Christmas time in Madrid!

Can you believe it’s that time of year again?! Christmas is right around the corner and Madrid is preparing itself for another fantastic celebration. Once the decorative lights are up and the Christmas markets are in full flow, there's no better place in the world to enjoy the festivities.

A few things we look forward to sharing with you during this festive season are:

The Christmas Lights

In late November every year, the Christmas lights are turned on throughout Madrid in over 90 streets! Beautifully decorated Christmas trees are also dotted around the city which add to the magical atmosphere. The spectacular lighting of the main buildings such as the Puerta Alcalá and the Palacio de Cibeles has to be seen to be believed and if you're looking for a particularly Christmassy experience, head down to the Puerta del Sol on the day the lights get turned on. They're absolutely stunning!

The Christmas Markets

Christmas is a magical time in Madrid and the Christmas markets play a big part in creating this ‘magic’. Here are two markets that are full of delicious festive snacks and traditional Spanish goodies:

Plaza Mayor Christmas Market

This market takes place in Madrid’s most beautiful square and it’s also probably the oldest market in the country – it dates back to the 19th Century! Having wandered through the dozens of beautifully decorated stalls eating and drinking until you’re heart’s content, you’ll certainly be in the Christmas spirit! If you’re planning on going to a Christmas market in Madrid, this one should top your list.

Feria Dulces de Navidad

In Plaza Isabel II the Feria Dulces de Navidad takes place. This little market is perfect for those with a sweet tooth as you’ll only find traditional Christmas sweets and cookies from all over Spain! If the weather’s cold, the freshly fried churros dipped in hot chocolate will help keep you warm and cosy.

New Year’s Eve (Nochevieja)

The festivities certainly do not end after 25th December! Every year on New Year’s Eve, thousands of people pack into the Puerta del Sol, Madrid’s main square. The huge ancient clock that shines over the square from the tower of the Real Casa de Correos building marks the start of the New Year! As the clock strikes midnight, those in Sol, together with the millions watching on television eat twelve grapes to bring them luck for the next twelve months. Of course the party doesn’t stop here! Champagne corks are popped and beers are drunk long into the night in the hundreds of bars and clubs of Madrid.

Día de los Reyes Magos (6th January)

Known in the English speaking world as the Epiphany, the arrival of the Three Kings is defined in Spain by the huge expectation and the massive celebrations that revolve around the event. On 5th January, Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings' Parade) takes place in every town and city and people crowd the streets to get a glimpse of the reenactment of the arrival of the Three Kings into the town. That night, the children lay out their shoes in a place where they’ll be found by the Three Kings and on the morning of 6th they are greeted by a pile of gifts! El Día de los Reyes Magos really is a significant day in Spain’s fiesta calendar and if you’re lucky enough to be in Madrid, you’ll be able to experience the incredible buzz and atmosphere that is created!

Make the most of this Christmas time in Madrid!