There is nothing quite like Christmas in Madrid. Coming from the Midwest, I was in complete awe of our first Christmas in the city. From the variety of festive activities to choose from to parades, concerts, and markets, it was like heaven. Not to mention the amazing Spanish weather around the holidays!
For me, the magic isn’t just in the markets and activities, but rather in just enjoying the city during the holidays. The streets are decorated, local businesses will put up lights and wreaths, and there’s a strong sense of community.
In this blog, we’ll go through everything you need to know about Christmas in Madrid, including key dates, the best Christmas markets, where to find the best lights, festive tours and activities, and much more.
Read through to the end for an interactive map and FREE Christmas in Madrid packing list!
Table of Contents
- How is Christmas Celebrated in Madrid?
- Best Christmas Markets in Madrid
- Best Christmas Lights in Madrid
- Other Christmas Festivities in Madrid
- Where to Stay in Madrid at Christmas
- Weather: How Cold is Madrid at Christmas?
- Christmas in Madrid Resources
- Final Thoughts
How is Christmas Celebrated in Madrid
Overview of Spanish Christmas Traditions
In Spain, the holiday season starts at the end of November and goes into January. The streets are decorated, you’ll find street vendors selling roasted chestnuts, and stores will advertise their Christmas lottery numbers on the front door.
If you’re making a trip to Madrid during Christmas, here are the key dates you need to know:
- December 24 (Nochebuena) — this is when most families go to a Christmas Eve mass and enjoy dinner together at home. Most families also exchange gifts on Christmas Eve as well.
- December 25 (Navidad) — Christmas Day in Spain is meant to sleep in and enjoy a day with family.
- December 28 (Día de los Santos Inocentes) — While this day does have biblical origins, today in Spain it’s celebrated like April Fools Day. During Día de los Santos Inocentes, kids play pranks and practical jokes on each other, and it’s meant to be a lighthearted day of fun.
- December 31 (Nochevieja) — On New Year’s Eve in Spain, they have a 12 lucky grapes tradition. During the countdown to midnight, you have to eat 12 grapes at each ring of the bell in order to have good luck in the new year.
- January 5–6 (Los Reyes Magos) — In the hispanic world, Los Reyes Magos is as important (if not more important) than Christmas. Families celebrate the day that the three wise men arrived to bring Jesus gifts, and families replicate this by exchanging gifts an spending time with family. In many households, this is usually a larger celebration and family gathering than Christmas.
What Makes Christmas in Madrid Unique
Spain has a variety of unique customs, traditions, and celebrations that make it unique when it comes to its Christmas celebrations.
El encendido de luces (turning on of the lights) happens at the end of November and marks the official start of holiday season in Madrid. On this day, they have concerts, firework shows, and all the lights in the city flip on for the season. From that day on, you can also find holiday markets and activities throughout the city.
Another very Spanish tradition is El Gordo Christmas lottery. People throughout Spain purchase their lottery tickets throughout the year, and the ceremonious drawing takes places on December 22nd of each year. By far the biggest draw of the year, they have local Spanish kids sing out the winning numbers on national television. Rather than one large winner, it’s common for many people to win smaller prize denominations, including one year when an entire small town one except one person!
Read the story of the world’s unluckiest man here.
During Los Reyes Magos in January, it’s typical for Spaniards to buy or make a Roscón de Reyes for their family gatherings. This is a ring shaped fruit cake that has two hidden surprises inside: a king and a bean figurine. Whoever gets the king in their slice of cake is the “king” of the party, and whoever gets the bean has to pay for next year’s cake.
Lastly, the Spaniards love their Christmas nativity scenes (or belénes) displayed across the city. People will tour the city visiting different belénes during the holiday season as part of their holiday festivities! Rather than the Christmas tree being the primary symbol of the holidays like in the U.S., in Spain, it’s the belénes.
Best Christmas Markets in Madrid
There are tons of Christmas markets spread throughout the city, but in my opinion, they are not all created equally. Here’s my ranking of the best Christmas markets in Madrid.
