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24 min read.
If you are dreaming of a magical holiday season, look no further than Christmas in Madrid. The Spanish capital transforms into a winter wonderland filled with sparkling holiday lights, festive Christmas markets, and time-honored traditions that make the season truly magical. Whether you are strolling through the city's illuminated streets, sampling sweet treats like turrón, or partaking in the unique celebrations of the Epiphany, Christmas in Madrid is an experience you will never forget.
Why Visit Madrid During the Christmas Season?
Visiting Madrid during Christmas is not only magical but also practical. Unlike some other European capitals during the holiday season, Madrid tends to have smaller crowds in December, making it easier to explore at your own pace. Plus, the city enjoys mild winter weather compared to northern Europe (and even the United States), with temperatures often ranging between a comfortable 39-51°F (4-11°C). This means you can enjoy the holiday festivities without the freezing chill or heavy snowfall, whether you are shopping for holiday gifts, ice skating in Plaza de España, or marveling at the holiday lights.
The Enchanting Holiday Lights
One of the best things about Christmas in Madrid is the city's stunning display of holiday lights. Streets like Gran Vía, Calle de Alcalá, and Calle Serrano are draped in glittering displays, each more over-the-top than the last. My favorite place to see the holiday lights is without a doubt Calle Serrano! Each of the luxury shops on the street is decorated so extravagantly with displays that change from year to year.
Holiday Light Highlights
Madrid’s holiday light displays are one of the highlights of Christmas in Madrid, transforming the city into a dazzling wonderland. Some of the top places to visit in Madrid, at night, for Christmas lights include:
- Gran Vía: Gran Vía, Madrid’s most iconic avenue, shines brightly during the holiday season. The light displays here often feature elegant, geometric designs or colorful patterns that emphasize the grandeur of this bustling street. Walking along Gran Vía during Christmas in Madrid is a must, especially as you pass its historic theaters and department stores, all decked out for the holidays. During our time in Madrid last year, Gran Vía was also decked out with a giant Christmas tree and huge lighted poinsettia to add to the festive charm!
- Calle Serrano: Calle Serrano, located in Madrid’s upscale Salamanca district, brings a touch of elegance to the festive season during Christmas in Madrid. Known for its high-end boutiques and designer stores, this street is transformed into a dazzling holiday spectacle as the luxury shops go all-out with their decorations. Each storefront competes to outshine the next, featuring elaborate window displays, festive lights, and beautifully decorated facades. From giant bows and glittering garlands to chic, minimalist designs, the decorations reflect the sophistication of the brands they represent.
- Puerta del Sol: Puerta del Sol is the heart of Madrid’s holiday celebrations, and its lights are some of the most festive in the city. A massive Christmas tree, covered in vibrant LED lights, stands as the centerpiece of the square. The tree becomes a popular photo spot, drawing locals and visitors alike. Surrounding buildings and streets are also illuminated, making Puerta del Sol a magical place to start or end your evening during Christmas in Madrid.
- Retiro Park: Retiro Park is a more tranquil spot for enjoying the holiday lights. During Christmas in Madrid, parts of the park are decorated with elegant light installations, offering a peaceful escape from the city’s busier areas. The park’s vast open spaces and natural beauty make the lights feel especially enchanting, perfect for a winter evening stroll.
- Paseo del Prado: While the Paseo del Prado does not have the same extravagant light displays as most of the other streets and squares on this list, it is home to my favorite of Madrid's light displays: a giant lighted Menina. As an ode to Velazquez's masterpiece, Las Meninas, which hangs in the nearby Prado Museum, the lighted Menina is a quintessentially Madrileño decoration and a must-see during Christmas in Madrid.
NaviBus Tours
The city even hosts a "NaviBus" Christmas bus, allowing you to tour the most spectacular light installations around the city from the comfort of a double-decker sightseeing bus! Be sure to dress warm since the second floor of the bus is open to the elements, but it makes for a fun and festive way to see the city at night! The bus tour lasts 50 minutes and the tour is conducted in both English and Spanish. I did the tour last year and loved it! The bus played fun holiday music, pointed out specific light installations and landmarks around the city, and offered an enjoyable (albeit cold) tour experience. I definitely wish this was an experience offered in other cities around the world during the holidays!
