When you own a luxury property in Marbella you have the option of spending the Christmas holidays in one of the most beautiful places in the world, the Costa del Sol. And if there was ever a time to visit Malaga’s beautiful city centre, it is now!
The Christmas light shows on the main shopping street, Calle Larios, have become a must-see annual event. There is nothing that heralds the arrival of Christmas more than festoons of lights and choirs singing carols.
Over the last few years, Malaga has pulled out all of the stops to make the city’s festivities the biggest and best light show in Southern Spain. In 2016, Malaga became the first city in Europe to combine light shows with musical events.
In addition to the main street, Calle Larios, there are literally hundreds of side streets and plazas ablaze with light! A video mapping lightshow is also projected on the south tower of the city’s famous cathedral. Just when you think you have heard everything, there is also a new light show provided by drones. To get the best view, head down to the Plaza de la Marina, Gibralfaro or Muelle Uno.
Where it all begin
Let’s take a look back at how this lighting extravaganza started. In 2014, the entire Calle Larios was dressed with thousands of lights, effectively transforming the street into a ‘cathedral of light’. The next year the decorations took on a more celestial theme. Fast forward another two years, and it was decided that in addition to the traditional nativity scene in the cathedral, the building and windows would be illuminated, highlighting the beautiful stained-glass windows and domed ceiling.
Christmas lights in Malaga in 2022
This year’s theme is Celestial Angels, comprising 32 golden columns with sequins and jewels, 32 starlight bursts and 16 four-metre-tall angels with 12-metre tails that fizz and sparkle to provide glittering trails.
Energy saving LED
In 2010, Malaga City Council has used LED technology for the lighting displays, which has much lower consumption of power. Also, in light of the current energy crisis, this year’s Christmas lights in Malaga will be turned off earlier than previous years, the lights will only be lit for two hours per day. This action alone is estimated to save at least 7,000€.
Christmas lights schedule in Malaga 2022.
The Calle Larios street lights were switched on at 18.00 on the 26th November by DJ and presenter Carlos Moreno “El Pulpo” and will remain in situ until the 6th January 2023. They will be turned on between 18.30 to 12.00 from Sunday to Wednesday and for the rest of the week they will finish one hour later. A choir and musicians will play Carol of Bells and Jingle Bells to accompany the lights three times per day at these times: 18.30, 20.30 and again at 22.00. Each show lasts for two to three minutes. On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, there won’t be any music but the lights will remain on until 06.00.
The lights will be projected on Malaga cathedral until the 4th of January, excluding Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. The best view of the video mapping can be seen from the nearby crossroad, where Calle Postigo de los Abades and Calle Molina Lario meet.
In addition, Calle San Juan will also be decorated with hundreds and thousands of LED lights depicting three fairy tale scenes; a spider web, wicker sky and magic cave. Hanging pendant style decorations and warm glowing lights create a stunning festive spectacle.
Christmas drone show
The show will start on the 3rd of December at 20.00, and will continue through to the 9th December. There will also be a special screening on the 23rd of December at 20.30.
If you would like more details about Malaga at Christmas click here: If you would like information about Andara Villas’ real estate development services or assistance in finding the perfect luxury property for sale in Marbella, contact Eric and Paula on info@andaravillas.com.
