How to Enjoy Christmas in Madrid

Updated 7/12/2025

Discover Madrid’s magical Christmas celebrations with my insider guide to markets, lights, ice skating, and Spanish traditions. If you’re planning a trip, these tips will help you make the most of your time. From blinged-up Christmas trees to pooping figurines, here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect!

Christmas Markets: Plaza Mayor and More

Madrid is famous for its bustling Christmas markets, and you’ll find stalls selling a variety of handmade goods, decorations, and delicious seasonal treats all around the city. The crown jewel is the market in the Plaza Mayor. This historic square, surrounded by beautiful architecture, hosts the city’s largest Christmas market. Inside the cute wooden red stalls, you’ll find quirky decorations, including the caganer, a cheeky Catalan figure that has become a popular addition to nativity scenes across Spain.

Besides Plaza Mayor, here are some other good locations to hit for Christmas markets:

• Plaza de España: a short walk from the Royal Palace by metro Plaza de España
• Plaza de Colón: near the uptown Salamanca district
• Plaza Juan Goytisolo: right next to the Reina Sofia art gallery
• Plaza de Ópera: outside Ópera metro
• Callao: right outside the metro station of the same name

How to Enjoy Madrid’s Christmas Trees & Lights

The countdown

Christmas lights were switched on November 22, with a typically Spanish delay; they were supposed to switch on at 7.30pm but didn’t light up until around 8.15! Nevertheless, I had a wonderful time, sitting with a hot chocolate on a terraza in a Plaza Mayor cafe waiting for the square and its huge tree to light up and I’m told, the spectacle at Cibeles, complete with fireworks and projection mapping, was even more spectacular if you were prepared to brave the huge crowds.

Tour Madrid’s trees and lights:

From here on out, the crowds will get pretty crazy, but you don’t have to suffer to see them. A weekday evening, Mon-Weds is the best time to enjoy them away from hordes of Christmas shoppers.

My favourite route is to start in Plaza Mayor, then head to Sol. In both squares you’ll see big Christmas trees. These giant cone-shaped structures may not resemble the traditional towering evergreens of Northern Europe, but they make up for it with their brilliant illuminations. To make sure you don’t get lost, I added this little map below.

For more lights, leave Sol, going down Carretera de San Jeronemo to the bling-tastic Plaza de Canelejas, before heading past the Four Seasons to Calle Alcala, passing through Cibeles to the illuminated Puerta de Alcala, the city’s spendid 18th-century gate. It’s right outside Retiro park and from there, an avenue of trees decked out in lights leads you to the boating lake and the statue of King Alfonso XIII illuminated in gorgeous colours.

Jump on a bus

If you want to see all the lights around the city, I recommend hopping on the Naviluz, Madrid’s Christmas bus. It takes you on a tour of the city’s most beautifully lit streets and costs 15 euros for adults and 7.50 euros for kids – sadly, the price has more than doubled from last year, so it might be an idea to get more bang for your buck by booking a ticket on a tour bus.

Family Fun: Cortylandia and Winter Wonderland

For families visiting Madrid, two must-see attractions are Cortylandia and the Parque Magicas Navidades in Torrejón de Ardoz. Cortylandia is an animated display outside El Corte Inglés, which comes to life every hour, delighting children with dancing figurines and joyful music. However, if you’d prefer to avoid the heavy crowds, Torrejón’s winter wonderland is a fantastic alternative just a short train ride from the city. With rides, games, and festive displays, it’s a great spot for a fun-filled day.

Ice skating in Madrid 2025

Five different venues in the city offer ice skating: Matadero, Cibeles, Plaza de España, Colon and Plaza Juan Goytisolo. The last three have the advantage of being right by Christmas markets but all are really pretty venues. Prices start from around 7.50 euros. Needless to say, this is a really popular family activity so book in advance to avoid disappointment. Having said that, the one in Plaza Juan Goytisolo (pictured below) tends to be less busy than other rinks. More advanced ice skaters should note that these rinks tend to be crowded. If you´re a whizz on the ice, better to head to the huge 4760 m² rink at Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium where there will be more space to show off!

El Gordo: The Christmas Lottery Explained

One of the most exciting traditions during the holidays is Spain’s famous Christmas lottery, El Gordo. Taking place on December 22, this event unites the nation as millions gather to see if they hold the winning ticket. Whether you buy a ticket yourself or simply enjoy the excitement, El Gordo is a Christmas spectacle not to be missed.

Nativity Scenes

Nativity scenes, or belenes, are a big part of the Christmas decorations in Spain. These intricate displays often take over entire rooms, depicting lively village scenes. They go far beyond the simple manger scenes you’re used to, featuring everything from Roman soldiers to running water. It’s a wonderful tradition introduced to Spain by King Carlos III.

Roscones de Reyes

For a taste of Spanish Christmas, try the Roscón de Reyes, a sweet brioche-like cake topped with candied fruit and filled with cream. Traditionally eaten on Three Kings Day, this treat is central to the celebrations. Be sure to pick one up from Antigua Pastelería del Pozo, which sells what many consider the best Roscón in Madrid.

Head home on Christmas Eve

In Spain, the big family meal happens on Christmas Eve, not Christmas Day, so be aware that shops and restaurants close early on the 24th. If you’re visiting during this time, it’s best to plan your activities accordingly, as Madrid will be quieter than usual.

More resources:

Avoid the crowds

If you’re feeling a bit worn out by the crowds, find out about the city’s quieter side by getting a copy of my ebook Quiet Madrid.

Tune In to the Full Podcast Episode

For more insider tips on how to enjoy Christmas in Madrid, including my thoughts on Three Kings Day, don’t miss my 2024 podcast episode of Making of Madrid. Whether you’re here for the markets, the lights, or the rich cultural traditions, Madrid at Christmas is an unforgettable experience.