Spain does the festive season properly, with big city switch‑ons in late November and early December, light‑and‑sound shows on iconic streets, projection mapping on landmark buildings and sweet, low‑key neighbourhood displays.
Where to see the best Christmas lights in Spain 2025
Start with these four heavy hitters. They’re reliable bets for large‑scale displays, family‑friendly schedules and easy city‑centre loops without needing a car. And if you find yourself in Catalonia, then head out to admire Barcelona's 2025 Christmas lights.
- Málaga — Calle Larios canopy; ticketed: La Concepción botanical garden trail
- Madrid — Gran Vía, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor; ticketed: Naviluz bus and park events
- Seville — Avenida de la Constitución and Plaza San Francisco videomapping
- Valencia — Plaza del Ayuntamiento and Calle de la Paz
Málaga Christmas lights 2025
Málaga is famous across Spain for its Christmas lights, with Calle Larios as the crowning jewel. The 2025 switch‑on is Friday 28th November at 6.30 pm, and the season runs until 6th January.
The wider nightscape stretches through the historic centre, including Plaza de la Constitución, Molina Lario, Alameda Principal, Calle San Juan, Puerta del Mar and the cathedral area.
- Calle Larios light‑and‑sound shows: three daily passes at 6:30 pm, 8 pm and 10 pm. The clearest views are near Plaza de la Constitución or from side streets looking in.
- Cathedral mapping: the “Manto de Estrellas” projection returns on the cathedral façade from 1st December to 4th January.
- Park, drones and extras: the immersive “bosque de luces” lights up the Parque de Málaga; drone shows take place over the port and Muelle Uno on set dates in December and early January.
- Las Luces del Botánico: the botanical gardens host a separate, ticketed event under the theme of 'Alice' from 28th November.
Madrid Christmas lights 2025
Madrid goes broad and bright with its Christmas lights this year, with the official switch‑on on Saturday, 22nd November 2025.
There'll be a record spread of LED lighting in 240 locations across the 21 districts. Gran Vía brings scale, Puerta del Sol hosts the emblematic tree, and Plaza Mayor adds that old‑world square glow alongside its seasonal market.
- Switch‑on: Saturday 22nd November 2025, 6 pm, central act at Plaza de Cibeles.
- Naviluz: runs from the end of November 2025 to 6th January 2026. First daily departure 6 pm from Calle de Felipe IV.
- Naturaleza Encendida: a large, open‑air illuminated trail with themed light sculptures and soundscapes located in Enrique Tierno Galván Park.
- El Manantial de los Sueños: a story‑led festive experience with light installations, sets and family‑friendly performances.
Seville Christmas lights 2025
Seville’s switch‑on is set for Friday, 28th November 2025. Expect the historic core to shine along Avenida de la Constitución, Calle Sierpes and Tetuán.
City coverage is broad this year, with 300‑plus streets and squares illuminated across the centre and adjoining areas.
- Switch‑on and season: Friday 28th November 2025 at 6.30 pm. Lights continue nightly until 6 January 2026.
- Navigalia videomapping: audiovisual projections on the Guadalquivir River will light up from 18th December, with six sessions each day.
- Best vantage points: the edges of Plaza San Francisco for a full‑façade view; a calmer line of sight slightly back on Avenida de la Constitución.
Valencia Christmas lights 2025
There’s no official switch‑on date announced yet for 2025, but work crews are already putting up festive garlands across the centre, including along Calle de la Paz and in other busy shopping streets. Expect the main tree and municipal displays to cluster around Plaza del Ayuntamiento, with warm lighting along nearby avenues.
Metro and tram connections put you close to the action via Xàtiva and Colón stations. For food, duck into the lanes off Calle de las Barcas or head towards Mercado de Colón for an easy sit‑down before or after your stroll.
- Switch‑on: to be confirmed by the Ayuntamiento; based on recent years, plan for late November or the first days of December.
- Season: lights typically run nightly into early January, with extra buzz around the Three Kings week.
- Food and markets: handy bites near Mercado de Colón or along Carrer de Jorge Juan; smaller seasonal stalls usually pop up around the centre.
Other Christmas and festive activities in Spain 2025
If you’re building a full trip around the lights, these extras round things out nicely.
- Christmas markets: pair city lights with browsing under the fairy lights at some of Spain's best Christmas markets.
- Northern lights curiosity: after recent geomagnetic shows, aurora forecasts are on more people’s radar. See if you can spot the northern lights in Spain this year.
- Celebrate Christmas somewhere different: break from tradition and spend the festive season in one of Spain's most Christmasy cities.
- Go in search of winter sun: if you're not a fan of the cold, then spend Christmas in one of Spain's best winter holiday destinations, or check out which Spanish cities stay warm in winter.
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