 4, 2026.

Botanical Garden Lights

Every Christmas,The Concepción Botanical Garden transforms into a magical world during the Christmas season. Last year, visitors enjoyed “Ilusión. Christmas has many faces but only one heart”, a 90-minute illuminated walk featuring themed areas such as The Grinch’s Lair, Santa’s Mansion, and The Chimney Forest.

For the 2025 edition, the theme will be inspired by Alice in Wonderland and will be titled “Alice’s Magical Christmas”. The show will take place from November 28 to January 6, with ticket prices ranging from €6.60 to €15.50.

Christmas Lights in Benalmádena

If you’re visiting the Costa del Sol, make sure to visit Benalmádena. Each Christmas, this charming town – which includes Benalmádena Pueblo, Arroyo de la Miel, and Benalmádena Costa – is lit up with over 18 kilometres of festive lighting made up of millions of LED bulbs. Areas such as Avenida Antonio Machado and Castillo El Bil Bil feature some of the most spectacular decorations; in recent years, a giant Christmas tree has been set up right in front of the castle.

For 2025, the full programme hasn’t yet been announced, but the lights are usually switched on in late November, marking the start of a month filled with music and festive events.

Arroyo de la Miel and Puerto Marina

In Arroyo de la Miel and Benalmádena Pueblo, streets such as Calle Real and Calle Constitución shine with a more traditional style, creating a warm atmosphere that’s perfect for an evening stroll.

Meanwhile, Puerto Marina dazzles with illuminated figures – from a giant Santa Claus to a huge glowing bauble – and family-friendly shows such as El Gran Circo del Puerto. This combination of lights, sea views and entertainment makes Benalmádena one of the most magical places to experience Christmas on the Costa del Sol.

Christmas Lights in Fuengirola

Fuengirola will once again welcome the festive season on 28 November 2025, when Plaza de España lights up with a brand-new artistic display that transforms the heart of the city. This year, more than two million LED lights will brighten streets and squares, creating a vibrant and cheerful atmosphere across the town.

To complete the experience, the city offers great family fun at its ice-skating rink in the fairground area – open every afternoon on weekdays and all day on weekends and public holidays.

Plaza de España and the seafront promenade

One of the main highlights will be the light forest at Plaza de España, featuring a 36-metre-long tunnel where light shows are held every half-hour between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Nearby, Plaza Pedro Cuevas turns into a forest of pink cherry-blossom lights that fill the night sky with colour and magic.

Along the seafront promenade and the city’s main avenues, festive decorations create a sparkling route filled with light, music, and holiday spirit beside the Mediterranean.

Christmas Lights in Mijas

Mijas – made up of Mijas Pueblo, La Cala de Mijas, and Las Lagunas – boasts one of the most extensive Christmas light displays on the Costa del Sol. Like other nearby towns, the official switch-on usually takes place in late November. In the latest edition, the town installed more than four million lights across some thirty streets and squares, turning Mijas into a must-visit destination to enjoy the festive atmosphere between the mountains and the sea.

Mijas Pueblo and La Cala de Mijas

In Mijas Pueblo, the lighting enhances the charm of its whitewashed streets and historic squares. Spots such as Plaza de la Constitución, Avenida de Méjico, and Plaza Virgen de la Peña glow beautifully against the mountain backdrop. Meanwhile, La Cala de Mijas offers a more coastal vibe: lights run along the Boulevard, Paseo Costa del Sol, and streets like Cártama, Marbella and Torremolinos, creating a glowing seaside walk perfect for early evening.

Las Lagunas also joins the celebration, with large avenues such as Miguel Hernández, Mijas Alta, and Andalucía decorated with colourful, modern displays that spread the festive spirit throughout the urban area.

Christmas markets in Málaga and the Costa del Sol 2025

Christmas markets make a fantastic afternoon activity if you’re looking for something to get yourself in the festive spirit. Fortunately, Malaga has some great options for you to visit, offering souvenirs to provide as presents to your loved ones, as well as a variety of delicious dishes for you to tuck into.

Christmas market in Paseo del Parque

Paseo del Parque is considered to be one of the most iconic Christmas markets in Malaga. Every year, 92 stalls are built in the park, each selling a variety of items including gifts and Christmas decorations. The beautiful setting makes this a fantastic Christmas market to visit, as you can enjoy views of the shimmering harbour whilst picking up the perfect present. If you want to visit it, its opening hours are from 11 am to 22 pm, until January 7th.

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Muelle Uno Christmas Market

If a Christmas market is not enough, Muelle Uno is also worth a visit. This market, open until the beginning of January, stands out for its festive atmosphere and varied offer. Here you’ll find stalls offering unique gifts, Christmas decorations and gastronomic delights, perfect for completing your Christmas shopping while enjoying the atmosphere by the harbour. The market is also surrounded by shops and restaurants, allowing you to enjoy a complete and relaxed experience overlooking the sea.

In addition, if you’re travelling with children, Muelle Uno will also host Chocoland, a Christmas festival full of family activities. There will be a visit from Santa Claus, storytelling and games.

Christmas markets in Benalmádena

In Benalmádena, visitors can enjoy the traditional Christmas Market on Avenida de la Constitución in Arroyo de la Miel. The market is expected to open in late November 2025 and run until 6 January 2026, following the usual festive calendar. It brings together dozens of stalls selling crafts, gifts, local sweets, and holiday decorations, all in a lively atmosphere filled with lights and seasonal music.

