Madrid during the Christmas season is a complete experience that combines tradition, culture, gastronomy and fun.
The Spanish capital offers a unique blend of dazzling lights, festive activities and a warm atmosphere that makes a visit truly special. Whether enjoying the sparkling lights or participating in the local festivities, the Spanish capital during Christmas is an unforgettable experience.
We leave you a wide variety of experiences to enjoy Christmas in Madrid, either as a couple, with friends or family:
What to do in Madrid for Christmas?
Christmas lights in Madrid
Madrid’s Christmas lights are a true work of art that transforms the city into a fairytale during the festive season. Here are more details about this dazzling spectacle.:
Where to go to see the Christmas lights in Madrid?
Gran Vía:
Gran Vía, one of Madrid’s main thoroughfares, is illuminated with a dazzling display of lights. The buildings along this iconic avenue are decorated with colored lights that create a glowing, magical tunnel.
Puerta del Sol:
Puerta del Sol, the heart of Madrid, becomes a focal point for Christmas celebrations. The famous Puerta del Sol clock marks the arrival of the new year, and the square is adorned with spectacular lighting that creates a festive atmosphere.
Plaza Mayor:
The Plaza Mayor, with its impressive architecture, is adorned with lights that enhance the beauty of this historic site. The Christmas market in the square looks even more enchanting under the bright illumination.
Alcalá street:
Alcalá street, another emblematic street in Madrid, joins the celebration with a luminous decoration that illuminates the path of residents and visitors. It is a perfect place to stroll and enjoy the illuminated city.
Historic Districts:
In addition to the central areas, many of Madrid’s historic neighborhoods are adorned with festive lights. Places like Malasaña and Chueca offer an enchanting experience with their illuminated narrow streets and decorated stores.
Emblematic Buildings:
Some of the city’s most emblematic buildings, such as the Royal Palace and Madrid City Hall, also participate in the light display, adding a touch of magic to Madrid’s skyline.
When will the Christmas lights be turned on in Madrid in 2023?
The lighting of the lights will take place on Thursday, November 23, 2023 at 19:00.
Christmas markets
In Madrid, Christmas markets are a fundamental part of the celebration.
Plaza Mayor Christmas Market.
Undoubtedly, the best known. It will take place from November 24 to December 31. A traditional Christmas market with stalls offering a wide variety of festive products, from decorations to handmade gifts and gastronomic products typical of the season.
Plaza de España Christmas Market.
It will take place from November 24 to December 31. It is called La Navideña and here you can find a magical flea market in the heart of the capital, an ice rink and multiple performances. There will also be gastronomic offerings ranging from sweets to an indoor restaurant.
Corte Inglés Castellana Christmas Market
From November 20 to January 5. It is an outdoor market where you can enjoy multiple culinary offerings, as well as see a show full of lights and music in the main facade of the mall.
Naviluz is a wonderful Christmas experience in Madrid that will take place from November 24 to January 4. It is a special illuminated bus that runs through the streets of the city during the Christmas season, offering visitors and residents the opportunity to enjoy the festive lights and the magical atmosphere of Christmas.
The schedule of this Christmas bus is from 18h to 22:50h. It will run every day except December 24 and 31 and January 5. The price of the general admission last Christmas was 7€..
Naturaleza Encendida
From November 21 to January 24, 2024. On this occasion, the event conceived by the production company Letsgo has decided to move its extraordinary proposal to the Enrique Tierno Galván Park in Madrid. An event that will transform the park into a magical light show during the nights.
“Naturaleza Encendida” not only offers a unique way to enjoy this well-known park in Madrid, but also provides a different perspective of nature, highlighting its beauty even in the evening hours. It is an enchanting experience for those looking for a magical getaway during the holiday season in the Spanish capital.
