The best Christmas markets in Málaga 2026

If you want to plan your route without missing any of them, here are all of Málaga's Christmas markets 2026 with confirmed dates. The first opens on 29 November together with the Calle Larios lights, and the last closes on 7 January at the Paseo del Parque.

The ones in the old town (Paseo del Parque, Muelle Uno, La Merced) are 10 minutes' walk from each other, perfect for a route in one morning. The ones with a special-event format, such as the Feria Sabor a Málaga or the one at the English Cemetery, run on specific dates, so mark them on your calendar.

The Paseo del Parque is where it all started in Málaga. More than 90 stalls are set up among the palm trees, from the Alameda almost as far as the City Hall. Half of Málaga comes here to buy nativity figures, and that's no coincidence.

The Christmas sweet stalls are outstanding: Antequera polvorones that melt in your mouth, handmade Estepa mantecados and those alfajores that only appear at Christmas. José Antonio's stall (near the central fountain) has been selling nativity figurines for 20 years and has pieces you won't find anywhere else.

The Christmas decorations range from the classic baubles to those battery-powered LED garlands. There are also wooden toys, scarves you'll need once it cools down at night, and that roasted-chestnut stall you can smell from Calle Larios.

Weekend afternoons it's packed with families. It's better to go on a weekday or on Sunday mornings, when the stallholders are more relaxed and happy to chat.

Where: Paseo del Parque (from Alameda Principal) When: 1 December – 7 January Hours: 11:00–22:00 daily. Go at 19:45 when the lights along the promenade come on. Manuel's stall (on the corner with Calle Molina Lario) has the best roasted chestnuts.

Chocoland is unique in Spain: a Christmas market with the Mediterranean as a backdrop. While you shop for presents in shirtsleeves, you watch the boats come and go from the port. Santa's house is set up like a giant chocolate ship, and the projections over the palm trees create an atmosphere nothing like a northern Christmas.

Around 40 stalls sell local craftwork, Málaga silver jewellery and gourmet products you won't find at other markets. María del Carmen, at the stall near the lighthouse, makes bracelets with Alcazaba and Cathedral charms that make perfect gifts.

The best part is that afterwards you can sit at any terrace on Muelle Uno for a drink with sea views. European Best Destinations named it among the sunniest Christmas markets in Europe, and once you're there you understand why.

The Muelle Uno car park charges a fee, but it's worth it for the convenience. If you're after something free, the Liborio García one is a five-minute walk away.

Where: Muelle Uno (next to the Pompidou Centre) When: 29 November – 5 January Hours: 10:00–22:00 daily. The best photos come out at 20:30, when all the lights switch on. Chocolates Ramos has the best handmade chocolates.

The Feria Sabor a Málaga is in a different league. It only runs for six days in December, but it's when the province's best producers come down to the capital with their flagship products. More than 100 exhibitors take over the same Paseo del Parque with cheeses from the Serranía de Ronda, extra virgin olive oils from Antequera, honeys from the Axarquía and sweet wines only made here.

Antonio Morales sets up his Ibérico ham stall from Villanueva del Trabuco and carves you slices on the spot while explaining why his pigs feed on acorns from centuries-old holm oaks. Carmen Jiménez comes from Cómpeta with her muscatel raisins and lets you try before you buy.

The atmosphere is different from other markets: this is where people from Málaga who know their food come, along with restaurateurs looking for unique products and tourists who want to take home the authentic taste of Málaga. Prices are higher than in a supermarket, but the quality is on another level.

If you want to take home something special or a gourmet gift, this fair is perfect. Some products, like payoyo cheese from Grazalema or rosemary honey, you'll only find here.

Where: Paseo del Parque (same area as the traditional market) When: 4–9 December only Hours: 10:00–20:00 daily. Go at 11:30 when the tastings open. Aceites Hacienda Ortigosa's stall has the best Antequera olive oil tastings.

The La Merced market runs on the first Sunday of every month, but in December it dresses up for Christmas and deserves a visit of its own. The square where Picasso was born fills with local craftspeople selling one-off pieces: hand-painted ceramics, designer jewellery, illustrations of old Málaga and those amigurumi that are so fashionable now.

