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.
The light experience invites visitors into a magical world full of bees, butterflies, dragonflies and a dazzling light (Enrique Tierno Galván Park. 21 Nov-21 Jan). Tickets now on sale
The spectacular sphere is back, with a diametre of 12 metres and featuring 43,000 pixel-mapped lights (Plaza de España. Until 7 January 2024).
A traditional music show with animated figures to celebrate Christmas (El Corte Inglés Preciados – Callao. 24 Nov - 5 Jan 2024).
More than 90 attractions in 25,000 m2 with a real ice rink and giant Ferris wheel (Recinto Ferial Getafe. 18 Nov-7 Jan).
More than 500 luminous sculptures of animals create the world’s largest zoo (Juan Carlos I Park. 23 Nov-14 Jan).
A must visit for stocking up on Christmas paraphernalia including toys and figurines for the traditional Nativity scenes (Plaza Mayor. 24 Nov-31 Dec).
Enjoy the largest Christmas theme park in Spain, which has been declared of regional tourist interest in the first European Capital of Christmas (Torrejón de Ardoz. 30 Nov-7 Jan).
Nearly 30 stalls selling crafts, sweets, mulled wine and original gifts (Saint George’s Church. 16 December 2023).
Christmas market with stalls where you can find original gifts and tasty gastronomic proposals. (El Corte Inglés Castellana. 20 Nov-5 Jan).
World-famous ice skater Javier Fernández invites us to get into the festive spirit (Plaza de Colón. 25 Nov-7 Jan 2024).
After its reopening, the Plaza de España will be home an ice skating rink (Plaza de España. 23 Nov-7 Jan).
A Christmas experience to enjoy nature with different shows, restaurants and markets (Complutense University Botanical Gardens - Real Jardín Botánico Alfonso XIII. 30 Nov-6 Jan).
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 for 2023 is now open!
See out the year eating twelve grapes to the chimes of the Puerta del Sol clock (31 December 2023. From 09:30 pm).
The Three Kings will parade around the city centre before taking gifts to families across the country (5 January 2024).
A unique experience in which traditional circus merges with innovation and the beauty of ice (Big Top next to the Palacio de Hielo. Thursday to Sunday. 27 Oct-14 Jan).
Immersive experience related to the Jurassic world that includes more than 50 large-scale dinosaurs and more than 6 million LEGO pieces (IFEMA MADRID - Pavilion 5.1. 30 Sept-14 Jan).
The classic Christmas production has become a not to be missed event in Madrid’s Christmas (Teatro Circo Price. 24 Nov-6 Jan).
Productores de Sonrisas is back with a new show for all the family, with unbelievable acrobatics that take spectators to the enigmatic circus world (IFEMA MADRID. 24 Nov-14 Jan).
Hailing from Kenya, the professional company Mighty Jambo present a circus show that educates us about the importance of generosity and community support (Teatro Pavón. Wednesday to Sunday. 2 Dec to 7 Jan. Check dates).
The Madrid Players is proud to produce this brilliant and funny pantomime which is sure to be a delight for all members of the family (Teatro Salesianos Estrecho. 15, 16 and 17 December).
A show for the whole family where classic tales are combined with the magic of Christmas (Multipurpose Pavilion Madrid Arena - Casa de Campo Park. Wednesday to Sundays. 15 Dec-7 Jan).
At Christmas, the Classical Ballet of Camagüey from Cuba is performing this classical ballet with music by Tchaikovsky (Capitol Gran Vía. 3, 7, 10, 18 and 27 Dec, 2 and 3 Jan).
A day of dreams and hopes, announcing the winner of the most popular lottery in Spain (Teatro Real. 22 December).
An unforgettable experience brought to you by Yunke, one of the best magicians on the international scene (IFEMA Palacio Municipal. 22 Dec-6 Jan).
Flamenco show to enjoy choreographies created by acclaimed Spanish dance companies.(Teatro EDP Gran Vía. 24 December and 1 January).