Christmas in Malaga: Lights, Markets and Kid-friendly Activities

Christmas in Málaga is nothing short of magical.

As December rolls in, the city swaps beach towels for twinkling lights, nativity scenes, festive markets, and loads of tradition.

Forget snow and freezing temperatures. Here on the Costa del Sol, Christmas is celebrated under clear skies, mild weather, and streets buzzing with music, food, and festive energy.

From the famous Calle Larios light show to charming Christmas markets, nativity scenes, ice rinks, and funfair rides, Málaga is packed with family-friendly activities.

Here are all the great Christmas activities I could find, along with some of my favourite traditions.

Christmas Lights in Malaga

Calle Larios is the sparkling heart of Christmas in Málaga. Every year, thousands gather to watch the moment the lights come on.

For 2025, the switch-on is scheduled for Friday, November 28 at 6:30 p.m.

From that night through January 6, the lights shine from 6:30 p.m. to midnight (until 2 a.m. on weekends, and 6 a.m. on December 24 and 31).

2025 Theme: A Nativity of Light

This year's theme brings a new look to Málaga's most famous street. The 2025 display replaces last year's angels with 16 illuminated stars, each featuring a glowing rosette with a Nativity scene at its centre.

These sit atop 32 light columns stretching the full length of Calle Larios, creating a cathedral-like tunnel of gold, white, and shimmering detail. They're stunning at night and surprisingly beautiful in broad daylight too.

Light and Sound Shows

The famous light-and-sound shows take place every evening at 6:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., and 10 p.m., except on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Expect the soundtrack to be a mix of Christmas favourites like Jingle Bell Herd, Last Christmas, and All I Want for Christmas.

Other Lights Worth Visiting

While Calle Larios steals most of the attention, Málaga goes big on Christmas lights across the entire city. More than 2.7 million LEDs create a festive trail worth exploring on foot.

Alameda Principal transforms into a glowing tunnel of ficus trees wrapped in 270,000 LED lights, with six giant illuminated decorations that double as perfect selfie frames.

Calle San Juan features sparkling Victoria-style chandeliers and an "Enchanted Cave" effect that makes the whole area feel cosy and whimsical.

Drone Light Show

Down by the port, Palmeral de las Sorpresas, Plaza de la Marina, Muelle Uno, and the viewpoint at Gibralfaro host one of the most spectacular additions: a drone light show.

Using 120 drones flying in unison above the Cruise Terminal area, the show creates floating Christmas images in the night sky. It premieres on December 3, with additional shows on December 4, 6, 7, and 9 at 8:30 p.m., plus a special performance on December 23 at 7:30 p.m.

Large Christmas trees also rise in Plaza de la Constitución, Plaza de la Marina, and Plaza de Jerónimo Cuervo.

Attend the Christmas Ballet

Nothing captures the magic of Christmas quite like a night at the ballet.

If you're spending December in Málaga, you're in luck. The city hosts two beautifully festive ballet performances at the historic Cervantes Theatre.

Swan Lake

December 29, 8:00 p.m.

A global favourite and one of the most iconic ballets of all time. Swan Lake brings Tchaikovsky's soaring music and timeless choreography to Málaga for one night only.

It's a stunning winter performance that blends romance, drama, and breathtaking technique. Tickets start at €18 and can be booked directly through the Cervantes Theatre's official website.

The Nutcracker

January 6, 7:30 p.m.

Performed by the Kiev Ballet, this Christmas classic arrives in Málaga just in time for the Three Kings holiday.

The Nutcracker is pure festive nostalgia, with sparkling costumes, magical sets, and a story that delights children and adults alike. Tickets start from €18.

I will be watching The Nutcracker on January 6. Will you be there?

Christmas Markets in Malaga

City Market

New for this year, Málaga is launching its first-ever City Market at the Málaga Municipal Auditorium.

It takes place on Saturday, December 28, running from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Over 75 stalls sell crafts, plants, fashion (new and vintage), books, jewellery, second-hand treasures, and local products from Sabor a Málaga.

There are also hands-on creative workshops, an appearance from the Three Kings, face-painting, a mini-disco, a bouncy castle, and visits from Christmas-costumed characters like Mickey and Minnie.

Tickets: €1 in advance (via Eventbrite) or €3 at the door. Children and dogs enter for free.

Getting there: Take the No. 20 bus (Los Prados) from Alameda Principal. Allow around 30 minutes, including a short walk.

Sabor a Malaga

If you want to taste the best of the province in one place, the Sabor a Málaga Christmas market is a must.

