Malaga Christmas lights are more beautiful than ever

On the evening of Black Friday, November 28, the city of Malaga officially kicked off the festive season when thousands of Malagueños flooded the historic centre for the traditional switching-on of the Christmas lights on Calle Larios.

This year’s honour of pressing the ceremonial red button fell to Malaga-born Hollywood star Antonio Banderas, making this his third consecutive year in the role, along with producer Domingo Merlín (co-founder of the Sohrlin Andalucia arts centre) and the full cast of the hit show “Imagine”. The same team created an exclusive outdoor performance, which was specially staged for the occasion. It transformed the countdown to a full-blown theatrical experience.

Malaga Christmas lights with a Nativity theme

The display for 2025, entitled “Natividad de Luz”, was designed by Iluminaciones XiménezThe street was adorned with celestial angels for three years. Sixteen five-metre-long medallions depicting scenes of the Nativity are suspended over the pedestrian thoroughfare. These medallions are supported by decorated columns, and 32 sweeping beams of light “dance”, in time with the music. Over 350,000 LED lights illuminate the iconic shopping street.

It is important to note that the word “you” means “you”. Calle Larios spectacle There will be three performances per night, at 6.30pm 8.30pm and 10.30pm. Except on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve when the lights stay on without music.

Across the city, Malaga Council has invested €1.5 million in an eco-friendly lighting scheme using Ecogreenlux technology It reduces energy consumption and light pollution. The capital is now decorated with 2.7 million LED lights, which cover almost 500 streets. These include garlands, arches of light, natural firs, and 3-dimensional motifs.

Three different Christmas light themes

Nearby Calle San Juan once again offers its popular themed walk divided into three atmospheric sections: Baroque chandeliers in “Sueño Barroco”, Victorian-style lamps in “Nostalgia Victoriana”, and delicate lace lampshades with winter foliage in “Susurro de Invierno”.

The Cathedral of Malaga is presenting a new performance on Saturday night. video-mapping show, “El pescador de sueños” (The Fisherman of Dreams), inspired by the city’s traditional cenacheros (fish sellers). The eight-minute laser and 3D projection on the Molina Lario façade will run nightly at 7pm, 8.30pm and 10pm until January 4.

Malaga’s historic centre shone brightly in the darkness as people dressed up in Santa hats and wore festive scarves.