A Madrid-style Christmas

  • Árbol de Navidad de la Plaza de España 2021. © Madrid Destino. Álvaro López del Cerro
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  • Gran Menina de Colón. © Álvaro López del Cerro
    granmeninacolon_primerplano_alvarolopez.jpg
  • Árbol de Navidad 2020 delante del Palacio Real © Álvaro López del Cerro
    arbolnavidad2020_palacioreal.jpg
  • Luces de Navidad 2020 en Cibeles
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  • Christmas lights
  • Christmas activities
  • Christmas sweets
  • Special Christmas Lottery
  • New Year's Eve
  • San Silvestre Vallecana run
  • Three Kings parade

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:

  • Sunday to Thursday: 6pm to 12 midnight
  • Fridays and Saturdays: 6pm to 1am
  • 24 December and 5 January: 6pm to 3am
  • 31 December: 6pm to 6am

    Feeling festive?

    • Find the best Christmas events and festive activities taking place around the city.

      What's on this Christmas
    • Luces navideñas en El Retiro 2021 © Madrid Destino Álvaro López del Cerro

    OFFICIAL PRODUCTS

    The city’s new official sightseeing and tourist travel pass.

    An observation deck offering wonderful vistas of the city.

    Visit our online store (in Spanish) of souvenirs made by local artisans!

    Feeling festive?

    • Find the best Christmas events and festive activities taking place around the city.

      What's on this Christmas
    • Luces navideñas en El Retiro 2021 © Madrid Destino Álvaro López del Cerro
    • Discover the city's most popular sights and attractions, from one of Europe's largest royal palaces to the magnificent Prado Museum and Real Madrid's stadium. 

      Madrid Top 10
    • Palacio Real
    • Madrid has lots of activities for children. Check out our suggestions to make the most of your great family holiday.

      Madrid for Kids
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    • Madrid's excellent transport system allows you to get around the city quickly and safely by bus, metro, train or taxi.

      Getting around Madrid