This five-day food fair brings together producers from across Málaga, filling Paseo del Parque with stalls selling local cheeses, olive oil, cold cuts, pastries, chocolates, liqueurs, honey, and other regional specialities.

Dates: December 4 to 8, daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Alongside the market stalls, the Eduardo Ocón Auditorium hosts cooking demonstrations, food trucks, and live music.

Christmas Market at Muelle Uno

Set along the waterfront beside the iconic Pompidou Cube, the Muelle Uno Christmas Market is one of the most atmospheric festive spots in Málaga.

With the sea on one side and twinkling lights on the other, this market is ideal for a leisurely Christmas stroll. You'll find gastronomy, fashion, jewellery, crafts, and slow-fashion brands, along with plenty of festive treats.

Open: Daily until January 6, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Paseo del Parque Christmas Market

A Christmas classic in Málaga, the Paseo del Parque Christmas Market is one of the city's most traditional and beloved festive stops.

Lining the leafy promenade, you'll find 92 little wooden stalls packed with Christmas gifts, decorations, nativity figures, crafts, and all the festive bits Málagueños pick up each year, including the ever-popular New Year's Eve firecrackers.

Open: Daily from noon to 8 p.m. throughout the Christmas period.

Free Concerts

Carmen Thyssen Museum

Each December, the beautiful courtyard at the Museo Carmen Thyssen (Patio de las Columnas) hosts a series of free evening concerts featuring local choirs and orchestras.

Concert dates vary each year, but they typically take place on several evenings throughout December at 7:30 p.m. Entry is free until the space fills.

Past performances have included children's choirs, classical ensembles, and traditional Andalusian groups.

While you're there, visit the museum's beautiful Neapolitan nativity scene, also displayed in the patio and viewable free of charge. It's one of the most elaborate and artistic nativity scenes in the city.

Municipal Band

Málaga's Banda Municipal de Música is one of the city's oldest and most beloved cultural institutions. Every December, it performs a free Christmas concert open to everyone.

This year, the band's Extraordinary Christmas Concert takes place on Sunday, December 15 at 7:30 p.m. at the Iglesia Parroquial de los Santos Mártires in the historic centre.

The performance features classic Christmas pieces, traditional carols, and specially arranged orchestral works. Entry is free with no ticket required, but seating is limited, so arrive early.

Watch the Light Show at the Cathedral

Málaga Cathedral becomes one of the city's most magical Christmas stages thanks to its spectacular light show, which transforms the south tower into a giant 3D canvas of light, colour, and sound.

This year's show, "The Dream Fisher," pays tribute to the cenachero, a traditional Málaga figure known for selling fish from baskets hanging across his shoulders.

Dates: November 29 to January 4

Showtimes: 7:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m., and 10:00 p.m. (no shows on December 24 and 31)

It's short, free, and easy to catch while exploring the historic centre.

Alice Christmas at the Botanical Gardens

Málaga's historic La Concepción Botanical Garden transforms into a magical world straight out of Alice in Wonderland.

From November 28 to January 6, the gardens host "Alice Christmas," an immersive light-and-sound experience that brings Lewis Carroll's beloved characters to life under the night sky.

Visitors step into nine fantastical worlds, each filled with lights, music, and whimsical installations. Expect glowing pathways, an illuminated ice lake, a golden heart dome, oversized sculptures, and charming encounters with Alice, the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit, and the Queen of Hearts.

This year's edition features an extended route, more lighting zones, new characters who accompany visitors along the trail, and free candyfloss for children under 12.

Open: Daily from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., with 15-minute timed entry slots.

Ticket prices:

• Adults: €15.50
• Children (3-12): €11.50 (under three free)
• Reduced mobility: €12.70
• Groups: €11.30 per person

On select dates (December 1, 9, 15, 22, 29, and January 6), tickets are 50% off. Buy tickets here.

We managed to grab discounted tickets for December 9th. If you make it out there too, tag us in your photos at @spainonfoot!

Visit a Belen Nativity Scene

Nativity scenes, or belénes, are a cherished part of Christmas in Málaga. Nearly 60 are displayed across the city each year, ranging from tiny handcrafted sets to elaborate installations with moving figures and miniature landscapes.

You can find them all on this map of nativity scenes.

Best Nativity Scenes to Visit

Málaga Cathedral One of the most visited in the city. Open: Daily 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-8:30 p.m.

Cofradía de Estudiantes (Calle Alcazabilla) A beautiful traditional scene created by one of Málaga's historic brotherhoods. Open: Monday-Saturday 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5:30-8 p.m.

