When Christmas arrives, Madrid transforms into a sparkling wonderland, offering something for everyone. Streets and squares are illuminated with thousands of lights, while the city brims with Christmas markets, seasonal shows, ice skating rinks, and more. Whether you live in Madrid or are visiting, the festive atmosphere invites you to wander, taste traditional sweets, and soak up the city’s unique holiday spirit. Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Madrid this Christmas.
Christmas Lights in Madrid
Madrid shines brighter than ever during the festive season, with over 240 illuminated locations across the city’s 21 districts. Millions of low-energy LED bulbs create a sustainable and enchanting display, switched on from 22 November 2025.
A special highlight this year is the participation of children, winners of a school competition, who help illuminate central streets. For the first time, a stretch of the Manzanares River will also glow in blue. Don’t miss these new festive installations:
- Grand luminous Christmas tree at the Alcalá–Gran Vía junction
- Walk-through giant candle at Nuevos Ministerios
- Luminous angels in Plaza de Carlos V
- Luminous Baby Jesus at Puente de Ventas
- Nativity scene in front of the Congress
- New luminous dawn on Calle Goya
For more on the best Christmas lights in Madrid, check out our guide.
Top Christmas activities in Madrid
Madrid offers a wide range of Christmas experiences, perfect for families, couples, or solo travellers. Here are the highlights:
Naviluz – the Christmas lights bus
Naviluz is Madrid’s festive sightseeing bus, offering a magical 50-minute tour through the city’s illuminated streets. The route starts at Calle Felipe IV and passes landmarks such as Puerta de Alcalá, Gran Vía, Serrano, Colón, and Cibeles, finishing at Plaza Cánovas del Castillo.
- Tickets: Approx. €6–€10
- Tip: Evening rides are best for full effect.
Cortylandia – a Christmas tradition
Cortylandia, one of Madrid’s most beloved festive traditions, returns to El Corte Inglés on Preciados Street from 22 November to 5 January 2026. Visitors of all ages are transported to a snowy train station with over 25 animated characters.
With nearly 50 years of history, Cortylandia remains a family favourite, bringing classic Christmas songs and festive cheer to children and adults alike.
Mavidad Bernabéu – a magical Christmas village
During the last week of December, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is transformed into a magical Christmas village. This immersive experience features themed areas, festive food, spectacular shows, and the world’s largest snow globe.
Ice skating rinks in Madrid
Madrid offers a variety of ice rinks across the city, perfect for outdoor skating and festive fun:
- Matadero Madrid: 5 December – 6 January
- Cibeles on Ice: 13 December – 5 January
- Plaza de España: 25 November – 11 January
- Colón Ice Rink: 29 November – 6 January
- Madrid On Ice at Estadio Metropolitano: 22 December – 11 January
- Puente de Vallecas, in front of Renfe Asamblea de Madrid: 27 November – 6 January
A Christmas of Light – immersive art
The Centro de Cultura Contemporánea Conde Duque presents A Christmas of Light, an immersive videomapping by José Vaaliña and Eyesberg studio. From 17–23 December, the Central Courtyard is transformed into a unique audiovisual experience exploring the meaning of light at Christmas.
On 23 December, the event features a special performance by the Madrid Male Choir.
Christmas markets in Madrid
Madrid’s Christmas markets are a must-visit, offering crafts, nativity scenes, festive treats, and unique gifts. The main markets for December 2025 and early January 2026 include:
- Plaza Mayor: Traditional market with over 100 stalls selling decorations and nativity scenes (27 November – 31 December)
- Plaza de España: Artisan market and ice rink in the city centre (25 November – 11 January)
- Feria Mercado de Artesanía: Handmade crafts from across Spain on Paseo de Recoletos (1–30 December)
- Plaza de Isabel II Market: Festive decorations, gifts, and food stalls
- Madrid Río Market: Ideal for a riverside stroll along the Manzanares
- El Corte Inglés Castellana: Diverse stalls and a festive atmosphere (13 November – 5 January)
- Mercadillo del Gato: Pop-up market with fashion, décor, and food on Gran Vía 13 (12 December – 6 January)
- Caleido Christmas Market: Events and gastronomy at the Caleido complex (12 December – 5 January)
Traditional food & drink
Christmas in Madrid is also about tasting seasonal treats:
- Turrón: Spanish nougat in various flavours
- Polvorones & Mantecados: Classic crumbly festive sweets
- Churros with chocolate: Ideal for a winter morning treat
- Roasted chestnuts and mulled wine: Common at Christmas markets
Tip: Try local delicacies at Plaza Mayor or Mercado de San Miguel, and for more, check out our complete guide to traditional Christmas food in Spain.
