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The preparations for the Christmas festivities are once again in full swing across Andalusia. In many towns and cities, the decorations have already been put up, including in Málaga’s historic centre. The fact that the installation of the lights is almost complete can only mean one thing: it won’t be long before the official switch-on takes place. Every year, thousands of people come to Málaga to enjoy the Christmas lights with their families and soak up the magical atmosphere. Especially the official lighting ceremony at the end of November attracts large crowds to the city centre.

There are also more and more activities taking place in the old town: from shows and festivals to concerts, zambombas and the well-known stalls along the Paseo del Parque. A perfect excuse to plan a visit in December or January, as it is truly a delight to wander through Málaga in the evening.

From late November to early January, the historic centre is nothing short of a fairy tale. Calle Larios is adorned with sparkling lights, and the surrounding streets are fully immersed in a festive Christmas ambiance. Every year, the design of the light decorations is a surprise. The ficus trees on Alameda Principal are wrapped in thousands of LED lights (270,000 to be exact), shining day and night. The street also features six giant Christmas decorations designed as selfie frames.

Including the displays on Calle Larios, more than 2.5 million LED lights will illuminate Málaga this Christmas. Calle San Juan (parallel to Calle Nueva) is extra festive this year, featuring Victoria chandeliers and the ‘Enchanted Cave’. Huge illuminated Christmas trees stand tall on Plaza de la Constitución, Plaza de la Marina and Plaza de Jerónimo Cuervo (in front of the Cervantes Theatre).

Málaga’s largest shopping street, Calle Larios, features a new theme this year: La Natividad de la Luz, or ‘The Birth of Light’. Suspended above the 350-metre street are scenes from the biblical story of the birth of Jesus. The lights are on daily from 18:30 to 02:00. In addition, there is a special 15-minute light-and-music show each day at 18:30, 20:30 and 21:30. This choreographed spectacle creates a beautiful ‘dance’ of lights to the sound of popular Christmas songs.

This year’s light-and-music show will be officially unveiled on Friday 28 November around 18:30.

Videomapping
Once again, the southern tower of Málaga Cathedral will serve as the backdrop for an impressive videomapping show. This spectacular technique projects 3D images onto the façade, accompanied by light and sound.

This year’s show is called The Dream Fisher and pays tribute to the cenachero, a traditional figure who once sold fish from baskets carried over his shoulders.

Christmas Spectacle in Málaga’s Botanical Garden
The Historic-Botanical Garden of La Concepción, one of Málaga’s most emblematic natural landmarks, is also hosting its traditional Christmas light-and-music show this year. Under the title Alice Christmas, inspired by the work of Lewis Carroll, visitors are taken on a fairytale light route.

The event runs from 28 November to 6 January. Visitors can choose between various time slots from 18:30 to 21:30, with shows starting every 30 minutes. Each slot admits a maximum of 400 people. The show is closed on 24 and 31 December.

The route leads visitors through the “Garden of Wonders”, featuring characters such as Alice, the White Rabbit, the Queen of Hearts and the Mad Hatter — a blend of nature, literature and art. A circular 2.2-kilometre trail illuminated by millions of lights transforms the tropical garden into a magical world.
Tickets: Available via llucesdelaconcepcion., by calling +34 951 926 180 or by emailing botanicolaconcepcion@malaga.eu

Tickets can be bought on this website or by calling 951 55 21 21 30 and on the show's official website lucesdelaconcepcion.es.

Concerts, zambombas and Christmas stables tours
In December 2025, Málaga will host several zambombas, including the Solidarity Concert by Fundación Málaga with María José Santiago and Pitingo at the Teatro Cervantes on 16 December, a zambomba by Encarni Navarro at the Auditorio Edgar Neville on 17 December, and a Flamenco Zambomba with LYA, Josué Raro and Obed Hernández on 13 December at the Málaga Forum.

In the city centre alone, around 20 nativity scenes (belenes) can be visited, and every village in the province has at least one. From late November, the many Christmas markets also open their doors, offering Christmas decorations, sweets and artisan products. On Muelle Uno (the harbour), Plaza Antonio Banderas (from 28 November) and the Paseo del Parque promenade (from 1 December), the stalls are extra festive. These markets remain open until Epiphany on 6 January.

It is not yet confirmed whether Málaga’s traditional living nativity scene will return to Plaza de la Constitución this year. What is certain, however, is that the monumental nativity scene inside Málaga Cathedral is well worth a visit. The city’s brotherhoods (cofradías) also organise a route past impressive nativity scenes displayed in their houses and local museums.

For the little ones, a Christmas village is set up near El Corte Inglés, featuring an ice rink, merry-go-round, various attractions and — of course — a churros stand. Also fun for adults, especially combined with a visit to the department store.

Drone show at Málaga port
As part of the festivities, Málaga’s harbour will once again host a technological drone show that combines light, creativity and magic.

Dates: 8, 15, 22 and 29 December 2025, and 3 January 2026
Location: Above Málaga harbour and Muelle Uno
Best viewpoints: La Farola and El Palmeral de las Sorpresas

In short: if you are anywhere near Málaga in the coming six weeks, an evening visit is absolutely worthwhile!