The Madrid Christmas Lights 2014

Christmas lights in Sol!

It’s getting colder, pretty decorations are appearing in Madrid’s shops and the festive music is starting to play….this can only mean one thing, Christmas is on its way! And without doubt one of the most magical things about this time of year in Madrid is the incredible Christmas lights. Madrid’s Christmas lights are not only designed by some of the most famous designers in the world, the budget this year has also been increased to 1.7 million Euros, and more streets are being decorated than ever before! We’ll give you all the information you need about the exciting Christmas festivities in Madrid!

Save the date!

Thursday 27th November at 6pm: save the date! Madrid’s Christmas lights will be turned on, all over Madrid, in 90 different streets! Without doubt the best atmosphere and arguably the most spectacular Christmas lights will be in Sol, so if you’re looking for a really Christmassy experience, we recommend heading that way on 27th November!

I want to see as many of Madrid’s Christmas lights as possible! 

 

The Navibus: the best way to 
see Madrid's Christmas lights. 

Wondering how on earth you’ll find time to see them all? Madrid has it all sorted, just hop on the Navibus (there’s no denying it’s got a pretty awesome name!), and for 2€ you can go on a 45 minute tour and see all the main lights. From 5th December- 6th January, departing from c/ Serrano n.30 (between Goya and Jorge Juan, and right by our school!) every 5-7 minutes, you’d have to be Scrooge to turn Madrid’s Christmas bus ride down!

The lights will be lit every day from 6pm-10pm Sunday-Wednesday and 6pm-11pm Thursday-Saturday (and bank holidays.) On Christmas Eve and 5th January, the lights will be left on until 3am, on Christmas Day, New Years Day and 6th January (Three Kings), they will be lit until midnight, and on News Year Eve, they will stay on until 6am! So there are plenty of opportunities to explore Madrid and see as many of the lights as possible. Madrid’s Christmas lights have been designed by some of the most famous names in fashion and design, including Ángel Schlesser and Purificación García, Vitorio & Luchino and brand new lights by Adolfo Domínguez, to name a few.

And how about the Christmas markets?

You can't miss Christmas at
the Plaza Mayor!

There are plenty of wonderful Christmas markets to help get into the festive spirit and to make present buying that little bit easier! Don’t miss the Christmas market in the Plaza Mayor, which dates back to the 16th century and will be around from 29th November to 31st December. Also highly reccomended are the markets in Plaza de España and Santo Domingo, and the brand new food market in Plaza de Opera. If you’re looking for a market near you, check out this list of Madrid’s Christmas Markets.

Ice skating lover? Madrid won’t let you down this Christmas!

Palacio Real

The Christmas ice rink in front of
the Palacio Real is stunning!

With a 600m2 ice rink, this is the biggest outdoor ice rink in Madrid this Christmas, situated on the Plaza de Oriente and with stunning views of the Palacio Real, what more could you ask for? At just 5€ in the week and 7.50€ at weekends (including skates) it’s also a bargain!

Open till 18th January, there’s no excuse not to get your skates on...!

Palacio de Cibeles
Equally spectacular, the Palacio de Cibeles is always beautiful, and an ice rink will be the icing on the cake! Just 6€ (including skates.

Open from 21st December to 7th January 
  
Plaza de la Luna (Plaza de Soledad Torres Acosta)
Here you'll find not just an ice rink but also an area for skiing! And let's not forget the hot chocolate and churros (delicious fried doughnut sticks): all your dreams will come true this Christmas at Plaza de la Luna! Plus, it´s only 5€ and 7.5€ at weekends!

Open until mid-late January 

Plaza de Felipe II (Goya)
Right by the Palacio de Deportes, you'll find another beautiful ice rink, priced at just 5€, whatever day you choose to visit!

Open till 9th January 

Centro Cultural Conde Duque
This ice rink has been named as the perfect choice for those with children, although with 360m2 of beautiful ice there is definitely space for everybody! Entry is 5€ and 7.50€ at weekends.

Open from 20th December to 6th January 

Christmas is without doubt one of the most magical times of year! There’s so much to do in Madrid at Christmastime, the question is how to squeeze it all in! What are your favourite things to do at Christmas?