Leisure
Málaga Christmas lights and Christmas markets 2026: dates, times and tips
Every December the Málaga Christmas lights fill the centre of the city with visitors. The 2026 season starts on Calle Larios at the end of November, and for about six weeks the centre has the light show, the Christmas markets on Paseo del Parque and at the port, nativity scenes and festive concerts. Málaga is a 45-minute drive from Marbella, so if you are spending Christmas on the Costa del Sol it makes an easy evening out. This guide to Christmas in Málaga has the 2026 dates, the showtimes, the markets and the ways to get there from Marbella. If you still need somewhere to stay for the festive season, our villas and apartments in Marbella are a short drive from the city.
Málaga Christmas lights 2026: dates and showtimes
The Christmas lights switch-on is planned for Friday 27 November 2026 at 7:00 PM on Calle Larios, according to the local press. The city council had not published its official Christmas programme when we updated this guide, so check the official tourism website, visita.malaga.eu, before you go.
The Calle Larios show is called Natividad de Luz and combines light and music. It opened in 2025 with shows at 6:30 PM, 8:30 PM and 10:00 PM every evening, and the same show returns in 2026. On 24 and 31 December and 5 January the lights stay on without the music.
Away from Calle Larios, the festive lights cover Plaza de la Constitución, the Alameda Principal and the streets of the historic centre, and the Cathedral façade has a Christmas videomapping show for at least 40 days. The Christmas lights stay up until the first week of January 2027. The first weekend and the 10:00 PM show on Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest, so go on a weekday if you can.
Christmas light show at the Botanical Garden
This year La Concepción Botanical Garden has Navidad en el Jardín de Oz, a route of about 70 minutes along a trail of Christmas lights. It runs from 27 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, from 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM, with the last entry at 9:30 PM. Tickets cost €15.50 for adults and €11.50 for children aged 3 to 12, and children under 3 go in free. On 30 November, on 9, 14, 21 and 28 December and on 6 January tickets are half price. They are sold at lucesdelaconcepcion.es. The garden is north of the city centre, so you need a car or a taxi to get there.
Málaga Christmas markets 2026
The main Christmas markets in Málaga are a five-minute walk from Calle Larios. Arrive at dusk, walk round the stalls and stay for the Christmas light show.
- Paseo del Parque Christmas Market. The largest in the city, with close to 100 stalls of crafts, decorations, gifts and food along the gardens of Paseo del Parque. It usually opens at the end of November or on 1 December and stays until early January, every day from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Entry is free.
- Sabor a Málaga Fair. The food and drink fair of the Diputación de Málaga, also on Paseo del Parque, with producers from all over the province. It is held over the December bank holidays in Spain, around 6 and 8 December, and it is the place to buy edible gifts to take home.
- Christmas village at Muelle Uno. At the port, a short walk from Paseo del Parque, with stalls and activities for families.
Festive concerts and zambombas
Fever runs Candlelight concerts of Christmas classics in cities across Spain, and in past years the Málaga concerts were held at the Carmen Thyssen Museum. Dates and tickets are on Fever.
The zambombas are a Christmas tradition from Andalusia: evenings of carols sung to flamenco rhythms. The Cervantes Theatre usually programmes several in December, and its calendar is on teatrocervantes.com.
Churros and hot chocolate
Churros with hot chocolate are a Christmas classic in Málaga, where the fried dough is called tejeringos. Three places in the centre:
- Churrería La Malagueña. Known for its tejeringos. C. Sebastián Souvirón, 6, 29005 Málaga.
- Casa Aranda. One of the best known in the city, with a hot chocolate made to its own recipe. C. Herrería del Rey, 2, 29005 Málaga.
- Café Madrid. Churros made the Madrid way. C. Calderería, 1, 29008 Málaga.
Christmas nativity scenes
Nativity scenes, or belenes, are a big part of Christmas in Málaga and in the rest of Spain, where Christmas lasts until 6 January, Three Kings’ Day.
- Municipal Nativity Scene. The city council sets it up every year in the courtyard of the Town Hall, with free entry. Last year it opened from 6 December to 6 January, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Málaga Cathedral Nativity Scene. A traditional nativity scene that usually stays open until 6 January, although it closes on some days.
Christmas shopping on the way from Marbella
Plaza Mayor, next to Málaga airport, is on the road from Marbella, so you can stop there before going into the centre. It has Christmas decorations, restaurants and cafés, and the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet next door sells fashion brands at outlet prices.
If you would rather shop in Marbella, read our guide to luxury shopping in Marbella.
How to get to Málaga from Marbella
- By car. About 60 km, or 45 to 50 minutes on the AP-7 or the A-7 along the south coast of Spain. On the night of the Christmas lights switch-on and at weekends the car parks in the centre fill up early, so arrive in the afternoon.
- By bus. Avanza runs coaches from Marbella bus station to Málaga, and the trip takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. Check the return times before you go if you want to stay for the 10:00 PM show.
- With a private driver. The simplest option for a family or a group that wants to stay late. Banus Rentals guests can book our private transfer and chauffeur service.
Frequently asked questions
When are the Málaga Christmas lights switched on in 2026?
The switch-on on Calle Larios is planned for Friday 27 November 2026 at 7:00 PM. The lights stay up until the first week of January 2027.
What time is the Calle Larios light show?
In 2025 the Natividad de Luz show ran every evening at 6:30 PM, 8:30 PM and 10:00 PM, and the same show returns in 2026. On 24 and 31 December and 5 January the lights are on without music.
When does the Málaga Christmas market open?
The Paseo del Parque market usually opens at the end of November or on 1 December and stays until early January, every day from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Entry is free.
How far is Málaga from Marbella?
About 60 km, or 45 to 50 minutes by car on the AP-7 or the A-7. The Avanza coach takes 45 minutes to 1 hour.
To plan the rest of your festive stay, see what is on in Marbella in December and our ideas for Christmas in Marbella with children. If you are still looking for somewhere to stay this Christmas, browse our holiday rentals in Marbella.
