Malaga at Christmas is one of the loveliest times to visit the city. For those who aren’t on holiday in Malaga over the festive period, here’s our selection of the best Christmas pictures.
Malaga Christmas lights
Probably one of the biggest attractions in Malaga at Christmas are the lights. Calle Larios takes the lion’s share of the biggest and brightest, but there are lots of other lights round town too.
Calle Larios is transformed every year into a twinkling mass of lights making a roof for the entire street, also covered in long lines of fairy lights. The lights on Larios are so bright you can see the glow from Muelle Uno!
There is usually a light and sound show on Calle Larios at 6.30pm, 8pm and 9.30pm every day until 5 January, but this year is different and it’s just light and some festive music. For what it’s usually like, check out the video above to see (and hear) from yourself.
Calle Alcazabilla also had a light and sound show in 2019. A video projects onto the Alcazaba walls above the Roman Theatre and tells a Christmas story. The light effects are extraordinary and there’s something very magical about watching this under a full moon.
At the top end of Calle Larios, Plaza de la Constitución has a giant lit-up tree that you can walk through plus several decorations in the square itself.
There are also giant trees on Plaza Enrique Garcia Herrera and Calle Molina Lario, next to the Cathedral. There’s also a pretty tree on Plaza de la Marina, sparkling in silver and gold at night. Not quite the same as nearby Calle Larios but pretty and very festive!
A few unusual Christmas trees have appeared around Malaga – one at the entrance to the Contemporary Art Centre (CAC), one in front of the Cervantes Theatre and another outside the Russian Museum. Plus 4 in the Alameda Principal. The colours are loud and not at all traditional but these trees certainly make a statement.
READ ABOUT CHRISTMAS IN MALAGA
Plaza de la Merced has gone for a bird theme again this year with each of the jacaranda trees lit with up with all sort of birds at night.
There are also lovely lights along the Paseo del Parque and the Alameda has come into its own this year. After the recent pedestrianisation, this central street returns to the centre stage. There are several multi-coloured trees on both sides plus central lights.
Several spots in Malaga has decorations that look just as good in the day. We love the giant baubles in Plaza General Torrijos and the giant bell on the western seafront.
Nativity scenes in Malaga at Christmas
Essential part and parcel of any Christmas in Spain are nativity scenes. There are nearly 70 on display in Malaga until 6 January. We’re gradually making our way round them and here are our highlights so far.
Malaga Cathedral Nativity
The giant nativity that usually sits at the feet of the Marquis of Larios statue is at the entrance to the Cathedral this year.
Inside the Cathedral is one of the biggest nativity scenes in Malaga. The attention to detail is amazing so you need to take your time as you wander round the display.
Neopolitan Nativity
The nativity scene on show in the Carmen Thyssen Museum is much smaller, but comes with a lot of history. These are Neopolitan figures and the scene represents the iconic Sociedad de Amigos del País on the Plaza de la Constitución.
Nativity scene and Easter float
The Estudiantes brotherhood (on Calle Alcazabilla) also have a pretty impressive nativity scene on display. The figures are much bigger than those in the Cathedral, but again, it’s the detail that’s amazing. You also get a close-up look at their Easter Week float (imagine carrying that round for hours on end).
Poinsettias galore
And the above photo leads us nicely to the next essential element of Malaga at Christmas. Red is probably the most traditional Christmas colour so it’s no surprise to find the streets, squares and parks in Malaga planted with poinsettias. Get your own at one of the florist stalls along the Alameda Principal and then admire them everywhere in the city.
And finally, here’s a video showcasing our favourite pictures of Malaga at Christmas in 2018.
If you haven’t been able to make it to Malaga this Christmas, make it a date for next year. We look forward to seeing you. Meanwhile, Happy Christmas!