If you’re planning a break for the December long weekend and Málaga is one of your options, you are about to discover a destination that has it all: mild weather, vibrant culture, first-rate cuisine, and a festive atmosphere that will captivate you from the very first moment. This corner of Southern Spain transforms into a magical place during December, where the city literally shines with lights, markets, events, and a special energy.
From Leiro Residences, located just a few minutes from Málaga city centre, we tell you what to do in Málaga during the December long weekend so you can enjoy an unforgettable experience with maximum comfort and luxury.
Christmas Lights in Málaga’s Historic Centre
One of the most anticipated spectacles every December in Málaga is, without a doubt, the switching on of the Christmas lights on Calle Larios. This main thoroughfare of the historic centre is dressed with a stunning display of lights and music that surprises every year with a different design.
During the December long weekend, you can enjoy light and sound shows every evening, where the luminous displays are synchronised with Christmas carols and classic festive melodies. A stroll through this area is essential, both for locals and visitors looking to soak up the Christmas spirit.
Furthermore, the surrounding streets such as San Juan, Alameda Principal, and Plaza del Obispo are also illuminated with creative and engaging designs.
Christmas Markets and Local Craftsmanship
Another ideal activity for this long weekend is to visit the Christmas markets, where tradition blends with local creativity. In these spaces, you can find everything from nativity scene figures to unique handcrafted products, perfect for original gifts.
The most notable during the December long weekend are:
- Paseo del Parque Christmas Market: With over 90 stalls, it is the best-known and is located between Plaza de la Marina and Málaga Park.
- Muelle Uno: This area combines the harbour setting with a modern market full of handmade products, fashion, art, and gastronomy.
- Rincón de la Victoria and Torremolinos: These also offer interesting festive options if you wish to explore the surrounding areas.
Cultural Route through Museums and Monuments
Málaga’s mild December weather (with temperatures rarely dropping below 12 ºC) allows for enjoying outdoor activities, but it is also ideal for delving into its impressive cultural offerings.
During the December long weekend, the city’s main museums often extend their opening hours or host special activities:
- Picasso Museum Málaga: Featuring permanent and temporary collections that pay tribute to the genius born in the city.
- Centre Pompidou Málaga: A modern space with avant-garde exhibitions.
- Carmen Thyssen Museum: Perfect for lovers of Andalusian and Romantic art.
- The Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle: Two historical gems that offer spectacular views and a journey to the city’s Muslim past.
Local Cuisine with a Taste of Winter
You cannot say you know Málaga without having tasted its cuisine, especially during the winter season. The December long weekend is the perfect excuse to indulge in the local flavours at charming restaurants, bars, and terraces.
Some must-try dishes for this time of year:
- Sopa perota and pucheros malagueños: Traditional broths perfect for the cool weather.
- Churros with chocolate: Available in local cafés such as Casa Aranda.
- Turrones, mantecados, and Christmas sweets: Which already fill the shop windows from the end of November.
- Málaga wines and Axarquía raisins: Perfect for pairing your dinner with a local touch.
From Leiro Residences, you can access a selection of exclusive restaurants in Higuerón, featuring culinary proposals that blend Andalusian tradition with international cuisine.
Hiking, Nature, and Wellbeing near the City
Málaga is not just a city: the natural surroundings are a gift for those looking to disconnect during this festive break.
Walks and Fresh Air
- Monte de Gibralfaro: A classic in the centre, with gentle paths and sea views.
- Montes de Málaga Natural Park: Ideal for longer routes, with pine forests, viewpoints, and rest areas.
- Río Chíllar or El Torcal de Antequera: Less than an hour away, these are options for lovers of hiking and geology.
Relaxation and Wellbeing
If your plan includes relaxing and taking care of yourself, at Leiro Residences, you can enjoy a complete sensory experience. Our facilities combine the elegance of a five-star resort with spa services, massages, a heated swimming pool, and relaxation areas that invite deep rest.
Day Trips from Málaga
During the December long weekend, many people take the opportunity to take day trips from Málaga city centre to other nearby gems. Here are some recommended options from Leiro Residences:
- Nerja and its Caves: Just over 45 minutes away, you can visit one of Europe’s most spectacular underground formations.
- Frigiliana: A white village with cobbled streets, flowered balconies, and endless views.
- Ronda: The iconic Puente Nuevo (New Bridge) and its mountain landscapes are unforgettable.
- Caminito del Rey: For the more adventurous, a route through gorges with suspended walkways.
All these excursions can be done in a half-day or a full day, and the mild December weather makes them more enjoyable than in the middle of summer.
Special Events and Festive Atmosphere
The city comes alive during this festive long weekend with events ranging from concerts to activities for the whole family.
Some highlights:
- Carol concerts in churches, squares, and cultural centres.
- Municipal Nativity Scene at the Town Hall: It always impresses with its level of detail and staging.
- Children’s activities and Christmas attractions: Such as ice rinks, tourist trains, and creative workshops.
- Zambombás Flamencas: An Andalusian Christmas tradition that combines music, singing, and gastronomy. Don’t be surprised if you stumble across one in a city centre square.
Stylish Winter Shopping
If you enjoy shopping on your travels, this is a good time to do it. During the December long weekend, Málaga’s shops offer initial sales or pre-Christmas promotions.
Some recommended areas for shopping:
- Calle Larios and its surroundings: Fashion, footwear, jewellery, and luxury brands.
- Larios Centro Shopping Centre: Featuring large chain stores and dining spaces.
- Plaza Mayor and McArthurGlen Designer Outlet: Near the airport, ideal for those seeking premium brands with discounts.
Additionally, many local businesses offer exclusive Andalusian design products, perfect as a souvenir or gift.
A Magical Getaway from Leiro Residences
If you stay at Leiro Residences, you have the best of both worlds: proximity to Málaga and its urban charms, and the tranquillity of a natural and sophisticated setting. Here, luxury is not incompatible with warmth, and every detail is designed for you to experience a different kind of December.
During the long weekend, you can:
- Wake up to sea views.
- Enjoy wellbeing treatments without leaving the resort.
- Go out to explore with personalised routes and recommendations.
- End the day with a glass of wine on your private terrace, under the clear Mediterranean sky.
Why Choose Málaga in December?
In summary, if you’re wondering what to do in Málaga during the December long weekend, the answer is: everything you can imagine. From cultural activities to gastronomic experiences, from nature walks to afternoons of shopping and relaxation.
Málaga is one of those destinations that doesn’t dim in the cold. On the contrary, it lights up with lights, flavours, and sensations that only this land knows how to offer. And if you choose Leiro Residences as your refuge, you will discover a new meaning of luxury, calm, and connection with the authentic.