Laura Martín makes silver pendants shaped like the Alcazaba and the Cathedral that make perfect gifts. Paco Rueda has spent 30 years carving figures from olive wood, and his miniature nativity scenes are a work of art.

The atmosphere is more bohemian than at other markets, with fewer tourists and more locals from the neighbourhood coming to buy something special. Prices are fair for quality craftwork, and many of the artists will explain how they make their pieces.

The square has several bars around it for a drink after you've finished shopping. El Pimpi is two minutes' walk away if you want the classic option, or La Cosmopolita for more modern tapas.

Where: Plaza de la Merced (next to Picasso's birthplace) When: First Sunday of December + special dates Hours: 11:00–19:00. Arrive at 11:15 to get the best pieces. Ana Cerámica's stall (on the corner with Calle Granada) has the best personalised Málaga tiles.

The charity market on Calle Alcazabilla is different from all the others because every euro you spend goes to a good cause. The Unidos Contra el Cáncer association sets up this market for just one afternoon a year, but it's worth going.

The stalls sell handmade items made by patients and volunteers: crochet scarves, hand-painted bookmarks, clay magnets shaped like the Cathedral, and those macramé bracelets that are so popular. There are also products donated by Málaga businesses: perfumes, books, unused toys.

Carmen López, a volunteer for five years, explains that the handmade items are made during chemotherapy sessions to pass the time. Every piece has its own story, and you can feel that in the care that has gone into making them.

The atmosphere is moving but cheerful. There are live performances by local choirs, and people come not only to shop but to lend a hand. Prices are symbolic, considering that everything goes towards funding support programmes for cancer patients.

Calle Alcazabilla is right in the old town, two minutes from the Alcazaba and five from the Roman Theatre. Perfect for combining charity shopping with sightseeing.

Where: Calle Alcazabilla (facing the Alcazaba) When: 30 November only Hours: 12:00–20:00. Arrive around 16:30 when the musical performances start. Rosa's stall (near the entrance) has the best Christmas handicrafts.

The English Cemetery market is the most special one in Málaga, and possibly in the whole of Andalusia. It is set up in Spain's oldest Protestant cemetery, where English, German and other foreigners who stayed on the Costa del Sol for good are buried.

Among centuries-old cypresses and headstones with fascinating stories, around 30 stalls sell craftwork, old books, vintage jewellery and unique objects. Margaret Wilson, British and living in Málaga for 40 years, sells second-hand English books and tells you a story about each one.

The English Choir sings traditional British carols in several performances during the afternoon, creating a magical atmosphere among the historic graves. You can take the chance to visit the grave of Gerald Brenan, the Hispanist who portrayed rural Spain, or that of William Mark, the English consul who founded the cemetery.

It's a cultural market more than a commercial one. You come for the unique experience of buying Christmas presents in a place with so much history and character.

Where: Avenida de Príes, 1 (English Cemetery of Málaga) When: 21 December only Hours: 11:00–17:00. Go at 12:00 for the first choir performance. Margaret's stall (main entrance) has the best books on the history of Málaga in English.

The Palmeral de las Sorpresas sets up a Christmas market that combines shopping with one of the prettiest walks in Málaga. Among palm trees and with the marina as a backdrop, around 25 stalls sell craftwork, accessories and Christmas products while you listen to the sound of the waves.

Isabel Romero has spent years selling handmade leather bags and purses, perfect as gifts. Miguel Ángel has a stall of succulents and cacti decorated for Christmas that are a huge hit with young people in Málaga.

The seafront promenade connects directly with Muelle Uno, so you can do both markets on the same visit. There are benches with sea views to rest between shops, and several chiringuitos where you can have a drink if the weather is good.

The area is perfect for going with children, because they can run around the promenade while parents shop. There is also a children's playground five minutes' walk away in Málaga Park.

On Sunday mornings it fills with local families combining the market with their Sunday walk. On weekdays it's quieter and you can shop without the crowds.

Where: Palmeral de las Sorpresas (seafront promenade) When: Dates to be confirmed (historically December–January) Hours: an estimated 10:00–22:00. Go at 18:00 for the best atmosphere and natural light. Isabel's stall (near the lighthouse) has the best Málaga leather bags.

