Madrid ofrece una gran variedad de actividades y experiencias con los que llenar los días de vacaciones, tanto si vives en la ciudad como si eres turista, podrás disfrutar de diferentes experiencias adaptadas a tus gustos y aficiones.

The capital glitters, the streets are full of colour and these are the best things to do in the Christmas holidays in Madrid.

Now that the Christmas lights have been turned on and carols have become the soundtrack of the streets, it’s time to make the best plans for enjoying the Christmas holidays in Madrid to the full.

Culture, leisure, cuisine… Madrid offers a wide range of activities and experiences to fill the days. Both if you live in the city or if you are a tourist, you will be able to enjoy different experiences adapted to your tastes and interests.

1. The Christmas market in the Plaza Mayor

This takes first place in our ranking and it’s no wonder. Tradition has made it one of the can’t misses of the centre of Madrid. Its stalls, selling everything from Christmas decorations to joke items, make la Plaza Mayor a great attraction at this time of year. From its beginnings over four centuries ago, its stalls continue to bring life to the city centre attracting thousands of visitors each year.

2. Ice skating

You will feel like Elsa from Frozen on the ice rinks of Madrid. Located in emblematic places such as Colón and la Plaza de España and open all day, they are the ideal place for professionals and amateurs to demonstrate their skill on skates.

Image Vía: https://madridesteatro.com/nueva-pista-de-hielo-en-la-plaza-de-colon/

3. Nativity scene route

Hundreds of nativity scenes decorate the streets, shops and institutions of the city at this time of year. The vast majority can be visited, forming a route of nativity scenes that is very attractive for all kinds of people. One of the most popular is located in the middle of the Palacio Cibeles and has scenes such as the Annunciation and the journey of the Magi.

4. The musicals of Gran Vía

If you walk through the streets of Madrid during the Christmas holidays there is something that is bound to catch your attention: the large posters for musicals and shows in the Gran Vía. From the famous ‘Lion King’ to new shows like ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’. A wide range of options for all ages that will fill your evenings with songs.

5. Chocolate con churros

After so much walking and so many activities it’s time to relax and where better to do so than in the city’s most famous chocolate shop? Take a break in San Ginés and enjoy Madrid’s best known chocolate con churros.

During the Christmas holidays this chocolate shop is usually always full, but don’t worry, you can enjoy great churros con chocolate in other establishments such as La Cruz Blanca, Chocolat and Popota.

6. The Christmas lights

Madrid wouldn’t be Madrid without its lights, so we can’t forget them in this list of Christmas activities. From la calle Alcalá to la puerta del Sol, via the various Christmas trees in Callao, Colón and la Plaza Mayor.

Each year different lighting themes crown the city’s avenues and thousands of visitors walk around to view them.

7. Naturaleza Encendida

Continuing with the lighting theme, we jump to the Botanical Garden, where for the last 3 years at Christmas this large natural installation is filled with lights to create fantastic pathways and labyrinths under the name of Naturaleza Encendida.

Entry is free but you need to book the date and time of your visit on the website.

8. Once upon a time…a circus

Circlassica comes to Madrid bringing with it all the magic of the myths and legends of the East. But it’s not the only circus in town, once again Circo Price en Navidad puts on its classic Christmas show “Los Mundos del Price” from November to January. A production that has become a classic of the Christmas programme.

9. Find a book in la cuesta Moyano

The blue stalls of la cuesta Moyano are small bookshops that have been selling all kinds of books for almost a century. From classic novels to the latest novelties. Time will fly for you among all the books.

10. Enjoying your home

If you live in Madrid there is something you must do, make the most of enjoying your home. Films, binge watching series, spontaneous dinners, board games… household activities are a must during the Christmas holidays and especially if you have your ideal home such as one of our properties.

Begin the holidays in a new rental home and find the perfect one for you among our range of options. The best option for enjoying all these activities in Madrid and many more.