Christmas in Madrid

Christmastime in Madrid is a magical experience that transforms the city. From sparkling lights to charming markets, there is a wide variety of activities to do and places to visit that you can't miss out on. Below, we'll share how to get the most out of Christmas in Madrid.

Madrid's Christmas Lights

One of the biggest attractions in Madrid during the Christmas season is the stunning light displays that decorate the city’s streets and neighbourhoods. The most iconic areas, such as Gran Vía, Plaza Mayor, Callao, and the Malasaña neighbourhood, are transformed into a festive wonderland. Don’t miss the official turning on of the lights on November 28th, with Luis de la Fuente, the Spanish men’s national football team coach, as the master of ceremonies.

The best way to see all the Christmas lights in Madrid is by taking a Christmas tour, and we recommend the following options:

• Christmas Lights Tuk-Tuk Tour: A panoramic route to see the Christmas lights along the city’s main streets. This group activity is perfect for families. You’ll pass by landmarks such as the Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón, Paseo de Recoletos, and Madrid City Hall.
• Navibus Christmas Tour: The capital’s streets await, beautifully adorned for Christmas, as you explore them comfortably from the Christmas Bus. With panoramic views, you'll visit some of the city's most iconic spots, including Paseo del Prado and Calle de Alcalá, all with the company of one of Santa’s helpers.

Christmas Markets in Madrid

The Christmas Markets in Madrid are an essential park of the city's Christmas tradition. Some of the best ones are:

• Plaza Mayor Christmas Market. This is Madrid’s most famous and iconic Christmas market. Here, you'll find a wide variety of festive items, including crafts, decorations, novelty gifts, and nativity scene figures. There are also stalls selling traditional seasonal sweets, such as turrón and polvorón.

• Plaza de España Christmas Market. Named La Navideña, this market stands out for its festive atmosphere and range of handmade products. Here, you'll find unique gifts, crafts, and a selection of traditional Christmas food. There are also activities for children, such as workshops, shows, and an ice-skating rink.
• Plaza de Colón Christmas Market: Located near Paseo de Recoletos, this market features an ice rink, a nativity scene, and food stalls, making it a perfect day out for the family.
• The Corte Inglés Christmas Market: Located in Nuevos Ministerios and inspired by European markets, this one offers gourmet food and drink from food trucks, along with a light show on the department store’s façade. There are also stalls selling gifts and decorations.

Other markets outside Madrid worth visiting include Navidalia in Getafe, which boasts over 90 attractions and activities for children, including a Ferris wheel and an ice rink. There’s also the Mágicas Navidades in Torrejón de Ardoz, less than half an hour from Madrid, featuring a variety of rides, light and sound shows, and activities for the whole family.

The Best Activities and Shows during Christmas in Madrid

Madrid offers a wide range of activities to enjoy with family or friends:

• Musicals: Christmas in Madrid sounds like a musical! There are countless options to enjoy a fantastic time with your loved ones. A perfect gift for this season would be tickets to one of the city’s most popular and well-attended musicals, such as The Lion King or Aladdin.  
• Cortylandia: One activity you simply can’t miss during your visit to Spain’s capital is Cortylandia, the city’s most famous and long-standing Christmas show. Since its debut in 1979, the back façade of the Corte Inglés on Calle Preciados transforms into a giant screen with lights, music, and moving figures. Each year, the theme changes, bringing joy to the little ones.

• Nativity Scenes: These are a fundamental part of the Christmas celebrations in Madrid, recreating the birth of Jesus. Some of the main nativity scenes you can visit during the festive season include the one at the Royal House of the Post Office, a favourite among Madrileños each year, and the one at the Royal Palace (you can buy tickets here and make the most of your visit). There are also nativity scenes at Madrid’s City Hall and in churches and parishes, such as the Neapolitan nativity scene at the Church of San Ginés. One of the most impressive is located in El Escorial, about half an hour from Madrid, which features hundreds of life-sized figures each year.
• New Year’s Eve Countdown: Every year, Puerta del Sol becomes the heart of New Year’s Eve celebrations in Spain. On December 31st, thousands of people from all over gather in the square to welcome the new year and eat the twelve lucky grapes in time with the twelve chimes of the clock on the Royal House of the Post Office.

• Three Kings Parade: On January 5th, the Three Kings arrive from the East. Each neighbourhood in Madrid hosts its own parade, but the most spectacular one is organised by the city along the main streets. Thousands of families gather with their children to see Melchior, Gaspard, and Balthazar the night before they deliver presents. The parade features illuminated floats, and sweets and other gifts are handed out to the crowds.