Malaga is a beautiful city in Andalusia in the south of Spain. It’s a popular destination thanks to its nearby beaches, easy access, and endless days of sunshine.
It’s the perfect place for a summer vacation in Spain, but one of the best times to visit this beautiful city is at Christmas. Malaga is known all over Spain for its very impressive Christmas lights, beautiful markets, and magical atmosphere.
If you’re thinking about spending Christmas in Malaga, you’ll probably want to know where the best places to go are, which are the must-see Christmas markets, and what people in Malaga eat at Christmas. This guide is going to take you through the top things to do in Malaga at Christmas so you don’t miss any off your list!
The Top 10 Things to Do in Malaga at Christmas
1. See the Christmas Lights
The Christmas lights in Malaga are amazing and definitely worth visiting. The lights get turned on at the end of November and last until the middle of January.
You can find traditional Christmas lights all over the city but the real spectacle happens on Malaga’s main street, Calle Larios. Every year, the street is adorned with thousands of lights and decorations and there’s a nightly light show with Christmas carols. The whole street lights up in sync with the songs!
You can also head down to Plaza de la Marina to watch a drone Christmas light show at the Cruise Terminal. 120 drones work together to create iconic Christmas images and scenes.
As is normal throughout Spain at Christmas time, people in Malaga celebrate the arrival of the Three Kings on January 6, rather than Santa Claus on December 25 (although many also celebrate this).
Because of this, one of the most beautiful Christmas light shows in Malaga starts on December 27. Using laser projection, Christmas images are projected onto the Mocha Tower of Malaga’s Cathedral. There are 3 shows per night and it lasts around 10 minutes.
It’s citrus season in Spain right around Christmas time, so you’ll see plenty of decorations alongside fruiting trees. Be sure to enjoy a few glasses of fresh orange juice during your trip!
2. Visit The Botanical Gardens of Malaga
Malaga’s Botanical Gardens are famous around the world. It is one of the best things to do in Malaga at any time of year, but especially at Christmas when they become a beautiful Christmas dreamland.
Each year there’s a different theme and there are lights, decorations, and sculptures to represent it. It’s an amazing display of nature and design and fun for everyone!
3. Go to the Christmas Markets
There are lots of beautiful Christmas markets in Malaga. The most famous one is the Muelle Uno Christmas Market which has many stalls selling accessories, decorations, food, and handmade gifts. You can expect lots of artificial snow, which is a little weird considering the Mediterranean is just a short way away!
The oldest Christmas market in Malaga is along the Paseo del Parque – the promenade close to the harbor. Dozens of cute huts line the seafront selling traditional gifts, decorations, candy, and clothes.
4 Listen to Zambombas
Zambomba concerts are famous throughout Andalusia at Christmas. The zambomba is a kind of drum with a large stick in the middle of it that gets pulled up and down to create a sound. At Christmas time, the instrument is used to accompany singing and dancing. Zambomba concerts happen all over the city in the run-up to Christmas, including in the Plaza de Félix Sáenz.
5. Visit the Famous Nativity Scenes
Nativity scenes are a big part of Christmas in Spain. Lots of people put up large ones in their homes and there are plenty of public ones around the city too.
The most famous one is the Municipal Nativity Scene in the Town Hall courtyard which you can see until January 6. Some other great ones to visit are in the Museo Carmen Thyssen, Plaza del Obispo, and Casa Diocesana.
The food in Malaga is some of the best in Spain if you enjoy fresh seafood and you’ll still be able to enjoy plenty of it during Christmas in Malaga.
6. Eat Traditional Christmas Food
Christmas dinner in Malaga doesn’t consist of turkey and stuffing. In fact, there isn’t one set thing that everyone eats on Christmas day. Families choose between different tapas, seafood, cheese, cured meats, roasted meats, and fish. Something you can be sure of, however, is that there will be a lot of food.
Turrón is eaten around Christmas in Malaga and you’ll see it in all the markets. It’s a kind of almond nougat that’s made with honey and other nuts. There are several kinds of Turrón, with the traditional one being like fudge in color and texture. The white one is usually a little harder and more like almond brittle.
