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 in!
Calle Larios is the place to start your festive evening. From there, explore the surrounding streets and squares rather than trying to see everything in one crowded stop.
Expected switch-on: Friday 27 November 2026. The official municipal Christmas portal still links to the 2025 programme, checked on 13 October 2026. The 2026 opening time, closing date and individual show slots have not yet been verified. Recheck the final public programme before booking around the opening night.
Read more on: https://www.guidetomalaga.com/events-in-malaga/christmas-in-malaga/all-you-need-to-know-about-christmas-in-malaga/
Calle Larios is the place to start your festive evening. From there, explore the surrounding streets and squares rather than trying to see everything in one crowded stop.
Expected switch-on: Friday 27 November 2026. The official municipal Christmas portal still links to the 2025 programme, checked on 13 October 2026. The 2026 opening time, closing date and individual show slots have not yet been verified. Recheck the final public programme before booking around the opening night.
- Alameda Principal
Begin along the Alameda and head towards the southern end of Calle Larios. - Calle Larios
Walk north towards Plaza de la Constitución. Check the current light-show schedule before choosing your arrival time. - Plaza de la Constitución
Continue via Calle Santa María towards the Cathedral. - Cathedral & Plaza del Obispo
Explore the square, then head down Calle Molina Lario towards the waterfront. - Paseo del Parque
Pause by the park and use the signed pedestrian crossings towards the port. - Palmeral de las Sorpresas
Follow the waterside promenade east towards Muelle Uno. - Muelle Uno
Finish near the Pompidou cube. Check the current market programme and each restaurant’s holiday opening hours.
What do the lights in Calle Larios look like? What about the famous light and sound shows?
This year, 500 streets, plazas, and roundabouts in Malaga city as well as its iconic monuments will be illuminated by about 2.2 million LED lights. The lights will be switched on every day at 6.30pm. They will be switched off at midnight from Monday to Thursday, as an energy-saving measure, and will remain switched on until 2.00am from Friday to Sunday.
On 24th and 31st December 2026, the lights will remain on during the night.
Christmas lights in the Botanical Gardens 2026
Botanical Garden Christmas lights
La Concepción is an option to watch for a separate festive evening outing. The 2026–2027 illuminated event’s dates, ticket prices, walking distance, accessibility and shuttle service have not yet been verified. Check the organiser’s current programme before booking.
Before booking, check the event organiser and the official Botanical Garden website. Current-season prices, accessibility and transport need separate confirmation.
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