Christmas in Malaga offers a range of plans that invite you to get out and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The lighting on Larios Street, the markets and Zambomba set the pace, but if there is a tradition that defines these dates in the Costa del Sol capital, it is the route of the nativity scenes. Associations, institutions, museums and neighborhood associations dedicate themselves every year to displaying nativity scenes that are true works of art. Looking forward to December this year, Malaga City Council has already released the 2025 Nativity Scene Guide, an essential roadmap for not missing any of the puzzle’s representations. From the traditional nativity scene to whimsical elements like an underwater nativity scene or large installations of Playmobil pieces, the display is enormous. The Nativity scene is undoubtedly the obligatory starting point for any Christmas route through the city. This birthplace is located in the headquarters of the Malaga City Council, on Avenida de Cervantes, 4, and is one of the most visited places by locals and tourists. Its official opening is scheduled for Friday, December 5 at 6:00 p.m. From there it can be visited until January 6. Opening hours for the public are 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. In the morning, and from 5:00 pm. Until 9:00 PM in the afternoon. This institutional setting is typically distinguished by its size and location in a privileged area next to Malaga Park and the Pedro Luis Alonso Gardens. In the spiritual heart of the city, the Cathedral of the Sacred Church of Malaga houses an impressive, massive Nativity scene. This installation is located in Trascuro, with entrance via Plaza del Obispo, and is an artistic reference. It is a 68 square meter nativity scene made by members of ABEMA (Malaga la Casa Nativity Scene Association). It is open to the public from November 30 to January 6. It is important to keep in mind that it will be closed on December 24 and 31, as well as January 5. For its part, on December 25, January 1 and 6, it will be opened only in the morning hours. The grandeur of the cathedral temple provides an incomparable atmosphere for this entertainment. For art and history lovers, the Carmen Thyssen Museum offers a fascinating display in its colonnaded courtyard. In collaboration with the Archconfraternity of the Sorrows of San Juan, a Neapolitan nativity scene from the 18th century, composed by Rafael Gambardella, is on display. This cradle can be visited from November 27 to January 11. The designated hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and remain closed on Mondays. The precision of the figures and ancient clothing make this nativity scene an obligatory stop in the area around Compagna Street. The Municipal Heritage Museum (MUPAM), located on Paseo de Redding, 1, in the La Coracha district, presents a huge nativity scene measuring 12 square metres. Like other large installations in the city, it was made by ABEMA partners and features characters by different authors. It can be visited from December 15 to January 6. The visiting schedule is Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, providing an extended cultural option in one of the most beautiful areas of the city, at the foot of the Kasbah. One of the great attractions in the western part of the city is the nativity scene of the Municipal Council of District 7, installed in the headquarters of the Malaga Provincial Council. This installation is located on Pacífico Street, 56, and is characterized by its spaciousness and easy access on the western promenade. This nativity scene opened its doors on November 27 and can be visited throughout the Christmas season. Regular business hours are 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. In the morning and from 5:00 pm. Until 8:00 PM in the afternoon. For the most important days, a special schedule has been drawn up: on December 24 and 31 it will be open only in the morning hours, and the fraternity house of the student fraternity located on Kasbah Street 1 in front of the Roman Theater will open its doors to show its traditional nativity. It is one of the nerve centers of Holy Week that takes on a special life at Christmas. Hours of operation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., every day from December 5 to January 5, excluding holidays and evenings: December 24, 25, 31 and January 1. Its central location makes it an easily accessible stop on the road. A different proposal of great artistic value is found at Plazuela Santísimo Cristo de la Sangre, 2. The Museum of Glass and Crystal in Malaga displays a nativity scene consisting of 200 porcelain figurines from the prestigious Lladró company. This nativity scene is available from November 30 to February 2, extending beyond the traditional Christmas dates. Business hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. In addition, visiting the cave is open to the public for free. Away from the centre, in the La Mosca neighbourhood, is one of Malaga’s most traditional and popular birthplaces: Peña el Belén, located at 99 Escritor Manuel Solana Street. It is scheduled to open on December 6 at 6:00 p.m. It will remain until January 6. Wide-ranging business hours: Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. And from 4:30 p.m. to 9:00 PM on Saturdays and holidays. It is open continuously from 11:00 AM until 9:00 PM. On December 24 and 31, there will be special morning hours, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. It is a classic visit for Malaga families. For those looking for curiosities and stories, Málaga offers a unique event: the underwater nativity scene in Nuestra Señora del Carmen. The location is none other than Malagueta Beach, in front of the breakwater. This Nativity is not visited on foot, but rather is watched and immersed. The event will take place on Sunday, December 8 at 12:30 pm, where divers will deposit the figures on the seabed, fulfilling a deep nautical tradition. The living experience of the nativity scene has its place in the Diocesan House of Malaga, located in Almendrales Corridor, 2-4. Organized by the Victoria Foundation, this event is ephemeral yet intense. It can be enjoyed for two days only: December 19 in the afternoon, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and December 20 morning and noon, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A unique opportunity to see biblical scenes come to life. The nativity scene track also thinks about the children with montages made of popular Playmobil characters. Two main options stand out: Playmobil Solidario Nativity Scene (Málaga Factory): Located in the Málaga Factory Shopping Center (C/ Jaén), and organized by the Mercader Ictus Málaga association. Open December 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. And from 5:00 p.m. Until 8:00 pm, a donation of €1 will be made at the entrance for charitable purposes for those affected by stroke. “El Rico” Brotherhood Playmobil Nativity Scene: Located in Casa Hermandad in C/ Victoria, No. 12. Open from December 11, from Thursday to Sunday (11:00-13:00 and 17:00-20:00). Starting on the 22nd, it opens from Monday to Sunday at the same time. On December 24, 25 and 31, it will only be open in the afternoon, and on January 1 it will be closed. In the Perchill neighborhood, the Brotherhood of Dolores del Puente holds its nativity scene in the Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán (C/ Cerrojo, 1). It is a Neapolitan-style nativity scene consisting of 60 pieces inspired by Spanish Baroque and Andalusian architecture. As a novelty for 2025, new characters created by image maker Jesús Rosa are incorporated. It can be visited from December 8 to January 9 during temple working hours. In addition to this selection, the official guide brings together up to 73 fun activities that make up Christmas in Malaga from start to finish. From the district headquarters to traditional clubs, via museums and fraternities, this vast network of nativities confirms that the nativity scene tradition is having one of its finest moments in the capital. An unbeatable excuse to rediscover Malaga and allow yourself to be dazzled by the craftsmanship hidden in its corners during these holidays.