Last updated: 11 de November de 2024
Welcome to your complete holiday season guide for Retiro! We present you with a careful selection of events and attractions that adorn our emblematic neighborhood during this festive season.
The heart of the celebrations centers on the majestic Retiro Park, where illuminated paths guide visitors among traditional stalls and festive exhibitions. Christmas markets extend from Plaza de la Independencia to Alcalá, while the adjacent streets come alive with traditional music, artisanal nativity scenes, and Madrid's characteristic seasonal gastronomy.
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Retiro Holiday Light Displays
Nativity Scene of the Royal Post Office
- What to Expect
- Immersive experience with over 330 figures.
- Description
- The president of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, inaugurated the traditional Nativity Scene at the Real Casa de Correos, which this year honors the first nativity created by Saint Francis of Assisi in the cave of Greccio (Italy) 800 years ago. The display features over 330 figures and offers an immersive experience for visitors.
- Where
- Madrid | More Info : Nativity Scene of the Royal Post Office
Christmas Lights Tourist Bus
- What to Expect
- Bus tour with live guides dressed as Santa's helpers.
- Description
- The Naviluz is a Christmas bus that tours Madrid's most iconic streets, showcasing the city's Christmas lights in a comfortable and enjoyable way.
- Where
- Madrid | More Info : Christmas Lights Tourist Bus
Christmas Lights Festival in Retiro Park
- What to Expect
- Lights designed by children and renowned designers.
- Description
- The Christmas lights in Madrid flood the city with millions of lamps that meet the requirements of environmental respect and energy efficiency. The national football selector, Luis de la Fuente, will light up the lights in Puerta del Sol on November 28.
- Where
- Madrid | More Info : Christmas Lights Festival in Retiro Park
Retiro Holiday Markets and Shopping
Christmas Market of Plaza Mayor
- What to Expect
- Traditional Christmas event with 104 stalls filled with decorations and gifts.
- Description
- The Plaza Mayor Christmas Market is a traditional event where one can find nativity scenes, Christmas musical instruments, toys, and novelty items. The Plaza Mayor Traditional Christmas Market Association welcomes all vendors in this Madrid enclave to offer their holiday products.
- Where
- Madrid | More Info : Christmas Market of Plaza Mayor
Christmas Market of Plaza de España
- What to Expect
- 450m² natural ice rink.
- Description
- La Navideña in Plaza de España features a 450m² natural ice rink, artisanal and gastronomic stands, and theatrical and circus performances. A festive atmosphere filled with toys, lights, and sweets.
- Where
- Madrid | More Info : Christmas Market of Plaza de España
Mercadillo del Gato Market
- What to Expect
- Offers unique and exclusive products in an elegant setting.
- Description
- The Mercadillo del Gato is a pop-up market offering a variety of unique products, from jewelry and clothing to handmade crafts and gourmet food. It is known for its elegance and exclusivity, with over 60 exhibitors from different origins.
- Where
- Madrid | More Info : Mercadillo del Gato Market
Beefeater Xmas Market
- What to Expect
- Tasting of 30K Hot Gins and 300 hours of live music.
- Description
- The Beefeater Xmas Market is a Christmas market inspired by London, where you can enjoy the best Hot Gins and live music. It offers a unique experience with 30K Hot Gins and 300 hours of live music.
- Where
- Madrid | More Info : Beefeater Xmas Market
Retiro Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Nativity Scene of Plaza Mayor
- What to Expect
- Neapolitan nativity scene with handmade figures in Madrid's historic center.
- Description
- The Belén de la Plaza Mayor is a Neapolitan nativity scene displayed in the heart of Madrid, featuring handmade figures that recreate iconic scenes from the Mystery of the Birth of Jesus.
- Where
- Madrid | More Info : Nativity Scene of Plaza Mayor
Christmas Eve
- What to Expect
- Gala dinner and shows at various locations in the city.
- Description
- Nochebuena in Madrid offers a variety of plans to celebrate Christmas Eve with family and friends, including gala dinners and shows at various locations in the city.
- Where
- Retiro | More Info : Christmas Eve
Retiro Other Holiday Activities
Three Kings Parade
- What to Expect
- A unique route through the Paseo de la Castellana and Paseo de Recoletos.
- Description
- The Cabalgata de Reyes is a traditional procession celebrating the arrival of the Three Wise Men in Madrid, featuring impressive carriages, giant marionettes, and a route through the Paseo de la Castellana and Paseo de Recoletos to the Plaza de Cibeles.
- Where
- Madrid | More Info : Three Kings Parade
Nativity Scene of Cibeles
- What to Expect
- Accessibility with audio guide and magnetic loop.
- Description
- The Municipal Nativity Scene of the Madrid City Council is located in the patio of operations of CentroCentro, featuring two hundred Hebrew-style figures and twenty constructions and vegetation elements. It depicts a sequence of six historical scenes related to the birth of Jesus, including the Annunciation to the Virgin, the search for lodging in Bethlehem, and the Parade of the Magi.
- Where
- Madrid | More Info : Nativity Scene of Cibeles
Ice Skating at Cibeles Palace
- What to Expect
- 400-square-meter ice rink at the Cibeles Palace.
- Description
- At the Cibeles Palace, enjoy a 400-square-meter ice rink, part of the immersive Amazon and the Christmas Factory experience. Besides skating, visit the Christmas market Spain at a Click and discover many surprises in a magical space.
- Where
- Madrid | More Info : Ice Skating at Cibeles Palace
Ice Skating at Matadero
- What to Expect
- Free figure skating exhibitions.
- Description
- The ice rink at Matadero is an outdoor space perfect for both experts and beginners of all ages to enjoy a fun and exciting activity. It offers free and public figure skating exhibitions on December 22, 27, and 29.
- Where
- Madrid | More Info : Ice Skating at Matadero
New Year's Eve Run
- What to Expect
- 10 km race commemorating its 60th anniversary.
- Description
- The San Silvestre Vallecana is a 10 km race held in Madrid, commemorating its 60th anniversary. The race offers two categories: the popular and the international, with an urban course and a lively atmosphere.
- Where
- Madrid | More Info : New Year's Eve Run
Constitution Day
- What to Expect
- Special naturalization ceremonies across the country.
- Description
- The Constitution Day honors both the signing of the United States Constitution on September 17, 1787, and the celebration that began in 1940 as "I Am an American Day." This date also marks the beginning of Citizenship Day in 1952, proclaimed by President Harry Truman.
- Where
- Retiro | More Info : Constitution Day