If you own real estate on the Costa del Sol, be it a villa in Marbella, penthouse in a Mijas golf resort or a beachfront apartment in Benalmadena but haven’t yet found the time to visit Málaga – Christmas is the time to do it. Every year, Málaga transforms into one of Spain’s most dazzling winter destinations. Visitors flock to the city to see the legendary Christmas lights, enjoy festive concerts, wander through markets, and soak up the city’s unique blend of Mediterranean warmth and festive holiday spirit.
To give you an idea of the treat that lies in store for you, Weber Estates has compiled a list of the best dates to visit and events to watch out for – essentially, everything you need to know about Christmas 2025 in Málaga.
Those of you who are familiar with the Costa del Sol, will already know that Spaniards like to party; whether it’s to commemorate a religious holiday, a local patron saint or a celebrating a day of national pride. So, it will come as no surprise that they go all out when celebrating Christmas and as you will expect the city centre will be extremely busy during peak periods – it is all part of the experience.
Christmas starts with the long weekend of the 6th and 8th December, both national holidays falling on the Saturday and Monday (2025) respectively. These days attracts huge numbers of visitors, which means that these days will be extremely busy. If you prefer to visit when it will be relatively quieter, so you can take a stroll and enjoy the lights at your own pace without too many crowds, it could be a good idea to avoid the early-December holidays.
One of the quietest periods is usually in the lull between Christmas and New Year. There will be fewer people around, while you enjoy the sound and light shows.
Without a doubt, Málaga’s Christmas lights are the star of the show. The main shopping street, Calle Larios, becomes a glowing cathedral of light each year, drawing both locals and international visitors to the nightly light and sound shows. Each year there is a theme, 2024 was “Celestial Angels” and 2025’s design will be “A Nativity of Light”, transforming the entire street into a light-filled extravaganza. There will be sixteen illuminated stars on top of thirty-two columns, each containing a rosette inspired by scenes from the Nativity. By day, it’s impressive; by night, magical.
This year (2025), the lights will switch on Friday, 28th November at 18.30 (this information is correct at the time of writing). The city will be illuminated every evening from 18.30 until midnight (Monday to Wednesday), extending to 02.00 from Thursday to Sunday. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve they will shine all the way through the night. Everything will be switched off at midnight on the Three Kings Day – 6th January.
Adding a real festive ambiance, the light and sound shows are back again this year. They will take place at 18.30, 20.30 and 22.00 every night, except for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, until Three Kings Day on the 6th January 2026.
Calle Larios may be the main focus, but there are equally impressive lights glittering on the surrounding streets. The main thoroughfare, the Alameda, will be lit up with 270,000 LED lights twinkling in the giant trees, and huge selfie-friendly decorations line the street. Altogether, Málaga city will be illuminated with more than 2.7 million LED bulbs this season. Other hotspots include Calle San Juan, where you’ll find an “Enchanted Cave,” and there will be giant Christmas trees in Plaza de la Constitución, Plaza de la Marina, and Plaza de Jerónimo Cuervo near the Cervantes Theatre.
One of the most impressive and magical experiences is the 3D video mapping projected onto Málaga Cathedral. This year’s show, “The Dream Fisher,” celebrates the traditional Málaga fish seller (cenachero).
The projection appears on the Cathedral’s south tower, with three nightly showings at 19.00, 20.30 and 22.00 from the 29 November to 4 January (except for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve).
28th November – Lights turned on
• 18.30 to midnight (Monday to Wednesday)
• 18.30 to 02.00 (Thursday to Sunday)
• Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve – 18.30 – 06.00
29th November - Light and sound shows start
• Daily shows at: 18.00, 20.30 & 22.00
•(No shows on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve)
6th January – Lights switched off at midnight.
On these days, shops, museums and attractions will be closed and many restaurants take the day off as well. It is possible to eat out on Christmas Eve, but you will need to plan ahead and not assume that restaurants will be open. However, hotel restaurants usually remain open throughout the holidays, and a number of establishments on Muelle Uno and Plaza de la Merced may be open (it is too early to say at the moment). On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, shops normally shut between mid-afternoon and early evening.
This year, the public holidays fall on:
• Thursday, 25 December (Christmas Day)
• Thursday, 1 January (New Year’s Day)
• Tuesday, 6 January 2026 (Three Kings / Epiphany)
There are plenty of other activities that you can enjoy in Málaga. Here are some of the best options for all age groups:
Ballet fans can catch a performances of Tchaikovsky’s seasonal favourites Swan Lake (20th December to 18th January) and the Nutcracker (20th December to 18th January) at the FYCMA Palacio de Feria y Congresos in Málaga.
Every year the Jardín Botánico hosts one of the city’s most enchanting experiences, and the theme for 2025 is “Alice Christmas,”inspired by Alice in Wonderland. The trail running throughout the gardens is lit up, with lights weaving through monuments, pathways and woodland. From 28th November to 6 January, from 18.30 to 22.30.
As part of the Christmas festival at Muelle Uno, Santa Claus returns with his chocolate shop. For opening dates and times visit the website.
In Malaga alone, there will be 80 nativity scenes lovingly created and displayed throughout the city, that will appeal to both children and adults. The official nativity (Belén municipal Málaga) is located in the Patio de Banderas of the Casona del Parques, with 500 figures and area of 150m², it is one of the most impressive sights you will see this Christmas.
These are just a few of the fun activities that you can enjoy in Málaga. If you prefer to be more fluid with your time, you can enjoy a relaxed walk about the city, explore the Christmas markets, sample some excellent tapas, visit an art exhibition, take a stroll on the beach or enjoy a sundowner drink on one of the city’s rooftop terraces and much more.
If you would like more information about property for sale on the Costa del Sol, lifestyle and activities available in Marbella and the surrounding areas, contact Birgitte at [email protected] or call +34 683 391 512.
