Christmas in Malaga in 2026

What’s Christmas in Malaga like? What will be open? What can we see and do? When do the Christmas lights go on? It’s one of the biggest Malaga events and one we get lots of questions on.

To answer them, we thought the best thing was to create a Christmas in Malaga FAQs blog post. If the answer to your question isn’t here, let us know and we’ll add it! 

Note that this post is a work in progress and some dates and times are not confirmed yet.  Bookmark this page and keep an eye on the updates, which we’ll be posting as soon as we get them!

December events

If you’d like a December diary of all events in Malaga, festive and non-festive, read our what’s on in Malaga in December.

The busiest dates at Christmas in Malaga

Several Guide to Malaga users have asked us if there are any quieter times during the festive season in Malaga. The quick answer is ‘not really’ because Christmas is one of the busiest periods of the year. However, there are dates that are extra busy and worth avoiding if you don’t want full-on crowds.

Busy dates to (possibly) avoid

6 and 8 December – both dates are public holidays in Malaga and Spain, and many people make a long weekend of it. In 2026, these dates fall on a Sunday and Tuesday, so this will be one of the busiest weekends in December.

Weekends in December – usually very busy with local tourists and visitors from the rest of Spain.

Quieter dates

Mid-week in December (except around 6th to 8th) is usually reasonably quiet. The later light and sound and video mapping shows are always less crowded. In our experience, the few days between Christmas Day (25 December) and New Year’s Eve (31 December) are also quieter.

Top tips for Christmas planning

• If you can, avoid weekends and 6-8 December because these are the busiest times and the most expensive for hotel accommodation.
• Book your flight well in advance.
• Book your hotel ahead too. Read our area-by-area guide to where to stay in Malaga for info and inspo.
• Arrive at least 10 minutes early for the light and sound show and video mapping, so you can grab a good spot.
• Book your dinner table in advance if you’re in Malaga at a weekend in December or for Christmas itself.

Malaga Christmas Lights

Malaga Christmas lights are one of the highlights of the festive period particularly those in Calle Larios (picture below) and are world famous for their spectacular light and sound show. But the big question is when are they turned on?

In 2026, the Malaga Christmas lights switch-on will probably be Friday 27 November from 6.30pm. But note that this date isn’t confirmed and won’t be until mid-September.

What do the lights in Calle Larios look like?

The 2026 display will probably repeat the 2025 design. The theme is called ‘A Nativity of Light’ and each star displays a central rosette with a scene from the Nativity in it. 16 stars and rosettes sit on the 32 columns stretched along the entire length of the street.

What about the famous light and sound shows?

To be confirmed for 2026 The light and sound shows take place at 6.30pm, 8.30pm and 10pm every evening except 24th and 31st December until (and including) 4 January

But don’t worry if you miss the music, the lights are very pretty and there’ll be a great Christmas atmosphere! 

The design for 2025 was called “A Nativity of Light” and consists of stars with rosettes supported by 32 columns.
Stunning at night and almost as good in broad daylight.

The video below gives you a great idea of the display on Calle Larios in 2025 (although not as good as seeing it for yourself!).

Top tip for Calle Larios Christmas lights

Go to the last sound and light show of the evening (10pm) – you’ll come across
fewer crowds, especially if it’s a weekday.

What about the lights in other parts of Malaga at Christmas?

The Alameda Principal also takes centre stage with a ton of LED lights (270,000 to be exact!) in the ficus trees, which will be on all day and all night. Plus, the street has six giant decorations, designed as selfie frames.

Including Calle Larios, over 2.7 million LED bulbs light up Malaga this Christmas – Calle San Juan (parallel to Calle Nueva) has got extra festive this year with Victoria chandeliers and ‘Enchanted Cave’. Giant trees stand tall in Plaza de la Constitución, Plaza de la Marina and Plaza de Jerónimo Cuervo (in front of the Cervantes Theatre).

Video-mapping

This cool technique projects 3D imagery onto buildings accompanied by light and sound and this year, Malaga Cathedral’s provides the façade again. You can see the show on the south tower of the Cathedral.

This year’s show is to be confirmed. In 2025, it was ‘The Dream Fisher’ and pays homage to the cenachero, a traditional figure who used to sell fish from baskets strung across his shoulders.

To be confirmed for 2026. The display will take place three times every evening at 7, 8.30 and 10pm from 29 November to 4 January (no shows on 24th and 31st December).  