Something else you’ll see a lot of in Malaga at Christmas is Roscón de Reyes. This is a large, circular cake that’s eaten on January 6, when the Three Kings come. It’s filled with whipped cream and has candied fruit on top. Whoever eats the slice with the king figure in it will have luck for the next year but whoever gets the bean will have to buy next year’s Roscón!
7. Head to Malaga’s Main Shopping Street
If you don’t fancy going to the markets to do your Christmas shopping in Malaga, you can always head to Calle Marqués de Larios (but avoid the crowds gathering for the light show). You’ll find national and international brands to complete all your Christmas shopping!
8. Go to the Verdiales Music Festival
This is a beautiful, traditional festival that happens just outside of Malaga on December 28. Verdiales is a type of flamenco that originated in the wine-growing region around Malaga hundreds of years ago. ‘Pandas’, which are groups of singers and dancers, compete against each other in elaborate costumes.
It’s quite a dynamic dance that includes a lot of jumping and is performed by couples. It’s a great way to know a little more about Andalusian culture and see some beautiful dancing!
Winter is a great time of year in Malaga – it’s not very cold but it’s not particularly hot either. It’s great for hiking or walking outside and exploring the different trails around the city.
9. Celebrate New Year’s Eve
Malaga is a wonderful city to ring in the new year. The biggest street party happens in Plaza de la Constitución, in the heart of Malaga. There are amazing fireworks and everyone will be eating 12 grapes – one for the 12 chimes before midnight. Spaniards all over Spain believe doing this will bring them luck for the coming year!
There are also lots of private parties happening in restaurants in Malaga. If you decide to book one of these (make sure you do it way in advance), there’s usually a set menu, and drinks and grapes are included.
If you’re feeling brave, you could also go for a dip in the ocean on New Year’s Day morning. Lots of locals and tourists do it in Santa hats!
10. Attend the Three Kings Parade
The Three Kings parade is an essential part of Christmas in Malaga. On the afternoon of January 5, Los Reyes arrive at the Town Hall, ready to start the parade through the streets.
Excited children and adults line the streets, hoping to get a glimpse of the kings and receive sweets that they throw from the floats. There’s dancing and lots of music, including traditional Spanish carols. It’s one of the busiest events in Malaga and one not to miss if you’re in the city over Christmas.
Christmas in Malaga – Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Weather Like in Malaga at Christmas?
One of the main reasons why so many people like to spend Christmas in Malaga is because of its temperate climate, especially if you compare it to northern Europe.
Temperatures are between 55°F and 65°F and you can expect lots of sunny days. As is common in many parts of Spain in December, rain is infrequent but it’s likely to be heavy if it does come.
Are Shops Open Over Christmas in Malaga?
Most shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and bars will be open on Christmas Eve morning but will close over lunch and stay closed on Christmas Day too. December 26 isn’t a holiday in Spain, so everything will open back up.
Similarly, many businesses will work with reduced hours on New Year’s Eve and remain closed on New Year’s Day, although some may be open to offer special menus to celebrate. Jan 6 is another holiday day in Spain, so don’t expect much to be going on then.
Are Hotels Expensive in Malaga at Christmas?
Malaga is a beach city, so the high season is definitely in summer and this is when the prices of hotels go up. Christmas is a little more expensive than the lowest seasons, but you can find some great hotels for great prices. Some of the best options are:
- Luxury: Gran Hotel Miramar GL
- Mid-Range: Ilunion Málaga
- Budget: Hotel Málaga Vibes
There are so many fun things to do in Malaga that are even better at this time of year. You may not be able to relax at the beach, but you can hike, shop, visit museums, and still dine al fresco during Christmas in Malaga.
Spending Christmas in Malaga
Malaga is an amazing place to spend Christmas as you get a little bit of everything. You can find traditional Christmas markets, warming cups of chocolate con churros, fun traditions, and excellent food.
The Christmas lights in Malaga are also incredible and people travel from all over to see them. Plus, the weather is great and there’s a beach to walk along if you want a festive break!