When are the Christmas lights switched on in Málaga 2025?

The lights are switched on in late November and remain lit until January 6. Exact times are announced each year, but they typically run from 18:30 to 24:00 Sunday to Wednesday, and until 02:00 from Thursday to Saturday.

Where can I see the most important nativity scenes in Málaga?

The most notable nativity scenes are located at the Cathedral, the Carmen Thyssen Museum, and the Cofradía de Estudiantes. In total, there are more than 70 nativity scenes throughout the city.

What is the best way to get around the city centre during Christmas?

The best option is the metro to Atarazanas station. Avoid bringing your car to the city centre due to traffic, and use peripheral parking areas such as Martín Carpena Sports Arena.

Are there activities for families and children?

Yes, besides the lights and nativity scenes, you can enjoy Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, musical shows, and special guided tours for children.

What special events should I not miss?

Don't miss the Christmas lights at the Botanical Garden, the Cathedral video mapping, the New Year's Eve celebration at Plaza de la Constitución, and the Three Kings Parade on January 5.

Christmas in Málaga 2025: Lights, Markets & Must-See Events

Málaga has become a true Christmas reference, not only in Spain but throughout Europe. Hundreds of thousands of people visit the city during these special days.

However, there is one event that stands out above all others during Christmas in Málaga: the lights on Calle Larios. But Málaga has much more to offer at Christmas.

Here you’ll find the complete agenda for Christmas and Epiphany in Málaga. Don’t miss the light and music shows that illuminate the city.

To complement the full agenda, check out our specific articles about Christmas in Málaga 2025:

Table of Contents

Christmas Lights in Málaga 2025

The Christmas lights in Málaga traditionally switch on at the end of November and remain active until Epiphany.

For 2025, the official lighting ceremony will take place on Friday, 28th November at 19:00, a highly anticipated event that marks the start of the holiday season in the city.

This year, Calle Larios debuts a new design called “Nativity of Light”, replacing the well-known Celestial Angels from previous years. This innovative show features large illuminated medallions depicting scenes from the Nativity, synchronized music, and sustainable Ecogreenlux technology that reduces light pollution by up to 93%.

👉 See all details of the new show in our article: Christmas Lights in Málaga 2025.

🕐 Daily Lighting Schedule

The Christmas lights will be turned on at the following times:

Sunday to Wednesday: 18:30 – 24:00
Thursday to Saturday and holiday eves: 18:30 – 2:00
24th and 31st December: until 6:00

The lighting will remain active until 5 January 2026.

🎶 Music Shows

The new show “Nativity of Light” on Calle Larios will offer three daily sessions of light and music with Christmas themes:
🕕 18:30 · 20:30 · 22:00
📅 From 28th November 2025 to 5th January 2026 (except 24 and 31 December).

On 23, 25, 26, 27 and 28 December, part of the show will include Verdiales music as a tribute to this Málaga tradition.

Calle San Juan and other Christmas Decorations 2025

Calle Larios isn’t the only street that shines at Christmas. In 2025, several streets in Málaga’s city centre debut new decorations that extend the festive experience beyond the main axis.

According to Málaga City Council, this year’s Christmas lighting includes 207 light arches, 44 decorated lampposts, 130 grouped motifs, 4 illuminated façades and 36 ground figures. Additionally, 4 three-dimensional trees, 6 luminous signs, 20,490 garlands and 86 natural trees will be installed throughout the city.

Calle San Juan once again stands out for its unique concept, divided into three different lighting environments:

✨ Baroque Dream: an elegant installation featuring 9 crystal chandeliers floating above the street.
🎀 Victorian Nostalgia: includes 15 handmade Victorian-style wire lamps and garlands evoking classic Christmas charm.
❄️ Winter Whisper: over 100 metres of luminous garlands woven between balconies, with moss-and-lace lampshades for a magical, handcrafted feel.

These three zones transform Calle San Juan into one of the most photogenic and original corners of the city during the holidays.

Meanwhile, the streets perpendicular to Larios —such as Sancha de Lara, Strachan, Bolsa, Moreno Monroy, Martínez, Alarcón Luján, among others— will also feature new decorations inspired by the “Nativity of Light” design, ensuring visual consistency across the area.

Light Show at Málaga Cathedral 2025

The video mapping projected onto the south tower of Málaga Cathedral is one of the city’s most spectacular Christmas attractions.

This year a new show premieres: “The Dream Fisherman”, a Christmas story inspired by the traditional Málaga fish vendors known as cenacheros, honored through images, lights and immersive sound.

The show combines 2D and 3D projections, laser effects, smoke machines, moving heads and high-power sound, creating a truly immersive experience around the Cathedral.

📅 Dates: 29th November 2025 – 4th January 2026
❌ No shows on 24th and 31st December
🕓 Times: 19:00 · 20:30 · 22:00
⏱️ Duration: 8–9 minutes

The best viewing spot is the junction of Calle Molina Lario and Postigo de los Abades, offering full visibility of the projection.

Projections on the Málaga City Hall Façade 2025

Málaga City Hall once again joins the Christmas magic with festive projections displayed on its main façade along Paseo del Parque.

