Christmas in Málaga has become a real highlight in the calendar, thanks to the city's impressive light display that floods the streets with twinkling festive colours.
Málaga Christmas lights 2025: switch‑on, season, and what’s new
Málaga’s festive nightscape has gained a reputation as one of the best Christmas light displays in Spain. It builds from a single, glittering spine: Calle Larios. This year, the Ángeles Celestiales theme returns on Larios, the crowning jewel of Christmas in Málaga.
City lighting hours typically run from 6.30 pm to midnight, Sunday to Wednesday. On Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and the eves of public holidays, they tend to run until 2 am, with extended hours on 24th and 31st December.
Calle Larios light show 2025: times and viewing tips
The synchronised sound‑and‑light display on Larios runs in three evening passes at 6.30 pm, 8 pm and 10 pm most nights. For clearer sightlines, stand at the north end by Plaza de la Constitución or slip into a side street and angle back towards the canopy. Early weekday evenings tend to be calmer than weekends or puente dates in early December, and a light layer helps once the breeze picks up.
When are the Christmas lights turned on in Málaga?
The switch‑on ceremony takes place on Friday, 28th November 2025 at 6.30 pm on Calle Lario. From then on, the illuminations run every evening through to 6th January, with the Larios show’s three nightly passes.
Other Christmas light experiences in Málaga 2025
Beyond Calle Larios, the centre dresses up beautifully with statement trees, elegant street pieces and special shows along the waterfront. The city also brings back video mapping and a drone display over the harbour.
- Cathedral video mapping on the Mocha tower: the projection returns in 2025 on the cathedral’s exterior.
- Drone light show over the port: premiere on 3rd December, with further shows on 4th, 6th, 7th and 9th December at 8.30 pm.
- Giant Christmas trees: centrepieces on Plaza de la Constitución, Plaza de la Marina, and Plaza del Obispo add easy photo stops between show passes.
- Calle San Juan décor: chandeliers and Thai lanterns brighten the side streets for a quieter wander away from the main crowds.
- Paseo del Parque: the avenue’s trees are illuminated, giving a gentle, palm‑lined stroll that pairs nicely with the waterfront.
- City Hall projections and nativity: 2D projections on the Ayuntamiento façade and a traditional nativity inside add a classic touch near the river end of the centre
Visiting Málaga around the Christmas lights
Malaga is undoubtedly one of the best places to celebrate Christmas in Spain, particularly if you don't like the cold. Plan your evening so you’re in the centre a little before the first pass, then wander the side streets for a calmer route to Calle Larios. If you’re keen on skyline photos, scout a couple of panoramic viewpoints in Málaga earlier in the day and return after the shows for night shots over the old town.
For a cosy post‑lights drink, take your pick from the best rooftop terraces in Málaga; several have winter menus and heaters, and the views over the angels on Larios are a treat. If you’re padding out a long weekend, a gentle day trip to the most picturesque town in Málaga brings a different side of the province.
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