Christmas lights in Málaga 2024

One of the first signs that Christmas is almost here is the installation of Christmas lights in the streets. Since the end of October, it is common to see how the most important squares and streets in Malaga begin to prepare for one of the most magical times of the year.

Christmas lights in Larios Street

Without a doubt, the Christmas lights in Calle Larios is one of the most outstanding activities during Christmas in Malaga. Specifically, this famous attraction brings together a total of approximately 300,000 people.

The Christmas Lights on Larios consists of 32 columns that are installed on the sides of the entire pedestrian street, and which are accompanied by different Christmas themes. In past editions, the Celestial Angels were the main characters.

Such is the fame of “Calle Larios” at Christmas time that it has become a reference point for Christmas lights in Spain. The fact is that, in order for it to take place, more than 300 electronic elements and up to 2 million LED lights are needed. All this work results in a spectacle that attracts thousands of tourists every day.

When will the Calle Larios Christmas lights be switched on?

Although the exact time has not yet been announced, the lighting of the Calle Larios Christmas lights will take place on the 29th of November.

Moreover, Black Friday coincides with the Christmas lights opening, so prepare for a very crowded city centre in Malaga on that day.

Timetable of the Christmas lighting in Calle Larios

In past editions, the lighting was turned on from 18:30h until 00:00h from Monday to Thursday, while on weekends it is extended and lasts until 02:00h.  During the evening, there are three daily light shows: at 18:30h, 20:00h and 22:00h, where the show is accompanied by Christmas music.

How to get to Calle Larios

Calle Larios is the main pedestrian street in Malaga and located in the historic centre. To get to the centre, there are different alternatives:

Rent a car for Christmas in Malaga

If you come from abroad and prefer to move around by car, you can rent a car in Malaga. The city centre has severalpublic parking buildings as well as screens that show the availability of parking spaces in these buildings.

Even so, it can be difficult to park in the city centre, so we recommend that if you go by car, don’t park in the city centre and use public transport to get there.

Málaga Metro

Taking the Metro to the centre is a very convenient option considering the large number of people who visit the centre at Christmas time.

You can take any of the 2 available lines and get to the Atarazanas stop, located on Paseo del Parque, just 5 minutes’ walk from Calle Larios. The metro lines run until midnight on weekdays and until 1.30am on weekends.

 Buses to Malaga city centre

Malaga has an extensive city bus system. The lines that connect with the Historic Centre are frequent and diverse, which facilitates access to Larios Street from almost anywhere in the city. You can use lines such as 1, 3, 11, 14 or 23, which have stops close to the centre.

Cercanías train to Málaga (Local train service)

If you are going to the centre of Malaga from the airport or any town on the Costa del Sol (such as Torremolinos, Benalmádena or Fuengirola), another option is to take the local train (Tren de Cercanías). The C1 line connects to Malaga-Centro Alameda Station, from where it is only a few minutes’ walk to Calle Larios.

Light Show at the Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden La Concepcion in Malaga is one of the most important tropical gardens in Europe. During the Christmas season, a light show attracts more than 100,000 visitors.

This year, under the slogan ‘Illusion. Christmas has many faces but only one heart’, visitors will be able to enjoy an hour and a half long tour in which they can enjoy a world of fantasy and nature where the protagonists will be the elves.

Map of the Botanical Garden

This year, the Botanical Garden is transformed into a fantastic world made up of 7 zones: 1 – The Abode of the Queen of the Elves, The Polar Express Station, The Grinch’s Lair, The Magical Elves‘ Forest, Santa Claus’ Mansion, The Forest of the Chimney and The Lighthouse of Illusion.

Opening hours of the Botanical Garden Light Show

The show will be open to the public from 29 November to 6 January, with shows every 30 minutes between 6.30pm and 9.30pm (except on 24 and 31 December, when it will be closed). To guarantee a comfortable and safe experience, each pass admits a maximum of 400 people.

Tickets to the Botanic Garden at Christmas: Prices, Discounts and How to Buy them

Tickets to the Botanic Garden at Christmas have a general price of 15.5 euros for adults and 11.5 euros for children. In addition, there are several discount options that make this experience more accessible on selected dates:

• • Days with 50% discount: Ticket prices are reduced by half on 2, 10, 16, 25, and 30 December.

• • Last time period: The 21:30 pm shows have a reduced price of 11.5 euros for adults and 7.5 euros for children.

• • Group discount: Groups of 10 people or more can get a 30% discount on tickets.

To guarantee access, it is advisable to purchase tickets for Botanical Garden online in advance, as each pass is limited to 400 people to ensure a comfortable and safe visit.

