Experience the Magic of Christmas in Madrid

Few things can be as exciting as spending Christmas in Madrid, which makes perfect sense once you think about it. After all, the Christmas season is known worldwide because it can be hugely magical. And, if you decide to spend your Christmas in the Spanish capital, the thrills can reach new lows.

Can it get any cooler than this? We are talking about a city full of traditions and emblematic places that reach their maximum splendor during the Christmas season. In other words, you are facing a unique opportunity to immortalize your Christmas.

Things to do when enjoying Christmas

Once in Madrid, what's the first thing you should do? We don't want you to leave without a guide, so our mission is to help you get through the holidays in the best possible way.

It's not as easy as it sounds, considering there are many things you can do in Madrid. In fact, the list is almost endless. However, to simplify things, we have made a filtering from which in the end only the best of the best remains.

So just let yourself go and choose those that most appeal to you according to your tastes. Or, if possible, do all the activities. With enough time and good planning, it shouldn't be a problem.

Christmas Market in the Plaza Mayor of Madrid

Among so many Christmas markets and stalls, this is the most important of all. It has more than 100 years of history, to give you an idea of what it means to people in Madrid. Like any other tradition, it has its established date from November 24th to December 31st to be celebrated.

Of all the markets you can visit, this is the one we recommend the most. You will feel like you spend hours looking at the nativity scenes, items and joke and Christmas products. So do yourself a favor as a tourist and don't miss the opportunity to go there at least once.

Visiting Christmas markets

The second activity is a classic, the famous Christmas markets of Madrid, those unique places with a very peculiar charm where you can find tons of products full of Christmas magic, while learning a little about the culture of the place.

Places like the traditional Plaza Mayor, the Food Markets in Madrid, where you can find abundant divine desserts, and each El Corte Inglés Christmas Market have their unique charm. 

Beyond that, we give you a personal guarantee that the best part is the holiday shopping you can do. Festive decorations for your home? Maybe a handmade gift for your loved one when you get back from vacation? Or how about just taking the opportunity to sample some of the local food?

Whatever you plan to do, we leave you a short list of the must-sees (in addition to the aforementioned Christmas market in the Plaza Mayor) so that you don't get complicated when deciding which ones to visit:

● Mercadillo de las Conchas de Artesanía in Torrelodones: If you like crafts and want to try the best of Madrid's Christmas gastronomy, this market is ideal. It is held every year between 10th and 11th of  December, so remember to put it in your agenda.

● La Navideña: This option can be visited from November 23rd to January 7th. It is a very nice market and the giant ball of light, which is part of the Christmas Lights in Madrid, is its most representative decoration.

● Feria Mercado de Artesanía de la Comunidad de Madrid: As its name suggests, the best option for craft lovers. A place where you can appreciate the surplus talent that emerges at this time of the year. Visit it between December 1st and 10th.

There are so many things you can do in these markets. It's best to venture out and discover them all on your own.

See the Madrid Christmas lights

This is just what you need to brighten up your Christmas vacation. While it's true that the whole of Madrid is full of light shows, there are three places that are especially appreciated by locals and tourists alike: Paseo del Prado, Puerta del Sol, Plaza de Colón and Gran Vía. To give you an idea, when you walk around there, you will no longer feel like you are in Madrid, but in some kind of magical place.

Eating typical Christmas sweets

Christmas doesn't just mean presents, it also means food. Very good food, in fact, since those turrones, polvorones or the caramelized roscón de reyes sweeten the life of even the Grinch.

We tell you this because you can not spend a Christmas in Madrid without stopping for a moment to dedicate yourself to eating the typical sweets of these dates, everything is to make your Christmas magical, unforgettable and, above all, delicious

Seeing the Nativity Scene

If you are Catholic, you are probably already familiar with the Nativity Scene or manger. In different parts of the world it is something directly associated with Christmas, as it is a representation of the birth of Jesus, for which much freedom of elaboration is offered.

The people of Madrid have a tradition of taking this representation very seriously, so much that some of the most impressive nativity scenes around the world are theirs. That is why, just like seeing the Christmas lights in Madrid, we can assure you that you will want to see the nativity scenes.

