Come and celebrate Christmas in Madrid

Madrid is a city that certainly knows how to celebrate Christmas, there’s no doubt about that. Its streets are filled with lights, shop windows captivate you at every turn with decorations that seem out of this world, and the city, in general, transforms into a joyful and magical space.

Is that all? Of course not. Christmas in Madrid also offers a huge array of activities, events, and festivities, making this time of year the best to visit the capital. We’ll tell you all about it.

The lighting of Madrid’s Christmas lights: a truly magical moment

One of the most eagerly awaited moments is the switching on of the Christmas lights in Madrid. On the 28th of November, the main streets are lit up with thousands of LEDs that fill the city with colour, joy, and pure Christmas spirit. Attending this epic moment and watching the simultaneous lighting in places like Gran Vía, Paseo de la Castellana, or Plaza Mayor signals that Christmas has officially arrived.

If you’re not in Madrid yet for the switch-on, don’t worry, as you can still enjoy them until the 7th of January. And not just on foot—there’s also the Naviluz Christmas bus, which takes you on a 50-minute tour of the city’s most impressive Christmas lights. Alternatively, you could visit the Royal Botanical Garden in Madrid at Christmas; this place is already beautiful. Now imagine it at night, illuminated by thousands of Christmas lights.

Sounds tempting, doesn’t it? We’re not surprised because the Spanish capital has the largest Christmas offering in the country, not just because of the impressive lights but also due to the countless areas where you’ll find events and activities in abundance. Take a look!

The 2024 Christmas lights in Madrid will be switched on for the first time on the 28th of November at 7:00 pm, an event that will last until the 7th of January, 2025.

The best areas to enjoy Christmas in Madrid

Madrid has several areas that are a must-visit for any Christmas lover. One of them is Plaza Mayor, which is filled with stalls selling decorations and Nativity scene figures, while Puerta del Sol becomes the meeting point for locals and tourists who want to soak in the festive atmosphere and enjoy a tasty snack. And don’t forget the Salamanca district, with its elegant streets and shops ready for you to find the perfect gifts to place under the tree.

Of course, the city’s green lung, Retiro Park, offers a necessary break from the hustle and bustle that takes over the city during this season, without losing any of the Christmas charm. Here, you can enjoy a lovely walk surrounded by lights and typical Christmas music like carols and seasonal tunes.

Christmas markets: where tradition and gastronomy meet

Madrid’s Christmas markets are a must on your visit to the city and an essential part of celebrating Christmas here, with a long-standing tradition. The most typical and oldest market can be found in Plaza Mayor, where there are endless stalls selling everything from Christmas decorations to traditional sweets like turrón, mantecados, or pestiños.

It’s the perfect place to find that missing piece for your Nativity scene or simply enjoy a stroll while tasting irresistible local products. And wait, there’s not just one Christmas market in Madrid! Far from it! You can find many others, such as the one in Plaza de España, which combines Christmas charm with local crafts and a delicious gastronomic offer, the market on Paseo de Recoletos, the Mercadillo del Gato on Gran Vía, or the Mercado de Diseño (Design Market) in Plaza de Azca. There are also options in Fuencarral, Carabanchel, or Plaza de la Remonta in Tetuán.

Christmas Activities and Events to Enjoy with the Family

Christmas in Madrid, like anywhere in the world, is perfect for sharing with family. That’s why there are all sorts of activities to suit every family’s tastes.

Ice skating

Ice skating is an experience that can’t be missed during Christmas in Madrid, and you can do it at several places across the city, such as:

Plaza de Colón, with an outdoor rink in a charming setting
Plaza de la Luna: the ideal spot to stay right in the heart of Madrid
Or at Dreams Palacio de Hielo: an ice rink open not just in winter but all year round! As it’s located inside a shopping centre.

Visiting Nativity scenes

And of course, the traditional ‘belenes’ (Nativity scenes) cannot be missed. There are several you can visit across the city, and some may surprise you as they are reconstructions or versions of the typical Nativity scene but with different themes, materials, or perspectives.

The most visited ones are the Belén de la Casa de Correos, which is free to enter, and the Belén del Palacio de Cibeles, also free but with usually quite a long queue.

Other plans for Christmas in Madrid

Theatres and cultural centres offer special performances to suit all tastes during the festive season, from Christmas concerts to plays; you just need to check the listings and pick your favourites.

There are also more active Christmas plans in Madrid, such as the Christmas Eve Santa Claus Run or the San Silvestre Run, held on the last day of the year. If you prefer something more stationary, make a note of the Cortylandia show featuring animated figures and songs on the façade of El Corte Inglés on Preciados Street from the 24th of November to the 5th of January 2024. And, of course, don’t miss the ‘Cabalgata de Reyes Magos’ (Three Kings Parade), which usually takes place on the 5th of January.

Are you coming to discover the magic of Christmas in Madrid?

If you’re looking for a Christmas filled with charm, activities, and unforgettable moments, Madrid is the perfect option.

Now all that’s left is for you to decide the exact dates of your visit and book accommodation to be at the heart of the city’s Christmas action. And yes, that can be quite a challenge, given that Madrid at Christmas is busier than ever.

That’s why at BNB Holder we want to offer you plenty of accommodation options that can perfectly match the plans and activities on your list of things to see (and do) in Madrid at Christmas. You can check out all the houses, apartments, flats, and studios we have available here.

See you at Christmas in Madrid!