Things to do in winter in Madrid

  • Cosas que hacer en invierno en Madrid
    cosas_hacer_invierno_madrid.jpg

The arrival of winter brings a whole host of events and activities to Madrid suitable for all ages: Christmas, the January sales, a March full of art, Carnival, outdoor walks with the smell of roasting chestnuts, concerts, exhibitions, musicals, the best restaurants... What are you waiting for? 

HEAD TO THE SALES

Download our map displaying a wonderful selection of shops selling hand-crafted items.

We will show you 10 tips so as not to miss the most authentic corners of the big open-air market in Madrid, where you can find everything.

Ideas for a great shopping experience in Madrid, for every taste and budget.

Madrid is home to a variety of shopping centres where you can shop till you drop, take in a film, enjoy a bite to eat and even hone your ice skating skills

A weekend of shopping in Madrid is enough to give your wardrobe a new look.

An unforgettable shopping experience just thirty minutes outside Madrid, offering discounts of up to 60% in luxury brands.

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
  • Who says it’s cold at this time of year? All of these restaurants radiate warmth and charm.

    Outdoor winter dining
  • EL JARDÍN DE ARZÁBAL Santa Isabel, 52 (Museo Reina Sofía) ATOCHA Tel. 91 528 68 28

DAYS OUT WITH THE KIDS

There is so much to enjoy with the kids in winter. Teatro Circo Price is putting on its traditional Christmas show, Circo Price en Navidad, and what better way to embrace the Christmas spirit than to witness the Three Kings Parade (Cabalgata de Reyes), Spain’s traditional Epiphany procession, a unique tradition in the world. 

The annual leisure and recreation show aimed at children and teenagers will be showcasing family fun options (IFEMA MADRID. Late Dec-early Jan).

The classic Christmas production has become a not-to-be-missed event in Madrid’s festive calendar (Teatro Circo Price. End of Nov to 4 Jan 2026). 

Educational concerts, musical stories with projections, theatre and music for the whole family (Daoíz y Velarde Cultural Centre. 28 Sept-6 Jul 2026. Check programme)

The Three Kings will parade around the city centre before taking gifts to families across the country (5 January 2026). 

LET’S PARTY!

  • In 2026 we’ll be celebrating the Year of the Horse, with a packed programme of activities (From 17 February. Usera district).

    Chinese New Year 2026
  • Pick a costume, put on your dancing shoes and treat yourself to some carnival sardines! (14-18 February 2026).

    Carnival Madrid 2026
  • Desfile Año Nuevo Chino Madrid 2025
  • Entierro de la Sardina + Gigantes y Cabezudos

FOR SPORTS LOVERS

Start the year by taking in the thrilling clash between Atlético de Madrid and FC Barcelona or experience the exciting Madrid derby between Real Madrid and Atlético de Madrid in February.

Alpine skiing, ice skating, snowboarding, Nordic skiing… In Madrid you can enjoy all kinds of winter sports.

Madrid will once again ring out the old and ring in the new with Spain's largest athletics event: a 10K fun run and a 10K professional race (31 December). Registration open

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The German football team managed by the former footballer, Xabi Alonso, is visiting the Madrid team in this match day of the competition (Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium. 21 January).

Second leg of the exciting Madrid derby in which the red and white team visits Real Madrid's home ground (Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. 22 March).

Horse races run throughout autumn and winter up to the end of December.

CHOOSE YOUR SHOW!

We've plenty on offer for you to enjoy, including El Mago Pop - Nothing is Impossible Broadway Edition,  Alegría - Cirque du Soleil, Circo Alegría On Ice 2, Ballet Flamenco de Andalucía. Pineda; and performances by the Spanish National Ballet.

The Broadway is right here in Madrid! Don't miss The Phantom of the Opera, Aladdin, The Book of Mormon and the all-time family favourite, The Lion King.

