Christmas festivities in Malaga get under way this weekend with events across the province

Santa Claus is set to delight children as he arrives by boat to Muelle Uno on Friday 25 November at 7.30pm. Along with his little helpers, Santa will switch on the lights at the port where there will be a parade, a concert and a Christmas village to enjoy.

Also on Friday, Teatinos will feature a programme of Christmas activities with performances in a festive tent, a dozen fairground attractions, and street stalls. Entry is free.

Fuengirola will begin its Christmas celebrations with a big light switch on this Friday at 7.30pm. Across the town various festive events get under way the same day to spread the Christmas cheer.

Christmas comes to Alora with attractions and activities for all ages. The town will once again have a skating rink and a nativity scene, as well as ice slides and a market with more than fifty stalls. In total the town will host twenty activities with festive events that combine culture and tradition.

McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Malaga celebrates the arrival of Christmas on Saturday 26 November. At 7pm a huge Christmas tree at the main entrance will be lit up alongside a performance by the children's choir 'Pueri Cantores Malaga' of the Victoria Foundation. There will also be lots of festive elements throughout the centre which can be enjoyed until early January.

The city's much anticipated Calle Larios Christmas lights switch on takes place on Saturday 26 November at 7pm. Singer Vanesa Martin will be performing to mark the occasion.

From Sunday the lights will be turned on every day at 6.30pm. From Sunday to Wednesday they will be turned off at midnight, and from Thursday to Saturday at 2am. Special shows on Calle Larios can be seen every day at 7pm, 8:30pm and 10pm.

A spectacular new event – Stela: The Journey of the Star of the East – will be held in the fabulous setting of La Concepción Botanical Gardens from 27 November to 8 January. Tickets are already on sale on the website www.laslucesdelbotanicomalaga.com and at the usual points at a price ranging from 10 to 14 euros, depending on the selected day.