Complete guide to a magical Christmas in Malaga

• Malaga Christmas lights delight
• Malaga Christmas markets: traditional sweets and shopping
• Enjoy the views and gastronomy in Malaga
• Celebrate traditions and culture also at Christmas
• More tips to get the most out of Christmas in Malaga

Christmas in Malaga is one of the most anticipated celebrations of the year where the streets are full of life and host all kinds of events and traditions. From the spectacular lighting on Calle Larios to the Christmas markets, the city offers endless activities to enjoy these dates. If you are looking for the best plans to squeeze the Christmas experience in Malaga, we present you with a guide to the best events.

Malaga Christmas lights delight

1. Lighting on Calle Larios

From Friday, November 29, you can enjoy the Christmas light show on Calle Larios. The heart of Malaga attracts thousands of visitors every year. It is imbued with the magic of Christmas with its impressive light designs accompanied by a music show to create a unique Christmas atmosphere.

The iconic Calle Larios will be the setting for his Christmas light show in three stages: at 6:30, 8:00 and 9:30 p.m. If you are looking for spectacular photos or take a Christmas stroll in Malaga, Calle Larios is the ideal place to fill yourself with the festive spirit.

2. Malaga La Concepción Historical Botanical Garden Christmas Show

La Concepción Botanical-Historical Garden in Malaga, founded in 1855 by the Marquises of the Loring House, is a beautiful romantic-style garden known for its vast collection of tropical and subtropical plants. Every Christmas, this space becomes a magical dream tour where lights and visual attractions illuminate its paths, fountains, and vegetation.

This 2024, the Garden presents the fourth edition of its Christmas show, this time entitled “Illusion: Christmas Has Many Faces, but Only One Heart,” with a renewed tour and newly decorated areas. The light show will be available from November 29 to January 6, 2025.

Do not miss the opportunity to experience the fusion of nature and the Christmas spirit in one of the most charming events in Malaga.

3. Lantern Festival in Malaga: a show of Chinese lights and traditions

This Christmas, Malaga premieres the Lantern Festival, inspired by the Chinese New Year. This unique event will take place in Parque del Oeste from November 30 to February 15. It promises an unforgettable experience with 600 lanterns and 4,000 points of light in addition to various activities such as parades, creative workshops, or traditional theater, music, and dance shows.

This festival is a plan that you should not overlook this Christmas if you want to live the magic of Chinese lanterns and immerse yourself in the oriental culture in the heart of Malaga.

Malaga Christmas markets: traditional sweets and shopping

Christmas in Malaga not only shines with spectacular lights but also with a wide variety of Christmas markets that offer traditional handmade products and sweets of the festive season. These markets are perfect for those looking for unique gifts and want to immerse themselves in local culture. Here we recommend some of the most outstanding Christmas markets in the capital:

1. Christmas Market at Paseo del Parque

The  Paseo del Parque  Christmas market is a classic in Malaga, perfect for those looking for original gifts, handmade products, and, of course, to enjoy local cuisine. In this market, you can try the typical turrones, polvorones, and other Christmas sweets while touring the craft and gift stalls. It is the favourite spot for people from Malaga to start decorating or to continue expanding their nativity scenes at home.

2. Muelle Uno Christmas Market: A Christmas village by the sea

In the Port of Malaga, the well-known Muelle Uno is transformed into an authentic Christmas village overlooking the sea. This market offers an immersive experience for enjoying Christmas as a family. This space, designed especially for the little ones, has attractions such as playgrounds, igloos, and shows, creating an atmosphere that takes us to the North Pole.

Schedules may vary, so it is advisable to plan your visit in advance. Generally, the Christmas Village of Malaga is open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. However, on some special days, it can be extended from 12:00 pm to 22:00 pm.

3. Christmas Market at the English Cemetery: A Dickens-inspired Christmas

If you are looking for a unique and alternative experience in Malaga, the Christmas market of the English Cemetery is an exciting option. Inspired by the tales of Charles Dickens, this market is filled with lights and carols and a dreamlike atmosphere. “A Christmas Carol” is an event where attendees can enjoy a Victorian Christmas atmosphere.

The opening hours are from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with variable opening days throughout December.

4. Plaza de la Marina Christmas Market

Located in the heart of Malaga, the Plaza de la Marina market is one of the busiest. With stalls offering Christmas decorations, crafts, and typical sweets such as mantecados and polvorones, this market is a must-see during the holidays. It will be available from the beginning of December until Three Kings Day.

Enjoy the views and gastronomy in Malaga

If you are planning your visit, you can not only enjoy all these activities but also accompany them with the gastronomic proposal of Grupo Premium, which combines traditional dishes and innovative cuisine in unique environments to complete a delicious Christmas in Malaga.

In Batik, located on the fourth floor of the Hotel Alcazaba Premium, you can enjoy a dinner accompanied by spectacular views of the Alcazaba in Malaga. Also, for a cozy atmosphere, Yubá and Bendito are excellent options that stand out for their culinary creativity. For groups, they offer carefully designed Christmas menus that are ideal for company dinners or family gatherings.

Celebrate traditions and culture also at Christmas

1. Municipal Nativity: tradition in the heart of Malaga

Every year, the City Council of Malaga installs a Municipal Nativity scene of great beauty that has become one of the most beloved Christmas traditions in the city. Visitors can also see other outstanding nativity scenes, such as the monumental Bethlehem in Malaga Cathedral, which this year incorporates an interactive section for children, and the nativity scenes of the churches of San Juan and Santo Domingo. In the neighbourhood of El Palo, the famous living nativity scene is celebrated, attracting numerous visitors.

Visiting the nativity scenes is a great way to soak up Malaga’s Christmas culture.

2. Christmas culture in Malaga: art, theatre and concerts

The city of Malaga also offers an extensive Christmas cultural program that includes events in its most iconic spaces:

• Teatro Cervantes: It premiers plays, ballets, and special Christmas concerts.
• Art exhibitions: Spaces such as the Centre Pompidou Malaga and the Picasso Museum have special exhibitions.
• Carol and classical music concerts: They are celebrated in churches and squares, offering a magical and festive atmosphere.
• Events in the Cathedral and the Alcazaba: These emblematic places organize special activities to celebrate Christmas.

3. Three Kings Parade: the grand finale of Christmas in Malaga

The event that closes the festivities is the Cabalgata de Reyes, one of the most anticipated moments of the year. On January 5, the Magi walk the main streets of Malaga in a colorful parade, throwing candy and gifts and filling children and adults with joy.

More tips to get the most out of Christmas in Malaga

1. Arrive early at the lights: Calle Larios is usually very crowded at Christmas, so make sure you arrive early so you can enjoy the light show without worrying about the crowd.
2. Explore Soho: in addition to the markets, we propose exploring the Soho neighborhood, a central neighborhood and symbol of urban artwhere you can enjoy exclusive craft beers at La Fábrica Cruzcampo.
3. Try the local cuisine: do not miss the opportunity to taste Malaga’s Christmas sweets, such as mantecados and nougats.
4. Enjoy the Three Kings Parade: If you want to make the most of this family event, we recommend you arrive early to guarantee a good place. Do not forget to bring a bag for the candies!

Enjoy Christmas in Malaga: book your Christmas experience now!

Now that you know everything Malaga has to offer this Christmas, it is the perfect time to plan your visit. From the magical lights to the enchanting Christmas markets and unique shows, there are activities for everyone. Book at Apartamentos Malaga Premium and enjoy the most unique Christmas in Malaga, which is full of magic, culture, and tradition! In addition, you can visit our event agenda so you do not miss anything about the Christmas plans in Malaga in 2024.