And we say nativity scenes because you don't have to limit yourself to just one specific one, there are many in different corners of the city. You could even choose to venture out to find as many as possible, as if it were a treasure hunt.

And, so that you do not do this search blindly, our recommendation is to go to any public square or church that crosses your path, as these are the places where we can most typically find a good Nativity Scene (although not the only ones).

By the way, make sure you don't move without your camera. Some figures of Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the animals are so well done, that you will not resist the urge to take a good picture of them and your family.

Buy lottery

When we talk about buying lottery tickets, we really mean that you practice a typical Christmas tradition in Madrid.

And it is not a joke, since the Doña Manolita lottery has more than a century of history distributing prizes to both tourists and locals on these special dates. In fact, the figure of the lottery is associated in this city with good fortune because of this. Quite curious, isn't it?

So, even if chance is not your thing, you should not miss the opportunity to be part of this tradition. Yes, we know it's unlikely that you'll win the prize due to statistics, but no one can deny you the thrill of that remote possibility.

New Year's Eve at Puerta del Sol

Puerta del Sol is more than just a place to stroll around and see Christmas lights, it's one of the best places in the city to visit on New Year's Eve. If you're wondering why, it's quite simple. It happens to be a tradition in Madrid to visit this place during this date.

A tradition so cherished that you will barely have room to walk if you are there just a few minutes before the arrival of the new year. And that's not the best part, as it is all the energy that permeates the place. For an instant, everyone comes together as if they were a family to welcome the new year with open arms.

So don't be surprised if hearing the twelve bells makes you want to hug and toast with strangers as if you've known them all your life. Believe us when we tell you that this is part of the tradition.

Running in San Silvestre Vallecana

The San Silvestre Vallecana is the emblematic race that marks the end of the year in Madrid. With two editions, one popular and one for the elite, the city fills up with enthusiastic runners who want to say goodbye to the previous year in an active and healthy way.

The race, held on December 31st, offers a 10 km route that starts at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium and ends in the vicinity of Rayo Vallecano. Something interesting about this event is that the competition attracts professional athletes and amateurs of all ages, creating a festive and sporting atmosphere in the streets of Madrid that goes far beyond healthy competition.

Things to do in Madrid with kids

It is not the same traveling with children than alone in the company of adults, right? They have other tastes and interests, so it is important to take them into account when deciding what to do for a Christmas in Madrid.

The good news is that we have prepared a couple of ideas for you, which will come in handy in case you have trouble connecting with your inner child.

Go to Cortylandia

You can never miss Cortylandia on these lists. Do you know why? It's the quintessential children's Christmas show. We wouldn't be surprised if most of the people from Madrid have gone there at least once. It happens to be the animatronic show of El Corte Inglés. Children love it! And it even has quite a marked historical legacy since its birth in 1979.

You can see it on the façade of Calle Maestro Victoria. Every year it's different, so you won't have to worry about it getting repetitive. It is worth mentioning that, as a curious detail, the composer Álvaro Nieto composed its iconic song and nowadays it is none other than his son who is responsible for animating the show.

So don't miss the opportunity to see Cortilandia in the warm company of your children. After all, as a special and odd event, this Christmas tradition has endured over the years, bringing joy to those who enjoyed it as children and now share it with new generations.

Ice skating in Madrid

If your children do not know how to ice skate, these dates are the best time for you to teach them. Madrid has a lot of brilliant establishments dedicated to ice skating, as magical as the Christmas lights in Madrid. Our recommendation is that you go to the Plaza de Colón, where you will find an ice rink of 800 meters, more than enough space to have fun for hours skating with your children.

As an extra, you can also find there a flea market and a merry-go-round, which will complement the fun to new heights. Please note, however, that it is open from January 8th.

A particularity of the ice rink in Plaza de Colón is that the funds raised by the tickets are donated to Down España, so it is an activity that, when you decide to support it, you will be indirectly doing a humanitarian act. However, if for some reason you don't like this rink, you have as an alternative option the Pista de Hielo de Matadero. This is a little smaller, with 600 square meters, but it stands out for its free exhibitions of great quality, where you can see the best of figure skating, an ideal show for the whole family.

