Once again, Málaga reaffirms its status as one of Spain’s top Christmas capitals as it prepares to launch its renowned festive lights. The city’s historic center will again become a magnet for thousands of locals and visitors seeking to immerse themselves in a unique celebration of light and music. In 2025, organizers promise to surprise the public with an entirely new decorative concept, set to become the centerpiece of the festivities.
Winter’s Main Event: The Start of the Festive Season
The official lighting ceremony is scheduled for the evening of Friday, November 28. This date will mark the formal start of the Christmas season in the Andalusian city. For weeks, local authorities have been busy with extensive preparations, installing intricate structures. As tradition dictates, the epicenter of the festivities will be the pedestrian Larios street, which this year will be unveiled with a brand-new look. Designers have created a unique composition titled “Natividad de luz” (Christmas of Light), inspired by the biblical story of Jesus’ birth. This theme will replace the much-loved angels that adorned the street in previous years.
The festive decorations won’t be limited to the main avenue. Vibrant garlands and installations will also adorn other iconic sites, including Alameda Principal and the square by the Cathedral, creating a unified magical atmosphere throughout the city’s historic center. The event is set to begin at 18:30, when the first ray of light will mark the start of the long-awaited festivities.
Light and Music Show: Total Immersion in Magic
As in previous years, Larios Street will once again be the main stage for the daily light and sound show, turning a stroll through the city center into an unforgettable adventure. This show is a hallmark of Málaga, seamlessly blending classic Christmas carols, Andalusian-inspired melodies, and dazzling visual effects. For visitors’ convenience, the show will be held three times each evening, allowing everyone to choose the most suitable time to attend.
The first show will begin at the same time as the city’s entire illumination switches on, at 18:30. Subsequent shows will be held at 20:30 and 22:00. Each one will offer visitors a unique experience in an atmosphere perfect for a family outing or meeting with friends. Attendance is completely free for everyone. Each music and light display will last approximately 15 to 20 minutes—just enough time to fully enjoy the dynamic play of lights and admire the glowing medallions, stars, and other elements of the “Christmas of Light” installation.
Scale of the illumination and technological innovations
Festive lighting in Málaga has long been a benchmark not only in Spain but beyond its borders. This year, the city will be adorned with more than 2.7 million LED lights. They are spread across numerous structures, including 207 illuminated arches, 130 grouped decorative motifs, and 44 festively decorated lampposts. In addition, over twenty thousand garlands will wrap around 86 living trees, infusing nature with festive brilliance.
Special attention is given to environmental concerns. The installations use modern energy-saving technologies, which significantly reduce electricity consumption. According to some estimates, the use of LED technologies cuts light pollution by an impressive 93% compared to traditional bulbs. This not only creates a spectacular show but also helps protect the environment, making the celebration in Malaga even more modern and responsible.
