The Christmas lights in Málaga are due to return on Friday 27 November 2026, with the official switch-on planned for 19:00. The date falls on Black Friday and two days before the general election scheduled for Sunday 29 November.
Málaga Christmas lights 2026: dates and opening hours
Expected to be some of the best Christmas lights in Spain, the official opening of Málaga’s Christmas lights is scheduled for Friday 27 November 2026 at 7 pm on Calle Larios.
Lighting hours are set out as follows:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 18:30 to 00:00
- Thursday to Saturday and public-holiday eves: 18:30 to 02:00
- 24 and 31 December: special programming until 06:00
Málaga’s lights will remain in place until the first week of January 2027.
Calle Larios Christmas light show 2026
Calle Marqués de Larios will again feature Natividad de luz. The installation uses medallions representing scenes from the Nativity, synchronised with music, alongside 16 stars, 32 side columns and 32 light trails.
The light-and-sound show is scheduled for 18:30, 20:30 and 22:00. On 24 and 31 December and 5 January, the lights will remain switched on without music.
The municipal programme also includes synchronised lighting and music. The musical programme will include Christmas music and traditional Verdiales, a form of Málaga folklore.
Christmas decorations across Málaga
Málaga’s contract includes 27 types of decorative lighting for Christmas and Carnival. Possible installations include:
- Christmas trees between 12 and 19 metres high
- Illuminated almond and walnut trees
- Round-canopy trees using RGB technology to change colours
- Three-dimensional figures up to nine metres high
- Illuminated Nativity scenes
- Street arches measuring between five and 12 metres
- Angel figures measuring up to four metres high and 5.5 metres wide
There'll also be decorations made with recycled materials, intended to remain visible during the day without being illuminated.
Málaga Cathedral videomapping and daily projections
A videomapping display is planned for Málaga Cathedral. Expect projections of images and animations onto real surfaces, with accompanying sound. There'll be up to two screenings per day during a period of at least 40 days.
Cruz de Humilladero Christmas lights
The Cruz de Humilladero district will also receive Christmas decorations, focused on its main square and busy commercial streets:
- Calle Alhambra
- La Unión
- Camino de San Rafael
- Antonio Martelo
The planned decorations include street-crossing arches, lighting fixed to lampposts and illuminated trees. The district’s Christmas lighting will be reused and altered for Carnival without dismantling the supporting structure.
Visiting Málaga around the Christmas lights
Málaga 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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