Christmas Lights in Malaga
malaga
Why We Chose Malaga For A Winter City Break I wanted somewhere that would: Be easily accessible for a short break. Offer pleasant winter temperatures and lots of daylight. Feel safe and welcoming for a mum-and-daughter trip. Combine culture, food, shopping, and a bit of sea air. Malaga ticked every box. In December the city still has a soft warmth to it: cool in the mornings and evenings, but warm enough by midday to sit outside with a coffee or stroll along the seafront without a coat. It was the perfect balance of "wintersun" and "cosy city break.
We stayed in the H10 Croma Malaga. Great hotel so central. Lovely rooms, roof top bar/terrace and pool area overlooking the city, Fantastic breakfast to set you up for the day.
First Impressions: A City That Feels Instantly Welcoming
We arrived to clear skies and that lovely, slightly salty Mediterranean air. Even in December there was a buzz in the streets, with locals chatting in pavement cafés, families out in the parks, and Christmas lights being admired on every corner.
Our first afternoon was deliberately slow:An easy tapas lunch outdoors, people-watching
Malaga is very walkable, which made it ideal with my daughter: no complicated transport, no long journeys, just simple point-to-point exploring at our own pace.
The Magic of Malaga at Christmas
December is a beautiful time to visit Malaga because the city really embraces Christmas:The main pedestrian street is draped in spectacular Christmas lights. In the evening it feels almost theatrical, with music, families, and friends all out enjoying the atmosphere. We found small local stalls selling crafts, sweets, and decorations, perfect for a little souvenir browsing. Evening atmosphere, There is something very special about wandering through a historic old town in the early evening, wrapped in a light jacket rather than a heavy coat, listening to street musicians and soaking up the glow of festive lights.If you have clients who love Christmas but want to escape the dark and drizzle, Malaga in December is ideal.
Seafront Strolls & Beach Moments
Even in December, Malaga’s beachfront is a joy:
Paseo Marítimo The wide promenade is perfect for walking, scooting or just wandering hand in hand. It was not quite sunbathing weather for us, but we kicked off our shoes, walked along the sand, and let the waves chase our feet. For children, simply being able to play by the sea in December feels magical.
Chiringuitos (beach restaurants)</strong>: Grilled sardines and fresh seafood are a must-try. Sitting outside with a plate of local dishes while looking out to sea was one of those “this is why we travelled” moments.
For clients who want a mix of city and sea, Malaga is fantastic: you can explore museums in the morning and be on the sand that same afternoon.
Food, Tapas & Simple Treats.
Food is a big part of any trip for me, and Malaga did not disappoint. With my daughter, I wanted to keep things relaxed and flexible:Tapas bars where we could share small plates, try new things, and keep it fun. Churros and hot chocolate as a cosy afternoon treat. Perfect on a cooler day when you want something warming but still indulgent. Because it is never too cold for gelato according to my daughter! We found that many restaurants were very family friendly, with flexible menus and a laid-back approach that made us feel welcome rather than rushed.
Shopping & Little Discoveries
Browsing small boutiques and local shops in the old town and stopping regularly for a drink or a snack to just sit and chat. Malaga feels safe, compact, and full of interesting corners. It is the kind of city where you can wander without a strict plan and still feel you have discovered something special.
Quality Time Together
More than anything, this trip reminded me why I love city breaks with family:
Sharing new experiences like climbing to the castle or trying a new dish. Travel has a way of creating space for proper connection that is hard to find in everyday routine. My daughter and I came home with new memories, private jokes, and a sense of having really spent time together.