Address: Parque Enrique Tierno Galván, C. Meneses, 4, 28045 Madrid (does not have its own parking service for the public)
Admission: from 13,00€. The general admission ticket allows access to Naturaleza Encendida at the time chosen at the time of purchase. It has several rates depending on the age or mobility of the attendees. There is the option of adding the extra Magic Lantern. The premium ticket, on the other hand, has a rate from 4 years old and does not have reduced rates. It allows access to Naturaleza Encendida at the chosen time slot, without queues or waiting. It is also possible to add the Magic Lantern extra.
Hours: Monday to Sunday, from 18:00h to 22:45h. Closing of access door at 23:00h.
Cortylandia
One of the most anticipated shows of the Madrid Christmas season, Cortylandia, can be enjoyed from November 23 to January 5 at El Corte Inglés on Calle Preciados in Madrid.
The scheduled shows, except for December 24, 25 and 31 and January 1, are:
Monday to Friday working days:
Mornings: 12:00, 13:00 and 14:00.
Afternoons at 6, 7, 8, 8 and 9 p.m.
On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays there will be 8 shows:
Mornings: 12:00, 13:00 and 14:00 hours
Afternoons: 5, 6, 7, 7, 8, 8 and 9 p.m.
Special days schedule
The days with special opening hours are as follows:
Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and Christmas Eve, December 24 and 31 and January 5:
Mornings: 12, 13, 14 and 15 hours.
Afternoons: 17, 18, 19 and 20:00 hours
December 25 (Christmas) and January 1 (New Year):
Morning: 12, 13, 14 and 15 hours.
Afternoon: 18, 19 and 20 hours.
Ice rinks in Madrid
One of the most popular activities during Christmas in Madrid is ice skating. This experience is a real delight for children and adults alike. In addition, during the Christmas season, they usually organize events and shows that make the experience even more special.l.
One of the rinks that most attracts the general public is the natural ice rink in Plaza de España. With about 450 m2, is one of the classic places of Christmas in Madrid where ice skating (admission for 10 €) and next to the rink are deployed several options to complete the experience: a Christmas market with various craft stalls and sale of products, a gastronomic offer where there are from sweets to an indoor restaurant and cultural performances for the amusement of all audiences.
From Thursday, November 23 through Sunday, January 7.
Visit to the El Rastro Toy Market
El Rastro, one of the most emblematic markets in Madrid, becomes a paradise for children during Christmas. The El Rastro Toy Market offers a fascinating selection of new and vintage toys that will delight the little ones. Exploring this market is a unique experience and an opportunity to find special gifts for the holiday season.
Madrid Amusement Park: “Christmas in the Park”.
Madrid’s Parque de Atracciones joins the Christmas celebration with its special event “Christmas in the Park”. Children can enjoy exciting rides, live shows and the chance to meet Santa Claus. The park is filled with festive lights and decorations, creating a magical atmosphere for the whole family. It is a must-see for families who want to experience an exciting Christmas.
Christmas Shows at the Theater
During the Christmas season, Madrid’s theaters offer a wide variety of shows especially designed for children’s enjoyment. From performances of classic tales such as “The Nutcracker” to musical comedies and plays, there are options for all tastes. Buying tickets to one of these shows is a great way to celebrate Christmas with the family.
Visit to Retiro Park
Retiro Park is a special place any time of the year, but during Christmas, it becomes an even more enchanting place. You can take a boat ride on the pond, visit the Crystal Palace and enjoy the many outdoor activities that are organized in the park during the Christmas season. In addition, the park often hosts an ice rink and a flea market, making it an ideal place for a family day out.
Book your apartment in Madrid for this christmas 2023
If you plan to spend Christmas in Madrid, the choice of accommodation is crucial to make your stay comfortable and pleasant. Luxury Rentals Madrid offers a wide variety of accommodation options to suit your needs.
Madrid at Christmas offers you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture, tradition and magic of the holiday season in an environment that combines the classic with the modern. It is the perfect place to create unforgettable memories and enjoy the festive cheer in every corner of the city.
Celebrate this Christmas in a special way in Madrid with us and enjoy all that this wonderful city has to offer!
