Christmas in Malaga 2025 promises to be once again one of the most spectacular in Spain. The famous lighting of Calle Larios, the Christmas markets, the nativity scenes and a wide range of activities make the city a must-see destination during these dates. In this guide you will find all the updated information about the lighting of lights, traditions, events and tips to make the most of these holidays.
The lighting of the lights at Calle Larios 2025
The most awaited moment of Christmas in Malaga is, without a doubt, the lighting of the lights in the emblematic Calle Larios. Every year thousands of people gather to watch this unique spectacle of light and music that officially marks the beginning of the holidays in the city. In this 2025 the lighting will take place at the end of November, on Friday November 28 is confirmed by the City Council of Malaga from 18:30 pm in several passes as usual.
Enjoy the light show without crowds and with the best views of the center of Malaga:
Christmas markets in Malaga 2025 not to be missed
Christmas markets are another of the great attractions of Christmas in Malaga. During the holidays, the city is filled with craft stalls, typical products, Christmas decorations and local and traditional cuisine. The most famous is the Muelle Uno market, next to the port, which every year offers wooden booths with original gifts, traditional sweets and activities for the whole family. You will also find other flea markets scattered around the city, ideal for charming Christmas shopping. A brief summary here:
Muelle Uno Christmas Market
The most popular flea market in Malaga opens its wooden booths facing the sea, creating a unique atmosphere. Here you will find
Malaga Park Market
Located along the Paseo del Parque in Malaga, this flea market offers typical products, toys, sweets and local crafts. It is one of the favorites of Malaga’s families, perfect for a stroll after seeing the illumination of the historic center.
Christmas Market at El Corte Inglés Málaga
The traditional Christmas market of El Corte Ingles in Malaga is another point that you should not miss, it is one of the most important and popular in Malaga. It will be located in
Nativity scene and Christmas traditions in Malaga
The nativity scene tradition is one of the most beloved expressions of Christmas in Malaga. Every winter, many churches, museums, associations and public spaces set up nativity scenes of different styles -from the most classic to the most innovative- so that locals and visitors can enjoy the Christmas spirit. In this section you will discover some of the most recommended nativity scenes and Christmas customs that enrich the festive experience in Malaga.
Municipal Nativity Scene of the Malaga City Hall
The Municipal Nativity Scene set up in the Patio de Banderas of the City Hall is one of the most emblematic of the city. Traditionally its assembly is inaugurated in the first days of December and remains open until January 6, with morning and afternoon schedules.
Monumental Nativity Scene of Malaga Cathedral
Every year, the Cathedral houses a monumental nativity scene managed by the Asociación Belenista La Alcazaba. In 2024 it occupied about 68 m² and was open from December 1 to January 6, with special hours on holidays. It is one of the most beautiful nativity scenes in the city because of the significant enclave in which it is located.
Monumental Nativity Scene at the Diputación de Málaga
One of the most spectacular nativity scenes is that of the Diputación: in 2024 it had almost 2,000 figures, 18,000 miniatures and lighting effects, installed in a large-scale scenography. Its opening hours for Christmas 2025 will be the same as last year, from 10:00 to 21:00 h (with variations on 24, 25, 31 December and 1 and 6 January).
Other special nativity scenes.
Other nativity scenes are exhibited in different parts of the city, in neighborhoods and popular places such as:
- The Living Nativity Scene at Casa Diocesana: it is performed with real actors and scenery.
- The Underwater Nativity Scene at Sea Life Benalmádena: an original proposal on the Costa del Sol that mixes marine nature with nativity scene tradition.
- Other neighborhood Nativity Scenes and local associations: in many parishes, neighborhood associations and cultural centers, more modest nativity scenes are set up, very close to the general public.
Discover Malaga illuminated from an electric car with a local guide and stops at the most emblematic places:
Activities and entertainment for the whole family 2025
Christmas in Malaga is a very special time that Malagueños celebrate with their families. During this holiday many events are celebrated throughout the city, in addition to an infinity of leisure and cultural activities.
Street concerts and traditional zambombas
During the Christmas holidays in Málaga, it’s typical for the streets of the historic center to come alive with live zambombás and Christmas carols performed by local groups. These spontaneous or scheduled performances take place in squares like Félix Sáenz, Plaza de la Merced, or on streets near the Soho neighborhood, offering free traditional music to residents and visitors.
These performances bring a close and cultural atmosphere to the nativity scene tour, making you walk through the city while listening to guitars, clapping and carols in the open air, combining musical tradition and festive stroll.
Three Kings Parade in Malaga 2026
The Three Kings’ Parade is the grand finale of the Christmas festivities in Málaga. On January 5, 2026, Their Majesties the Three Wise Men will parade through the main streets of the historic center in a parade filled with lights, music, and themed floats. Every year, hundreds of extras and bands participate, and thousands of candies are distributed to the audience, making it a must-attend event for families and visitors.
The usual route starts at the Malaga City Hall and runs through emblematic streets such as Alameda Principal and Calle Larios, ending again in the downtown area.
Other more traditional parades are also held in the different neighborhoods of the city in the days prior to the official parade in the center of Malaga, in which the residents of these neighborhoods participate with costumes of different themes.
Experience the magic of Christmas in Malaga with a comfortable, sustainable and unique experience:
Electric car tour of the Christmas lights in Malaga
One of the most original and comfortable ways to discover Christmas in Malaga is with an electric car tour. These tours allow you toenjoy the Christmas lights from a different perspective, avoiding crowds and with the advantage of visiting several areas in less time.
In addition to the famous lighting of Calle Larios, the tours usually include other highlights such as the Alameda Principal, Muelle Uno, Plaza de la Constitución or even neighborhoods with a more local atmosphere. During the tour, the guide shares curiosities of the city and details of Malaga’s Christmas traditions.
These tours are conducted in 100% electric vehicles, environmentally friendly, silent and with capacity for small and private groups, which guarantees a personalized experience. Therefore, they are an ideal option for families, couples or groups of friends looking to experience the magic of Christmas in a different way.
Practical tips to enjoy Christmas in Malaga 2025
📍During Christmas the center of Malaga is full of visitors, so it is best to go by public transport.
👨👩👧👦 If you are traveling with children, it is best to visit the illumination early in the morning, avoiding rush hours.
Around Calle Larios and Plaza de la Constitución you will find bars and restaurants with special seasonal menus.
Updates
Many events and shows confirm their dates throughout November and December. We recommend that you check back with this guide, which will be updated with the latest information.
And remember:
We are waiting for you in Malaga to show it to you in the most fun, comfortable and ecofriendly way you will ever know, enjoy our electric car tour !
