Last updated: December 01, 2024
Ready for the Christmas excitement in Madrid? Our guide offers everything you need to celebrate these holidays. For both Madrid locals and visitors alike, this festive compendium will help you discover every Christmas corner of the capital.
From the emblematic Puerta del Sol to Plaza Mayor, Madrid transforms itself with traditional Christmas markets, artisanal nativity scenes, and lighting that adorns the main streets. The historic center hosts Christmas sweets and craft stalls, while Retiro Park and Gran Vía offer activities for the whole family. The Salamanca and Chamberí neighborhoods complement the experience with their characteristic decorations and festive shops.
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Madrid Holiday Light Displays
Nativity Scene at Real Casa de Correos
The president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, inaugurated the traditional Nativity Scene of the Royal Post Office, which this year honors the first birth that took place in Italy 800 years ago. The installation features 35 volunteers and reproduces nine main scenes with approximately 400 figures.
Madrid Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Market in Paseo de Recoletos
The Community of Madrid's Artisan Market Fair is an event that brings together over 130 artisan workshops, offering a wide variety of handmade products such as ceramics, jewelry, jewelry, and textile decoration. It takes place from December 1st to 30th, 2024, at Paseo de Recoletos, Madrid.
Mercadillo del Gato
The Mercadillo del Gato is an artisan market and exclusive product fair offering a variety of unique items, from art jewelry to high-quality clothing.
Beefeater Xmas Market
The Beefeater Xmas Market is a holiday event that brings the essence of London to Madrid, offering Hot Gin tastings and live music sessions.
Madrid Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Gospel Festival
The Gospel Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary with an impressive lineup featuring Soweto Gospel Choir, Mississippi Mass Choir, and The South Carolina Gospel Choir, among others. This edition will present shows like "Hope" and "The Gospel Legend Tour".
Inverfest
Inverfest is a winter festival celebrating music and culture in Madrid with over 100 shows including concerts, poetic evenings, film, and winter nights.
Circo Price Christmas Spectacular
The Christmas show at Circo Price features an exciting story where five friends try to recover the spirit of Christmas after living incredible adventures around the world. The production includes music, dance, humor, and songs performed by the best contemporary circus artists.
Madrid Other Holiday Activities
Three Kings Parade
The Cabalgata de Reyes is a festive tradition where the Three Wise Men, Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltasar, parade through Madrid's streets in an impressive caravan, distributing gifts and candies to children and adults. This celebration symbolizes the unity and respect between generations.
Ice Skating Rink at Palacio de Cibeles
The ice rink at the Cibeles Palace is a 400 square meter space where you can ice skate and visit a Christmas market featuring small and medium-sized businesses that sell on Amazon.es.
Ice Skating Rink at Matadero
The ice rink at Matadero is an impressive outdoor space with a 600 m² surface, perfect for both experts and beginners of all ages. It offers free ice skating and artistic ice skating exhibitions.
Nativity Scene at Royal Palace
The Belén del Palacio Real is a Christmas tradition initiated by Carlos III, featuring Napoletan and Genovese figures crafted by artisans from Naples. This year, the nativity scene includes nods to modernity, such as paintings in the style of Pablo Picasso.
Christmas Lottery El Gordo
The Lotería de Navidad is an annual lottery offering significant prizes, including the Gordo, which awards 4.000.000 euros.