It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, isn’t it? December in Madrid is all about that Christmas energy! Spending Navidad in a different country is a really magical experience, so don’t miss out on any of the unique and special things going on around the city for the month of December. Even if you don’t celebrate the holiday, you will still enjoy Madrid around this time of year because there is just so much to do! Check out our list below of some of the best things to do this month to fully experience a typical Madrileño Christmas!
1. See all of the Christmas Lights
Every year, each neighbourhood gets dressed up in their best Christmas lights! For the month of December in Madrid, the streets will be lit up by various light displays that have been created by artists all over the world. Typically, each barrio will have its own unique displays that are lit up every day between 18:00 and 23:00, with longer hours on both Christmas and New Years eve! So, take your camera, and explore Madrid’s festive streets!
2. Shop at the Christmas Markets
It wouldn’t be Christmas without Christmas markets! The Spanish people love to be out and about, especially during special holiday seasons. That’s why, during December in Madrid, you will notice several plazas, street corners and churches transforming into adorable little Christmas markets. The best way to get the most of these markets is to simply explore your neighbourhood! There will be markets all over the place selling traditional food, artisan products and Christmas crafts! Some of the bigger markets worth noting are: Mercado de Navidad in Plaza Mayor, Fiera Mercado de Artesanía on Paseo de Recoletos, Mercadillo del Gato, the annual craft shop and Christmas Tree. For more information on the best holiday markets this winter season, check out our list of the top Christmas markets in Madrid here.
3. Candlelight Christmas Concerts
Enjoy a series of enchanting candlelight concerts in Madrid, where iconic Christmas songs are performed by live musicians in stunning candlelit venues. These magical performances provide a cozy and festive atmosphere, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.
4. Ice Skating Around the City
During the Christmas season, the city turns into a beautiful and festive outdoor playground. Have some coffee or hot chocolate and join in the holiday spirit with your friends at the various indoor and outdoor rinks around the city. You will find ice rinks located at the Matadero Madrid, Palacio de Cibeles and Plaza de España! For more information check out the official Madrid tourism website.
5. Christmas Tour Bus
This festive Christmas themed double decker bus tour will take you on a 50 minute night tour through Madrid. On the tour you will see all of the beautiful Christmas light designs around the city. You can catch the bus at Plaza Colon and tickets cost 6€! This isn’t a hop on, hop off type of tour. There is only one stop on the tour, at Serrano 30 where you will get on and off the bus! To check out the entire route visit the official Madrid events webpage! Some people have tried to walk this tour in the past, but for only 6€ the bus is a much better option! Purchase your tickets soon, as the Naviluz often sells out fast.
6. The Nutcracker Ballet
Immerse yourself in the timeless holiday tradition of The Nutcracker, brought to life by the Kiev Ballet at the Lope de Vega Theatre. Featuring the breathtaking choreography set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic music, this show captures the holiday magic of the season.
7. Spanish Christmas Lottery – El Gordo
El Gordo is a tradition that goes beyond a simple lottery, it’s the second longest continuously running lottery in the world and as measured by the total prize payout, it’s considered the biggest lottery worldwide. Most people join together to buy tickets between co-workers, families, and friends because it’s such a huge payout. The period of selling tickets for the draw starts in July with different priced tickets. The most exciting part is the moment when El Gordo is drawn. The prize of El Gordo is 4.000.000 €. The total amount paid out is 2,240,000,000€.
8. Christmas Lights at the Royal Botanical Garden
A Christmas tradition that started in 2019, Madrid’s Royal Botanical garden is turned into a Christmas wonderland during the month of Decembe