Carmen Thyssen Museum Displayed during museum hours and wonderfully detailed. Open: Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (closed Mondays)

Archivo Municipal (Alameda Principal 23) Features larger figures set against scenery inspired by the Alcazaba. Open: Mon-Fri 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.; weekends 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

City Hall Nativity Scene A classic Málaga tradition, open from December 3. Open: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.

Museum of Glass & Crystal Home to an exquisite Nativity scene made of over 100 Lladró figures. Open: Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Try a Roscon de Reyes

No Christmas in Spain is complete without tasting a Roscón de Reyes, traditionally eaten on Three Kings' Day (January 6).

This ring-shaped brioche is beautifully soft, often scented with orange blossom, and decorated with candied fruit, sugar, and sometimes nuts. You'll find versions filled with fresh cream, truffle, or custard, but the classic unfilled roscón is just as delicious.

Part of the fun is the surprise hidden inside: each Roscón contains a tiny figurine (the lucky charm) and a dry bean. Whoever finds the figurine gets good luck for the year, and whoever finds the bean traditionally has to pay for next year's roscón.

Buy one from almost any bakery in Málaga during the Christmas season.

Make Time for a Parade

Christmas in Málaga wouldn't be complete without experiencing at least one of its big festive parades.

Throughout December and early January, you'll find colourful, music-filled parades winding through neighbourhoods, shopping streets, and the historic centre.

The most famous is the Three Kings Parade (Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos) on January 5, one of Málaga's most significant annual events. Dozens of floats, dance troupes, marching bands, and costumed performers take over the city as the Three Kings throw sweets to the crowds.

Smaller neighbourhood parades also take place throughout the Christmas period.

Things to Do for Children in Malaga During Christmas

Visit Santa on Muelle Uno

Children can meet Santa Claus at Muelle Uno throughout December, right by the port's Christmas market and festive decorations.

It's a lovely spot for photos, letters to Santa, and a magical moment by the sea, just a short walk from the Pompidou Cube.

Christmas at El Corte Inglés

El Corte Inglés hosts one of Málaga's most festive Christmas displays, with an outdoor market featuring food stalls, sweet treats, beer stands, and family-friendly entertainment.

Kids love the decorations and mini-attractions, while parents can enjoy a drink and something warm to eat.

Free Children's Theatre

Families can enjoy free children's theatre at the Eduardo Ocón Auditorium in Paseo del Parque, with shows at noon on select dates in December and January.

Expect puppets, clowns, and fun retellings of well-known stories (in Spanish). Dates are announced closer to Christmas.

Christmas Park in Torremolinos

Just a short trip from Málaga, Torremolinos' Christmas Park is a guaranteed hit with children.

Open from December 22 to January 7 at the Recinto Ferial, the park is packed with rides, bouncy castles, and festive fun at very affordable prices (most attractions cost €0.50 to €1). Food trucks, sweet stalls, and candyfloss are also available.

Opening hours:

• December 22: 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.
• Rest of the season: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 6 p.m.-10 p.m.
• December 24, 31, and January 5: mornings only (11 a.m.-2 p.m.)

The park is also sensory-friendly.

In the evenings, sound and lighting are adapted for children with ASD, sensory sensitivities, or functional diversity. Parents can request priority entry to avoid queues, and hearing protectors for kids are available at the ticket booth.

New Year's Eve in Malaga

New Year's Eve in Málaga is loud and full of tradition.

The city fills with people from early evening. By midnight, crowds gather in the historic centre, especially around Calle Larios and Plaza de la Constitución, ready to welcome the new year together under a shower of lights.

The 12 Grapes Tradition

The most important tradition is the 12 grapes.

As the clock strikes midnight, you eat one grape for every chime, twelve in total, to bring good luck for the year ahead. It sounds easy, but keeping up with the bells is harder than it sounds.

Locals typically toast the new year with cava or a sweet moscatel from Málaga's vineyards.

Tips for New Year's Eve:

• Arrive early to secure a good spot in the centre
• Wear something warm but comfortable (you'll be standing for a while)
• Fireworks may take place near the port or plazas, depending on the year's programme

Tips for Visiting Malaga Over Christmas

Christmas is one of the most magical times to visit Málaga. A little planning goes a long way.

• Book flights early, especially if travelling around the long weekend in early December
• Reserve your hotel well in advance, as prices rise quickly during popular dates
• Restaurants fill up fast, so book dinner reservations for weekends and the Christmas period
• For the big light-and-sound shows, arrive 20-30 minutes early to grab a good spot

Conclusion

Christmas in Málaga is filled with dazzling lights, festive markets, family-friendly events, and traditions you won't find anywhere else.

With a little planning, you'll enjoy one of the warmest and most memorable Christmas celebrations in Europe.