If cold winter has just arrived at your city, don’t be discouraged. On the Costa del Sol, we are waiting for you with the best climate in Europe, countless activities and Christmas traditions. There is nothing better than living this special time in a different way, getting to know the culture and traditions that accompany this holiday.
We tell you some of the most traditional plans you can make this Christmas in the province of Malaga.
A walk under the lights
The decoration that adorns Malaga during Christmas is simply wonderful, especially Larios Street, which every year surprises. The lights also invade other emblematic points of the city, like the trees that every year illuminate the Plaza de la Marina or the Plaza de la Constitucion.
Marbella is another municipality that every year garnishes its streets with a beautiful Christmas lighting. If you are visiting the town at Christmas, go for a walk through the streets of its historic centre and enjoy the shop windows decorated for the occasion.
Route of nativity scenes
The tradition of representing the birth of Jesus with a nativity scene has been established in Spain for more than seven centuries. Every year, more and more of these “belenes” can be visited, from traditional to living, original or large scale nativity scenes.
Both in the capital of the Costa del Sol and in the towns of the province, you can enjoy these Christmas representations and all of tem have something worth seeing. One of the most special ones is the Belen of the Cathedral of Malaga, although you can enjoy them all over the city. The best thing is to get the official guide of “belenes” that the Malaga City Council prints every year. Another traditional one is the Living Belen of Almayate, where locals themselves represent the scenes.
Christmas Markets
Haven’t you bought your Christmas decorations yet? In the Paseo del Parque, in Malaga capital, you will find many places to get original figures for you nativity scene, ornaments for the tree and all kinds of Christmas crafts.
Folklore sounds: Carols
In the province of Malaga it is very common to have meetings and contests where people sing carols. Typical Christmas songs that in Andalusia retain a style especially rooted in the musical tradition of the area.
Undoubtedly, a special way to get to know how Malaga sounds at Christmas, is to attend the annual show of the Malaga singer Encarni Navarro, who takes a tour through the most popular traditional carols. You can see it at the Teatro Cervantes on 21 December.
More surprises for the kids
Christmas is for everyone. However, children live it with special enthusiasm. One of the fun areas is the Muestra Infantil de Malaga (MIMA), a space full of attractions with skating rink, zip line, climbing...
After New Year, the most expected day is the arrival of the Three Kings (or the ‘Three Wise Men’). One of the most impressive parades of the province is the Malaga city one, which goes through the streets of the centre on the afternoon of 5 January. A magical day where the Three Kings are up in floats surrounded by helpers and children in fancy dress willing to shower sweets all over the city.
