Madrid is transformed during the month of December. The streets are filled with lights, the christmas markets fill the streets, and the smell of roasted chestnuts is in every corner. If you’re planning to visit the capital during these dates, get ready to live a unique experience that combines tradition, modernity, and that special atmosphere that Christmas madrileña offers. If you’re going to spend the day in Madrid and you arrive with luggage, you can leave them in our lockers luggage.
What to Expect from Madrid at Christmas
The weather in Madrid in December is cold, with temperatures ranging between 5 and 12 degrees celsius. He has a good coat, scarf and gloves to enjoy the walks at night watching the holiday. Madrid begin their preparations for Christmas at the end of November and beginning of December is celebrated as the official lighting of the lights. During this time, many tourists take advantage of the bridge to go to see the city and do last-minute shopping.
If you are thinking of booking an accommodation, we recommend you do so with time if you don’t want to take any nasty surprises with the price. Hotel occupancy is very high during these dates, especially on the weekends and holidays. During these dates, the shops and restaurants extend their hours and many tourist attractions offer special hours in order to adapt to the influx of visitors.
The Areas with the Most Christmas of Madrid
If you’re planning on coming to the capital you can not miss the environment of these sites. We leave some of our favorite sites.
Historic Center: Sol, Gran Vía, Plaza Mayor
The best point to enjoy the christmas atmosphere is the area of Sol, Gran Vía and Plaza mayor. Here you will find decorations most spectacular, the atmosphere more festive and, also, the biggest crowds. We know that is not the best option, but we recommend to get lost in these streets at least once during your trip.
Salamanca: shopping and lights elegant
If you’re looking for something a bit more sophisticated, the District of Salamanca offers a lighting more stylish in your shopping streets. It is the perfect place to make purchases of luxury and enjoy a christmas atmosphere more calm and sophisticated, looking at the shop window at christmas from the best luxury brands.
The Retreat: walks and Crystal Palace
Although the park is closed after dark, and walking by The Withdrawal during the day is a great plan to do as a family. The Crystal Palace usually have artistic installations and your visit is free of charge. There is usually lots of atmosphere, especially during the weekends and holidays.
Malasaña and Chueca: alternative environment
If you’re looking for a more alternative and local, in these neighborhoods you can find local shops, special, bars with charm and a christmas decoration less conventional but equally attractive.
The Indispensable Christmas
The official lighting occurs at the end of November, and the lights remain active throughout December.
The Best streets to live the Christmas
Gran Vía offers probably the most impressive sight, with a display of light and sound that leave anyone speechless. Calle Alcalá and Puerta de Alcalá not disappoint, especially when night falls and the lighting highlights the architectural beauty of this area. The Paseo del Prado is decked out with elegant lighting that complements the cultural environment of the area of museums. Take a trip through the streets Ortega y Gasset, and Serrano in the Neighborhood of Salamanca.
Christmas Markets
The flea market on the Plaza mayor is the most classic. It is installed at the end of November and is up to the 31st of December. Here you will find all sorts of holiday items: cribs, figures for the birth, ball for tree, christmas decorations… If you want to visit it, we recommend you to go early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. You can also visit the Market of Artisan Producers in the Plaza of Spain that offers handicraft products, handmade jewelry, traditional sweets, decor items unique….
Cortylandia (El Corte Inglés Callao)
Each year, The English Court of Callao rides her famous showcase of Christmas that attracts many families. A tradition year after year, staying with the same enthusiasm as always. If you are traveling with children, it is a perfect plan to see the projections and the christmas music.
Traditional Nativity
The Bethlehem Royal Palace is the most important and the entrance is free. In the center of the market of Plaza mayor, you’ll also find a traditional nativity, and in the CentroCentro Palace of Cibeles is usually seen riding exhibitions christmas. The Royal Basilica of San Francisco el Grande is also home to the crib spectacular that many visitors overlook. Worth a visit if you have time.
Typical Christmas Sweets
You can’t leave Madrid without trying the traditional sweets. Casa Mira, in the Carrera de San Jerónimo, it is the right shop to buy sweets artisans. You can also buy polvorones and mantecados in any of the cakes that you’ll find at the city are other must-haves. If you’re on the 6th of January by the city, test the Roscón de Reyes, a bun, sweet cream filling, or truffle.
Solution to the Problem of Luggage
A drawback common when you visit Madrid on these dates is what to do with luggage. The check-in in hotels tend to be in the afternoon and the check-out in the morning. If you need help to save your luggage, Lock Here Now we have slogans strategically located near Sol and Gran Via, in the area of Atocha (perfect if you’re arriving or salts, in a train) and in the Neighborhood of Salamanca (ideal if you come for shopping). So you can move with total freedom by the city without having to worry about where to leave your stuff.
Temporary Exhibitions
CaixaForum usually exhibits designed for the whole family. In contrast, Slaughterhouse offers proposals of contemporary art and street markets to more alternative. The main museums of the capital, such as the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen, also often offer special exhibits during these dates.
Madrid at Christmas, it is an experience that goes beyond the typical christmas card. Prepare your visit and let yourself be surprised by all this city has to offer when it comes December.
After exploring Madrid’s magical Christmas lights and festive markets, discover where to eat well in Chamartín — perfect for recharging with great local food during your visit.
If you’re planning to explore more of Spain after experiencing Madrid at Christmas, don’t miss these free activities in Bilbao — a perfect way to enjoy another vibrant city on a budget.