The Plaza Mayor Christmas market is the most family-friendly of them all. This open-air shopping centre sets up Los Jardines Encantados (The Enchanted Gardens) every year, a show of lights, colours and Christmas figures that works as both a market and an attraction for children at the same time.

Around 20 stalls are spread through the shopping centre's gardens, selling toys, Christmas decorations and seasonal products. Ana Belén has an accessories and costume-jewellery stall that's always packed with teenagers looking for gifts for their friends.

The advantage of Plaza Mayor is that it combines the Christmas market with the shopping centre's stores, restaurants and cinema. Perfect if you're with the family and everyone wants to do something different.

Parking is free for the first two hours, and there's a direct metro connection at the El Perchel station. On weekends there are shows for children and family activities.

The atmosphere is more commercial than artisanal, but it's good for last-minute shopping or if you're looking for something specific you haven't found at the other markets.

Where: Plaza Mayor (Av. de la Aurora, s/n) When: 22 November – 15 December (Los Jardines Encantados) Hours: 19:00–23:00. Arrive at 19:30 when the projections start. Juguetes Paco's stall has the best prices on board games.

If you already know the markets in the capital, or you simply fancy getting away from the centre, the Costa del Sol has Christmas markets with plenty of charm and a bit more peace and quiet. Most are less than 30 minutes away from Málaga by car or train.

Fuengirola sets up its market in the Plaza de la Constitución from 29 November to 22 December, and is famous for its artificial snowfall, which falls every Saturday at 19:30. Children love watching it "snow" on the Costa del Sol, even if it's not real. Carmen Jiménez has run her craft stall for 15 years and makes Advent wreaths with local plants that smell of rosemary and thyme. The square is ringed with bars for a drink afterwards, and from the terraces you can see all the Christmas lights.

Benalmádena is the most complete option because it sets up two markets: one on Avenida de la Constitución in Arroyo de la Miel, with traditional wooden stalls, and another at the Dársena del Levante in Puerto Marina, next to an ice rink. The Arroyo de la Miel one runs from 1 December to 7 January and is more traditional, with impressively lifelike nativity figures from Puente Genil. The Puerto Marina one runs from 13 December to 6 January and combines the market with an ice rink and sea views. You can skate and then buy presents while having a drink at the port's chiringuitos.

Torremolinos sets up its market on Avenida Palma de Mallorca until 1 January, with wooden stalls selling Christmas craftwork and local products. Opening hours are 11:00 to 15:00 and 17:00 to 22:00, perfect to combine with a walk around the town centre. The good thing about Torremolinos is that afterwards you can head down to the beach for a drink at any chiringuito, since the market is a five-minute walk from the seafront promenade. There's also a Santa's village set up in Plaza Pablo Ruiz Picasso until 24 December, so you can do both on the same visit.

Mijas Pueblo makes the most of its Plaza de la Constitución until 31 December to set up a small but charming market with handmade sweets and decorative items. Opening hours are 11:00 to 19:00, ideal for a half-day trip from Málaga. What makes Mijas special is the setting: a white Andalusian village with sea views where you can buy Christmas presents while enjoying one of the prettiest postcard views on the Costa del Sol. After shopping, the Paseo de la Muralla has spectacular views for photos.

Marbella organises its Cáritas Charity Bazaar from 12 to 15 December at the Palacio de Congresos, with more than 100 charity stalls selling everything from clothes and decorations to craftwork and gifts. Opening hours are 11:00 to 22:00 and all proceeds go to Cáritas's social programmes. The good part is that you buy Christmas presents while helping a good cause, and prices are very reasonable. There are also restaurants inside the building where you can eat while you browse the stalls. Marbella also puts on Christmas activities throughout the old town, with churro and hot-chocolate stands at different spots around the city on December weekends.

Estepona holds its Cheese Fair from 12 to 15 December on the seafront promenade, perfect for taking home gourmet products from the province. It's not a traditional Christmas market, but it falls on the same dates and features the best artisan cheeses from Málaga, Cádiz and the Serranía de Ronda. There is also a Christmas Village on 22 and 23 December in Plaza del Ajedrez, with bouncy castles, workshops for children and artificial snowfall. Estepona's centre fills with Christmas lights from 29 November, so you can combine shopping, a walk around the old town and a stroll around the marina.

