2nd December 2025 
Leave a commentThere are two unbeatable reasons to visit the Costa del Sol in December: The Malaga Christmas lights and the perfect climate. If you haven´t been here during this special winter season you should definitely come and join us!
The Malaga Christmas lights
The world is a large place and there are undoubtedly some absolutely spectacular Christmas lights to be found around the globe.
Without a doubt, in recent years the Christmas illumination of Malaga, specifically in Calle Larios and the streets of the old town, has become one of the most beautiful illuminations in the world.
Due to this great popularity, the centre of Malaga during the Christmas season receives a huge influx of people, both locals and foreigners who come to enjoy the lights.
When are the Christmas lights on this year?
This year the inauguration of the Christmas lights in Larios Street took place on the 28 November.
Regarding the illumination of Calle Larios, the theme and decorations vary every few years. Larios Street debuted its new lights this year. The decorations have been updated after three years of arches and “heavenly angels.” Called ‘Nativity of Light,’ it depicts scenes from the Nativity.
The lights will be switched on between 6:30 pm and midnight. On weekends and the eve of public holidays until 2 am. On the 24th and 31st they will be on until 6 am.
Sound and light shows in Larios Street
Every day except 24th and 31st December there will be 3 sound and light shows with popular Christmas songs in Calle Larios.
The shows will take place at 6.30 pm, 8:30 pm and 10 pm.
Parallel Christmas activities in the centre
In addition to the main focus of attention there are many more activities in the centre:
Such as videomapping at the Cathedral, with three screenings at 7, 8:30 and 10 pm. This year’s projection is titled ‘The Dream Fisherman’ and pays tribute to the cenacheros (street fish vendors) of Malaga.
There will be also a simple continuous videomapping at the Town hall.
Prepare to be immersed in a sea of lights, with almost a hundred illuminated streets in the city centre alone.
Other particularly beautiful spots are the ‘Enchanted Forest’ in the Alameda Principal. And the whole area of Calle San Juan, which will have 3 different atmospheres: “Winter Whisper,” “Baroque Dream,” and “Victorian Nostalgia”.
Take a walk through the adjoining streets and plazas of Calle Larios and discover all these beautiful surprises.
Furthermore, there are also several Christmas markets around Paseo del Parque, as well as at Pier One, both situated just a few metres from the historic centre.
By the way, last year the agency European best destinations selected the Christmas market at Pier One among the 5 sunniest Christmas markets in Europe: ‘everything you love about Christmas, but without scarves and with sunglasses’.
- The Christmas Market at Paseo del Parque will be open from 1 December to 6 January, from 11 am to 10 pm.
- The Christmas Market at Pier One is open every day until 6 January from 10 am to 10 pm.
Bear in mind for seeing the Christmas lights in Malaga
As we mentioned before, due to the great popularity of the Christmas lights in Malaga, the centre is completely crowded.
Our recommendations
- Arrive with plenty of time to ahead. Especially on the opening day not even a pin could fit in Calle Larios. If you want this experience to be stress-free, arrive in the centre already in the afternoon. Because later it will be practically impossible to park or to move around in the crowds.
- If you come by car, we recommend the nearest car parks to the historic centre: Car park Plaza de la Marina and Car Park Pier One (Muelle Uno). Another more relaxing option is to use public transport and take the C-1 commuter train to the city centre.
- If you can, don’t move around the centre this afternoon with a baby pushchair, you’ll get stuck. And you’ll be doing your dog a favour if you leave it at home this time.
- Go see the lights on a day other than the inauguration. If such crowds are not your thing, you have 40 more nights to enjoy the lights. Keep in mind that there will always be a lot of people but not as many as on this particular day.
- And if you want to see the sound and light show: Take advantage of the later hours when there are usually fewer people, and combine it with a dinner or tapas in the centre.
- Also keep in mind that bars and restaurants are usually at maximum capacity and there may be a wait for a table.
Christmas Garden La Concepción
If you are in Malaga in December or early January, you can’t miss this marvel.
A concept that has already been established in other cities, and that 5 years ago arrived at the wonderful historic botanical garden of Malaga.
Enjoy this great natural enclosure flooded with thousands of points of light and delight with the magic created by lights, sounds and nature.
It’s an immersive experience along a circular route of just over 2 kilometres through some of the most beautiful corners of the Botanical Garden La Concepción. Stroll without guide along a path through the garden grounds. And accompanied by sound and light scenes, immerse in a magical world in the midst of nature.
This year’s theme is ‘Alice Christmas,’ an immersive show inspired by Lewis Carroll’s world-famous work.
- The Christmas Garden will be open from 28 November to 6 January 2026 from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm. 24 and 31 December closed. This year special days have been introduced with 50% discounts on December 1, 9, 15, 22, 29, and January 6.
- Tickets can be purchased through the official website
- How to get there
Our recommendations for visiting the Christmas Garden
- Keep in mind that the event takes place entirely in the open air after sunset. Therefore it is essential to wear warm clothing. The path is mostly dirt on uneven terrain. We recommend flat shoes that can get dirty.
- Along the route there are several lovely food & drink stalls where to replenish energy: With freshly roasted almonds and hot chocolate among other things.
