Christmas in Malaga is one of the most magical times of the year. The city is transformed into a spectacle of lights and color, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world. In this guide, we tell you everything you need to know to make the most of Christmas in Malaga in 2024: from the famous lights switch-on to the Christmas markets and the best activities for the whole family.
1. ✨ The Lighting of the Lights in Larios Street
The most anticipated event is undoubtedly the lighting of lights on Calle Larios, which this year will take place on November 29 at 18:30. This iconic street in the center of Malaga will shine with its characteristic light and music show, where the impressive 16 Heavenly Angels will once again star. The show will be repeated three times a day, at 18:30, 20:00 and 21:00, throughout the Christmas season.
Tip: For the best views, arrive early and be sure to find a good spot on Calle Larios or Plaza de la Constitución.
2. Christmas Markets that You Can't Miss
The flea markets are an essential part of Christmas in Malaga. Here are the highlights for 2024:
- Malaga’s Paseo del Parque Market: Along the Paseo del Parque in Malaga, you can find different stalls of traditional crafts of Christmas in Malaga. Sweets, nougats, chocolates and mantecados complement the offer of this Christmas Market that has been celebrated in the city for more than 30 years. They will be available to visit from November 22nd to January 5th.
- Muelle Uno: This market runs until January 10 and has more than 50 craft stalls, gourmet products and a wide gastronomic offer. In addition, you will find the Snow Village and activities for children, perfect for an afternoon with the family.
- Plaza de la Merced Market: A classic downtown market, where you can buy Christmas items, handmade gifts and traditional sweets.
- El Corte Inglés Christmas Market. This year again in the surroundings of the Corte Ingles shopping center. You can enjoy another Christmas market with a lot of tradition in Malaga. Christmas decorations, gifts, products made with care and sweets that will fill your table with tradition. From Thursday, November 28 to January 5.
Extra Tip: Visit the Pier One flea market at sunset to enjoy the views of the illuminated harbor and Christmas lights reflected in the water.
3. Bethlehem and Christmas Traditions
You can’t miss the monumental Nativity Scene at Malaga Cathedral, which this year includes an interactive section for the little ones. Other notable nativity scenes include those in the churches of San Juan and Santo Domingo, as well as the famous the famous living nativity scene in the neighborhood of El Palo. Also at the Malaga City Hall you can enjoy one of the most important and historic nativity scenes in the city.
4. Activities and Entertainment for the whole Family
Malaga is full of Christmas activities for all ages. Here are some not to be missed:
- Christmas concerts at the Plaza de la Constitución. From November 29th at the inauguration of the Christmas lighting, different shows and concerts of Christmas music will begin. On a stage in the Plaza itself, you can enjoy the most Christmas atmosphere in the city. On the official website of the City Council you have the official Agenda. Special recommendation of the Ortigosa Flamenco Music Group.
- Ice rinks in the city center and in the Paseo del Parque.
- The traditional Three Kings Parade on January 5, which will run through the main streets of Malaga and will culminate in the Alameda Principal with a great show. Also in the different districts and neighborhoods of the city are held other Three Kings parades, in which the residents of the city participate on January 4.
- Enjoy the traditional gastronomy of these holidays. It is highly recommended to try the churros with hot chocolate in the traditional cafes ( Aranda House )
- Lights of the ConceptionA great light show at the Botanical Garden of La Concepcion from November 29th to January 6th. In the heart of a majestic nature, where the landscapes seem to come out of a fairy tale, ILLUSION is born, a show that transcends the everyday and transports us to a world of magic and wonder.
- Lantern Festival at Parque del Oeste: One of this year’s new features, with illuminated lanterns inspired by Chinese tradition, available from November 30 to February 15.
Events for this weekend: (30/12/2024 - 06/01/2025)
Gastronomy:
- Christmas markets in Paseo del Parque and Muelle Uno, and in the Plaza del Centro Comercial El Cortes Inglés. With a myriad of craft stalls, food and gifts. A perfect place to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere and taste the traditional sweets.
- Christmas Cocktail Route. Several bars and restaurants in the center of Malaga participate in this route, offering special Christmas-themed cocktails.
- Chocoland at Muelle Uno. A space dedicated to chocolate lovers, with stalls offering various chocolate delicacies.
Events on New Year's Eve (December 31, 2024):
Concerts in the Plaza de la Constitución in Malaga for the next weekend, within the cycle “Music at Christmas”:
Celebration at the Plaza de la Constitución:
- The City Council of Malaga has prepared a special New Year’s Eve in the Plaza de la Constitución to say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2025. The party will start after nine o’clock at night. There will be 5,000 bags of grapes and 5,000 bags of cotillion. We will also have a multimedia show and the Sótano Sur Orchestra.
Parties in local and discotheques:
- Several clubs and discos in Malaga offer dinners and theme parties to celebrate New Year’s Eve. It is advisable to consult in advance and make reservations due to the high demand.
Events for the next weekend (January 4 and 5, 2025), Three Kings Parade:
- January 5, 2025. The traditional Cavalcade will travel through the main streets of Malaga, distributing illusion and candy to children and adults. The route along the historic center and from 18:00 h The exact route will be announced by the Ayuntamien.
- On January 4, 2025, there will also be different parades of kings in other neighborhoods or districts, Cruz de Humilladero District, Miraflores District, Puerto de la Torre District, Churriana, el Palo, among others.
Featured events:
-
Exhibition Treasures of the Magi’.Presented at the Museum of the Agrupación de Cofradías de Málagaoffering a unique experience that unveils the history and legacy of the wise men of the East. From November 16th to January 28th. An exceptional opportunity to explore the symbolism and influence of the Magi throughout the centuries. It combines art, history and technology in an experience suitable for the whole family.
Christmas Amusement Park in Teatinos
- Date: Until January 6
- Schedule:
- Weekdays: 17:00 to 20:30 hours
- Weekends and holidays: 12:00 to 13:30 and 17:00 to 22:00 hours.
- It includes musical performances, workshops, theater, children’s attractions and food stands.
Santa Claus Village in Virginia Beach Park
- Date: Saturday, December 21
- Hours: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
- A magical space for the little ones with the presence of Santa Claus and his elves, bouncy castles, Christmas workshops, puppet theater, ice rink, Christmas train and a mechanical reindeer. Virginia Beach, El Palo Neighborhood.
5. Christmas Tour by Electric Car
If you want to enjoy Christmas in Malaga in a unique way, we recommend an electric car tour through the historic center. This experience will allow you to see the Christmas lights from a different angle, without worrying about traffic or parking, as well as having the best recommendations in the city from our local guides.
6. Practical Tips for Visiting Malaga at Christmas
– Accommodation: Book your hotel in advance, as the city fills up with tourists during these dates.
– Transportation: Use public transportation or bike and electric car rental services to get around the city in a sustainable way.
– Weather: Although Malaga has a mild winter, bring a jacket for the cooler nights.
Discover Malaga on an electric and ecological tour. Our tour will take you through the main attractions and most illuminated places of the city. Enjoy the magic of Malaga in a unique and sustainable way. Book your tour now and experience an unforgettable Christmas in Malaga!
