Christmas in Malaga happens outdoors: the light show on Calle Larios, the markets on Paseo del Parque and at the port, nativity scenes and, just a short drive away, whitewashed villages decorated for the season, all with mild weather that is perfect for walking. This guide brings together the essentials and points you to our detailed articles.
The 2026 dates are not official yet: the ones below are the usual ones and last season's. Check the Malaga City Council website before you go.
What to do at Christmas in Malaga
The classic plan is to watch the Calle Larios light show in the early evening, browse the Christmas markets, visit a large nativity scene and spend a day in one of the villages. With a hire car you can combine the city with trips to the coast and the mountains without relying on bus timetables.
Calle Larios lights and light show
Calle Larios becomes a tunnel of light with a light-and-music show several times each evening. The switch-on is usually in late November; in 2025 it took place on Friday 28 November. Times, route and tips for avoiding the crowds are in Christmas lights in Malaga.
Christmas markets
The market on Paseo del Parque, next to the City Hall, and the one at Muelle Uno usually run from late November to Epiphany (6 January), with crafts, decorations and sweets. Find more ideas in our guide to markets in Malaga, and discover the typical Christmas sweets of Spain you will find on the stalls.
Nativity scenes and the Botanical Garden
Churches, brotherhoods and cultural centres set up nativity scenes worth seeing; we list them in the best nativity scenes to visit in Malaga. For something different, La Concepción Botanical Garden usually opens an illuminated night trail: read about Christmas at Malaga's Botanical Garden.
Festive food and sweets
Christmas in Spain is also about food: bakeries sell mantecados, polvorones and turrón, and in early January the roscón de Reyes, a sweet ring-shaped cake eaten on 6 January. Many villages in the province make their own artisan sweets, so a day trip is also a chance to bring home an edible souvenir.
Christmas in Malaga: the calendar
This is how the season usually unfolds. Use it as a guide and confirm each date once the official programme is published:
| When (approximate) | What | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Late November | Christmas lights switch-on | Calle Larios and the centre |
| Late November to 6 January | Christmas markets | Paseo del Parque and Muelle Uno |
| December | Nativity scenes and concerts | Churches, brotherhoods and cultural centres |
| 6 to 8 December (bank holidays) | Day trips around the province | Axarquía villages, Serranía de Ronda, the coast |
| 31 December | New Year's Eve outdoors | Squares in the centre |
| 5 January | Three Kings parade | Malaga city centre |
Day trips by car
Many villages in the province dress up for Christmas with living nativity scenes, markets and lit-up streets. By car you can visit several in one day: the Axarquía villages, such as Frigiliana, are less than an hour from the centre. See our routes in Malaga villages to visit at Christmas.
Tips for driving during the holidays
- The historic centre is pedestrianised and very busy in December: leave the car in a car park and walk. Our guide to parking in Malaga will help you choose.
- To see the lights, arrive before the first show of the evening or go on a weekday.
- If you are worried about the low emission zone, since 14 October 2026 the council is not fining by label, and hire cars usually carry a C or ECO label.
- Book early: the December bank holidays and the festive season are high-demand dates.
What is the weather like at Christmas in Malaga?
December in Malaga is mild: daytime highs are usually around 17 °C and clear days are common, although evenings get cooler. Bring a jacket for the evening and comfortable shoes for the centre. It is ideal weather for strolling around the port or driving along the coast without the summer heat.
Book your car for the holidays
If you are flying in, pick up your car at the airport and start exploring straight away. With our car hire in Malaga you get unlimited mileage, 24/7 assistance, and additional drivers and child seats at no extra cost. And if you would rather not have money held on your card during the Christmas shopping season, choose car hire with no deposit.
Frequently asked questions
When are the Christmas lights switched on in Malaga?
They are usually switched on in late November; in 2025 it was on Friday 28 November. Malaga City Council announces the 2026 date, normally in November.
Where are the Christmas markets in Malaga?
The main ones are on Paseo del Parque, next to the City Hall, and at Muelle Uno in the port. They usually run from late November to 6 January.
Is it worth hiring a car at Christmas in Malaga?
Yes, if you want to combine the city with villages and the coast. In the centre, it is best to park in a public car park and walk.
Which Malaga villages should I visit at Christmas?
Frigiliana and other Axarquía villages, Ronda and the villages of the Serranía are good choices. See our guide to Malaga villages to visit at Christmas.
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