The province of Malaga closed 2025 with strong advances in employment growth, making it one of Spain’s top performers in job creation. According to data from the Social Security system, the average number of workers signed on with the Social Security system in December reached a historic maximum record of 738,958.

This counts as a 3.46 per cent year-on-year growth, the fourth highest in Spain, behind only Melilla, Ceuta, and Valencia. Within Andalucia, Malaga far outpaced the regional average of 2.03 per cent.

The Málaga TechPark (PTA) has established itself as one of the most dynamic technology ecosystems in Spain. In the 2025 edition of the annual ranking by the Spanish Association of Science and Technology Parks (APTE), three Málaga-based startups—Cloud y Olé (Cybersecurity and Digitalization), Innova IRV Microelectronics (Engineering and Microelectronics), and Ubora Solar (Energy and Sustainability) – have entered the select group of the top 100 startups in the country. This achievement highlights Málaga’s ability to attract and foster high-impact talent and businesses in strategic sectors.

Competitive public transport fares will continue from January 1st. Policies implemented during the pandemic to support operators and household budgets are proving successful and are resulting in an increase in passenger numbers. “Andalusia will not only apply the subsidies from the Ministry of Transport, but we will also add an additional 20% discount, so that public transport continues to be the option chosen by Andalusians for their journeys,” assured the Minister of Public Works, Rocío Díaz. Tariff policies, beyond demographic and socioeconomic factors and the rise of Malaga as a major metropolis, are an important key in its success and quality of life.

Meliá confirms a major refurbishment of the Senator Marbella, while safeguarding the workforce. The revamped hotel will reopen its doors in 2027 under the renowned Meliá Hotels & Resorts brand after “an ambitious renovation that will reposition it as a benchmark for quality, wellness and local experience”, stated the chain. The invesment will cost 12.8 million euros and the hotel will have 191 “fully equipped” rooms, five more than the Senator had. All this is complemented by five meeting rooms and parking for over 50 vehicles.

A snow cover of more than ten centimetres deep has covered the peaks of the Sierra de las Nieves, La Maroma and El Torcal in the province and the unstable weather conditions are expected to last at least until the end of the year. The combination of various meteorological phenomena will make this Christmas one of the coldest in the south of Spain for a long time.

The Christmas Lottery draw has left approximately €160 million in Marbella thanks to the El Leonés Restaurant. The establishment, located in Las Palmeras, has been playing the same number for 35 years, a number brought from La Bañeza (León), where the top prize, El Gordo, was won. This establishment had sold a total of 400 tickets of the winning number, as explained by the restaurant owner, Tina Romero. The celebration was immediate, and many of those who won the lottery ticket came to El Leonés to toast and celebrate their good fortune in a draw that usually leaves few prizes in Marbella.

New records for Malaga’s marathon were set last Sunday, with Ugandan runner Mande Bushendich winning the men’s race in 2:06:07, while Ethiopia’s Misgane Alemayehu claimed the women’s title in 2:24:43, both improving marks set in 2021.

Conditions improved shortly before the 8.30am start as the rain eased and skies cleared over the city. High humidity remained but the absence of wind and recent course changes helped the elite field maintain a strong early pace along the seafront and through central Malaga.

Among the Spanish runners, Olympian Daniel Mateo was the first Spaniard home, finishing seventh overall in 2:13:14, the fastest time by a Spanish athlete in the history of the race.

In the women’s field, Estefanía Unzu, widely known as Verdeliss, was the top Spanish finisher and tenth overall with a time of 2:50:08.

Málaga offers a wealth of events this Christmas season. Markets, live music, audiovisual shows, children’s parties, special lighting, traditional cuisine, nativity scene tours, and traditional Christmas carol singing are just some of the highlights.

November 28th to January 11th : Christmas Market. Muelle Uno, Malaga
December 11-14 : Caritas Christmas Bazaar. Palacio de Congresos, Marbella
December 13 : Christmas carols, ZAMBOMBA HERMANAS ALARCÓN. Plaza de la Merced. 7:00 PM
December 17 : Christmas carols, ZAMBOMBA BLANCA TRILLO. Soho-Calle Tomás Heredia. 7:00 PM
December 31 : NEW YEAR’S BELL SOUNDING. Plaza de la constitucion and Larios Street
December 26, 27, and 28, 2025 and January 2, 3, and 4, 2026. – 12:00 PM : FAMILY THEATRE FESTIVAL AT CHRISTMAS. Venue : Eduardo Ocón Auditorium.
Additionally, a Nativity Scene guide for the 73 locations can be found via the following link: https://belenes.malaga.eu
January 5th : Three Kings Parade. City Hall 5:30 p.m. Arrival of Their Majesties at the City Hall. 6:00 p.m. Official departure of the Three Kings Parade.

The Málaga City Council’s Christmas program includes many free activities, with a cultural and festive offering for all ages that once again showcases Málaga’s artistic talent. For the complete list of activities visit https://mmalaga.es/programa-eventos-navidad-y-reyes-en-malaga/

Malaga is a popular cruise port in December, attracting various lines like Marella, Viking, Celebrity, and Windstar, with ships docking for Mediterranean/Canary Islands cruises or as transatlantic stops, offering festive experiences alongside Malaga’s famous Christmas lights on Calle Larios and Cathedral. You’ll find ships arriving throughout December, including New Year’s Eve, for holiday sailings or seasonal calls.

This December, up to nine large cruises make their stopover in Malaga. More than 22,600 travellers will experience the thrilling sensation of arriving from the sea and enjoy a unique perspective of Malaga, with the Cathedral Tower standing out in its skyline, the Alcazaba and the Gibralfaro Castle dominating the city.

The first thing that you will find when you get off the boat is a modern leisure space created from the old port facilities: Muelle Uno (Pier One). In this walk you will find shops, bars and restaurants making a lively welcome to all cruise passengers.

Spain’s new electronic invoicing system, called Verifactu, has been developed by the national tax office. It requires that invoices issued by companies, SMEs, and self‑employed professionals using certified invoicing software are fully traceable, immutable, and electronically verifiable. For many businesses, including large and small real estate companies, Verifactu represents a significant operational shift, affecting not only accounting processes but also day-to-day administrative procedures.

After complaints by mainly self-employed individuals, the Spanish Government has postponed the mandatory introduction of Verifactu by one year. The revised deadlines are:

– 1 January 2027 for companies subject to Corporate Tax.
– 1 July 2027 for SMEs, self‑employed professionals, and other users of invoicing software.

Businesses using non‑certified software will need to upgrade, which may involve both financial cost and staff training. Small firms with basic or manual billing processes may face operational and administrative hurdles.