When are the lights on?

The lights are switched on every evening over the Christmas period between 6.30pm and midnight (2am Thursday to Saturday, 6am on 24th and 31st December. They’re turned off on 6 January 2026 at midnight, the day after the Three Kings parade. 

Christmas lights in Colonia Santa Inés

As followers of Guide to Malaga know, we’re big fans of getting off the beaten trail and exploring other parts of Malaga. Even at Christmas, when the bright lights on Calle Larios are difficult to beat.

One place doing great Christmas lights is the small neighbourhood of Colonia Santa Inés in the Teatinos district of Malaga (Google map link here). This historic quarter, built in the early 20th century to house workers at the nearby brick and tile factory, puts on an excellent light show every year.

Almost all the one-storey houses in Colonia Santa Inés decorate their façades, with lights and decorations. There’s often a central theme – for example, in 2025, one street was all about candy and chocolates.

You’ll see dozens of Christmas trees, a few nativity scenes, handmade decorations, plenty of Santas, tons of fairy lights and most of all, a neighbourhood’s love for putting on a good show for visitors.

It doesn’t take long to tour the Christmas show – allow up to an hour – but we think it shows a very different side to Malaga Christmas lights. The lights go on at the beginning of December until early January.

How to get to Colonia Santa Inés from central Malaga

The quickest and easiest way to get there is via the metro. Get Line 1 at the Atarazanas Station on the Alameda Principal and get off at Ciudad de la Justicia station, where it’s a 15-minute walk to Colonia Santa Inés.

Eating out in Teatinos

The university district of Malaga is packed with great places to eat out. Once you’ve seen the Christmas lights in Colonia Santa Inés, head south to Avenida Plutarco, where you’ll find lots of tapa-style restaurants.

We recommend Pepa Revuelo, Lo de Carmen and Benito Bocado. If you want somewhere more sophisticated, try Boca Llena, slightly further along the boulevard.

Opening times during Christmas in Malaga

Which days are public holidays in Malaga over Christmas 2026?

• Friday 25 December (Christmas Day). 
• Friday 1 January (New Year’s Day). 
• Wednesday 6 January 2026 (Epiphany/ Three Kings)

What will be closed on these days?

All shops, museums and attractions in Malaga. Smaller and/or family-run bars and restaurants tend to close on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, but many eateries open for Three Kings on 6 January.

Shops usually close early (e.g. between 3 and 5pm) on Christmas Eve (24 December) and New Year’s Eve (31 December)

Will any restaurants be open on Christmas Day?

Finding a restaurant at Christmas in Malaga can be a challenge; a) because family-run restaurants tend to close on the public holidays, and b) because restaurants get very busy.

We’re compiling a list of restaurants open on key days – this is a work in progress, so check back often.

• Hotel restaurants – as a general rule, they stay open throughout the festive season. Book well ahead for Christmas Eve dinner, Christmas Day lunch and New Years Eve. Bear in mind that some require you to book a room if you want to eat in the venue.
• Restaurants on Muelle Uno – some, particularly those that are food chains, open daily.
• Restaurants in Plaza de la Merced – you’ll find some open on public holidays.
• Pedregalejo – some restaurants and bars open on Christmas Day.

Top tip

Book your table well ahead, i.e. as soon as you know when you’re in Malaga. And please mention Guide to Malaga when you book or dine at the restaurant.

Other restaurants open at Christmas in Malaga

The list below is confirmed for 2025.

Verum – known as the ‘Temple of Meat’ and award-winning for traditional local food, this restaurant is open on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Vino Mio – this restaurant is open for dinner on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve with a set menu (from €75 pp) and live music for both occasions. See the menus here and book your table here.

Bendito on Calle San Juan – opens on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day for lunch and dinner.

Carmen and Lola in the Only You hotel – both restaurants open on Christmas Eve (special menu) for lunch, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve (special menu) and New Year’s Day.

Balausta – this restaurant in Palacio Solecio hotel opens over Christmas for lunch on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, and lunch and dinner on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Mimo Healthy – open for organic vegan dining on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve. For Christmas Day, you can enjoy 3 courses, a taste of their desserts and a welcome drink for €49. On New Year’s Eve, they have a sunset dinner (7-9pm for €64) and a later dinner with the traditional 12 grapes and toast at midnight (9pm until late, €89). Book your festive table.