CONFERENCES AND TRADE SHOWS

  • ARCOmadrid 2024
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  • ARCOmadrid 2025
  • UVNT Art Fair 2025
  • HYBRID Art Fair 2025
  • Art Madrid 2025
  • JUSTMAD Contemporary Art Fair 2025

The ARCOmadrid art fair will hold its 44th edition from 5 to 9 March 2025 at the IFEMA MADRID fairground. A unique project that will unite past and future through galleries and their essential relationship with artists and collectors. 

More info

ENJOY THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Wrap up warm, treat yourself to a bag of hot roasted chestnuts, and enjoy a stroll around Madrid as you take in the unique light that bathes the city in winter.

Snap a photo with Don Quixote and Sancho and enjoy a pleasant walk to the Royal Palace or the Temple of Debod

The Quinta de los Molinos park puts on a glorious display at this time of year.

UNESCO World Heritage Site, together with Paseo del Prado, since 2021.

MAKE A DATE WITH GREAT MUSIC

Spain’s biggest winter festival returns for its twelfth edition featuring all genres from flamenco to instrumental music and alternative rock (Main venue: Teatro Circo Price. January-February 2026).

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The acclaimed Lebanese violinist is back with his latest show, Intruso Tour and his innovative staging (Teatro Real. 28 December).

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This opera returns to commemorate the 225th anniversary of the birth of Alexander Pushkin (Teatro Real. 22, 25, 28 and 31 Jan and 3, 6, 9, 12, 14 and 18 Feb).

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An adaptation of one of the funniest zarzuelas conducted by Carlos Aragón (Teatro de la Zarzuela. Wednesday to Sunday. 29 Jan-16 Feb).

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The Scottish band that has been performing for more than 20 years is embarking on a new tour to present their latest album The Human Fear (La Riviera. 17 February).

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The American pop star is performing as part of her #NTK25 European Tour (IFEMA Palacio Municipal. 15 March ).

Finished

The South Korean female group will be coming to Madrid as part of its second world tour, Synk: Parallel Line (Movistar Arena. 12 March).

Another edition of the festival with a multidisciplinary programme that brings together female talents from disciplines like music, theatre and dance (Various locations. March 2026).

TREAT YOURSELF! MICHELIN-STARRED RESTAURANTS

Visit some of the best restaurants and learn about the latest additions to the Michelin Guide 2025: VelascoAbellà, Pabú, Gofio, Chispa Bistró and Sen Omakase
  • The Mediterranean cuisine created by Juan D’Onofrio with Japanese influences (and other international flavours), very close to Chueca, has been awarded a Michelin star in the 2025 guide.

    Chispa Bistró
  • Chef Dabiz Muñoz runs the only restaurant in Madrid with three Michelin stars. A feast for the senses.

    DiverXO
  • New

    The fad-free market cuisine served at the latest restaurant run by Óscar Velasco and Montse Abellá in Chamartín has earned a Michelin Star in the 2025 edition of the guide.

    VelascoAbellá
  • Chef Coco Montes proposes microseasonal cuisine with French influences at his restaurant in the Castellana area, which has been awarded a Michelin star in the 2025 Guide.

    Pabú
  • Culinary journey through the culture of the Canary Islands by Safe Cruz, very close to Gran Vía, which has been reawarded a Michelin star in the 2025 edition.

    Gofio
  •  Juan D'Onofrio, chef Chispa Bistró
  • Diverxo
  • VelascoAbella
  • Coco Montes. Pabú
  • Gofio

DON'T MISS THE EXHIBITIONS

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Visitors will be able to experience the great shipwreck and its history first-hand thanks to the latest virtual reality technology (MAD - Madrid Artes Digitales. Immersive Experiences Centre. Till 13 July).

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Exhibition that closes the centennial celebrations of the Valencian painter's death, bringing together 77 pieces by the artist for the first time (Royal Collections Gallery. 17 Oct-20 Apr).