Nativity scenes (Belenes) in Madrid
Nativity scenes are a cherished Christmas tradition in Madrid. Highlights include the handcrafted nativity at Palacio de Cibeles, the historic Neapolitan nativity in Plaza Mayor, and the Belén del Príncipe at the Royal Palace.
For a unique experience, explore original nativity displays in the Basanta-Martín Collection across various cultural centres, or visit those in the Madrid regional government headquarters at Puerta del Sol and iconic monasteries.
Festive day trips from Madrid
If you have a little extra time during your Christmas visit, explore the charming towns around Madrid, each offering a unique holiday experience filled with lights, markets, and seasonal magic.
- Segovia: Just over an hour from Madrid, Segovia is renowned for its Christmas markets, medieval streets, and its iconic Roman aqueduct. During December, the town sparkles with festive decorations, and you can enjoy traditional seasonal treats such as turrón and roasted chestnuts while exploring its fairy-tale streets.
- Toledo: The historic city of Toledo is magical at Christmas, with its narrow medieval streets beautifully decorated for the holidays. Wander through the illuminated plazas, visit artisan Christmas markets, and admire the city’s majestic cathedral dressed in festive lights.
- El Escorial: Famous for its grand monastery, El Escorial offers a historical backdrop for a Christmassy outing. During December, the town hosts seasonal events, markets, and cultural activities that make it perfect for a winter day trip.
- Buitrago de Lozoya: A true hidden gem for Christmas lovers, Buitrago de Lozoya is a walled town that transforms into a festive wonderland in December. With Christmas lights, charming markets, and seasonal decorations, it’s a picturesque spot to stroll, take photos, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
- Magicas Navidades in Torrejón de Ardoz: Just 30 minutes from central Madrid, Torrejón de Ardoz hosts Magicas Navidades, one of Spain’s largest Christmas celebrations. Highlights include spectacular light shows, a giant Christmas market, ice skating rinks, festive performances, and enchanting decorations that delight children and adults alike. It’s a perfect day trip for families looking to immerse themselves in Christmas cheer.
Whether you’re after historic charm, sparkling lights, or festive family fun, these towns make ideal destinations for a Christmassy escape from the capital.
Living in Madrid
Madrid is a vibrant and welcoming city all year round. Its rich cultural scene, diverse dining options, lively nightlife, and characterful neighbourhoods make it a fantastic place to live.
Living in Madrid means there’s always something new to explore, from exhibitions and concerts to parks, traditional markets, and an endless calendar of events.
Christmas lights in Madrid 2025: switch on, highlights and more
Madrid is going big with its Christmas lights display for 2025. Beloved streets dressed to the nines, smart new installations, and a showstopper switch-on at Cibeles that turns the whole nightscape into a living story.
Best Christmas lights in Spain 2025: dates and switch-on events
Spain does the festive season properly, with big city switch‑ons in late November and early December, light‑and‑sound shows on iconic streets, projection mapping on landmark buildings and sweet, low‑key neighbourhood displays.
Spanish Christmas traditions: unique customs, food and festive celebrations
How is Christmas celebrated in Spain? Spanish Christmas traditions are full of colour, culture, and quirky customs. From unique decorations to festive foods and New Year rituals, Spain’s celebrations are both traditional and delightfully unusual. Here’s your guide to experiencing Christmas like a local, with these 10 facts about Christmas in Spain.