During the festive season, the Christmas Lights in Málaga are always a great place to visit, but this year they have really surpassed themselves.
They are nothing short of spectacular!
Each evening, Calle Marqués de Larios, the main pedestrianised shopping street is crowded with people enjoying a party atmosphere with balloons and street performers to entertain them. What I particularly love here in the city, as in every village and town across Spain, you will see all the family generations out taking their evening stroll together.
Whilst they are still open, the shops, as well as the bars and restaurants are brimming over with people either doing their Christmas shopping or just soaking up the festive atmosphere.
The stars of this particular light show are shining brightly on Calle Marqués de Larios (famous for being paved with marble), and this year’s display has a Gothic feel, with a cathedral-arched frame dominating the street.
Most surrounding streets have a more modest display of lights too, so have a wander around and see them, but don’t forget to look up at the beautiful buildings, too.
You’ll see bright red poinsettias everywhere – planted on the roundabouts, hanging from lamp posts and displayed in huge cones around Calle Larios.
There’s a huge choice of bars and restaurants to tempt you – many with their gas-flame heaters burning outside to keep you warm. If you have to drive back home again later, you might prefer to try the best chocolate and churros in Málaga, at Cafe Aranda in Calle Santos. The light, crispy churros and thick, creamy hot chocolate to dip them in are absolutely scrumptious!
Afterwards, wander down Calle Larios to the main road through the centre, Alameda Principal, to see the beautifully lit trees and the flower stalls or turn left and walk along the edge of the Paseo del Parque to enjoy the many Christmas stalls lining the route.
Marvel at the huge Christmas tree in Plaza Constitución, with the Gothic arches peeping at you from Calle Marqués de Larios, inviting you to come closer.
It’s easy to be fooled by the blue skies and warm sunshine, but yes, it’s only two weeks until Christmas Day.
You can really get in the mood for Christmas by visiting the outdoor skating rink in front of El Corte Ingles, or go to see one of the many the Bélens (crib and Nativity scenes) around the city – of which the best (in my opinion) is in the Town Hall.
Malaga’s Christmas lights shine from 6.30pm – 2am daily, until 6th January 2015
What’s YOUR favourite thing to do or visit at Christmas?
East of Málaga 
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Nice picture! I love to read your posts
truly impressive – the city has gone all out to decorate its streets and buildings.
It’s funny how things work sometimes, Marianne. I was just thinking earlier today that I seem to have lost track of you and there I was, returning a visit to another blog who follows you, and I thought ‘go and see what Marianne’s posting’. So glad I did! This is totally beautiful 🙂 I have a friend who’s thinking Malaga for a holiday base next year- July or September. I think July may be too hot for her?
I’ve kept posting all the time on my East of Malaga FB page (link at the bottom of page) – but that has mainly just been photos, with an odd sentence or two.
Glad you came to have a look, Jo 🙂
July is pretty hot, but guaranteed to have sunshine every day. Though September is more pleasant temperature wise, sometimes the autumn rains come later in the month. It’s swings and roundabouts I guess. Malaga is lovely any time of year 🙂
I only visit FB when I ‘have to’ Marianne, so will have missed most. Hope Mum is making good progress? Look after yourself and have a good Christmas. 🙂
Yes, Mum is progressing very well, thanks Jo 🙂 xx
Happy Christmas!
Oef….só glad to hear from you again ! I was a bit worried, but now I can enjoy your lovely postings again ! We have friends over from Belgium shortly and I think we are going to visit Málaga more than once. Enjoy Christmas and I wish you a very happy 2015, with loads of love and of course a good health ! Xx
Thank you so much for your very kind comment, Caroline … you have no idea how much it means to me to hear that.
I’m sure you and your friends will have a great time in Malaga – what’s not to enjoy?
Happy Christmas and all the best for 2015 xx
Great photos! Can’t wait to see them in person. Will be popping down for a day or two just to see the lights. Maybe we can finally meet up?
Hope so 🙂 – I’ll do my best, Shawn x
Welcome back Marianne! Missed you and your posts! Yes the Christmas lights are absolutely far out this year. We haven’t gone down to see them yet. Maybe this weekend……. (I see them all the time though, so maybe their novelty is a bit lost on me…….. But I haven’t taken the kids to see them yet.)
Thanks Serena… OOHHHH your children are going to LOVE the lights this year 🙂 Maybe you could take them for the chocolate and churros afterwards, too 🙂
That cathedral thing is gorgeous!
I’m craving chocolate con churros now. Gee! Thanks, Marianane 🙂
Hehehe … hope you manage to track some churros down, Ana 🙂
Spectacular! I’d love to see something like those lights in Sydney. We did the rounds of the CBD lights and displays late in November before the festive silly season made it unappealing. Early injection of Christmassy-ness.
I have very fond memories of Christmas in Sydney – especially the festive lights around Darling Harbour 🙂
Marianne it’s spectacular, thanks for sharing and I love the sounds of the hot choccy with churros, a bit like doughnuts?
No, not really like doughnuts, Gilly – they are cakey, aren’t they?
These are a batter dropped into very hot fat and made crispy. This particular cafe makes them so light and crisp, whereas sometimes they can be heavy and fatty.
How beautiful these Christmas lights and tree are, Marianne. Thanks for showing me. 🙂 xx
Wish I could show you in person, Sylvia 🙂
So fabulously festive Marianne! Hope your mother is recovering well.
