Christmas Garden La Concepción Málaga 2026

• Posted on October 22, 2026
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• Posted in Leisure
• Reading time: 8 minutes

We are very pleased that the Christmas Garden will back this year. An absolute success, we are delighted!

If you want to delight your inner child, you can’t miss this new event in Malaga!

Located in the wonderful historic botanical garden La Concepción, has been imported for this Christmas a concept that has already worked with great success in other European cities:

Turn a natural area into an enchanted Christmas forest where you can stroll and delight with the magic created by lights, sounds and nature.

If you love Christmas lights in general, if you’re a fan of the Christmas lights in Malaga, you’re definitely going to love this concept.

Very different from the bustling streets of the centre, Las Luces del Botánico takes you on an immersive experience along a circular route of just about 2 kilometres through some of the most beautiful corners of the botanical garden.

History of the botanical garden

In case you have never been there, it is certainly worth a visit at any time of the year to discover this green jewel on the outskirts of Malaga.

It was created in 1855 by the Marquises of Casa Loring for the recreation of the high bourgeoisie. Today it has more than 50,000 plants, being one of the few subtropical gardens in Europe.

The route

The circular route is 1.7 kilometres long and takes about an hour and a half. You walk it without a guide, along a path through the garden grounds.

Along different pieces of music and sound and light scenes, visitors immerse in a magical world in the midst of nature. There are many beautiful photo opportunities, but obviously, we’re not going to reveal everything, are we?

How will the Christmas Garden be like this year

As you may already know, 2026/2027 is the sixth year in a row that this enchanting event is taking place and each year under a different theme and decoration.

For this year, the title of the light show is “Christmas in the Garden of Oz,” inspired by the well-known story of The Wizard of Oz.

 

Visitors will be able to follow the famous yellow brick road and join Dorothy on an adventure, encountering well-known characters such as the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Lion. The journey will take you through enchanted forests, where they will discover witches and fantastical creatures, eventually arriving at the spectacular Emerald City.

With this theme, this year’s “Lights at the Botanical Garden” (Luces del Botánico) will be geared more toward children and families. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it? We can’t wait to see it!

New this year

• Capacity is limited to 200 people per session, so you can enjoy the show without the crowds.
• This year, the route leads to the beautiful viewing dome.
• There will be more lighting areas, light sculptures, and characters that will accompany visitors along the route.
• There will also be more food areas for a snack or a hot drink.
• Children under 12 receive a free cotton candy.

Route Map

Bear in Mind

Clothing

The event takes place entirely in the open air after dark and therefore it is essential to wear warm clothing. The path is mostly dirt on uneven terrain and we recommend flat shoes that can get dirty.

Eating and drinking

You can´t bring food or drink. Along the route you will find a charming square (we won’t reveal what awaits you there) with a stall with freshly roasted almonds and hot chocolate among other things.

Peak hours

Access is limited to a certain number of people every half hour so that you can stroll around in peace and quiet. However, as always for popular events and venues, we recommend to avoid rush hour.

We don’t want you to go crazy looking for parking and be stuck in queues, do we? So, bear in mind: The weekend and weekday slots between 6 pm and 8 pm are very busy.

Our advice

If you have time, come later on a working day at 9 pm. So you can enjoy the spectacle without the crowds taking pictures at every beautiful spot.

FAQs

When can I enter the venue?

You may enter the venue up to 15 minutes past the time for which you purchased your ticket.

How long does the tour take and what is its length?

The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes and covers a distance of about 1.7 km.

I have reduced mobility. Is there an accessible route?

Visitors with reduced mobility can complete most of the tour, although there are some areas with stairs. Those using a wheelchair must purchase tickets designated for individuals with reduced mobility (PMR), which include a 20% discount.

Is the show cancelled if it rains?

No, in case of rain it is not cancelled. In fact, we were there a couple of years ago after a heavy downpour and we had the whole garden practically to ourselves.

Parking and public transport

By Car

There are two parking areas:

• Car park next to the access gate to the site with a capacity of 150 vehicles, of which 4 are for people with reduced mobility.
• Periurban car park 1.5 km away, with 2 shuttles every 5 minutes.
• How to get there

By bus from the centre of Malaga

To get to the light show comfortably in the evening, the best option is to take Line 2 from the centre of Malaga. It will drop you off in Ciudad Jardín. From there, the event organizers provide free, continuous shuttle buses throughout the night that will take you to the entrance of the botanical garden and bring you back.

Stops in the city centre

To take Line 2 toward the Botanical Garden (Botánico), these are your best options for boarding the bus:
• Alameda Principal – Larios (Stop 201): Located on the north side of the avenue, next to the statue of the Marquis of Larios.
• Plaza de Marina (Stop 202): Right at the beginning of the Paseo del Parque, next to the Tourist Office.
• Paseo del Parque – Plaza de la Marina (Stop 223): A few metres further along, following the park.

Journey and Transfer (Step-by-Step)

1. Board Line 2 at any of the preceding stops, heading in the direction of “Ciudad Jardín.”
2. Get off at the final stop (San José, or near the Ciudad Jardín Sports Complex). The journey takes approximately 20–25 minutes.
3. Board the Free Shuttle: In the same arrival area, you will see signage and event staff indicating where to catch the official shuttle minibus, which will take you directly to the entrance of the La Concepción Botanical Garden in less than 10 minutes.

Fares and Payment

• A standard ticket costs €1.40 and can be paid for directly to the driver in cash or via a contactless credit/debit card.
• City buses run frequently until well past 11 pm, providing ample coverage for your return journey after the show ends.

What time should I leave the city centre to ensure I arrive with plenty of time for my scheduled entry to the light display?

For example, if your entry time is 7 pm, it is recommended that you leave the centre of Malaga by 6 pm.

Recommended schedule to ensure you have ample time:

• 6:00 pm — Board the bus: Take the EMT Line 2 bus from Alameda Principal.
• 6:25 pm — Arrival in Ciudad Jardín: The bus journey takes approximately 25 minutes.
• 6:35 pm — Transfer to the shuttle: You have a 10-minute window to get off the bus, walk to the event’s free shuttle stop, and board the minibus.
• 6:45 pm — Arrival at the Botanical Garden entrance: The minibus will drop you off at the entrance area 15 minutes before your scheduled entry time. This gives you the perfect amount of time to clear security, validate your tickets without any rush, and be among the first in your group to enter.

Dates, Opening hours & Tickets

• General admission tickets are priced at 15.5 euros for adults and 11.5 euros for children, including distribution costs. In addition, this year special days have been introduced with 50% discounts on November 30; December 9, 14, 21, and 28; and January 6.
• Children’s tickets from 3 to 12 years old. Children under 3 years old are free.
• The last time slot also has a reduced price, costing 11.5 euros for adults and 7.5 euros for children.
• There are also discounts of 30% for groups of more than 10 people and 20% for people with reduced mobility.
• 24 and 31 December closed.
• The event takes place from Monday to Sunday with daily tours, starting at 6:30 pm and the last one at 9:30 pm.
• The Christmas Garden will be open from 27 November to 6 January 2027 from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm.
• Tickets at the official website.

Want more?

No problem, we have everything you need to know about:

• Christmas Lights in Malaga and province
• Christmas Markets
• what to do in Malaga in December
• where to dine on New Year’s Eve
• some of the best “adults only” hotels

…and much more! Come on, you have no excuse not to spend some nice Christmas days with us! And your rental car at the airport, with MalagaCar.com!