Plaza Colón & Paseo de Recoletos Artisan Market
At the top of my list is a two-for-one with Plaza Colón and the Recoletos artisan market. Accessible via the Recoletos or Serrano metro stops, there are two great Christmas fairs in the same area. In Plaza Colón, they have a really nice market with unique gifts, an ice skating rink, and nice food options.
Start there, then walk down Paseo de Recoletos and find the street lined with dozens of artisan vendors. Here they have handcrafted and unique artisan items that make for really special Christmas gifts! Think ceramics, leather goods, artwork, homemade puzzles/games, and much more.
Mercadillo de Navidad – El Corte Inglés (Nuevos Ministerios)
El Corte Inglés is the country’s most prominent department store, and they sponsor a variety of different activities around Christmas time. One of these activities is a holiday market near metro Nuevos Ministerios.
This market is great for meeting up with friends to enjoy some churros con chocolate and wander the different stalls. This one is really nice, but note that it’s mostly food stalls, and not a great place if you’re looking to buy unique gifts.
Plaza de España Christmas Market
I love visiting Plaza de España during the holidays for their beautiful decorations, large ice rink, and variety of food stalls. This is great for a date night or meeting up with friends at night to explore the market, grab a wine or sweet treat, and maybe do some ice skating at the beautiful (and large!) ice rink.
With it’s proximity to the city center and variety of stalls, this one is a winner in my book. Just note that it can get pretty packed, so plan accordingly!
Plaza Mayor Christmas Market
To be honest, this one is at the bottom of my list. It’s worth a quick visit to see the historic and beautifully decorated Plaza Mayor at Christmas time, but the stalls and vendors themselves leave a lot to be desired. It’s mostly knicknacky items and all the stalls sell similar items. Good for a quick lap around the market to check it out, but it’s not the best in the city!
Madrid Christmas Market Dates, Times, and Location
| Market | Dates | Hours | Location | Details / Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plaza de Colón Christmas Market | Nov 27, 2025 – Jan 7, 2026 | Mon–Thu: 10:00–21:00 Fri–Sat: until 22:00 Sun: 10:00–21:00 |
Plaza de Colón (Salamanca) | ~40 stalls with handcrafted goods, artisan toys, decorations, sweets, and an ice-skating rink. |
| Feria Mercado de Artesanía (Paseo de Recoletos) | Dec 1 – Dec 30, 2025 | 11:00 – 21:00 | Paseo de Recoletos (between Plaza de Cibeles and Plaza de Colón) | Handmade ceramics, leather goods, artwork, jewelry, toys, and other artisan gifts. |
| Mercadillo de Navidad – El Corte Inglés (Nuevos Ministerios) | Nov 14, 2025 – Jan 5, 2026 | Stalls: 12:00–22:00 Food Trucks: until 23:00 Special hours Christmas Eve & NYE |
Nuevos Ministerios (C/ Raimundo Fernández Villaverde 65) | Food-focused market with churros, sweets, gourmet food trucks, and festive décor. |
| Plaza de España Christmas Market (“La Navideña”) | Nov 23, 2025 – Jan 6, 2026 | Weekdays: 12:00–22:00 Weekends: 10:00–22:00 |
Plaza de España | ~40 artisan booths, a 600 m² natural ice rink, food area, light/musical shows. |
| Plaza Mayor Christmas Market | Nov 28, 2025 – Dec 31, 2025 | Sun–Thu: 10:00–21:00 Fri–Sat & holiday eves: 10:00–22:00 |
Plaza Mayor | Traditional red stalls with ornaments, nativity figures, decorations, toys. |
Best Christmas Lights in Madrid
Madrid has some of the most beautiful christmas lights I’ve ever seen, and you can enjoy them just by walking through the city.
If you’re exploring the city center, here are the best areas to visit for beautiful light displays.
Gran Vía
Do your Christmas shopping among the lights, or head up to a rooftop bar and admire the city lights from above.
Calle Serrano
Check out the famous, over-the-top light display at the Loewe store on Calle Serrano.
Cibeles
There are often light projections against the Palacio de Cibeles and have a tree in the plaza. Head up to Círculo de Bellas Artes rooftop bar for the most incredible sweeping views.
Retiro Park
Head to the lake in Retiro Park to enjoy the Christmas lights in peace.