Mesón Ibérico – closed at weekends and on public holidays, it is open for great tapas at other times. Excellent for a pre or post-Christmas lights evening meal.

Public transport over Christmas in Malaga

If you need to travel to or from Malaga over Christmas, this section is a must-read.

What about public transport in Malaga over Christmas?

Trains, buses and the metro will be running, although some lines will have a reduced service.

If you’re planning to travel outside Malaga, e.g. to visit Granada or for a day trip to Seville, book ahead because Christmas and New Year is one of the busiest periods for travel in the year.

Read more about getting around Malaga by bike here, by bus here and by car and metro here.

Will I be able to get a taxi in Malaga at Christmas?

Yes, taxis will be running. There’s a surcharge for services on public holidays. Bolt, Cabify and Uber also operate in Malaga city.

Things to do in Malaga at Christmas

Christmas is usually one of the busiest times, packed with shoppers and tourists especially in the evenings when people come into town to see the lights and soak up some Christmas atmosphere. This year is of course different, but there are still plenty of things to do in Malaga – Christmas markets, lights, concerts, art exhibitions… – and lots of these events are free.

For a full calendar of December events in Malaga, check out our ‘What’s on in Malaga December’ guide. 

Christmas lights in the Botanical Gardens

The Christmas garden returns to the lovely botanical gardens for another year. This year’s is to be confirmed and will probably run from 28 November to 6 January.

The lights and themes are divided into sections and cover most of the gardens. Expect a stunning show combining the gardens, its monuments and lights. The photo below gives you an idea.

Information to be confirmed for 2026 The event runs from 28 November to 6 January between 6.30 and 10.30pm. Tickets cost €15.50 for adults and €11.50 for children aged 3 to 12. Accessible tickets are also available for €12.70 (bear in mind you can’t access the entire show in a wheelchair).

Reduced rates are also available (€11.50 for adults and €7.50 for children) during certain time slots (e.g. 6.30 to 8pm). Tickets have a 50% discount on 1, 9, 15, 22 and 29 December, and 6 January.

Allow 90 minutes for your visit. The walk is around 1.7km.

More information and links to tickets here (in Spanish only). You can also buy tickets by phone – +34 958 108 181, Friday to Monday from 9am to 2pm.

This year, you can get to the Botanical Gardens on the hop-on, hop off tourist bus. The first service will leave the city centre (mainline train station) at 6pm and the last leaves the gardens at 10.35pm. Tickets cost €5 return. Full details of the route and times are here.

 Christmas ballet

Our childhood Christmases would not have been the same without The Nutcracker and we think a ballet performance always adds to the festive atmosphere. This December, Malaga has two performances: 

• Swanlake – Monday 29 December at 8pm at the Cervantes Theatre. Tickets from €18 and available here.
• The Nutcracker – the Kiev Ballet performs this classic Christmas ballet at the Cervantes Theatre on Tuesday 6 January at 7.30pm. Tickets cost from €18 and are available here.

What would you recommend in Malaga at Christmas?

• Taking an evening stroll around the city centre to look at the lights and have a few tapas. Discover our self-guided tapas crawls for some inspo.
• Walk along the seafront at sunrise to catch the first rays as they come up over the sea.
• Get up high to see the city from above at night. We recommend one of the hotel rooftop terraces.
• Visit the Christmas markets.
• Head to Plaza de la Constitución for one of the free concerts.
• Enjoy some plates of fried fish for lunch on the beach.
• Take in some amazing art – there’s a great choice of exhibitions.

What can we buy at Christmas in Malaga?

Plenty! Check out our guide to the best Malaga souvenirs for Christmas.

What is there for children to do in Malaga at Christmas?

Children will love the lights and the following Christmas attractions:

• Muelle Uno – Santa is in Chocoland this year (on the square next to the pharmacy) and open for visits from 29 November to 23 December from 5 to 8pm. A parade of Christmas figures and music will accompany his arrival on Friday 28 November at 7pm.
• Muelle Uno – Christmas workshops and storytelling in the morning on 6, 8, 13, 20, 22, 23, 26, 27, 29 and 30 December and from 5 to 9pm on 1 and 2 January. Free, but you need a ticket available online from here.
• Outside the Corte Inglés department store – Christmas stalls and rides from 28 November.
• The nativity scenes (there are over 70 around the city)
• Children’s Theatre – free performances (expect puppets, clowns and famous stories in Spanish) at the Eduardo Ocón Auditorium (in the middle of Paseo del Parque) on 26, 27 and 28 December and 2, 3 and 4 January at noon.

