Christmas in Malaga – Don’t miss these 10 things to do

Did you know that National Geographic has made special mention of Malaga as one of the most beautiful Christmas destinations? There is so much to discover, not only the spectacular Christmas lights in the old town or the Christmas markets!

10 Activities not to be missed at Christmas in Malaga

Christmas lights in Larios Street

If we were to make a “ranking” of the most popular activities in Malaga at Christmas, the first place is undoubtedly occupied year after year by the spectacular illumination of Calle Larios. This pedestrian street is the main artery of the historic centre of Malaga full of shops.

For 300 metres from the beginning of Calle Larios to Plaza de la Constitución you can enjoy the illuminated arches. For several years there has also been a sound and light show at certain times of the day.

During these times, Calle Larios usually receives a huge influx of people who enjoy the show.

The sound and light show will take place every day at 7pm, 8.30pm and 10pm, except on 24th and 31st December. This year the songs that will be played are ‘Jingle Bells’ by the Johann Strauss Orchestra, ‘We wish you a Merry Christmas’, ‘Carol of the bells’ by Pentatonix, ‘Navidad Épica’ and ‘Hacía Belén van una burra’.

The lights are on from 7:30 pm and until midnight on weekdays. On weekends and the eve of public holidays they are on until 2 am and on the 24th and 31st they are on until 6 am.

But apart from these lights there is much more to see and do, there are more than 80 illuminated streets in the old town alone.

• How to get there

Video Mapping at the Cathedral

Another very popular light event takes place a few metres away from Calle Larios, outside the beautiful Malaga Cathedral. Specifically, it is a video-mapping” that is projected onto the tower. This year the show is called “Angel of Light”.

The projections take place every day at 7:30 pm, 8 pm and 10 pm, except on 24th and 31st December.

• How to get there

In the video, the video mapping on the cathedral tower in a past edition.

Diocesan Live Nativity Scene

A very deep-rooted tradition in Andalusia is the Nativity Scenes instead of Christmas trees. We can visit a live representation of the birth of Jesus in the Casa Diocesana Malaga.

Visitors can contemplate, through different scenes, the most important moments of Christmas.

The Living Nativity takes place on Saturday 16th December at Casa Diocesana Malaga from 10.30 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 6 pm.

In addition, there will be a wide range of activities in the outdoor areas of the Diocesan House, with a large children’s area with bouncy castles, royal mailbox, Christmas crafts, workshops, etc.

There will also be a food area, a Christmas market with craft products and Christmas concerts.

• How to get there

Christmas Market at Paseo del Parque

Well established in the Nordic countries, Christmas markets are becoming more popular (and more beautiful!) in Malaga every year.

Very close to the historic centre there are several Christmas markets where you can buy some presents. At the Mercadillo on the Paseo del Parque there are almost a hundred Christmas stalls with figures for the nativity scene, Christmas decorations, gifts, books, nougat and traditional sweets among other things.

• When: 1 December to 6 January, from 11 am to 10 pm.
• How to get there

Christmas Market at Pier One

We recommend a stroll along Pier One (Muelle Uno), just a few metres from the historic centre. There you will find a Christmas market, as well as a Christmas village with many activities for the whole family during December and until January 6th.

• How to get there

Gastronomic Fair Sabor a Málaga

Although it is not a Christmas market as such, you can’t miss the Feria sabor a Málaga. This gastronomic event also takes place in the central Paseo del Parque in Malaga with a hundred stalls of local producers offering the best breads, sausages, wines, potatoes, honeys, olive oils, chocolates, Christmas pastries, cheeses and jams, among many others.

• The Sabor a Málaga Fair takes place every year during the December long weekend, which this year will be from the 6th to the 10th of December.
• How to get there

Audiovisual show at the Botanical Garden

Our special recommendation is “the lights of the Botanical Garden”. A wonderful tour of magic, light and sound through the beautiful installations of the historic botanical garden La Concepción.

• The event will be held from Monday to Sunday with daily tours, starting at 6:30 pm and the last one at 9:30 pm.
• The Christmas Garden will be open from 1 December to 7 January 2024 from 6:30 pm until 10:30 pm. 24 and 31 December and 5 January closed.
• Tickets can be purchased exclusively through the official website.
• How to get there

A Christmas Carol in the English Cemetery of Malaga

The historic English cemetery of Malaga has also prepared activities in its wonderful 19th century garden. Based on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, we can enjoy a spectacular illumination, drink chocolate wine and mulled wine, listen to carols from the period, get to know the cemetery from the hand of the miserly Mr. Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmas or buying a present at the Christmas market.

• When: 1 December to 4 January. Closed on 15, 24, 25 and 31 December and 1 January. Admission 5€.
• How to get there

New Year’s Eve at Plaza de la Constitución

Every year thousands of people gather in the Plaza de la Constitución to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new year with live music and lots of atmosphere.

• When: 31 Dicember
• Where: Plaza de la Constitución, Málaga
• How to get there

Three Kings Parade

The traditional, multitudinous family event is undoubtedly the Three Kings Parade in Malaga. On the 5th of January the Three Wise Men depart from the Town Hall at 6 pm., travelling through the central streets of Malaga.

Itinerary: Malaga townhall, Avda. de Cervantes, Plaza General Torrijos, Paseo del Parque, Plaza de la Marina, Alameda Principal, Puente de Tetuán, Calle Nazareno del Paso, Calle Hilera, Puente de la Esperanza, Calle Prim, Calle Atarazanas, Calle Puerta del Mar, Alameda Principal, Plaza de la Marina, Cortina del Muelle.