She’s doing very well, thank you Madhu. Kind of you to remember x
Amazing, what a great city, fantastic shots Marianne. Let’s say you had artists block ( know the feeling ! ) Happy Thursday 🙂
Roberto
Thanks Roberto. Yes, I guess you could say I had artist’s block – it’s been a very unsettling couple of months. Let’s hope we are BOTH back on track now 🙂
We are enjoying our first Christmas in Spain. The Belen in Torrevieja is amazing. Love your pictures!
OOHHH that’s lovely, Darlene – yes, the Belens are usually amazing – such a lot of effort is put in.
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas 🙂
We’re going Saturday night Marianne and staying over to make the most of our time although the weather forecast isn’t good, still that won’t stop us enjoying ourselves – can’t wait. Have missed your posts as well.
I was there again last night with friends, Keith – and, was on Calle Marques de Larios when the lights actually came on at 6.30pm – and everyone cheered!!
There was a band playing, flamenco dancers, balloon artists, mime artists, food for sale …. fantastic atmosphere!
Hope you have a great time 🙂
Wow, incredibly beautiful! These photos are exquisite!
Thanks Amy 🙂
Marianne, thanks for sharing these beautiful light displays. They are truly breathtaking and I was immediately put in the festive spirit just looking at your photos. Spending time with my sister in the Valle de Lecrin in September is on my agenda. Shall we book time for a paella together? Warmest wishes for the festive season and for a new year filled with peace and joy!
Thanks Patricia – lovely to hear from you. Every good wish for the festive season.
How exciting … and yes, of course, we must meet for paella in September. M x
Gorgeous photos, as always – great post!
Thanks Sue. As you know, I kinda lost my way for a couple of months, but hopefully, I’m back!
Beautiful pictures, great commentary, thanks for continuing to share Malaga with us. They do Christmas big there!
Thanks Linda, much appreciated.
Funnily enough, the children don’t get their presents at Christmas here – they have to wait until the Three Kings bring them on the night of January 5th 🙂
Stunning lights. I’ve missed your posts recently so relieved to receive this latest one – thank you. We are driving down in January but will sadly miss the Christmas lights.
Yeah, I’ve not been blogging for the past two months, Rosa. I’ve written some posts in the background, but lost my way a bit. I’ve kept posting on my East of Malaga FB page, because it’s been quick, and mainly photos. Hopefully I’ll be around a bit more now.
Are you heading for Malaga in January?
Yes, with dog and hubby to visit grandchildren west of Marbella. Let’s hope we see some sunshine even if we miss the lights!
OH I’m sure you will see plenty of sunshine 🙂
How fabulous are those!
I must say, my mouth dropped open when I saw them – I was so impressed.
Lovely to hear from you, Sue 🙂
Forgot to say – I’m impressed with these as handheld shots!p
They looked good on the camera as I took them, but I have learned from bitter experience that when I load them onto the computer it’s sometimes a different story. However, on this occasion, I was very pleasantly surprised. I had the odd one that was a bit blurred, but overall I was very pleased.
🙂
Forgot to say what fab pictures as always! X
Awww you are to kind. I know I’ve been away for a while (it’s a long story), yet everyone is here to welcome me back …. amazing. Thank you.
Yes, you have been missed! In fact I checked your blog the other day to see if I had accidentally stopped following you! X
AAwww did you? Thank you so much x
A bit more impressive than our pueblo’s offering this year….
Well, these are a bit more impressive than most pueblos, Wendy, but it’s still lovely to see even the little villages making such an effort. Good for them 🙂
Yes, I know but ours seems to get less each year 😞
OOOHHHH …. maybe you should organise a whip-round! 😉
I’d just love to see them! Your city is as grand as Park Avenue in NYC! So impressive!
Malaga has blossomed as a city over the ten years I have been here. I hardly like to talk about it sometimes … maybe I should keep it as a secret – but I just can’t!!
Thanks for sticking with me 🙂
TOO LATE! Think how many you’ve gotten hooked Marianne! I can’t wait to visit one day!
…and I’d be delighted to be your guide when you do 🙂 x
Oh you will! I wouldn’t miss that opportunity dear Marianne! Thank you!!!
Wow….amazing pics Marianne! Can’t wait to see this for real in a couple of weeks 🙂
Thanks Susan … you’ll LOVE it!
Lovely 🙂 I’m no fan of Christmas, but I do like the lights. And nice to have you back!
Yeah, I know what you mean about Christmas – it’s not the same for everyone.
Thanks for the kind words …. not sure how much I will be back, yet, but it’s a start 🙂
Not enough time…? Or beset by evil trolls??? I hope it’s not the latter…
Neither. Family stuff – but hopefully well on the mend now 🙂
Absolutely stunning Marianne. Must give the place a great atmosphere.
xxx Massive Hugs xxx
Absolutely wonderful atmosphere, David.
Thanks for commenting – means a lot 🙂
Wonderful view, amazing lights – excellent captured… 🙂
Thanks Drake! I was pretty pleased with these photos as I didn’t have a tripod with me. They came out well 🙂
What a fabulous sight Marianne, it looks like fairyland? Lucky you. We miss Spain already!
You’re right, Pauline – it IS like fairyland!
Pity you didn’t get to see them whilst you were over 😦