Cortylandia

El Corte Inglés in Calle Preciados kicks off Christmas in Madrid with the classic Cortylandia show. End of November to 5 January 2026.

A tradition spanning almost 50 years

The creation of this show is a year-long process that begins with the design of the model and ends with the assembly. First of all, a sketch is drawn up of the selected idea. In August, work begins on modelling the characters and studying their movements and articulations, as well as the lights. In the final months, all that remains is the assembly and transport of the puppets and scaffolding, as well as the rehearsals. In this way, the story gradually takes shape until it becomes a real animated tale that grasps the attention of both children and adults every year.

Cortylandia began in 1979 and was only interrupted in 2020 due to the pandemic, although the façade was decorated in 2020 and a Christmas story was projected on the screen. Since its origins, different scenarios have been designed each year, inspired by the tastes of small children, and new installations have been created and rotated around various El Corte Inglés stores throughout Spain.

It was in 1979 that the first Cortylandia was set up in the department store in Calle Preciados.  A real train engine from the Parque de Atracciones in Madrid was used for this purpose. The idea arose from the El Corte Inglés artistic creation department with the extension of the Preciados building. In order to publicise the new space, it was decided to set up a point to attract children and adults alike, reminiscent of the attractions at Disney World but on a much smaller scale.

The show has become a Christmas tradition for all the family in this festive season, and the song that animates the show is now part of children's imagination.