
Again lots of music, Christmas markets and Christmas lights for this beautiful month full of illusion. And in Malaga, with radiant sunshine and excellent temperatures!
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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.

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!
Market at the English Cemetery – Malaga
A very special flea market can be enjoyed at the English Cemetery in Malaga, the oldest non-Catholic necropolis in the Iberian Peninsula.
This cemetery located a short distance from the historic centre opens its doors again for two Christmas editions, on 7 and 21 December.
Find vintage items, handicrafts, second-hand books and much more, discover the 18th century garden and the tombs of period characters. There will also be live music and a foodtruck.
- When: 7 and 21 December from 11 am to 6 pm
- Where: Cementerio Inglés, Málaga
- How to get there
Christmas at the Carmen Thyssen Museum – Malaga

The Thyssen Museum in Malaga opens its doors for the whole month of December until 7 January.
During these days visitors can enjoy the Neapolitan Nativity Scene installed in the courtyard and performances by the ESAEM choir (Escuela Superior de Artes Escénicas de Málaga). Admission is free until full capacity is reached.
- The concerts take place on 5, 10, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20 December at 7:30 pm.
- How to get there
Visit the historic ship Nao Victoria – Malaga

The Nao Victoria was a caravel famous for being the first ship to circumnavigate the world. It was part of the Spanish expedition commanded by the explorer Ferdinand Magellan.
You can visit the replica at Pier One in the Port of Malaga from 12 December to 12 January from 10 am to 6.30 pm.
Concert `The world of Hans Zimmer´ – Malaga
The sports palace in Malaga will host this concert by Hans Zimmer, composer of legendary soundtracks and two-time Oscar winner.
In 2024, his successful show The World of Hans Zimmer will premiere a new musical programme. The composer will be present as musical director alongside some of the most outstanding solo performers and a symphony orchestra.
- Tickets
- When: 7 December at 8 pm.
- Where: Palacio de Deportes, Málaga
- How to get there
Magical Christmas Gala – Marbella
The Marbella Congress Centre will host a show full of illusion for the whole family. On the 1st of December the Magic Gala takes place, full of magic, humour and surprising performances.
- Tickets
- When: 1 December at 5 pm
- Where: Palacio de Congresos, Marbella
- How to get there
Candelight Concerts – Malaga
At the Maria Cristina Concert Hall, a 15th century Franciscan monastery located in the heart of Malaga , with exceptional acoustics and unique beauty.
Recently, more and more unique venues in Malaga have joined this experience, such as the Carmen Thyssen Museum and now also the Gran Hotel Miramar.
We can personally recommend this experience of classic concerts and tributes by the light of hundreds of candles.
December Programme
Tribute to Coldplay at the Gran Hotel Miramar, 1 December at 7 pm.
Vivaldi’s Four Seasons at the Gran Hotel Miramar, 1 December at 9 pm.
Tribute to The Beatles at the Gran Hotel Miramar, 6 December at 7 pm.
The Best of Hans Zimmer at the Museo Carmen Thyssen, 7 December at 8:30 pm and 10:15 pm.
Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons at the Museo Carmen Thyssen, 8 December at 8:30 pm and 10:15 pm.
Christmas Classics at the Museo Carmen Thyssen, 14 December at 8:30 pm and 10:15 pm.
Christmas Soundtracks at the Museo Carmen Thyssen, 21 December at 8:30 pm and 10:15 pm.
Tribute to ABBA at the Gran Hotel Miramar, 22 December at 7 pm.
Tribute to Ennio Morricone at the Gran Hotel Miramar, 22 December at 9 pm.
Rings and Dragons in the María Cristina Concert Hall, 27 December at 5.45 pm.
Tribute to Queen in the María Cristina Concert Hall, 27 December at 7.45 pm.
Coldplay vs. Ed Sheeran at the Museo Carmen Thyssen, 28 December at 8:30 pm and 10:15 pm.
- Tickets at the official website of Feverup.
- Where: Sala de Conciertos María Cristina, Museo Carmen Thyssen and Gran Hotel Miramar, Málaga
Candelight Concerts – Marbella
At the 5-star Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Hotel.
Christmas Classics 21 December at 7 pm and 9 pm.
Tribute to ABBA 28 December at 7 pm.
- Tickets at the official website of Feverup.
- How to get there
Festival of Lights – Málaga
On the same day as the traditional switching on of the Christmas lights in Malaga, another event full of lights and magic will take place in the Parque del Oeste.
The ‘Lantern Festival’ is a cultural and artistic event full of lights and colours, which will recreate the traditional Chinese Lantern Festival.
The festival of lights will run until 12 February 2025. The event also features various traditional Chinese activities such as a grand Chinese New Year parade, a wishing mural, workshops on lantern making, calligraphy and banners, and traditional theatre, music and dance performances.
- Tickets
- When: 30 November to 12 February 2025.
- Where: Parque del Oeste, Malaga
- How to get there
Christmas at the Cervantes and Echegaray – Malaga

