✨ Málaga Christmas Lights 2025 – Dates, Times & What to Expect
Every winter, Málaga turns into one of Europe’s most magical Christmas cities — a glowing wonderland that attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. This year, the famous Christmas Lights on Calle Marqués de Larios will shine brighter than ever, marking the start of the festive season across the Costa del Sol.
🎄 When Do the Málaga Christmas Lights Switch On?
The official switch-on of the 2025 Christmas lights will take place on Friday 28 November 2025. From that evening, the city centre will be bathed in twinkling light right through until 5 January 2026, just before the traditional Three Kings’ Day celebrations.
The grand inauguration always draws large crowds, with music, street performers, and that first dazzling moment when the lights burst into colour along Calle Larios — the heart of Málaga’s festive magic.
💡 Daily Timetable & Light Show
The main illuminations cover over 500 streets and squares in the historic centre, but it’s Calle Larios that steals the spotlight. Here, you can enjoy a synchronised light-and-music show called “Natividad de Luz” (The Nativity of Light) featuring radiant columns, stars, and shimmering arches that move in harmony with the music.
There are three light shows every evening:
🕕 18:30 h 🕗 20:30 h 🕙 22:00 h
Lighting schedule across the city:
Sunday to Wednesday: 18:30 – 24:00 h
Thursday to Saturday & holiday eves: 18:30 – 02:00 h
24 and 31 December: until 06:00 h
🌟 What’s New This Year
The 2025 theme brings a brand-new design, inspired by the Nativity — replacing the angelic canopy of recent years. Each section tells a story through light, with a focus on soft golden hues and energy-efficient LED technology.
Beyond Calle Larios, there are new projections and light installations across Plaza de la Constitución, Alameda Principal, and near the Cathedral, where a video-mapping show will add extra sparkle to the evenings.
🧭 Tips for Visiting
If you want to catch the show comfortably, aim for the 22:00 h performance — it’s often a little less crowded. Arrive early (around 15 minutes before) to find a good viewing spot, ideally near the entrance of Calle Larios by Plaza de la Constitución.
For photography, step slightly aside into one of the cross-streets to capture the entire illuminated avenue in perspective — perfect for that postcard shot.
And don’t rush off! Pair the visit with a cozy dinner nearby, explore Málaga’s Christmas Market by the port, or take a walk through Muelle Uno, where festive stalls and music create a cheerful coastal glow.
🎅 A Christmas Must-See from Nerja
From Nerja, it’s just a little over an hour’s drive to reach Málaga city centre, making it an ideal day trip or evening escape during the holiday season. With cafés, tapas bars, and carols echoing through the old streets, Málaga’s lights capture everything we love about an Andalusian Christmas — warmth, joy, and community.
So mark your calendar: Friday 28 November 2025 — the night Málaga shines again.