Every year, before December even begins, the city of Malaga starts to shine. The Christmas lights in Malaga, with Calle Larios as their centrepiece, have become one of the city's biggest attractions and draw visitors from all over Spain and abroad. In this article from Espacar, your car hire in Malaga, we tell you everything you need to know to enjoy them.
When are the Christmas lights in Malaga switched on?
The Christmas lights in Malaga are usually switched on at the end of November, in a special ceremony on Calle Larios that attracts thousands of people. They stay on until the beginning of January, after Three Kings' Day (6 January). Every evening the lights are on from dusk until around midnight, and later on weekends, the day before public holidays and on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
The Calle Larios light show
The highlight is the light and music show on Calle Larios, which takes place several times every evening. The street is covered with a different design each season, from cathedral-style arches to angels and columns, and every few hours the lights dance to the rhythm of Christmas music.
In addition, more than 80 streets, squares and roundabouts in the city centre are decorated, so a walk through the old town is a show in itself.
Other Christmas events in Malaga
| Event | Where |
|---|---|
| Light show | Calle Larios |
| Projections on the façade | Malaga Cathedral |
| Drone shows (some years) | Port area: Palmeral de las Sorpresas, Muelle Uno |
| Nativity scenes | Town Hall, Cathedral and city centre |
| Children's activities and storytelling | Squares in the city centre |
Cathedral projections
In recent years, the façade of Malaga Cathedral has hosted a large-format video mapping show with 2D and 3D graphics, usually during the Christmas holidays. Each show lasts a few minutes and combines images and music inspired by Christmas and Malaga.
Drone shows and family events
Some seasons have included drone light shows over the port, as well as children's parties, musicals and storytelling in the squares of the centre. Programmes change every year, so check the City Council's Christmas schedule before your visit.
Tips for seeing the Christmas lights in Malaga
- Arrive early: Calle Larios gets very crowded, especially at weekends and for the first show of the evening.
- Combine your visit: see the lights, then stroll to the port or enjoy hot chocolate with churros.
- Visit the viewpoints: the views of the illuminated city from Gibralfaro are spectacular.
- Parking: park outside the centre or use public car parks, as streets around Larios are closed or busy.
Explore Christmas on the Costa del Sol by car
The Christmas lights are just the beginning: the villages of the province also celebrate with markets, nativity scenes and lights. Read our guide to the Malaga villages to visit at Christmas. With an all-inclusive car hire at Malaga Airport, with no deposit and no excess, you can explore them at your own pace.
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