The two great historic theatres in the old town of Malaga have prepared a wide range of concerts, musicals and ballet during the festive period from December until Epiphany.
Festival Bach – Marbella
Cycles of Sol Mayor Organ Concerts in the Church of the Encarnación in Marbella, with monthly concerts until June 2025.
- Donations are requested to cover expenses.
- When: 15 December at 5 pm.
- How to get there
Ballet The Nutcracker – Estepona
As part of its extensive programme of Christmas activities, Estepona is also putting on Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Ballet. It is a magical show ideal for the whole family.
- Tickets
- When: 8 December at 6 pm.
- Where: Teatro Auditorio Felipe VI, Estepona
- How to get there
Gastrononic Fair Taste of Malaga – Malaga
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.
- The Sabor a Málaga Fair takes place every year during the December long weekend, which this year will be from 4 to 9 December.
- How to get there
Craft Market La Merced – Malaga
A new edition of this popular craft market in the heart of Malaga takes place on the 1st of December from 11am to 7pm.
It’s the ideal occasion to pick up some original gifts, enjoy a stroll and then have a drink in one of the many bars located around the Plaza de la Merced.
- When: 1 December from 11 am to 7 pm
- Where: Plaza de la Merced, Malaga
- How to get there
Dramatised night-time tours at the Automobile Museum – Malaga

