Christmas 2026
Christmas in Málaga
The markets, the lights and the parties — and when each is worth it.
16 days to go16 Nov – 26 Dec · 17 ideas
- 10 for families
- 7 free
Don't miss
Christmas Lights Switch-on
Christmas Light & Music Show on Calle Larios
Christmas Garden La Concepción: 'Ilusión'
Friday 27 November
Christmas Lights Switch-on
The official Christmas lights switch-on event, featuring a light and music show on Calle Larios. The street is expected to be crowded. The design for 2026 is 'Natividad de luz'.
FamilyFreeSource: Navidad en Málaga 2026: luces, mercadillos y belenes
Monday 7 December
Public Holiday: Day of the Spanish Constitution (transfer day)
Public holiday in Málaga, transferred from December 6th (which falls on a Sunday). Many businesses, banks, and public services will be closed.
Source: Calendario Laboral de Málaga 2026 - Días festivos oficiales
Tuesday 8 December
Public Holiday: Immaculate Conception
Public holiday in Málaga. Many businesses, banks, and public services will be closed.
Source: Calendario Laboral de Málaga 2026 - Días festivos oficiales
Friday 18 December
Candlelight Navidad: Clásicos de Navidad
A Candlelight Christmas concert featuring classic Christmas tunes in an intimate atmosphere.
Source: Conciertos de Navidad Candlelight 2026 en Málaga - Fever
Candlelight Navidad: Bandas Sonoras Navideñas
A Candlelight Christmas concert performed by Cuarteto Origen, featuring beloved Christmas movie soundtracks such as White Christmas, Believe from Polar Express, and All I Want for Christmas Is You. Minimum age is 8 years, under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
FamilySource: Entradas Candlelight Navidad: Bandas Sonoras Navideñas en Malaga - Happyticket
Tuesday 22 December
El Sorteo Extraordinario de Navidad (Christmas Lottery Draw)
The highly anticipated national Christmas lottery draw, a significant event in Spain. Millions follow the live broadcast from the Teatro Real in Madrid.
Thursday 24 December
Christmas Eve - Potential early closures
While not a public holiday, many shops and businesses may close earlier than usual. Restaurants typically offer special Christmas Eve dinner menus.
Friday 25 December
Concierto de Navidad en el Soho
A Christmas concert and show directed by Antonio Banderas, featuring the Sinfónica Larios Pop del Soho. The program includes traditional Spanish carols, American Christmas classics, and original pieces. Suitable for all audiences.
FamilySource: Concierto de Navidad en el Soho - Teatro en Málaga 2026
Public Holiday: Christmas Day (Natividad del Señor) - Widespread Closures
Public holiday. Most shops, businesses, and public services will be closed. Many restaurants will be closed or operate with special holiday menus and hours.
Source: Calendario Laboral de Málaga 2026 - Días festivos oficiales
Saturday 26 December
Free Christmas Family Theatre
As part of the municipal family-theatre program, a free performance for families. Dates include December 26, 27, 28, and January 2-4, 2027.
FamilyFreeSource: Christmas in Malaga 2026: Lights, Dates & Practical Guide
All season
Christmas Light & Music Show on Calle Larios
Daily light and music shows on Calle Larios, featuring the 'Natividad de luz' design, which combines large medallions representing the birth of Jesus. Shows are expected at 18:30, 20:30, and 22:00. General lighting will be on until 00:00 Sunday-Wednesday and until 02:00 Thursday-Saturday and eve of holidays. No music on Dec 24, 31, and Jan 5. Lighting until 06:00 on Dec 24 and 31.
FamilyFree
Christmas Garden La Concepción: 'Ilusión'
The Historic-Botanical Garden La Concepción hosts a Christmas light trail with a varied theme each year. For 2026-2027, the theme is 'Ilusión'. The route is approximately 2 km long and takes about 1.5 hours to walk through. Closed on December 24 and 31.
FamilySource: Navidad en Málaga 2026: luces, mercadillos y belenes
Paseo del Parque Christmas Market
The largest and most traditional Christmas market in Málaga with over 90 stalls selling nativity figures, local crafts, and a wide variety of traditional Christmas sweets such as polvorones, mantecados, and alfajores. The market lights up at 19:45.
FamilyFreeSource: Los mejores mercados navideños de Málaga 2026
Muelle Uno Christmas Market (Chocoland)
A Christmas market by the sea with around 40 stalls offering local crafts, silver jewelry, and gourmet products. It includes a Santa's house. The best photo opportunities are around 20:30 when the lights are on.
FamilyFreeSource: Los mejores mercados navideños de Málaga 2026
Parque de Navidad Hielo Azul (Ice Blue Christmas Park)
A large Christmas park featuring an XXL outdoor ice rink, Santa's house, a Magic Tree, and other attractions like a Christmas train, Scalextric, trampolines, and jumping. Food trucks and a pizzeria are available. Entrance to the park is free, attractions require payment.
FamilyFree
Traditional Christmas Cuisine Season
Throughout the Christmas period, visitors can enjoy Málaga's traditional festive dishes. These include borrachuelos (anise-flavored fried pastries), roscón de vino (wine-flavored ring cake), mantecados, polvorones, and savory dishes like chivo lechal al horno (roast suckling goat), sopa de picadillo (a type of rich soup), and various seafood options, especially prawns.
Ciclo 'Música en Navidad'
A series of Christmas music performances in a central square. Specific times for each day are not yet available.
FamilyFreeSource: Navidad en Málaga 2026: luces, mercadillos y belenes
Times and prices change, so check with the organiser before you go. Updated 27 Oct