To book a festive Christmas lights tour of Madrid, be sure to check out the NaviBus Madrid website for pricing, schedules, and tickets.
Whether you are exploring the city of Madrid on foot or by sightseeing bus, the holiday spirit is impossible to miss during Christmas in Madrid!
Christmas Markets to Explore
Madrid’s Christmas markets are another highlight of the season. The most famous is located in Plaza Mayor, where stalls sell everything from nativity figurines to holiday sweets and traditional decorations. Smaller markets pop-up throughout the city, offering unique gifts, artisanal goods, and festive treats. Visiting these markets is a quintessential Christmas in Madrid experience, perfect for finding special mementos or simply soaking in the joyful atmosphere.
Some of the most popular Christmas markets in the Madrid for tourists (and locals alike) to explore and enjoy, include:
Plaza Mayor
The Plaza Mayor Christmas Market is a cornerstone of Christmas in Madrid and one of the city’s most iconic holiday traditions. Its history dates back to the 17th century, when locals began gathering in the nearby Plaza de Santa Cruz to sell fruits and gifts in the lead-up to Christmas. Over time, the Plaza Mayor Christmas Market has evolved into a lively market that attracts both Madrileños and visitors, offering a quintessential holiday experience in the heart of the city.
The market features an array of stalls selling everything from nativity scene figurines and Christmas decorations to fresh Christmas trees and unique gifts. While it might not have the artisan feel of the Feria Mercado de Artesanía on Paseo de Recoletos, its historic setting and vibrant atmosphere make it special.
Plaza Mayor itself is beautifully decorated during the holidays, with festive lights, a huge nativity scene, and an enormous tree that come to life after dark. The glow of the lights, combined with the buzz of the market, creates an atmosphere that captures the essence of Christmas in Madrid. A visit to the Plaza Mayor Christmas Market is more than just a shopping trip—it is a chance to soak up the unique holiday atmosphere that defines Christmas in Madrid. Whether you are looking for gifts or simply want to experience Madrid at its most festive, this market is a must-see during the holiday season.
This year, the market is open from November 25 to December 31. The market is open from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Sunday through Thursday, and from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
La Navideña (Plaza de España)
La Navideña is my favorite market during Christmas in Madrid! It has so much to offer which makes it popular with tourists and locals alike. There is so much to enjoy, from the Paulaner München Biergarten and the large ice rink, to the incredible vendors offering everything from food and drinks to holiday decorations and handmade gifts. You might even get to see Papá Noel (what Santa Claus is known as in Spain) if you are lucky, too! The holiday decorations and lights around Plaza de España are also impeccable, adding to the festive atmosphere!
But my absolute favorite part of La Navideña? The Chocolatería San Ginés stand. If you know me at all, you will know I am completely obsessed with their churros and hot chocolate. I could eat them any time of year (yes, even on those 100°F days during the summer months in Madrid) but there is something about enjoying them in the festive atmosphere of Christmas in Madrid and La Navideña that makes them even better. 😋
For me, La Navideña captures everything I love about Christmas in Madrid—the holiday spirit, the food, the bright holiday lights, the fun, and the chance to indulge in some of my favorite treats. It is the perfect way to celebrate the season!
The Navideña Christmas market in Plaza de España is open this year from November 23, 2024 to January 6, 2025. The market is open Monday through Friday from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM and on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Additional information can be found on the La Navideña website.
Ópera (Plaza de Isabel II)
The Plaza de Isabel II, or Ópera as it is known by locals, is home to a small but nice Christmas market. Located right in front of the Teatro Real, a short walk from Plaza Mayor and the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Ópera Christmas market is centrally located for those visiting Madrid during the holiday season. We frequented this market a lot on our visit during Christmas in Madrid. While small and only a dozen or so vendors, many of them selling sweet treats, this market has a wonderful mulled wine stand that absolutely hits the spot on a cold evening!