Fuengirola Christmas market

Fuengirola’s Christmas market, held at Plaza de la Constitución, is one of the most famous on the Costa del Sol. Each winter, around twenty wooden stalls offer hand-crafted gifts, decorations, fashion, and local delicacies, accompanied by festive lights, music, and family-friendly activities.

The market typically opens from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., making it perfect for both a morning stroll and an evening visit under the Christmas lights.

Christmas markets in Mijas

In Mijas Pueblo, the Christmas Market takes place at Plaza de la Constitución. Although the 2025–2026 programme has not yet been published, it’s expected to open in late November 2025 and continue until 31 December, as in previous years. Opening hours are usually from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., offering visitors a cosy festive atmosphere among the town’s whitewashed streets.

Nativity scenes

During the Christmas season, Malaga becomes a hub for nativity scenes (belenes), a cherished tradition in Andalusia. Over 70 nativity displays can be found across the city, with highlights including the elaborate setups at the Cathedral, the Town Hall, and the spectacular scene in the La Mosca neighborhood. Each year, the Malaga City Council provides a guide to help visitors discover these beautiful representations of the Christmas story.

Municipal Nativity Scene of Malaga Town Hall

The Nativity Scene of the Town Hall of Malaga is the oldest in Malaga and one of the most visited.

It has more than 400 porcelain figures spread over 140 square metres. For 2025, the opening dates and schedule have not yet been confirmed, but it is expected to be open from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm and from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm (with some exceptions on certain days).

Málaga Cathedral Nativity Scene

The Nativity Scene of Málaga Cathedral is one of the traditional displays in the historic center. This handcrafted nativity covers 68 square meters and features figures created by some of the finest nativity sculptors in Spain.

Visitors can enter through Plaza del Obispo, offering easy access from both the Cathedral surroundings and the Alameda Principal.

It usually opens to the public at the beginning of December, becoming a must-see stop on any Christmas tour around the center of Málaga.

New Year’s Eve in Málaga

Are you planning to welcome the New Year in Malaga? If so, you can’t miss the celebration in the Plaza de la Constitución. There, every New Year’s Eve, thousands of people gather to eat the traditional Spanish 12 grapes (which, according to legend, bring good luck if eaten to the rhythm of the chimes that mark the arrival of the new year). The square usually starts to fill up with people from 22:00h and onwards.

Once midnight has passed, you can find a wide variety of bars, pubs and discos where you can celebrate the arrival of the new year. However, due to the large number of people who go out to party on New Year’s Eve, we recommend that you find out about buying tickets in advance.

Christmas procession

Although December 25^th might mark the end of Christmas, Three Kings Day on January 6^th is actually the most commonly celebrated occasion and is one not to be missed when in Malaga over the Christmas period. We Love Malaga loves “the atmosphere in the city. Malaga is a very welcoming city and the whole town, especially the old town likes to take part in this celebration, from young to elderly people”. Marking the day where gifts are exchanged, tradition dictates that children leave their shoes by their door on the evening of January 5^th to hopefully awake to gifts inside them.

On January 5^th, a parade makes its way through Malaga and many other Spanish locations to mark the arrival of the three kings. The procession is to celebrate the journey that the kings had to make in order to reach Jesus and is marked by the kings throwing sweets to the children that they pass. With the kings frequently arriving on camels, the rest of the floats are brightly decorated in beautiful colours, with music often bringing an element of celebration to the parade.

Other Christmas plans around the province of Málaga

Beyond the lights and markets, the province of Málaga offers plenty of other ways to enjoy the festive season – from local cuisine to open-air concerts, every town adds its own charm to the holidays.

Gastronomy and traditional sweets

In Málaga, Christmas is also something you can taste. If there’s one thing we recommend, it’s to try the borrachuelos filled with honey or the roscos de vino – they smell of cinnamon and anise and taste like true Andalusian Christmas.

In Ronda, the famous Yemas del Tajo remain a classic, and in the Axarquía region, a glass of sweet Muscat wine is the perfect pairing. Around neighbourhoods such as El Perchel or La Trinidad, pastry shops fill their windows with candied almonds and homemade nougat, bringing a delicious aroma to the streets.

Concerts, fairs and Christmas activities for families

December in Málaga sounds like carols and flamenco guitars. In the capital, concerts at the Cathedral and performances in Plaza de la Constitución set the soundtrack to the Christmas lights. In Ronda, Antequera, and Vélez-Málaga, zambombá parties and choir performances blend local tradition with festive joy. Families can enjoy ice rinks, funfairs, and Christmas villages – from Málaga’s fairground theme park to the monumental Nativity Scene in Torrox, every corner offers a reason to celebrate.

Our tips for visiting the Costa del Sol at Christmas

Experiencing Christmas on the Costa del Sol is something truly special – mild weather, festive spirit, and endless cultural and culinary options. We recommend renting a car or planning your route along the coast to make the most of the season’s events. Days are pleasantly warm, but it’s best to bring a light jacket for the cooler evenings, especially inland.

If you’re travelling with children, book accommodation and event tickets in advance, particularly for the December long weekend and New Year’s Eve, when demand peaks. And above all, take your time to enjoy the local atmosphere – the blend of lights, music, and Mediterranean warmth that makes Christmas in Málaga so unique.

With all these plans, you already have many reasons not to miss Christmas in Malaga. Visit our blog to keep up to date with the most important events and festivities on the Costa del Sol.