Málaga at Christmas shines brighter than ever, with artistic illuminations, immersive shows, seaside markets, and seasonal events suitable for families, couples, and solo travellers alike. If you’re planning a festive trip and wondering what to do in Málaga at Christmas 2025, here’s your complete guide. From iconic light displays to traditional nativity scenes and bustling Christmas markets, these are the experiences you cannot miss.
Málaga at Christmas: highlights and attractions
In the heart of Málaga, the historic centre transforms into a magical Christmas stage, filled with twinkling lights, music, and festive decorations. Throughout the city, you’ll find markets, nativity scenes, concerts, and culinary experiences. Here are the main attractions:
Calle Larios: Málaga’s Christmas lights
Calle Larios, the city’s main shopping street, once again becomes the centrepiece of Málaga’s Christmas celebrations, featuring its famous daily light show in three sessions. In 2025, the display will include stars and Nativity scenes, synchronised with a festive musical soundtrack.
- Dates: 29 November to 5 January (except 24 and 31 December)
- Times: Daily at 18:30, 20:30, and 22:00
Across the city, more than 2.7 million lights will illuminate streets, squares, and iconic landmarks, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Video mapping at Málaga Cathedral
This year, Málaga Cathedral on Calle Molina Lario presents the new video mapping show “El pescador de sueños” (“The Dream Fisher”). Inspired by the city’s traditional basket sellers, it combines laser projections, smoke effects, aerial lighting, and 3D animations.
- Dates: 29 November to 4 January
- Times: Daily at 19:00, 20:30, and 22:00
- Duration: 8–9 minutes
It has quickly become one of Málaga’s top Christmas attractions, perfect for families and festive visitors.
Christmas markets in Málaga
Málaga’s Christmas markets are full of charm, offering crafts, gifts, seasonal treats, live music, and children’s activities. Key markets include:
- Paseo del Parque: 28 November 2025 to 6 January 2026 – crafts, toys, decorations, and workshops for children.
- Muelle Uno: gourmet products, gifts, live performances, and a dining area overlooking the Mediterranean.
- Plaza Antonio Banderas (El Corte Inglés): 28 November 2025 to 5 January, open 11:00–22:00 – wooden stalls with sweets and decorations.
- Neighbourhood markets: Soho (art and design), Teatinos and Huelin (local markets with children’s entertainment).
Luces de la Concepción at the Botanical Garden
The Luces de la Concepción returns to the La Concepción Historical-Botanical Garden with the Alice Christmas route: illuminated pathways, light sculptures, dining areas, and a 70-minute evening stroll.
- Dates: 28 November to 6 January
- Times: 18:30–22:30
- Tickets: Adults €15.50, Children (3–12) €11.50, with special discounted days.
Nativity scenes in Málaga
Málaga is renowned for its traditional nativity scenes (belenes), a must-see during the festive season. Highlights include:
- Municipal Nativity at City Hall: over 400 figures with day/night lighting effects and local references.
- Cathedral Nativity: covering 40 m², created by the Belenistas Association, depicting biblical scenes.
- Cofradía de Estudiantes Nativity: Andalusian-style nativity, highly regarded by visitors.
- Hermandad del Sepulcro Nativity: handmade from recycled materials with around 200 figures.
- Belén de la Mosca: a spectacular nativity requiring six months to assemble, located in the eastern neighbourhood of La Mosca.
Other festive activities for all ages
- Sabor a Málaga Food Market: 4–9 December at Paseo del Parque – over 100 stalls offering local cheeses, wines, and sweets.
- Música en Navidad Concert Series: 13–23 December at Plaza de la Constitución – free concerts with festive tunes.
- Parque de Navidad Hielo Azul: Cortijo de Torres – Andalusia’s largest XXL ice rink.
Christmas in Málaga with Children
Málaga is perfect for families. Children will love the Calle Larios light show, the cathedral video mapping, and the Christmas markets with dedicated children’s areas.
- Ice skating at Parque de Navidad Hielo Azul – XXL rink for young and old.
- Circoescuela Fantasía in Axarquía: 15 November to 23 December – Santa’s Workshop where kids help elves with letters and gifts.
Christmas in Málaga province: day trips and charming towns
Venture beyond the city to explore towns adorned with lights, markets, and festive activities:
- Alfarnate – Circoescuela Fantasía: themed Santa village with elves and Santa appearances.
- Ronda: Christmas market at Plaza del Socorro, flamenco carols, and parades.
- Antequera: nativity trail with 60+ displays and tastings of traditional sweets.
- Mijas: Christmas market and nativity trail in illuminated white houses.
- Nerja: grand Christmas tree and light show at Balcón de Europa.
- Marbella: festive illuminations on Calle Córdoba and Plaza de los Naranjos.
- Benalmádena: Christmas market with artisan stalls and children’s activities.
- Torrox: local tradition of eating migas with wine and festive celebrations.
Why visit Málaga at Christmas?
Málaga is a must-visit during the festive season, with its mild climate, magical decorations, and vibrant Christmas atmosphere. Streets glow with millions of lights, markets bustle with activity, and nativity scenes, live music, sweets, and ice rinks make it a top destination for families, couples, and festive travellers.
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