Málaga’s Spectacular Christmas lights on the Calle Larios © Michelle Chaplow |
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The Magic of Christmas Lights in Andalucía 2025
As winter evenings draw in, the towns and villages of Andalucía once again burst into colour with the glow of Christmas lights. Across the region, from the snow-capped Sierras to the sun-warmed coast, streets are filled orange-laden trees, festive cheer, music, and the unmistakable scent of roasted chestnuts, straight from the Sierras.
Estepa Leads the Way
The honour of launching the festive season belongs to Estepa, in the province of Seville. The town lit up its Christmas decorations on Friday, 7th November 2025, at 7:30 p.m. in the Plaza del Carmen, drawing hundreds of locals and visitors to celebrate. Famous for its traditional mantecados and polvorones, Estepa glows proudly as Andalucía’s first town to welcome Christmas, setting a joyful tone for the rest of the region.
Málaga’s Spectacular Switch-On on Calle Larios
Late in November the spotlight turns to Málaga, where the city’s grand switch-on takes place on Friday, 28th November 2025, at 6:30 p.m. on Calle Larios. Each year, thousands of people gather for one of Spain’s most dazzling light shows—a breathtaking tunnel of colour synchronised to festive music. Families stroll beneath the shining arches, friends meet for drinks, and the air fills with laughter and the delicious aroma of roasted chestnuts from the Serranía de Ronda. The event has become an essential part of the Andalusian Christmas calendar, known for its joy and sense of togetherness.
A Region Illuminated: From Cities to Villages
Across Seville, Granada, Córdoba, Huelva, and Almería, streets are transformed into glittering wonderlands. Yet it’s not just the big cities that shine—every village in Andalucía has its own special lights and beautiful nativity scenes, lovingly arranged by local communities. From tiny whitewashed hamlets in the Alpujarras to coastal towns along the Costa de la Luz, each place adds its own charm to the season. The traditional belenes (nativity displays) often become the heart of village celebrations, reflecting Andalucía’s deep-rooted customs and creativity.
A Great Time for Shopping, Tapas and Wine
The switch-on season is not only about lights—it’s also a time for Christmas shopping and socialising. Local boutiques and artisan stalls stay open late, offering hand-crafted gifts, decorations, and sweets. As evening falls, the bars and terraces fill with people sharing tapas and Andalusian wines, from a crisp fino in Jerez to a smooth red from the mountains of Ronda. It’s the perfect moment to pause, chat, and savour the flavours of the season under the glow of the lights.
Goodbye Bulbs, Hello LEDs
Gone are the days of energy-hungry bulbs. Today, Andalucía’s festive displays shine with modern LED technology—brighter, longer-lasting, and far more eco-friendly. These lights not only create breathtaking scenes but also reflect a growing awareness of sustainability. It’s proof that the region can celebrate in style while caring for the environment.
As lights twinkle from the grand avenues of the cities to the narrow lanes of the villages, Andalucía once again captures the true spirit of Christmas: community, warmth, and a little touch of magic that brings everyone together.