27/11/2025
Malaga at Christmas—things to do, what to see, markets and lights. Visit Malaga at Christmas and enjoy the city at low-season pace.
If you love enjoying the city without the rush, visiting Malaga in winter will feel as good as a warm hug. In low season, Malaga is like a soft wool coat: fewer tourists, mild weather and a programme that blends tradition with modern plans. Lose yourself in the historic centre, tempt your palate with traditional sweets or head for museums with a more relaxed footfall.
You’ve also got the option to visit Malaga at Christmas and revel in its lights and Christmas markets. Either way, here’s how to make the most of your time in the Andalusian capital.
Malaga at Christmas: atmosphere and traditions
Christmas in Malaga is lived at street level—with your eyes up. The lights switch-on starts in late November (in 2025, it’s currently expected to be Friday 28 November) and runs until Epiphany. The absolute star is Calle Larios, with its light-and-music show and several daily performances.
The rest of the centre joins in with a display that turns the old town into a cinematic Christmas set. The Catedral de Málaga and the Jardín Botánico host their own festive shows too, with lights, décor and visual effects.
Christmas markets in Malaga
If you’re looking for things to do in Malaga at Christmas, the Muelle Uno Christmas market is your spot. From late November to 6 January, you’ll find all kinds of stalls with festive products: crafts, decorations, gifts and sweets. With dreamy harbour views as your backdrop, it’s ideal for giving in to hot chocolate (it’s also nicknamed “Chocoland”), picking up presents and strolling with the family—keep an eye out for the Casa de Papá Noel, a hit with little ones and grown-ups alike.
The Paseo del Parque market is the other big Christmas must in Malaga. It’s more traditional, with dozens of stalls selling nativity pieces, ornaments and those irresistible Christmas treats. Opening dates usually align with Muelle Uno—and they’re very close to each other, so practical tip: link your visit with a stroll to see the city-centre lights. It sounds like a cliché, but it’s a perfect plan.
Christmas trees and decorations in Malaga
Beyond the already mentioned Calle Larios, Plaza de la Constitución usually boasts a giant Christmas tree—pure photo magnet. In this area, every arch and detail wraps you in a constant “wow”. Plaza de la Marina and Calle Molina Lario also join in with elegant lighting, while Alameda Principal, with its illuminated trees, gifts you that long, beautiful walk that’s perfect at dusk.
If you’re set on nailing your Instagram shots, arrive a few minutes before the Larios showtimes, set your phone to vertical and aim for the centre of the light corridor—the results are near music-video level.
Christmas activities in Malaga
Beyond the illuminated stroll, Christmas in Malaga comes with a full agenda. The programme is yet to be announced, but it usually includes concerts and choirs, tastings and nativity routes across different spaces (don’t miss the one at the Ayuntamiento).
With good planning, you can chain a sunset at the port, the Catedral videomapping and then the Calle Larios light show. For family-friendly things to do in Malaga at Christmas, that triple combo is a winner.
Malaga in winter: climate and temperature
Malaga’s winter-friendliness shows on the thermometer: daytime highs are typically around 18 °C, with cooler nights near 10 °C. Rain is a bit more frequent in December and January, but there are plenty of sunny days.
The best approach is to dress in layers to adapt to the day’s weather: T-shirt, sweatshirt and a mid-weight jacket. Pack comfy trainers for walking, a waterproof in case the rain picks up and—for the evening light shows—a thin scarf or hat will save the night.
Tips for visiting Malaga in winter
If your goal is to see Malaga at Christmas with everything lit up, aim for late November to early January. January and February are much calmer—ideal for museums and cultural routes. Bonus of the low season? You can stroll unhurried and find space for your photos without battling for the best spot.
Winter cultural routes
Winter in Malaga gifts you stress-free museums and monuments with lighter footfall. Start with the Alcazaba: in winter hours it’s open 9:00 to 18:00 (last entry around 17:15) and entry is free on Sunday afternoons. If you’ve got the energy, head up to Castillo de Gibralfaro for postcard views.
You should also consider Museo Picasso de Málaga, typically open 10:00 to 18:00 in these months, with free entry during the last two hours on Sundays. It’s wise to buy tickets online if you’re going on a bank holiday or weekend. Round off with modern and contemporary art at Centro Pompidou de Málaga. Want more? The Thyssen and Soho’s street art are two failsafes.
Typical winter gastronomy in Malaga
Whenever you go, don’t leave without trying Malaga’s typical dishes. In any season you’ll fancy an espeto de sardinas, boquerones victorianos or—why not—an all-in: the fritura malagueña. And you’ve got to try the campero, a sandwich that’s a local icon—ideal for filling up without losing time mid-plan.
You can also warm up with gazpachuelo. The name is misleading—it’s a hot broth with fish, potatoes and mayonnaise, and Malaga’s best-known spoon dish. Other winter essentials include conchas finas (a type of clam) and the comforting huevos a lo bestia (also known as plato de los montes).
And if you’re going at Christmas, you’ll notice Malaga smells of borrachuelos, mantecados, roscos de vino, roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate with porras.
How to get to Malaga by train
With OUIGO, your plan rolls smoothly. The Madrid–Malaga route offers several daily frequencies at prices that leave room for your Christmas shopping and a few extra treats. Check timetables and fares for trains to Malaga and find the perfect option for you: you’ll arrive at Málaga María Zambrano station, a short stroll from the centre and connected to Cercanías, Metro and buses.
FAQs about Malaga in winter
What to wear?
Light layers, a jacket, comfy footwear and a packable waterproof in case of rain. For evening shows, a thin scarf makes all the difference.
Tip OUIGO!: don’t worry about luggage space in winter. With OUIGO PLUS you’ve got one extra piece of luggage included, plus XL seat selection and access to OUIFUN. Want even more comfort? With OUIGO FULL you get all that, + two extra pieces of luggage, the ability to change date and time with FLEX! and a refundable ticket.
When do the Christmas lights switch on in Malaga?
In 2025, there’s no official confirmation yet, but Friday 28 November is strongly tipped. Calle Larios showtimes are usually 18:30, 20:00 and 21:00.
Where are the biggest markets?
Muelle Uno and Paseo del Parque are the essentials. The first, by the harbour, gifts you a stroll with views. The second is a true Christmas classic.
H3 Is visiting Malaga in low season a good idea?
Yes—very. Fewer crowds, mild weather, museums and monuments without rush, and all the Malaga-at-Christmas atmosphere without stress.
With that and a campero, you’ve got your guide to visit Malaga in winter or at Christmas—easy, tasty and with plenty of sparkle. See you on board!