What's on this Christmas

  • Mercadillo de Navidad en la Plaza Mayor 2023
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From the world-renowned Christmas lottery known as El Gordo (22 December), the Three Kings Parade (5 January), gigantic Nativity scenes and ice skating rinks to markets, concerts and shows for the whole family, Madrid sure knows how to celebrate Christmas in style. Check out our selection of all the best events taking place this year, and don’t forget to take a stroll through the city to enjoy the wonderful display of twinkling lights.

OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS FUN

Latest edition of the most important fair promoting regional arts and crafts (Paseo de Recoletos. December 2025).

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The light experience invites to celebrating the wealth of the natural world with a journey that is divided into three great natural kingdoms (Enrique Tierno Galván Park. Wednesday to Sunday. 26 Nov-6 Jan).

The spectacular bauble is back, with a diametre of 12 metres and featuring 43,000 pixel-mapped lights (Plaza de España. Late November-early January).

A must-visit for stocking up on Christmas paraphernalia including toys and figurines for the traditional Nativity scenes (Plaza Mayor. Nov-Dec 2025).

We've rounded up the best pop-up winter ice skating rinks in Madrid for Christmas 2024

A traditional music show with animated figures that defines Christmas in Madrid (El Corte Inglés Preciados – Callao. Nov - 5 Jan 2026). 

See out the year eating twelve grapes to the chimes of the clock in Puerta del Sol (31 December 2025).

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

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

INDOOR TREATS

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

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). 

From the end of November until Twelfth Night, the city fills up with belenes of all shapes and sizes that you can visit for free. (Various locations. Check programme).

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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).

A brand new edition, more personal and closer to the city, which will bring together the very best from this genre (Fernán Gómez Centro Cultural de la Villa - Sala Guirau. December 2025).

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!

  • 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
  • The first museum devoted to this delicious Christmas sweet is located inside the Casa 1880 store, between Puerta del Sol and Ópera.

    Turrón Museum
  • Museo del turrón
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  • 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
  • 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

A DIFFERENT MADRID

  • Discover 10 places off the beaten track that your trip to Madrid wouldn't be complete without visiting.

    Alternative Top 10
  • Top 10 alternativo
  • Take a peek at our selection of the most important events taking place in Madrid and start planning your next visit!

    Madrid Events Calendar: 2025
  • Cibeles de Cine