How to get to the Botanical Garden

The Jardín Botánico-Histórico La Concepción in Málaga is located about 5 km from the Malaga city centre, at Camino del Jardín Botánico, 3. There are different ways to get to the Botanical Garden:

Drive to the Botanical Garden by car

From Malaga city centre, take the A-45 in a northerly direction and follow the signs to the Botanical Garden. Parking is available near the site, but due to the popularity of the Christmas event, it is advisable to arrive early to find a space.

Buses to the Botanical Garden in Malaga

The EMT of Malaga offers several bus lines connecting the centre with areas close to the Botanical Garden. Special shuttles from strategic points and connections with tourist buses further facilitate access.

Specifically, the last stop on Line 2 leaves close to the Botanical Gardens, a 15-minute walk away.

Another option is to take the Green Line of the Malaga Tourist Bus, which stops at the Botanical Gardens.

Festival de las Linternas: Dates and Timetable 2024

Another event not to be missed if you visit Malaga at Christmas time is the Lantern Festival (‘Festival de las Linternas’in Spanish) in Malaga’s Parque del Oeste. From the 30th of November until the 15th of February 2025, this cultural and artistic spectacle will illuminate the park, fusing Chinese tradition with modern creativity in a magical experience of lights and colours.

Inspired by the traditional Lantern Festival in China, this event in Malaga will feature more than 600 illuminated (and handmade) pieces and 4,000 points of light, transforming every corner of the park into a colourful work of art. This year’s event commemorates the Year of the Dragon, and is a unique event in Spain. So don’t miss it!

Timetable of the Festival de las Linternas in Málaga

The Lantern Festival in Malaga will start on the 30th of November 2024 and end on the 15th of February 2025. Attendees will be able to choose between 4 time sessions: 18:00h, 19:15h, 20:30h and 21:45h. Doors open at 17:30h.

How to get tickets for the Festival de las Linternas in Málaga

To get tickets for the Festival de las Linternas in Málaga, attendees can purchase them online. Currently, they are available in pre-sale with a price of 14 euros until the 21st of November. The price ranges from 15 to 20 euros at the box office. In addition, there are some special prices:

• • If you are a resident/native of Malaga, you can get a discount by presenting your ID.

• • Groups of more than 20 people also qualify for a discount.

• • Additional discounts: There are special prices for people with disabilities, large families and people over 64 years old. It is necessary to present the corresponding accreditation when entering the venue.

How to get to Parque del Oeste

To get to Parque del Oeste, there are different alternatives. Consider one of these transport options if you want to attend the Festival de las Linternas:

Malaga Metro

You can use the metro and get off at La Paz or Puerta Blanca, which are about 10-15 minutes’ walk from the park.

Drive to the Parque del Oeste de Málaga

The Parque del Oeste is only a 10-minute drive from the centre or from Malaga Airport, if you take the N-340.

Although there are parking spaces near the park, demand tends to be high during special events such as the festival. We recommend arriving early and looking for parking in nearby areas such as Martiricos or the Palacio de Deportes area. Also, bear in mind that in Malaga there is blue zone parking, so you can look to see if there are paid parking areas available near the Park.

Videomapping in the Cathedral of Malaga

The video mapping show transforms the south façade of the tower of Malaga Cathedral. Every year, attendees can enjoy a show for the little ones in which bright images and animations of all kinds merge.

The show is accompanied by some effects such as sound machines, spotlights or robotic heads, which take the show to the next level.

Videomapping timetable Malaga Cathedral

Currently, there is no information about the Videomapping of the Cathedral of Malaga 2024, but in previous years the shows started on the 1st of December until the 4th of January, with a total of 3 daily shows that will take place at 19:00, 20:30 and 22:00 hours, with the exception of the 24th and 31st of December.

Where is the Malaga Cathedral

Malaga Cathedral, known as ‘La Manquita’ because of its unfinished tower, is located in the heart of Malaga’s old town, in the Plaza del Obispo. This privileged location allows visitors to explore the cathedral.

Drone show at Christmas in Malaga

Another of the most luminous events of the past editions was a drone show from the Cruise Terminal. With more than 120 drones, the show recreates Christmas images in the Port of Malaga.

This show is visible from the Palmeral de las Sorpresas, Muelle Uno and Gibralfaro.

Officials have not confirmed the dates and times for this year yet.

As you can see, Christmas is a great opportunity to enjoy unique events and shows in Malaga. Visit our blog so you don’t miss out on information about activities on the Costa del Sol and we look forward to seeing you soon!

In this article, we bring you all the information about the Christmas lights events in Malaga, take note and don’t miss them, they are all worth it!