Activities to enjoy with your family in Malaga at Christmas

Malaga is an exciting city to spend Christmas in, and this year there are more attractions than ever

The Christmas atmosphere is spreading through the city of Malaga, among the lights and the sound of Christmas carols, it is an environment that invites you to be part of it.

Although the cold has crept into the city, this should not prevent you from filling your agenda with plans to enjoy the capital, from visual spectacles full of lights to Michelin-starred food and activities for the little ones.

If there is an obligation at Christmas for everyone from Malaga (or anywhere in the world), it is to see the light show on Calle Larios. This year, dressed as 16 ‘Heavenly Angels’ that fly over the city and light up to the sound of Christmas rhythms, from the most traditional Christmas carols like ‘Con mi burrito sabanero’, to international songs like ‘Last Christmas’. The switch-on was inaugurated last Saturday and you can enjoy it until next January 6. There will be three daily shows, at 7:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m., and 10:00 p.m.

If you want to be faithful to the Malaga tradition, stop by ‘Casa Aranda‘, the cafeteria and churrería par excellence in the center of Malaga. If you like to discover new places, you will find numerous cafeterias lining the streets that await you with delicious snacks.

Shopping for Christmas: Be it decorations or gifts, we recommend you take a walk through the Christmas markets. And it is that this year, the Christmas market in Malaga is among the 20 best in Europe. Both in Paseo del Parque and in Muelle Uno, you can find numerous stalls where you will find all kinds of products: decoration, clothing, accessories, art, etc., in a totally Christmas atmosphere.

Nativity scenes

Another plan that cannot be overlooked in Malaga every Christmas is a visit to the nativity scenes. The city is teeming with them, and from the beginning of December you can take a tour to visit them.

We recommend the municipal Bethlehem of the Town Hall , one of the busiest; the Bethlehem of the Cathedral, which this year will have a maritime focus; the Bethlehem of the Student Brotherhood of the Zegrí Cultural Association, with a Renaissance style and one of the largest in the city; and that of Carmen Thyssen, inspired by one of the works in the collection.

If you want more and are interested in visiting nativity scenes in other areas of Malaga, you can consult the guide that the City Council has created this year and that includes all the parades on the map of Malaga Capital.

Botanical Gardens Lights

For lighting fans who see all the passes on Calle Larios, we recommend another place where you can enjoy Christmas lights. Malaga will once again host the Christmas event Las luces del Botánico which continues up to January 8.

The La Concepción Historical Botanical Garden presents STELA, a new light tour that will allow visitors to accompany the Three Wise Men on their journey alongside the Eastern Star. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office. 

Cathedral Laser Show

The façade of the cathedral’s mocha tower on its south side is once again one of the highlights of this Christmas since a video mapping with laser projection is projected on it. The approximate duration of the show is  8 to 10 minutes and the theme of the projections is Christmas in the broadest meaning of the word, with nods to the smells and flavours of Malaga and has a soundtrack where bells, trains, reindeer can be heard, tambourines, bells, etc.

The shows will be at 7:00 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. , every day from January 27 to 4, except December 24 and 31.

The Port Of Malaga

The little ones are usually the center of attraction over the festive period. Therefore, at Pier One at the port of Malaga, an exclusive Christmas space has been created for them. Since last Saturday, Santa Claus and his elves have been receiving families who want to enjoy a visit to the igloo and the Snow Village. In addition, it has a  Winter Games area that is open to all boys and girls and has activities such as mini golf and curling. All children’s activities are completely free.

Christmas village of El Corte Inglés

If there is an activity that all children (and not so children) enjoy every Christmas, it is ice skating. For this, once again, the city has the ice rink at El Corte Inglés on Avenida Andalucía, 35 meters long and 15 meters wide, which will be open until January 8.

But if skating is not your thing, and the little ones have been left wanting more, in the surroundings of El Corte Inglés there is a whole Christmas amusement park set up. In addition to the skating rink, there is also a giant slide, a ‘snow city’, a Christmas train, and an adventure circuit, among others. The perfect plan for children to spend a fun Christmas afternoon!

We are Newsinspain hope you enjoy your time in Malaga, and have a safe and happy Christmas!