Christmas gastronomy in Madrid

It is essential to talk about gastronomy, an aspect so crucial during this time that it requires a distinct section. Therefore, we will talk about the symbolic dishes you have to try in the Spanish capital during this time.

Nougat

Nougat, with its soft and hard variants, is a must in Christmas celebrations when it comes to desserts. It is a sweet based on almonds, honey, and sugar, shared among friends and family at this time of the year, creating sweet and memorable moments.

Mantecados and polvorones

These two desserts are small pleasures that sweeten Christmas in Madrid, made with butter, flour, and sugar. The best thing about these two treats is that they melt in your mouth, leaving a delicious aftertaste.

Roscón de Reyes

We cannot avoid mentioning that the roscón de Reyes is the jewel in Madrid's crown of Christmas festivities. It is a sweet bun decorated with candied fruit and sugar that hides surprises.

It should be added that sharing a piece of roscón is a tradition that unites friends and family during Three Kings Day, so don't just eat this dish, but also take the opportunity to share it with your loved ones.

Recommendations for a Christmas itinerary in Madrid

You already know all that Madrid has to offer, and there are so many things that you might feel a little overwhelmed at the idea of which one to go to.You don't have to worry anymore! Fortunately, we have a three-week itinerary, in which everything is meticulously arranged, so you can do all these activities at the right time.

First week: Spanish Lottery Doña Manolita, Christmas Eve and Christmas Eve

What's in store for the first week? Obviously, we have to start with something exciting so that the itinerary allows you to get charged up with good energy. That is why we have selected the Doña Manolita lottery as the first activity.

The reason for this is none other than the fact that the great excitement that can come to your head just by imagining winning the big prize. This, in addition to tradition, is the reason that motivates year after year the inhabitants of Madrid to join this game of chance, whose history dates back to 1904.

So now you know, start by going to Calle del Carmen, number 22, and take a lottery ticket to remember, thinking at all times that it has the power to change your life forever, even if the possibility is very remote.

What comes next needs no explanation, does it? Join your loved ones to celebrate the arrival of this period and head to the Christmas markets to buy some typical dishes, as well as gifts for your relatives. It's the typical and almost universal tradition, only lived from an unusual place.

Second week: New Year's Eve and New Year's Eve

The second week marks the transition to the end of the year with the expected New Year's Eve and the welcome to the New Year, something that definitely needs no explanation. What we can say is that, at this time, Puerta del Sol becomes the epicenter of the celebration, where thousands of people gather to welcome the New Year with the traditional twelve lucky grapes, so, if you want this New Year's Eve to be different, the best thing to do is to go and spend it there.

But, as if this were not enough excitement, the discos and nightclubs of the city organize lively parties for those who want to say goodbye to the year in style with music and dancing, so you should also consider visiting them precisely on December 31st at night or on January 1st in the early hours of the morning. You will easily notice that the festive atmosphere permeates the streets, creating a unique and exciting atmosphere that will easily remain engraved in your memory forever.

Third week: Three Kings Parade and Three Kings Day

Once the new year has arrived, the celebrations do not have to end because, during the third week, you can culminate your vacations with the awaited Three Kings Parade on January 5, something that for many is the best part of this itinerary and there are plenty of reasons to do so.

This parade consists of a parade through the main streets of Madrid. Generally, it starts from the Plaza San Juan de la Cruz and ends at the Plaza de Cibeles. In this last place the kings arrive to give their message of prosperity at 20:45.

Therefore, the duration of this show is usually two hours.For the next day, you can make the little ones of the house happy if they are with you, because on January 6th the Three Kings Day is celebrated, which marks the end of the Christmas celebrations through a delivery of gifts. In other words, it is the finishing touch to close triumphantly this magical Christmas.

Come and spend a different Christmas time in the Spanish capital

In Madrid, Christmas is more than a season; it is a magical experience lived with passion and tradition, in which the city lights up with the season's joy. As you can see, Christmas markets, sparkling lights, traditional sweets, and culinary celebrations make Madrid a unique destination to experience the magic of Christmas.

We wish that the exquisite gastronomy, festive activities, and deep-rooted traditions continue to ignite the hearts of those who choose to spend their Christmas in this vibrant and welcoming city. Therefore, we invite you to celebrate Christmas in Madrid; we assure you that you will not regret it!