As twinkling lights, Christmas decorations and sparkling window displays transform the city, magic fills the air and Madrileños prepare to celebrate their favourite holiday of the year.
From the end of November till the beginning of January, the city’s streets, buildings and squares twinkle with eco-friendly colourful lights created by renowned Spanish architects and graphic designers. This year, the city welcomes back some new decorations which were put up for the first time last year: "luminous nativity scenes" installed on various emblematic monuments such as the Alcalá, Toledo and San Vicente gates, the viaduct of Calle Segovia and the arches leading on to the Plaza Mayor. There are also new displays on various squares (Canalejas, Cibeles, Neptuno and Cuatro Caminos) and on such streets as Carrera de San Jerónimo, Atocha, Mayor and Montera. Huge Christmas trees have once again been put up in some of the city’s most popular sites, including the newly refurbished Plaza de España.
When will the Christmas lights be switched on in 2022?
From 24 November to 6 January: