1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Spain Travel

Christmas in Madrid
Christmas in Spain: What's on Where in Madrid at Christmas

By , About.com Guide

An idea of what to expect at Christmas in Madrid.

See also: 100 Things to Do in Madrid

Christmas Market in Madrid

The main Christmas market each year in Madrid is in Plaza Mayor. It normally opens in the last week of November, with its official opening in the first week of December.

Christmas Lights in Madrid

Much of Madrid will be covered in Christmas lights, but the most spectacular will be on Gran Via, c/Goya and c/Ortega y Gasset. The various El Corte Inglés department stores are usually well decorated, too.

Official Start to Christmas

The powers-that-be in Madrid say that Christmas officially starts on December 15, with a big show in Plaza de Oriente (Metro Opera) at 8pm.

Christmas for the Kids in Madrid

  • In the Jardines del Descrubrimento (Gardens of Discovery) near Plaza de Colon is a light and sound display for the kids, running from December 22 until January 7.

  • On the evening of December 24 there is an animal parade in Retiro Park. Thanks to Angus from Madrid-Guide-Spain.com for letting me know about this.

Nativity Scenes in Madrid

As usual, there will be nativity scenes (called Belenes in Spanish) throughout the city. The town council's nativity scene will be in Plaza de la Villa (between Metro Sol & Opera) from December 5 until January 8.

See this list of Nativity Scenes in Madrid. There is also an fun display for kids behind the El Corte Inglés on c/Preciados, near Sol.

Christmas Ice Rinks in Madrid

For the past two years there has been an outdoor ice rink in the Retiro park in Madrid - no doubt they will continue the tradition. There was also an ice rink opposite the Santiago Bernabeu stadium last year.

Three Kings Procession in Madrid

The Three Kings Procession in Madrid starts from El Retiro and makes its way to Plaza Mayor.

Thanks to MadAboutMadrid.com for much of the information on this page. The guy behind Mad About Madrid is always pretty clued up and is always up to date. It's worth subscribing to his RSS feed to stay up to date with what is going on in Madrid throughout the year.

<< Back to 'Christmas in Spain'

More Spain Travel Quick Tips
Explore Spain Travel
About.com Special Features

Holiday Central

What to eat, where to go, fun things to do and how to save money on the perfect gifts. More >

Hot Winter Travel Deals

Check out these tips on finding the best airfare, hotel rates and cruise deals. More >

  1. Home
  2. Travel
  3. Spain Travel
  4. Events & Festivals in Spain
  5. Christmas in Spain
  6. Christmas in Madrid, Spain - Christmas & New Year's Eve in Madrid, Spain - Navidad y Año Nuevo en Madrid

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.