Where to take the best photos this Christmas in Madrid

  • Iluminación navideña de la Puerta del Sol de Madrid durante la Navidad 2024 con la estatua de Carlos III al fondo. Foto: Álvaro López del Cerro © Madrid Destino
    estatua_carlos_iii_puerta_del_sol_navidad_madrid_2024.jpg

Need ideas for this year’s Christmas photos? Here are a few tips to find the best places where you can immortalise your trip to Madrid over the Christmas holidays. At a time when the city looks more beautiful than ever, with its streets, squares and buildings decked with colourful lights filling every corner. Ice rinks, markets, shows and Christmas trees are some of the spots not to be missed as you search for the perfect holiday snapshot.

THE BEST PHOTOS FOR THIS CHRISTMAS

By the entrance to Sabatini Gardens, very close to Plaza de España, there's a spectacular 3D illuminated bauble that's 12 metres in diameter.

A large Christmas tree stands in this emblematic square, beneath the Real Casa de Correos whose clock announces the arrival of the New Year every 31 December, making this the epicentre of New Year’s celebrations in the city.

Another special photo is the one in Plaza de Colón with the enormous angel that features 36,400 light points that is making its debut this Christmas.

One of Madrid's icons looks splendid with the lights this Christmas.

This market full of colourful stalls selling all kinds of Christmas items. Take a stroll around all the stands and capture the moment in one of the most emblematic places of the festive season.

Don’t miss out on taking a photo with the three-dimensional figure that is 10 metres high, 4.6 metres wide and 2 metres deep and is made out of aluminium profiles.

Fans of the whitest Christmas can slide around the skating rinks at Matadero Madrid or CentroCentro (Cibeles Palace). Fun and laughter are guaranteed in this photo on the ice.

Come and share your experience at the city’s Christmas shows and events: Naturaleza Encendida: INSECTS, Brilla Zoo Madrid, El Origen de la Navidad - Manantial de los Sueños (Fountain of Dreams) or Winterland Madrid.

All types of nativity scenes can be visited free of charge. The most popular ones include  the one at CentroCentro or the Neapolitan Nativity Scene at the Palacio Real. A tradition that must be included in your photo gallery.

This fun race fills the streets with red and green as participants dress up as Santa Claus. The perfect photo opportunity for those who like to keep fit during the holidays.

One of our best Christmas traditions is to take a photo at Cortylandia, outside the Corte Inglés department store on Calle del Maestro Victoria, where animated figures sing songs and carols.

To round off, take a photo with the 18-metre star at the junction of Cea Bermúdez and Plaza de Cristo Rey

On the evening of 5 January, there's no better time for a photo than when watching the colourful parade. Accompany the Three Wise Men and their entourage in this unique tradition.

The Teatro Real opera house is the setting for one of the key moments during the Christmas holidays. Don't forget to pick up your lottery ticket, it could be you...

Bakeries all around the city will be filled with these sweetened brioche-style ring-shaped cakes that mark the celebration of Epiphany and the arrival of the Three Wise Men. A fun photograph tasting this Christmas delicacy is a classic at this time of year.

DON'T MISS

  • Gran Vía / Edificio Carrión

A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS

  • As Christmas trees and decorations light up streets and squares, Madrid celebrates everyone’s favourite holiday with a programme packed with cultural and leisure activities.

    A Madrid-style Christmas
  • Puerta del Sol Navidad Madrid 2024. Foto: Álvaro López del Cerro. © Madrid Destino
  • Find the best Christmas events and festive activities taking place around the city.

    What's on this Christmas
  • Mercadillo de Navidad en la Plaza Mayor 2023
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  • Madrileños love their chocolate, especially when it's served piping hot with a few crunchy churros to dip into it.

    Confectioners' and Chocolate Shops
  • Chocolaterías y bombonerías
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