I could not find the exact opening hours of this Christmas market online, but from my experience it follows that of the nearby Plaza Mayor Christmas Market.
Paseo de Recoletos
The Feria Mercado de Artesanía, or Crafts Fair of the Community of Madrid as it is known in English, is a must-visit during Christmas in Madrid. Held annually on the picturesque Paseo de Recoletos between Plaza de Colón and Plaza de Cibeles, this market is my personal favorite among all the markets in the city when it comes to shopping. The reason? The unique and beautiful selection of handmade goods available for purchase. Unlike other markets, you will not find cheap, mass-produced items here—each item is made with meticulous attention and artistry.
During Christmas in Madrid, this market becomes the ideal destination for those looking to find thoughtful and one-of-a-kind gifts. Most of the stalls feature artisans and workshops from Madrid, though there are also exhibitors from other regions of Spain. From ceramics and photography prints to jewelry, beautifully crafted toys, leather goods, and more, the Feria Mercado de Artesanía offers a plethora of options for everyone on your holiday shopping list.
While not everything sold at the market is explicitly Christmas-themed, the wide variety of handcrafted goods makes it the perfect place to tick items off your holiday shopping list. Whether you are looking for unique presents for loved ones or a special treat for yourself, this market is a highlight of Christmas in Madrid.
This year's market will take place from December 1 to December 31. The market is open daily from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with the exception of December 24 and December 25. The market has shortened hours on December 24 (11:00 AM to 3:00 PM) and is closed on December 25. For additional information, visit the Madrid Destino Cultura Turismo website.
Best Places to Stay During Christmas in Madrid
No hotel in Madrid is more festive than the Four Seasons Hotel Madrid () with the hotel magnificently decorated for the holidays both inside and out. The Four Seasons Hotel Madrid is centrally located too, allowing you to easily reach some of Madrid's top attractions within a short walk. Even if you are not staying at the Four Seasons Hotel Madrid, I highly recommend passing by at night to see the magnificent lights outside!
However, if the Four Seasons Hotel Madrid is out of your price point or unavailable for your dates, check out these other options below for other fantastic places to stay during Christmas in Madrid. These are all hotels we have either stayed in during visits to Madrid or close friends and family have stayed in and recommended.
- The Westin Palace, Madrid (Located on the Paseo del Arte; near the Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum)
- Hotel Fenix Gran Meliá (Located in the upscale Salamanca Neighborhood; near the Plaza de Colón and Calle Serrano)
- Pestana Plaza Mayor Madrid (Located next to Plaza Mayor)
- Hotel Regina (Located on Calle de Alcalá; near the Four Seasons Hotel Madrid)
- Petit Palace Puerta del Sol (Located in Puerta del Sol; near El Corte Inglés Department Store)
- Hotel Moderno Puerta del Sol (Located in Puerta del Sol; near El Inglés Department Store)
Looking for even more hotel options in Madrid? Check out Expedia for a range of properties at all price points throughout Madrid.
If you book a hotel or accomodation through one of our Expedia Group affiliate links, we may earn a small commission. Expedia Group includes: Expedia, Hotels.com, and VRBO.
Spanish Christmas Traditions
No celebration of Christmas in Madrid would be complete without diving into a few of Spain’s beloved traditions during the holiday season.
Turrón
Turrón, a traditional Spanish nougat, is a beloved holiday treat made primarily of almonds, honey, sugar, and egg whites. Its origins date back to the Moorish influence in Spain, with recipes and techniques evolving over the centuries. Today, turrón comes in many varieties, from the hard, brittle turrón de Alicante to the soft, smooth turrón de Jijona. Modern takes on turrón include chocolate, hazelnuts, or even combinations like fruit and nuts, but the traditional recipes remain the most iconic during Christmas in Madrid.
Turrón is a staple on tables in Spain during the Christmas season and also make great souvenirs to bring home. Turrón is sold at varying price points from artisan-made turróns sold in specialty shops around Madrid to the traditional turrón sold at grocery stores. Personally, I think the ones from El Corte Inglés supermarket, branded El Corte Inglés Selection are fantastic and a great price. They come packaged nicely and made great gifts when I brought them home last year after my visit during Christmas in Madrid.
