Marbella Christmas lights: 3.8 million LEDs and two new musical shows

Marbella and San Pedro Alcántara are preparing a Christmas lighting display of almost 3.83 million LED lights, with two new musical shows aimed at drawing residents and visitors into the town's shopping and dining areas. SUR in English reported the details, which were presented by councillors from Marbella town hall.

Key facts

• Lights: almost 3.83 million LEDs across Marbella and San Pedro Alcántara.
• Arches and motifs: 532 illuminated arches, 102 lamppost motifs and 139 ground-level displays.
• Trees: 146 illuminated natural trees and 18 Christmas trees and three-dimensional structures.
• New shows: two stage productions, each with three performances a day.
• Venues: Plaza de los Naranjos in Marbella and Avenida Marqués del Duero in San Pedro Alcántara.

What will be installed

According to SUR in English, the display will combine illuminated arches, garlands and lit-up trees with large figures and new installations. Besides the arches and lamppost motifs, the town hall's list includes 2,421 strings of lights and 1,162 grouped decorative elements.

There will also be 24 illuminated signs and the decoration of two building façades. Decorations hung above the streets will be joined by ground-level installations and decorated trees.

The layout of the elements will be tailored to each public space, with different lighting schemes for streets and squares. The displays are designed to turn the streets into Christmas trails and encourage people to explore different parts of the municipality.

Two new musical shows

The main novelties are two productions with music. In Marbella's old town, Plaza de los Naranjos will feature four large angels at the centre of a show performed three times a day.

In San Pedro Alcántara, Avenida Marqués del Duero will host a recreation of a luminous forest, accompanied by a musical show, also with three performances a day. SUR in English said this adds a new attraction to the town's urban and commercial hub and offers a different experience from the one in central Marbella.

Festivals councillor Yolanda Marín said both venues will give visitors the chance to explore shopping and dining areas and take part in activities organised during the period. The three daily performances of each show allow the public to watch at different times of the day.

Energy use and local trade

Public works councillor Diego López, who presented the scheme with Marín, said LED technology will reduce electricity consumption compared with conventional lighting. He said the display combines large-scale decoration with energy-efficiency criteria.

López also said the aim is for the lighting to encourage people to stroll the streets, discover local businesses and shop at local retailers, while supporting the hospitality sector. The town hall's strategy is for the appeal of the decorations to benefit shopping and dining areas.

What it means for residents and visitors

For people living in or visiting Marbella municipality, the display will span both the old town and San Pedro Alcántara, with daily shows in each. Further details of the wider Christmas programme can be checked with the town hall and in SUR in English's report.