Christmas in Madrid starts on the last week of November when the Christmas lights are lit and ends on January 6 with the coming of the Three Wise Men who bring presents to children. During those weeks the city is filled with holiday cheer, lights and decor in every street becoming a magical place to visit.
Traditionally, visiting the Christmas market in Plaza Mayor or seeing the Christmas lights were the most popular things to do in Madrid during the holiday season. However, the capital of Spain has increased the variety of Christmasy things to do in recent years. Let's take a look at the best things to do in Madrid this 2022 to have an unforgettable Christmas experience in Madrid.
Christmas in Madrid: Visit the brand new Zara Home store in Plaza España
It's not Christmas without a shopping spree, am I right? Zara Home has just opened a brand new shop on the second floor of the Zara store in Plaza España. The space is divided by rooms as if it was an apartment itself. Apart from their amazing designs and unbeatable prices, this decor haven has the most beautiful Christmas display.
Christmas in Madrid: ice skating & hot chocolate in Plaza España
This iconic square was closed for renovations for years. Since it reopened a year ago it has become one of the main Christmas spots in Madrid. At La Navideña you can find an ice-skating rink and a lovely Christmas market which includes a chocolate con churros stand from San Gines! You can also find other interesting gastronomic and craft stalls as well together with a huge Christmas tree.
Useful info: Christmas markets tend to open at around midday and close around 9 or 10 p.m. As for dates, they will be open form early December to early January. Entrance is free.
Christmas in Madrid: indulge yourself at the Nuevos Ministerios Christmas Market
Hosted by El Corte Ingles de Castellana department store, this traditional Christmas market offers food trucks and gift shopping for every taste. There's also a beautiful large Nativity scene (called Belen in Spanish) worth checking out.
At this Christmas market you can find food stalls and trucks from chocolatería San Gines, pizza by Grosso Napoletano, burgers from Goxo by Dabiz Muñoz, calamari sandwith by El Brillante or empanadillas argentinas Malvón among others. Plus, they have a lovely sitting area to indulge in your treats comfortably.
Christmas in Madrid: see the lights show at the Royal Botanical Gardens
From 14/11/2022 to 22/01/2023 the Royal Botanical Gardens offer Naturaleza Encendida (Lit Nature) an outdoor light show that marvels thousands of people every year. So much so that getting tickets is almost mission impossible.
The show consists of an evening stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens where light and music bring life and colour to the world of nature. Find more info here.
Are you interested in Spanish culture and traditions? Do you want to learn more about how we celebrate Christmas in Spain? Be sure to check out these posts.
Bundle up!
Even though winters in Madrid are generally quite mild and dry -temperatures average around 8°C (46.6°F)- I still advice you to pack some warm clothes and an umbrella.
I hope you enjoyed this post about the best things to do in Madrid during Christmas. Pin the image below to share the love and save it for later!
I love Zara, the store looks so lovely! And the Christmas village style bazaar is lovely and very Christmas-sy!
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays, dear!