Christmas In Madrid, A Great Light Show
The Christmas lighting in the Spanish capital is special. Many travelers visit the city on these dates to contemplate the art and the Christmas atmosphere that is breathed. Christmas in Madrid offers a large number of attractions for any age, although there is a great program focused on children. Would you like to know how you can enjoy Christmas in Madrid ? Then keep reading!
Christmas in Madrid: the luminous decoration
From the end of November to the beginning of January, Madrid is filled with truly original luminous Christmas decorations. The entire city center and the most popular shopping streets offer a light show worthy of admiration.
Although in many places in the city you can see lights, we recommend some main streets: Gran Vía, Serrano, Montera, Alcalá, del Carmen, Preciados, Arenal, Goya and Princesa.
In addition, you can enjoy a magical trip on the Navibus, an open-top bus that runs through the main places in Madrid so that you can enjoy the luminous Christmas decorations, which you can almost touch with your hands.
Puerta del Sol and Callao
These squares are the busiest places in the city. In addition to being surrounded by beautifully decorated streets, they have their own and unique decoration. The central location of both squares makes it possible to walk through the nearby streets and find Christmas on every corner.
The Plaza de Callao offers views towards Gran Vía, Preciados and del Carmen streets. In addition, you will find a Christmas house in the center of the square where you can buy very original Christmas items.
On the other hand, Sol always illuminates us with its large Christmas tree in the center of the square. And, of course, it is the best place in the capital to celebrate the arrival of the new year. On the night of December 31 you can always go there to drink the grapes and listen to the chimes live.
Christmas market in the Plaza Mayor
If you are going to spend Christmas in Madrid, a mandatory stop is the Plaza Mayor Christmas market. There you will find a large number of booths with Christmas products to buy, from objects to decorate the house to pieces for the nativity scene or toys for children.
It is worth shopping around, even if you don’t plan to buy anything. And it is that the Christmas decoration gives it an almost magical atmosphere. Pay particular attention to the façade of the Casa de la Panadería.
Kings Parade
The Three Kings Parade in Madrid is one of the tourist attractions on these dates. During the afternoon of January 5, parades are held in almost all the neighborhoods of the city, but the main parade, which runs through the center, is a true fantasy show.
It runs through the Paseo de la Castellana and Recoletos to finish in Cibeles. It is a fabulous parade that everyone enjoys alike: young and old.
Other activities to enjoy Christmas in Madrid
The Christmas program in Madrid is almost endless. From workshops for the little ones to concerts, theater, exhibitions or sports activities. Here are some things you can enjoy:
Craft and design markets
The city of Madrid offers various artisan and design markets in its districts. There we can observe and buy designer products worthy of any collection, or even food that will make us enjoy a walk through the streets of Madrid even more.
Rinks
Nativity Scene Route
The nativity scenes are a great show. A good proposal to enjoy Christmas in Madrid. There are all kinds of nativity scenes, from the most popular to others with great artistic value. The two most popular are de Sol, which is located in the old Post Office, and Cibeles, at the Town Hall.
And, if you travel to Madrid at Christmas with children, there is another essential place to visit: Cortylandia. The back of a popular shopping center on Preciados street is transformed into a fantasy world where animated dolls sing and dance, delighting the little ones.
Cover photo: Antonio Alelu