Following its successful debut in 2024, the city-hall light show returns in 2025 with new images and animations featuring stars, Christmas ornaments and traditional motifs, offering a continuous free show.

📅 Dates: from 29th November 2025
🕓 Schedule: matches the main Christmas lighting hours

The projections can be viewed from Paseo del Parque and Plaza del General Torrijos, making City Hall another must-see Christmas spot in Málaga.

Botanical Garden Christmas Lights 2025

A beautiful evening walk through Málaga’s botanical garden, surrounded by lights, Christmas decorations, musical performances and visual effects. A perfect family-friendly activity and a great complement to daytime sightseeing.

👉 Full details here: Complete Guide to the Botanical Garden Christmas Lights 2025.

📍 Location: Jardín Botánico-Histórico La Concepción
📅 Dates: 28th November 2025 – 6th January 2026
⏰ Hours: 18:30 – 22:30 (closed 24th and 31st December)
🎟️ Tickets: €6.50 to €15.50
🔗 Official website: lucesdelaconcepcion.es

Christmas Markets in Málaga

If you visit Málaga at Christmas, don’t just stick to the lights. The city offers a wide range of activities to complete your experience:

- Paseo del Parque Christmas Market: Open from 1 December to 6 January, featuring local crafts and typical products.
- Ice rink in the port: Great fun for families and friends.
- Traditional Nativity scenes: Visit the scenes displayed in churches and iconic buildings such as City Hall.

Nativity Scenes in Málaga.

One of the most traditional Christmas activities for locals is visiting nativity scenes.

You can check our complete guide to the Nativity Scenes of Málaga

In addition to the two most famous nativity scenes—explained below—other highlights in Málaga include the Nativity Scene of the Cathedral, the Nativity Scene of the Cofradía de Estudiantes, and the one at the Carmen Thyssen Museum, among others.

In total, 72 nativity scenes spread across different parts of the city.

Municipal Nativity Scene - Málaga City Hall — Municipal Nativity Scene – Málaga City Hall

Christmas Concerts in Málaga.

Music plays a major role in Málaga’s Christmas season, with several concert series taking place on different dates and in various locations.

Here are some of the main places where you can enjoy these concerts:

Plaza de la Constitución.
Alameda Principal.
Calle Alcazabilla.
Paseo del Parque.
Plaza de Uncibay, Calle Granada, Plaza del Carbón, Molina Lario, and Plaza del Obispo.

New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Celebrations in Málaga 2025.

Location: Plaza de la Constitución
Date: Wednesday, December 31st.
- LUCKY GRAPES CELEBRATION
- Distribution of grape bags and party kits from 21:00 to 23:45 or until supplies last.
- D’VÉRTIGO ORCHESTRA LIVE PERFORMANCE.

Three Kings Parade 2025 in Málaga.

Monday, January 5.
17:30 – Arrival of Their Majesties at the City Hall.
18:00 – Official start of the parade.

An offering by Their Majesties and a live Nativity performance by Eventos con Historia will take place on the steps of the Cathedral, followed by a concert by the Choir of the University of Málaga.

Three Kings Parade - Málaga — Three Kings Parade – Málaga

How to Get to the City Centre and Move Around.

From the airport: The C1 commuter train takes you to the city centre in just 15 minutes.
By car: There are parking areas outside the city centre, such as the Muelle Uno parking lot.
By bus: The main bus station is only a 10-minute walk from the historic centre.

Málaga Metro: the best option to see the Christmas lights.

The best way to reach Calle Larios and its Christmas lights is by metro. The stop is Atarazanas, just a 3-minute walk from Calle Larios.

Parking near the University–Teatinos area and taking the metro from there is another great option, with a direct line that takes you to the centre in 20 minutes.

If you still need to bring your car, check our article on where to park in Málaga for more information.

Where to Park to See the Lights.

The best advice is not to bring your car into the city centre, as Málaga traffic is usually heavy and gets much worse during Christmas.

If you’re coming by car, the best option is to park near the Martín Carpena Sports Arena. There’s a large open parking area and the metro ride to the centre takes around 20 minutes.

If public transport isn’t an option or you’re coming from another town, another good alternative is to arrive early and park in a nearby municipal parking lot, though not directly in the centre. Options include Plaza Camas, Avenida Andalucía, or Calle Cuarteles parking lots.

Public transport in Málaga: bus, metro, commuter trains.

If you’re coming from the Fuengirola–Torremolinos area, the best option is taking the commuter train to Alameda-Centro station.

Málaga commuter trains: schedule and maps.

Experience the Magic of Christmas in Málaga.

Christmas in Málaga is a unique blend of tradition, innovation, and a festive atmosphere that enchants all visitors. Whether you come with family, a partner, or friends, the city’s lights will leave you amazed.

Are you ready to enjoy an unforgettable Christmas? Málaga welcomes you with open arms—and a light show that will make you dream!

Sígueme

Alejo Tomás

After traveling around the world alone, visiting the 21 Wonders of the World and living and working in 4 countries, in 2018 I decided to create something beautiful about Malaga, my city.