Things to do in Malaga in December 2022

Malaga in December

December in Malaga is a special month for many reasons.

While in the rest of Europe the temperatures are freezing, this last month of the year on the Costa del Sol tends to be especially mild.

We enjoy very good temperatures that allow us to wear short sleeves at midday. In fact, it is the best month in terms of temperatures in our non-existent winter.

 Christmas lighting malaga
Christmas lighting in Calle Larios Photo Nanyfotografia

These temperatures are ideal to be out in the street even after sunset, stroll around and enjoy the magnificent Christmas lights in Malaga, have some churros with hot chocolate, eat some roasted chestnuts, and so on.

Here are some of the many activities and events during this month, enjoy!

Gastrononic Fair Taste of Malaga

Feria sabor a málaga
The great gastronomic event returns to Paseo del Parque in Malaga, with the participation of a hundred local producers.

Enjoy tasting and buying the best breads, sausages, wines, potatoes, honeys, olive oils, chocolates, Christmas pastries, cheeses and jams, among many others.

This year the Sabor a Málaga Fair will take place from the 3rd to the 6th of December.
How to get there

Christmas lights switch on in Marbella

Christmas in Marbella
Marbella will switch on its Christmas lights on Friday 2 December and there will be special shows on Avenida Marqués del Duero and Plaza de los Naranjos.

Christmas lights switch on in Benalmadena

christmas lights benalmadena pueblo
Benalmadena will switch on its Christmas lights on Thursday 1st December.

Christmas market in Torrox

A Christmas market will be set up next to the Hotel Iberostar, which according to its organisers is one of the Christmas markets in Andalusia most reminiscent of those held in Central European countries.

From the 6th to the 11th of December there will be a multitude of cultural activities, all kinds of typical gastronomy of these dates, Christmas sweets and many more surprises.
How to get there

Christmas activities in Miramar Fuengirola

Christmas activities in Miramar Fuengirola
Until 5 January there will be Christmas activities every day in this shopping centre: Father Christmas, tours of the Christmas Village, Christmas workshops, elves’ theatre, visits to the Three Wise Men in their tent and storytelling by the Royal Page.

This year for the first time there is an Escape Room from 26 December until 5 January: Children with the help of their parents will have to collect the necessary clues to solve the riddle that will ensure that the magic of Christmas is never lost.

Both the visits to Father Christmas and the rest of the activities must be booked in advance through the shopping centre’s APP, available free of charge on IOS and Android.
Web site
How to get there

Europe’s largest Lego exhibition in Malaga

 Europe's largest Lego exhibition in Malaga
The largest Lego exhibition in Europe returns to Malaga. It is a permanent exhibition until October 2023 of almost one hundred models built with more than five million pieces.

There will also be a play area (fun park) and the 3D Trick Gallery, which has the largest collection of 3D photos in Spain to have fun capturing incredible images, with which you will also be able to interact.

Where: Málaga Factory Shopping Centre
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 12 to 8 pm. Saturdays from 10 am to 8 pm. Holidays and Sundays from 10 am to 8 pm.
Website
How to get there

Christmas market Hotel Kempinski Estepona

 Christmas market Hotel Kempinski Estepona, malaga december
On Saturday, 3 December, the traditional Christmas market and Christmas tree lighting takes place at the Kempinski Hotel from 1 pm to 8 pm.

There are stalls to buy gifts and decorations. In addition, food, drinks, a visit from Father Christmas, a children’s biscuit area and Christmas songs will be available.

Enquiries: reception.estepona@kempinski.com
How to get there

Tribute Concert to Queen Malaga

 Tribute Concert to Queen Malaga, malaga december
A great opportunity to get to know this unique venue in the heart of Malaga’s Soho centre. Enjoy this live Queen tribute concert while tasting authentic Malaga craft beers.

The special thing about La Fabrica: the beers you drink are brewed on site. The bar has two master brewers, an international cuisine restaurant with special beer recipes, a cocktail and cheese menu. And there is also regular live music.

When: 16. 12. 2022 from 5 pm to 7.30 pm.
Where: La Fábrica, Calle Trinidad Grund, 29

How to get there
Web site

Cirque du Soleil in Malaga

Cirque du Soleil in Malaga, malaga december
Cirque du Soleil is touring Europe and will be in Malaga from 11 to 18 December with its new show Crystal.

This ice show is suitable for all ages.

Buy tickets
Where: Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena
How to get there

Charity bazaar Marbella

 Charity bazaar Marbella, malaga december
Every year this Caritas charity bazaar takes place at the Palacio de Congresos in Marbella. This year the dates are from the 1st to the 4th of December.

There will be several restaurants, stalls of all kinds, raffles, etc. where you can buy your Christmas gifts.