Finished

Exhibition of fossils and replicas of dinosaur skeletons to discover their evolution as a species and the work carried out by palaeontologists (CaixaForum Madrid. 18 Jul-6 Apr).

Finished

Discover iconic behind-the-scenes moments from some of your favorite Harry Potter™ movies for a celebration of the film-making magic (Espacio Ibercaja Delicias. Till 16 March).

Finished

First retrospective in Spain focusing on one of the outstanding figures of German expressionism from the early 20th century (Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum. 12 Nov-9 Feb).

Finished

Official exhibition celebrating 85 years of the Marvel universe, from comic book illustrations to box-office smashes (IFEMA MADRID - Pavilion 2. Tuesday to Sunday).

  • No matter what time of year you visit, in Madrid you will enjoy our light and an inexhaustible array of culture, food and entertainment.

    Madrid through the seasons
  • Madrid en todas las estaciones del año
  • Whether it’s cold or hot or cold, Madrid offers comfortable visits all the year round.

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  • A selection of one-of-a-kind moments and experiences that you can only enjoy in Madrid. Come and discover them!

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  • Don't let a little drizzle ruin your visit! Check out all the things you can do in Madrid whatever the weather.

    Madrid in the Rain
  • Madrid con lluvia. Plaza Mayor
  • Madrileños love their chocolate, especially when it's served piping hot with a few crunchy churros to dip into it.

    Confectioners' and Chocolate Shops
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  • Contemporary spaces hosting the latest avant-garde theatre shows and exhibitions.

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  • From flamenco shows, cutting-edge plays and gravity-defying circus acts to the staging of operatic masterpieces and Spanish operettas, Madrid has something for all tastes.

    Theatre and dance in Madrid
  • Museums are always a great place to seek refuge, and even more so when temperatures rise above thirty degrees. Join us on our search for wonderful beaches in Madrid’s museums.

    A Refreshing Dip at the Museum
  • La nageuse (La nadadora) Pablo Picasso (Pablo Ruiz Picasso).  © Museo Reina Sofía. Sala 205.13 - André Breton. Mago del surrealismo
  • Not only is it the most elegant of all fashion accessories, but it also protects our hands from the cold. Our city can boast numerous shops and workshops where their gloves are still 100% handmade.

    A tailor-made glove
  • Así de coloridos son los guantes de Santacana (© 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 the Real Madrid football stadium. 

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  • Palacio Real
  • Contemporary spaces hosting the latest avant-garde theatre shows and exhibitions.

    Top Cultural Centres
  • Madrid is brimming with revamped markets where locals do their weekly shopping and meet friends for a drink and a bite to eat.

    Gourmet Markets and Gastronomic Spaces
  • Mercados y espacios gastronómicos
  • These soups will take us on a trip around the world without ever having to leave Madrid.

    Not soup again!
  • Esta es la sopa de miso con tofu que sirven en el restaurante Kikoba.

DON’T MISS

  • Check out our selection of original souvenirs to remember your visit to Madrid.

    Souvenirs from Madrid
  • Recuerdos de Madrid - La Violeta

DON’T MISS

  • This almost two-kilometre stretch is home to three of the best museums in the world: the Prado, the Thyssen-Bornemisza and the Reina Sofía. 

    Paseo del Arte
  • If you like a challenge, then get ready to battle your way out of one of Madrid's locked rooms in less than an hour!  

    Escape Rooms
  • Fox in a Box (Cuesta de Santo Domingo)

DON’T MISS

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  • A church, a bookshop, a hardware store and even an X-rated cinema... Spaces that were abandoned are now home to bars and restaurants with a special charm.

    Restaurants in unique spaces
  • Restaurantes en espacios singulares - La Ferretería
  • Discover the best spots in the city to enjoy Spain’s artistic expression par excellence.

    Flamenco
  • El Corral de la Morería

DON’T MISS

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

    Getting around Madrid

OFFICIAL PRODUCTS

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

An observation deck at 92 metres.

Our online store (in Spanish) sells artisan souvenirs.