Christmas Lights in Málaga: A Magical Start to the Festive Season on the Costa del Sol

By Del Sol Estates & Investments – Life Under the Sun

Every year, as November draws to a close, Spain transforms into a world of twinkling lights, festive music, and warm winter evenings. The Christmas light switch-on (“alumbrado navideño”) is one of the most beautiful traditions in Andalusia — and nowhere is it more impressive than here on the Costa del Sol.

Whether you live in the region or dream of owning a home under the sun, the Christmas season offers a magical glimpse into local life. Below you’ll find everything you need to know: dates, times, the best towns to visit, and what to expect.

🎄 Málaga: The Heart of Christmas on the Costa del Sol

Málaga’s Christmas lights are among the most stunning in Europe, attracting visitors from around the world each year.

✨ Switch-On Date (2025–2026)

• Friday 28 November 2025 at 18:30

• Lights remain on nightly until 5 January 2026 (sometimes extended to 6 January)

✨ Daily Light & Sound Show (Calle Larios)

Three magical shows every evening:

• 18:30

• 20:30

• 22:00

✨ Lighting Hours

• Sunday – Wednesday: 18:30 – 00:00

• Thursday – Saturday & holiday eves: until 02:00

• Special nights (24 & 31 December): until approx. 06:00

✨ Other Highlights in Málaga

• Christmas market at Muelle Uno

• Nativity scenes (Belénes) throughout the city

• Illuminated botanical garden “La Concepción”: 28 Nov 2025 – 6 Jan 2026

• Decorations in the historic centre, Soho district, and Paseo del Parque

Málaga is the perfect place to start the festive season — colourful, musical, lively, and incredibly atmospheric.

🏘️ Magical Christmas Lights in Other Towns & Villages

The Costa del Sol is famous for its warm climate and long summers, but the winter season is equally special. Many towns offer their own unique lighting displays and Christmas events.

Here are the most notable ones with dates and times:

🌟 Mijas (Pueblo, La Cala, Las Lagunas)

In 2025, Mijas will present its largest Christmas illumination ever, with over 3.8 million LED lights.

Switch-On Events

• Mijas Pueblo: 3 December 2025 – from 18:00 (Plaza Virgen de la Peña)

• La Cala de Mijas: 4 December 2025 – Bulevar area

• Las Lagunas: 5 December 2025 – Avenida de Mijas

Each area features an audiovisual light show with sessions around:

• 19:00

• 20:30

• 22:00

Mijas Pueblo will also host a traditional Christmas market throughout December.

🌟 Marbella & Puerto Banús

Marbella becomes wonderfully elegant during the holidays, with warm golden lighting and a festive ambience.

• Marbella Christmas Market: 1 December 2025 – 6 January 2026 (Parque de la Alameda & Avenida del Mar)

• Puerto Banús Christmas Market: early December 2025 – 6 January 2026 (Plaza Antonio Banderas)

• Marbella Old Town dazzles with beautifully illuminated streets — perfect for evening walks.

🌟 Estepona

Estepona offers one of the most charming Christmas atmospheres on the coast.

• Switch-On: 28 November 2025

• Lights & festivities: until 5 January 2026

Expect sea-front illuminations, children’s attractions, festive shows, and a lively Christmas market.

🌟 Benalmádena

Although exact 2025 dates are still to be confirmed, Benalmádena traditionally switches its lights on around:

• 29 November 2025

Illuminations cover the coast, Arroyo de la Miel, and the picturesque Benalmádena Pueblo.

🌟 Torremolinos

Torremolinos celebrates with:

• Festive lighting in the centre

• A Christmas village

• Seasonal markets and performances

Dates for 2025 are expected soon but typically follow the last week of November.

🌟 Fuengirola

Fuengirola offers:

• A charming Christmas market on Plaza de la Constitución

• Beautiful lighting in the main centre

• Festive family activities throughout December

✨ Why We Love Christmas on the Costa del Sol

December evenings here are mild, lively, and full of atmosphere. Many of our international clients say the Christmas period helped them feel at home — a perfect mix of culture, community, and celebration.

Living on the Costa del Sol means enjoying:

• Festive traditions

• Comfortable winter temperatures

• Outdoor markets and illuminated streets

• A welcoming local community

It’s one more reason why so many people choose to make this region their new home.

Interested in Discovering Life Under the Sun?

At Del Sol Estates & Investments, we help clients find their perfect property in the region — whether for relocation, investment, or holiday living.

If you’re visiting Málaga to enjoy the Christmas lights and would like to explore homes while you’re here, we’d be delighted to guide you.

Feel free to contact us anytime.