Historia Viva Málaga has set up dramatised visits at night to the Automobile and Fashion Museum in Málaga. Visitors can learn about the history of historic cars through relevant characters.
Among these characters are Agent 007, who is renewing his licence to kill, or Amelia Earhart, the first woman aviator to cross the Atlantic, Coco Chanel or Salvador Dalí.
During a tour lasting an hour and a half, these characters will bring the public closer to the art and fashion of several centuries.
- Tickets at the Website or by contacting via telephone or WhatsApp at 607 285 570, indicating the activity and day chosen, a full name, number of places and a contact telephone number.
- When: The first Friday of every month (as long as the museum’s calendar of events allows) and in two sessions: 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm.
- Where: Museo Automovilístico y de la Moda Málaga
- How to get there
Christmas activities Miramar Shopping Centre – Fuengirola
The Miramar shopping centre will inaugurate Christmas with visits to Father Christmas, Christmas theatre and children’s workshops.
The activities will take place until 5 January 2025.
- More information and timetables on the Miramar website or the centre’s official App.
- How to get there
The Swan Lake – Malaga
Enjoy during the Christmas season this beautiful ballet at the Trade Fair and Conference Centre in Málaga. The show runs from 20 December to 12 January 2025.
- Tickets
- When: 20 December to 12 January 2025.
- Where: Palacio de Ferias y Congresos, Malaga
- How to get there
Grand Christmas Concert – Malaga
Strauss Festival Orchestra & Ballet Ensemble has prepared this concert of classical music for you to enjoy on 23 December at the Malaga Trade Fair and Congress Centre.
- Tickets
- When: 23 December at 8:30 pm
- Where: Palacio de Ferias y Congresos, Málaga
- How to get there
Concert ‘Christmas’ – Torremolinos
During the Christmas season in the central Plaza Costa del Sol in Torremolinos will take place the concert ‘Christmas’ by the ‘Little Bigband de Málaga’.
- When: 13th December at 21 h, free admission.
- Where: Plaza Costa del Sol, Torremolinos
- How to get there
Christmas Concert Malaga Symphony Orchestra – Torremolinos
The Torremolinos Municipal Auditorium will host the Christmas Concert by the Malaga Symphony Orchestra on 15th December.
The concert will be made up of soundtracks from films and television series, and will feature the special collaboration of the Torremolinos Dance Centre.
The event is free of charge. Tickets can be collected free of charge at the Centro Cultural Pablo Ruiz Picasso, until full capacity is reached.
- When: 15 December at 12 noon
- Where: Municipal Auditorium of Torremolinos
- How to get there
Children’s Medieval Festival – Fuengirola
The central streets of Fuengirola will host during the 27th of December a new edition of its great children’s medieval festival. In the area there will be a medieval market, participatory workshops and games for children, parades, shows and more activities designed for the youngest members of the family. Free admission.
Area of the activities: Avenida Condes de San Isidro, as well as in Calle San Antonio, Camino de Coín and Plaza Reyes Católicos.
- When: 27 December
- Where: Fuengirola city centre
- How to get there
Christmas Garden in the Botanical Garden – Malaga
We are very pleased that this year the Christmas Garden back.
From 29 November to 6 January 2025 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.
Christmas Markets & Activities in 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 2024.
Christmas Market at Pier One – Malaga
One of the best Christmas markets in Malaga: The Christmas Market at Pier One just a few metres from the historic centre.
This year the agency European best destinations has selected this market among the 5 sunniest Christmas markets in Europe: ‘everything you love about Christmas, but without scarves and with sunglasses’.
Enjoy a stroll by the sea, with stalls selling gastronomy, fashion, jewellery, Christmas treats and much more.
The Christmas Market is open every day until 6 January from 10 am to 10 pm.
Christmas Market – Fuengirola
The Fuengirola Christmas Market will be held from 29th November to 22nd December in the Plaza de la Constitución. On the evening of the 29th of November, the Christmas illumination will also be inaugurated in the streets of the town.
It is worth noting that this municipality has one of the most beautiful Christmas illuminations on the Costa del Sol, especially in this square and the surrounding streets.
Every Saturday during these dates there will be a big artificial snowfall at around 7:30 pm.
Charity bazaar – Marbella
The Caritas Christmas Bazaar is one of the most important charity events held in Marbella. This year it takes place from the 12th to the 15th of December at the Palacio de Congresos.
There will be numerous stalls with Christmas items, jewellery, clothes, accessories, decoration, etc., as well as several restaurants, raffles and entertainment area.
- When: 12 to 15 December, from 11 am to 10 pm
- Where: Palacio de Congresos, Marbella
- How to get there
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 2024 and welcome 2025.
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

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.
- When: 1 December
- Where: Cuevas Bajas
- How to get there
Crafts & Gastronomy Fair – Benalauría
The village of Benalauría in the Serranía de Ronda celebrates a new edition of its Craft and Gastronomy Fair from the 6th to the 8th of December.
In a gastronomic and cultural event that this year will revolve around jams, with many free activities for all audiences and jam making workshops.
There will be an agro-craft market with typical local products (wood and furniture, ceramics, cork, esparto grass, wicker, leather, wool, paint, agri-food products, among others).
- Where: Benalauría
- When: From 6 to 8 December
- How to get there
Chacina Fair – Benaoján

This village in the Serranía de Ronda celebrates this gastronomic day with stalls selling artisan products from the region, such as cold meats and sausages, sweets, breads, preserves, honey and desserts. And of course, there is no shortage of live music.
- When: 12 December
- Where: Benaoján, Serranía de Ronda
- How to get there
Celebration Virgen de los Rondeles – Casarabonela
In this village in Sierra de las Nieves takes place this centuries-old tradition at night, starting at 10 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.
- When: 12 December, from 10 pm onwards
- Where: Casarabonela
- How to get there
Migas Day – Torrox
In Torrox takes place this popular gastronomic event, the Dia de las Migas on the 22nd of December. It is one of the most popular fiestas in the province of Malaga and attracts thousands of people every year.
Visitors will be able to taste the tasty Migas and there will also be local wine to accompany the dish, as well as ‘ensalada arriera’ (with oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, onions and olives).
The culinary feast is enlivened by live music throughout the day in the Plaza de la Constitución. The migas are distributed from 2 pm onwards in the Llano de la Almazara (car park in the upper part of Torrox village).
- When: 22 December
- Where: Torrox Pueblo
- 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.

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!

What clothes to 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
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!