The nativity scene route begins in early December in Málaga and is the perfect plan to combine with the Christmas markets. This year there are 5 confirmed monumental nativity scenes across the City Hall, the Cathedral, the Provincial Council and museums, ranging from classic depictions to displays with historical figures.

The three not to miss:

The Monumental Nativity Scene at the Cathedral (ABEMA) is the most spectacular, set up behind the choir with entry from Plaza del Obispo. Every year the Nativity Scene Makers' Association changes the layout and adds new figures to the depiction of Bethlehem. The City Hall's Municipal Nativity Scene can be seen from the inner courtyard at Avenida de Cervantes, 4, with free access during office hours. The one at the Carmen Thyssen Museum is set up by the Archconfraternity of Our Lady of Sorrows of San Juan in the museum's courtyard, making the most of the Renaissance palace's architecture.

The full route also includes:

The Provincial Council's Nativity Scene is set up at the provincial headquarters, with traditional figures and an Andalusian setting. The Museum of Málaga's Nativity Scene at the Customs House Palace combines the nativity-scene tradition with the building's historic surroundings, creating a display that blends the religious and the cultural.

Start at the City Hall (free, office hours), walk to the Cathedral (paid admission), continue to the Carmen Thyssen Museum in the same square, carry on to the Museum of Málaga in the Customs House (10 minutes' walk) and finish at the Provincial Council. The full route is around 20 minutes' walking, not counting the visits themselves.

Most open from 10:00 to 13:00 and 17:00 to 20:00, but check the times because they change on public holidays. The museum and Cathedral ones may charge for admission.

Málaga's 5 monumental nativity scenes 2026: 1) City Hall Municipal Nativity Scene – City Hall courtyard (Av. de Cervantes, 4), 2) Monumental Cathedral Nativity Scene (ABEMA) – behind the choir, entry from Plaza del Obispo, 3) Provincial Council Nativity Scene – Provincial Council headquarters, 4) Museum of Málaga Nativity Scene – Customs House Palace (Plaza de la Aduana, s/n), 5) Carmen Thyssen Museum Nativity Scene – Plaza Carmen Thyssen.

Combine the nativity scene route with the markets at the Paseo del Parque and La Merced: all of them are within a 10-minute walk of each other in the old town.

Here are all of Málaga's Christmas markets mapped out so you can plan your route. The ones in the old town (Paseo del Parque, Muelle Uno, La Merced, English Cemetery) are 10–15 minutes' walk from each other, perfect to do in one morning.

For the centre, the La Marina car park (€8 for a full day) leaves you a 5-minute walk from the Paseo del Parque and Muelle Uno. The Plaza de la Merced car park is more expensive but perfect if you're only going to the craft market. On Sundays, many of the centre's blue-zone parking spots are free.

For the ones on the Costa del Sol you'll need a car or public transport, although the local train (Cercanías) connects Málaga with Fuengirola, Benalmádena and Torremolinos in under 30 minutes.

María Zambrano train station connects with all the towns on the Costa del Sol. Line C1 to Fuengirola (20 minutes), C2 to Álora (40 minutes). The metro connects the centre with Plaza Mayor on Line 1.

All the markets in the centre are close to the main monuments: Cathedral, Alcazaba, Roman Theatre and the Picasso Museum. You can combine markets with cultural routes on the same day. The Calle Larios lights sit right in the middle of all the Christmas markets.

The markets with the most facilities are Muelle Uno (toilets, restaurants, rest area) and Plaza Mayor (free parking, toilets, shopping area). The Paseo del Parque has benches every few metres and several fountains where children can get a drink of water.

Use the EMT Málaga app for real-time bus times, and Renfe Cercanías for trains to the coastal towns. Tickets can be bought by card at every station.

Since you're going to be in the old town going round the markets, take the chance to get to know Málaga's most important monuments. The Christmas markets are literally next door to the Cathedral, the Alcazaba and the Roman Theatre.

All three tours set off from central points and you can book a spot for whichever day best suits your Christmas-market route.