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The countdown to Christmas has already begun. At the time of writing, we are about seven weeks away from this annual holiday season. And what a wonderful prospect it is to be able to spend these special days in the sun (and this is often the case!)

The first thing you notice when the festive season is just around the corner are the lights and decorations that are hung in the streets and squares all over Andalusia. In both villages and cities, you can find thousands of them. The most famous festive lights, though, are those in the historic centre of Málaga. Every year they come up with a new, original fairy-tale theme and it is a real delight to walk through the city in the evening and watch the lights.     

The Christmas lights in Málaga are officially lit on Saturday 26 November and will be lit daily thereafter from 18:30. On weekdays until 00.00 and on weekends and for public holidays until 02.00.

In addition, there is plenty to do in Andalusia, including the most beautiful belenes (nativity scenes), which are fun to visit from the beginning of December. In the centre of Málaga city alone there are around 20 stalls but in every village you will find one, mostly built by the brotherhoods and other municipal organisations.  

From late November, it is also possible to visit the many Christmas markets where you can find all kinds of Christmas goodies, sweet treats and other craft Christmas merchandise. These can be visited until Epiphany on 6 January.  

Especially for the little ones, there is a 'Christmas village' in Málaga near the El Corte Ingles department store, including an ice-skating rink, merry-go-round and other attractions, as well as a “churros crane”. It’s also fun for adults, especially if you combine it with a visit to the department store.  

Another thing you really cannot miss at Christmas time is turrón. Although this sweet treat is sold all year round, you will see it most often in shops during the festive months.  It resembles nougat and is mostly made by heating honey and mixing it with almonds and sometimes other varieties of nuts. In  many shops and supermarkets you will see turrón in a hard and  soft varieties as well as in different flavours such as fruit, coconut, chocolate, oreo and even savoury flavours like cheese (!). Besides turrón, mantecados and polvorones are also worth trying. They are almond biscuits, individually wrapped and very tasty.