Turrón-inspired chocolates and candies are also popular during Christmas in Madrid and from the ones I have tasted, they are delicious, but decadent! At most supermarkets, you will find Suchard Turrón de Chocolate which is effectively a chocolate bar with turrón pieces throughout it. There are more exotic varieties of Suchard Turrón de Chocolate too, like Oreo and Principe. (The Principe ones are my guilty pleasure as far as chocolates and sweets go!)
Roscón de Reyes
The roscón de reyes is a festive crown-shaped cake typically enjoyed on January 6th, Día de los Reyes (Epiphany), the day Spain traditionally celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men. This cake has a sweet bread base, often flavored with orange blossom water, and is decorated with candied fruits to resemble the jewels on a crown. Inside, you may find two hidden surprises: a small figurine of a king (or Baby Jesus - it depends on who you ask) and a dried bean. Tradition says whoever finds the small figurine is crowned king or queen of the day, while the unlucky person who finds the bean has to buy the next roscón! This custom has its roots in ancient Roman and Christian traditions, symbolizing both festivity and the story of the Magi. (The roscón de reyes is similar to king cakes in New Orleans during Mardi Gras.)
Like turrón, roscón de reyes come in a variety of different shapes, sizes, and flavors. Some are filled with custards and creams, while others resemble giant donuts. Even if you do not find yourselves in Madrid for January 6th, bakeries throughout the city sell roscón de reyes during the entirety of the holiday season!
Belénes
Spain takes its nativity scenes, or belénes, to a whole new level. These intricately designed displays often go far beyond the Holy Family, including entire villages with farmers, bakers, and even running water or live animals. The tradition of belénes dates back to St. Francis of Assisi, who popularized the practice of recreating the Nativity in the 13th century. In Spain, the tradition grew during the Baroque period, with elaborate scenes becoming central to Christmas décor. Today, you will find belénes of all sizes in homes, churches, and public squares. If you are looking to see a huge and elaborate nativity scene during your trip to Madrid, check out the one in Plaza Mayor. A list of other must-see nativity scenes during Christmas in Madrid can be found on Madrid's Official Tourism Website.
Día de los Reyes: The True Christmas in Madrid Celebration
While December 25th is celebrated in Madrid, the real Christmas magic and celebrations happen on January 6th, the Epiphany. Known as "Día de los Reyes Magos" or "Día de los Reyes" for short (Three Kings' Day), this is when Spaniards traditionally exchange gifts and when children receive gifts from the Three Kings (or Wise Men as they are sometimes called in English). The festivities begin on the evening of January 5th with the Cabalgata de Reyes, a grand parade featuring floats, music, and the Three Kings themselves. Watching the parade is an unforgettable way to experience Christmas in Madrid, and the joy and excitement in the air are contagious.
Cabalgata de Reyes
If you find yourself in Madrid on January 5th, watching the Cabalgata de Reyes, or Three Kings Parade, is an absolute must! The parade is massive and sees the Three Kings - Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar - arrive in Madrid to great fanfare. The parade runs from approximately 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM and begins at the Plaza San Juan de la Cruz and ends in Plaza de Cibeles. If you are staying in this area on the day of the parade, expect road closures and detours around the parade route.
The parade route is as follows:
More information about the Cabalgata de Reyes in Madrid can be found on Madrid's Official Tourism Website.
Celebrate Christmas in Madrid
Christmas in Madrid is a season of beauty, tradition, and celebration. From its stunning lights to the charm of its markets, the richness of Spanish customs, and the added perks of smaller crowds and relatively mild winter weather, the city invites you to immerse yourself in holiday cheer. Whether you are visiting for the first time or rediscovering its magic, Madrid during the holidays is sure to leave you with memories that last a lifetime. So bundle up, grab some turrón, and experience the wonder of Christmas in Madrid! ¡Feliz Navidad!
Looking for more information about Madrid? Check out our Madrid Travel Guide. Have you spent Christmas in Madrid? We would love to hear from you!