Venture out to Mágicas Navidades
Take the cercanías train to Torrejón de Ardoz, about 30 minutes away, to visit their expansive Christmas lights display and market. Perfect for a family outing!
The best way to hit all these sites without spending hours walking around the crowded city? Book a double decker Christmas lights tour of the city! They play fun Spanish holiday music and drive you through the best areas in the city to see the beautiful light displays.
Other Christmas Festivities in Madrid
Beyond the expected Christmas markets and light displays, Madrid also offers tons of unique and family friendly activities.
Go ice skating at Plaza España or Plaza Cólon.
Watch the Three Kings Parade (Cabalgata de Reyes) on January 5th on Paseo de Castellana.
Take a cooking class. While this isn’t necessarily a Christmas activity, it makes for a great experience with your loved ones. We loved this class, where we learned how to make tapas from around Spain!
Attend a Christmas concert. Check out local church schedules like the Almudena, or catch a candlelight concert. The opera house also has operas, plays, and ballets such as the Nutcracker during the holiday season!
Run or walk in La Carrera de Papa Noel 5k. We did this last year and had a blast! During the race, they give you a felt Santa suit that you have to wear during the 5k. With the benefits going to the Red Cross, this is a great way to stay active, have some fun, and give back during the holidays.
Hit the best churros con chocolate stops in the city. It’s not Christmas in Madrid without some warm churros! Hit the famous Chocolatería San Ginés, Chocolatería Valor, and Churreria 1902.
If this is your first Christmas after moving abroad to Spain, get my full list on new ways to spend the holiday!
Where to Stay in Madrid at Christmas
Depending on what vibe you’re looking for when visiting Madrid at Christmas, there are a few great neighborhoods and hotels you may want to consider.
Sol/Gran Vía
Central for markets & Christmas lights. All of the biggest Christmas markets and activities will be an easy walk or quick metro ride away from this area.
Hotel Recommendations:
- Dear Hotel Madrid — great value, right on Gran Vía
- NH Hotel Gran Vía — a slightly nicer option right on Gran Vía
- UMusic Hotel — just 2 minutes from Sol with great options if you want something slightly quieter/just outside of the tourist center
Salamanca
Luxury neighborhood, close to Serrano lights and Plaza Colón. This is a great area to stay in if you’re traveling on a bigger budget and plan to knock out some holiday shopping!
Hotel Recommendations:
- ICON Wipton — perfect location to access the restaurants and shops in Salamanca, within walking distance to Retiro Park.
- BLESS Hotel Madrid — elegant hotel in Salamanca with rooftop igloos you can dine in during the holidays!
- Tótem Madrid — a small, luxury boutique hotel right in the heart of Salamanca.
Malasaña/Chueca
This young and trendy neighborhood is a great option if you want a slightly more local experience, but still close proximity to holiday activities in the center.
Hotel Recommendations:
- Limehome Madrid — an aparthotel with a kitchenette and comfortable accommodations close to the center.
- Tribu Malasaña — a cute and cozy hotel with easy access to the city center.
- Only YOU Madrid — a gorgeous boutique hotel in Chueca, close to the Justicia shopping district.
Weather: How Cold is Madrid at Christmas?
What to Expect
Depending on where you’re traveling from, you’ll likely find Madrid to be pretty moderate. Average temps are around 40–55°F (4–13°C), with usually sunny skies. Madrid has dry, crisp air, with an occasional night below freezing.
What to Wear in Madrid at Christmas
With sunny skies it actually feels a bit warmer during the day, but the temperature drops considerably when the sun goes down. Focus on a good coat, layers, scarves, and warm boots to cover your bases.
Christmas in Madrid Resources
All mentioned activities, markets, streets, and hotels and pinned in the map below!
Plus, get your FREE Christmas in Madrid packing list for your next trip!
Final Thoughts
From churros to markets and light displays, hopefully you’ll see what makes Madrid so special during the holidays. While many will choose to go to Switzerland, Germany, or other equally amazing destinations during Christmas, I hope you now have Spain on your list!
Still figuring out holiday plans?
- Read my guide to the best destinations in Europe for Christmas
- How to spend your first Christmas after moving abroad
- 15 best coffee shops to visit in Madrid
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