If you’re wondering what to do in Madrid at Christmas 2024, LOCK & enjoy! has prepared a range of plans and activities for you to make the most of the most magical time of the year.
Did you know we have lockers in Madrid at various central locations? Enjoy the city without the hassle of carrying your luggage, making the most of every moment.
What to do in Madrid at Christmas 2024? The best plans for maximum enjoyment
Madrid is the most visited city in Spain year-round, especially during Christmas. Magic and wonder fill every corner of the city’s centre. Are you ready to visit?
Christmas Lights
Madrid is famous for its extensive Christmas lighting displays. This year, a total of 230 locations across the city’s 21 districts will be illuminated.
The official lighting ceremony will be led by Spain’s national football coach, Luis de la Fuente, on 28th November at Puerta del Sol.
At LOCK & enjoy!, we recommend taking a small tour to see the city’s most beautiful lights. Start at Calle Fuencarral, close to our locker in Malasaña. Then head to Calle Serrano, Ópera, and Puerta del Sol. The latter attracts the largest crowds, with a giant illuminated Christmas tree that will reach 37 metres this year, crowned with a star.
Circo Price
Teatro Circo Price once again hosts its classic Christmas show, running from 22nd November to 4th January. This is a staple of Madrid’s cultural calendar during the festive season.
The story centres on a group of friends who receive the terrible news that Christmas has disappeared. Together, they embark on an adventure to recover it.
The mix of music, dance, humour, and songs makes this event unmissable. It’s also a fantastic outing for families with children, promising endless fun.
This theater is just 10 minutes away from our lockers in Atocha. Take the opportunity to leave your belongings!
Ice Rinks
Ice skating is another of Madrid’s most popular Christmas activities.
There are many to choose from, but we recommend the one located at Palacio de Hielo shopping centre. It features an Olympic-sized rink (60×30 metres), making it one of the largest in Spain. It’s also ideal for a family day out.
On the other hand, we’d like to mention the ice rink in Plaza de España. It’s a natural outdoor rink covering 450 square metres. It’s also a great opportunity to explore La Navideña, located in the same square. This small fair features artisanal crafts and high-quality food stalls, making it a true symbol of Christmas in the heart of the city.
Nativity Scene Tour
Nativity scenes are an essential symbol of Christmas, reflecting cultural, religious, and historical traditions.
In Madrid, you’ll find numerous types of nativity displays to visit, most of them free:
- Municipal Nativity Scene: Located in Madrid City Hall at Palacio de Cibeles, featuring 250 traditional Hebrew-style figures.
- Neapolitan Nativity Scene: Found in Plaza Mayor, this nine-metre-long display showcases unique scenes, characters, and pieces.
- Castizo Nativity Scene: At Museo de San Isidro, featuring 19th-century pieces and figures.
Christmas Markets
Madrid is brimming with Christmas markets, most of them characterised by their traditional and artisanal nature.
The Plaza Mayor Market is one of the most famous and busiest. Open from 28th November to 31st December, it features 104 stalls offering Christmas products, with a special focus on nativity scenes and home decorations.
On Paseo de Recoletos, 150 artisans from across Spain gather to showcase a variety of gifts: jewellery, toys, and more.
The German Evangelical Church hosts an annual market where you can enjoy mulled wine, sausages, and other typical German Christmas treats. You’ll also find a wide range of books and toys perfect for gifting.
Cortylandia
The Cortylandia show is one of the most anticipated moments of the Christmas season in Madrid. First organised in 1979, it was only interrupted in 2020 due to the pandemic.
The event takes place on the façade of El Corte Inglés on Preciados Street, near Puerta del Sol. The stage is adorned with moving figures and decorations that sing traditional Christmas songs.
There are eight shows a day, split between morning and afternoon. On key dates like Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day, only afternoon performances are held.
This year, the event runs from 28th November to 5th January. We recommend arriving early, as around 3,000 people gather daily to watch the Cortylandia show.
Hope you now know what to do in Madrid at Christmas 2024 with the plans we’ve selected for you. We would like to highlight that if you book a locker with us in advance, you can enjoy discounts and promotions.
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