In December each year, the centre of Malaga is decorated with hundreds of sparkling festive lights. The main street Calle Larios is particularly pretty and regularly draws evening crowds. The city is also blooming with brightly coloured poinsettias and decorated trees - all making for a beautifully atmospheric stroll.

The main shops also get into the holiday spirit, going to town on decorations and even opening Sundays during the festive season. Make sure you find time to buy some of the traditional Christmas sweets - turron and mantecados are delicious.

Paseo del Parque is also decorated and houses a number of festive stalls (to 5 January) selling local crafts, jewellery and decorations - ideal for picking up some last minute Christmas presents.

Between the 18th December and 4th January, the Fair and Congress Palace of Malaga is once again hosting a huge Children's Fair. The fair is designed with children in mind and there is a huge choice of workshops, activities and entertainment on offer. In addition to the ice rink and climbing wall, youngsters can enjoy bouncy castles, story-telling, magic shows and dancing. They even have the opportunity to post their Christmas letters to the Three Kings (see below)

Handcrafted Nativity scenes (belen) are traditional all over Spain and can be found in most homes over the festive period. Most towns and churches also have a central Nativity with lifelike statues of the Virgin Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus and the shepherds. In Malaga, elaborate scenes can be found near the Town Hall and also in the Cathedral. These are well visited throughout the holiday period and particularly popular with families.

Another festive tradition is the state-run lottery (El Gordo Navidad) which is drawn on the 22nd December - this is played by millions of people worldwide and some lucky family will win a huge jackpot to kick-start their Christmas celebrations.