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 anticipated moment of Christmas in Málaga is undoubtedly the switching on of the lights on the iconic Calle Larios. Every year, thousands of people gather to witness this unique spectacle of light and music that officially marks the start of the holiday season in the city.
In this 2025, Calle Larios will have a completely new lighting system. The traditional luminous angels give way to large decorative medallions inspired by Nativity scenes, distributed among the columns that run along the street. The light and sound show will be held three times a day – at 6:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. –accompanied by Christmas music and synchronized effects.
The official inauguration will be on November 28, and the new installation has more than 2.7 million LED lights with Ecogreenlux sustainable technology, which reduces light pollution by up to 93%. The lighting of Paseo del Parque and San Juan Street has also been renewed, consolidating Malaga as one of the most spectacular cities in Spain at this time of the year.
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 handmade gifts, Christmas decorations, winter clothes and a wide gastronomic offer. In addition, it usually has activities for children and live shows.
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 the
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 of Malaga is one of the classic Christmas visits, installed in the Patio de Banderas of the City Hall. Access is free of charge. Visitors can enjoy it from December 6 to January 6, with regular opening hours from 10:00-14:00 and 17:00-21:00. In addition, this work stands out for its monumental character and the lighting effects that make it attractive both day and night.
Monumental Nativity Scene of Malaga Cathedral
Every year, the Cathedral hosts a monumental nativity scene managed by the Asociación Belenista La Alcazaba. This year
Monumental Nativity Scene at the Diputación de Málaga
The Monumental Nativity Scene at the Diputación de Málaga is considered one of the most spectacular. It is installed with a large-scale scenery that includes thousands of miniatures, lighting effects and numerous figures, attracting especially family audiences. As for
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.
Other outstanding Christmas experiences:
Visit to La Concepción Botanical-Historical Garden:
The Botanical Garden of Malaga is transformed during Christmas in a magical setting, premiering a new show this year 2025:
“Alice Christmas” Christmas in the Garden of Wonders
the paths are illuminated with hundreds of thousands of points of light, thematic installations and sensory effects, immersing you in a different and playful experience.
This year’s edition opens on November 28 and will remain until January 6, with shows from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., in which you can enjoy the garden in night version under a unique Christmas atmosphere.
🎡 Christmas Amusement Park of Teatinos
The Teatinos-Universidad district celebrates every year its Christmas Amusement Park, with children’s attractions, food stalls and marquee activities throughout December. Located on Calle Decano Agustín Moreno, it is already a classic of Christmas in Malaga and an ideal plan for families. Its schedule varies each week and will be updated in this guide.
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 " as of December 21, 2025 ".
🪘Zambombás in Málaga this week:
This week, the center of Malaga is filled with flamenco-Christmas atmosphere with several zambombás in the Plaza de la Constitución, within the cycle of Christmas performances. These are the highlights:
Thursday, December 25 (20:30 h): Zambombá Hermanos Ortigosa.
Friday, December 26 (20:30 h): Zambombá Antonio Soto.
Saturday, December 27 (20:30 h): Zambombá Isabel Guerrero.
Sunday, December 28 (20:30 h): Zambombá Ballesteros Family.
🎭Christmas concerts at the center for this week:
Christmas music (Plaza de la Constitución)
From December 20, the Plaza de la Constitución will host the “Music at Christmas” series with free concerts at different times and local artists, an essential date in the historic center during these holidays. See the agenda here
Monday 22 (19:00 h): Promúsica Orchestral Project
Tuesday 23rd (19:00 h): Panda Jotron and Lomillas
Thursday 25 (19:00 h): Málaga Brass Band
Friday 26 (19:00 h): Petticoats for Christmas
Saturday 27th (19:00 h): Jazz School
Sunday 28 (7:00 p.m.): María Cortés
🎭 Christmas theater show : "Auditorio / Teatro Eduardo Ocón".
During the dates between December 26 and 28, the Festival Teatro en Familia en Navidad will be held with free children’s performances designed for children and families, as part of the Christmas program at the cultural center. Hours: 12:00 pm. Free admission.
🎠 Activities at the Teatinos Christmas Park: this week's agenda
During this week, the Teatinos Christmas Park offers outstanding family activities. On December 22 and 23, Santa Claus will visit the park from 17:00 to 20:00 h, along with workshops to write letters with the elves. In addition, on Friday, December 27, there will be a children’s craft workshop (painting totebags) from 12:00 to 13:30 h.
🎥Christmas video mapping at the Cathedral of Málaga
The side of the Cathedral, in Molina Lario street, hosts the Christmas videomapping “El pescador de sueños”, a projection of light and sound inspired by the figure of the Malaga’s fisherman. The show is free, has daily shows at 19:00, 20:30 and 22:00 h until January 4, and has become one of the essential Christmas plans in the center of Malaga.
⛸️Pista Ice XXL in Cortijo de Torres (The largest in Andalusia)
The Cortijo de Torres Municipal Auditorium is transformed into the Blue Ice Christmas Park. This great event hosts the XXL Ice Rink, considered the largest in Andalusia. Its opening will be on December 5. Therefore, you can enjoy ice skating from Monday to Friday from 5:00 pm. In addition, on weekends and holidays it opens from 12:00 h, being an ideal plan for the whole family.
⚓Christmas plans at Pier One this week:
In the Port of Malaga, the Christmas Market at Muelle Uno is still open every day from 10:00 to 22:00 h, with craft, decoration and gastronomic stalls that create a family atmosphere by the sea. In addition, the Casita Taller de la Navidad offers magical workshops for children and music, theater and entertainment activities designed for the whole family, making Muelle Uno one of the most dynamic spaces of Christmas in Malaga.
👧🎭 Free puppet theater at the center.
On Monday, December 22 (19:00-20:00 h) there is a Puppet Theater “Peneque” as part of the Great Children’s Christmas Party in Plaza Enrique García Herrera (Camas Street). It is a perfect plan if families with children come to the center.
🎶 Gospel at the Cervantes Theater
On Monday, December 22 (8:00 p.m.) the South Carolina Gospel Choir will perform at the Cervantes Theater, a very Christmas-like proposal different from the zambombás of the center.
During the dates between December 26 and 28, the Festival Teatro en Familia en Navidad will be held with free children’s performances designed for children and families, as part of the Christmas program at the cultural center. Hours: 12:00 pm. Free admission.
Many events and shows confirm their dates throughout November and December. We recommend that you revisit 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 !