How to get there

Christmas Markets Malaga

If you are in Malaga and the Costa del Sol at this time of year, you will surely also love the Christmas markets that take place in the province.

Find them in our special edition Christmas Markets Malaga 2022.

Christmas Garden in the Botanical Garden of La Concepción

christmas garden malaga
We are very pleased that this year the Christmas Garden back.

From 27 November until 8 January we can enjoy this beautiful night-time spectacle where the Botanical Garden of La Concepcion is transformed into an enchanted forest of lights and sounds.

Millions of points of light will illuminate a circular path approximately 2.2 kilometres long and transform one of the most beautiful and important tropical gardens in Spain into a magical ocean of splendour.

We were there last year and are looking forward to seeing it this year. It will have a different theme, called Stela: The Journey of the Star of the East.

We recommend you take a look at our article The Christmas Garden with all you need to know to plan your visit, first hand, don’t miss it!


Tickets are €12 on weekdays and €14 on public holidays and holiday eves. 24 and 31 December and 5 January closed.

The event will be held from Monday to Sunday with daily shows, starting at 6:30 pm and the last one at 9 pm. Tickets can be purchased exclusively through the website https://laslucesdelbotanicomalaga.com/

The Christmas Garden will be open from 27 November 2022 to 08 January 2023 from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm.

How to get there
Public transport:
Bus: 2, 15 minutes’ walk
Malaga Tour: 91, from the Automobile Museum and Train and Bus Station (1,30€)

New Year Chimes in Malaga

New Year Chimes in Malaga
As is traditional, thousands of locals and visitors gather each New Year’s Eve at Plaza de la Constitucion in Malaga to bid the year goodbye to the sound of the bells. The centre of the city, lit with Christmas motifs, is one of the most beautiful places to say goodbye to 2022 and welcome 2023.

After the bells, attendees can enjoy live music and dance until dawn. The Night owls will be able to see the first dawn of the year while they take a typical chocolate with churros.

When: 31 December
Where: Plaza de la Constitución
How to get there

Popular festivals in Malaga in December

Purple carrot festival, Cuevas Bajas

 Purple carrot festival, Cuevas Bajas
Photo DiarioSur

This town has specialized in growing a rather peculiar purple carrot. Every first Sunday of December it pays homage to this vegetable, together with a tasting of migas.

There is also a market with local products, children’s activities and live music.
How to get there

Celebration Virgen de los Rondeles, Casarabonela

Fiesta rondeles Casarabonela
In this village in Sierra de las Nieves takes place this centuries-old tradition at night, starting at 10:30 pm.

On December 12, on the eve of Saint Lucia, Casarabonela celebrates the Fiesta de los Rondeles. It is an emotional journey through the town by the light of homemade torches, accompanied by Christmas carols from the pastorals.

The tour ends at dawn, with tastings of tostones with oil, fritters and hot chocolate.
How to get there

Alternative Malaga

Vegan Milk and Cheese Workshop Torremolinos

 Vegan Milk and Cheese Workshop Torremolinos, malaga december
If you always wanted to learn how to make your own vegetable milks, in Torremolinos you have the opportunity in this 3-hour workshop.

The workshop takes place in Aula Verde, with a conscious contribution (there is no fixed price, everyone pays what he/she thinks).

Reservations are essential. Email: info@aulaverde.es or Whatsapp 635527919

When: 17 December from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm.
How to get there

The weather in Malaga in December

December in Malaga is the winter month par excellence on the Costa del Sol. It is generally a month with very little rain and very stable and sunny weather.

The mornings and evenings are cool but mild and are ideal for strolling on the sea promenades, drinking coffee in the sun on the terraces, enjoying spectacular walks at sunset and not least the beautiful Christmas illumination of the municipalities, eating chestnuts or churros and hot chocolate.

sea promenades Malaga
The best sunsets can be seen from east Malaga

Morning lows are around 10ºC and daytime highs can be well into the 20ºC range.

Many locals are in the habit of bathing all year round, although the water is cold (around 17ºC). This month is also ideal for practising a large number of outdoor sports, discovering white villages and the wonderful nature we have.

December in Malaga is undoubtedly our favourite winter month!

december Malaga
December in Malaga is without a doubt our favourite winter month!

What clothes should you bring to Malaga in December?

  • It’s best to dress like an onion, especially if you’re going to be out all day
  • Thick jacket or mackintosh and a thick jumper for the evenings
  • Low shoes or even sandals if you like
  • Long-sleeved and short-sleeved T-shirts
  • Sunglasses

Spending the winter on the Costa del Sol

winter in Malaga

Are you toying with the idea of escaping the cold for a season?

Here we have prepared lots and lots of good reasons to spend the winter in Malaga!

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