Find out more about things to do with children in Malaga.

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What about New Year’s Eve in Malaga?

Head to Plaza de la Constitución for New Year’s Eve celebrations in Malaga. Free concert, goodie bag with mask, streamers and 12 grapes (eat 1 for each chime of the midnight bells for lots of luck in 2026). Action starts from 10pm.

Is there a firework display in Malaga on New Year’s Eve?

Not an official one, but you will see some fireworks going off. Malaga Port usually has a small display from after midnight and some hotels and clubs organise a few fireworks.

Malaga has two big firework displays during the year: one for San Juan on the night of 23 June and the other at the start of Malaga Fair.

Christmas is one of the loveliest times of the year in Malaga, but the city has plenty to offer all year-round. Find out what there is to do and see at any time of year with information from Guide to Malaga.

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Where to stay at Christmas

Top tip

If you’re not sure which area to stay in, read our guide to where to stay in Malaga. It covers each of the main areas and includes public transport links, attractions, distances to the beach and the pros and cons of each one.

Among the hotels in Malaga open for Christmas and New Year, we recommend you stay at any of the following (listed in alphabetical order): 

AC Malaga Palacio – book a room on one of the upper floors for fabulous views. Book now.  

Del Pintor – cosy and funky design, with a handy location for the historic quarter. Book now. 

Gran Hotel Miramar – 5* GL on the Malagueta seafront. Treat yourself this Christmas to a spot of luxury by the seaside. Book now. 

Ilunion – large and modern plus handy for the train and bus stations, while just a short walk from Plaza de la Marina and the Alameda Principal. Book now. 

La Chancla – on the beach in Pedregalejo plus freshly roasted coffee for breakfast. Book now. 

Molina Lario – modern and spacious, near the Cathedral. Matriz restaurant is open on Christmas Day (25 December) and New Year’s Eve 31 December). Book now.

NH Malaga – recently refurbished and right on the river, just a short walk from the city centre. A good option for a more peaceful location. Book now.

Only You – views of the Christmas lights from some rooms as well as sweeping vistas of the Port. Carmen and Lola restaurants open over Christmas, including the public holidays. Book now.

Parador Gibralfaro – with some of the best views in town. Restaurant open on Christmas Day (25 December) and New Year’s Eve 31 December). Book now.

Palacio Solecio – boutique luxury in the heart of the historic quarter. Treat yourselves for Christmas with one of the deluxe rooms. Book now

Soho Boutique La Equitativa – bang in the centre and with possibly the best Christmas light views in town. Book now.

Vincci Larios 10 – boutique hotel on Calle Larios, so at the heart of the Christmas light action. The roof terrace has great bird’s eye views of the angels! Book now.

Vincci Malaga – a modern hotel on the western seafront so handy for sunny seafront walks on Christmas Day. The city centre is a short bus ride away. Book now. 

Vincci Selección Posada del Patio – one of the grandest hotels in the city with 5* elegance and some stunning ruins in the basement. Book now.

The busiest periods (usually) for hotels are between 6 and 8 December (both public holidays in Spain) and from 24 December to 1 January so expect to pay peak tariff at this time. If you want to experience Christmas in Malaga and get a cheaper hotel deal, visit towards the end of November or in mid-December. There’ll be just as much atmosphere!

Getting away from Malaga at Christmas

What if you’re staying in Malaga at Christmas but fancy getting away from the city for the day? Our Guide to Malaga recommends the day and half-day trips:

• Walk the Caminito del Rey – bring a bit of adventure to your Christmas holiday!
• Visit Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Ronda… all stunning historical places with their own special magic at Christmas. And if you don’t have your own transport, book an easy day trip with a reputable company.

Or what about a Costa del Sol Road Trip? Check out our sister’s site exclusive guides, taking you on a 6-night journey to discover the Costa del Sol beyond the sand, sea and sangría. 7 themes available at just €4.95 only (generous discounts if you buy more than one) for the perfect holiday for you, your people, your interests and in your time. 

Stay up to date with what’s happening at Christmas in Malaga – sign up for our free fortnightly newsletter. All you need to know about what’s on and what’s new in the city in your inbox every other Friday.