Madrid

20 best activities to do at Christmas 2023 in Madrid

Christmas lights at Puerta del Sol in Madrid
Christmas lights at Puerta del Sol in Madrid

As is traditional, the Christmas in Madrid offers a large number and variety of attractions for the people of Madrid and for those They visit Madrid on these special dates for everyone.

During them, various events take place in the capital. activities de culture y leisure, which make this time one of those in which Madrid receives the most tourists.

In this year 2023  The city of Madrid once again lives to the full traditional great christmas atmosphere typical of these family dates.

The activities that you can enjoy during the Christmas in Madrid are largely reflected in the official program that launches the town hall of the capital, which, as a novelty, this year has been announced before the December Bridge.

What activities to do at Christmas 2023 in Madrid

Next, we are going to suggest the most interesting activities that you can do in the Christmas parties 2023 – 2024 in Madrid, including the proposals of the town hall in the aforementioned official program.

See the Christmas Lights in Madrid

The Christmas parties in Madrid each year they officially begin with the turning on the christmas lights that this year took place Thursday November 23.

La Christmas lights, as is traditional, becomes the protagonist of the streets of Madrid, and in itself is a good excuse to walk through the squares and streets of the city center during these dates.

This year the Christmas lights It is already as splendid as in the time before the pandemic and, yes, when going to the city center to see it, our advice is to be careful in avoid crowds that are so common on certain dates.

Here you can see the best photos of the Christmas Lights in Madrid.

Stroll along Gran Vía at Christmas

Furthermore, seeing this lighting is a good excuse to enjoy the Gran Vía, a large iconic avenue of Madrid whose urban renewal has allowed it to gain ample space for pedestrians to walk.

This amplitude gained from cars is clearer in the section between Callao and San Luis Network, area where the greats happen malls always full of people in the Christmas parties.

If you prefer, you can sign up for a Christmas tour of Madrid hour and a half long, in which you will tour the main locations of the Christmas lights and learn about their history

Christmas bus 2023 in Madrid

Another Christmas traditions in the capital it is that of power see the christmas lighting from the Christmas bus that runs through the main avenues of Madrid.

Naviluz, Christmas bus in Madrid
Naviluz, Christmas bus in Madrid

New from this bus this year, three different services are offered, so this article will be very useful to you. detailed information to select the Christmas bus that interests you the most.

Keep in mind that the high demand for this Christmas leisure service means that the available tickets sell out quickly, so it is essential to reserve the date and time well in advance to take your Christmas tour.

Light and sound shows at Christmas in Madrid

The multimedia light and sound shows with three dimensions They are having a great role in Christmas in Madrid.

The Polychrome Jeronyms

In this regard, the spectacular videomapping which in recent years has been presented on the façade of the Cibeles Palace, is replaced by the audiovisual show The Polychrome Jeronyms created by the French lighting artist Patrice Warrener that will wrap the façade of the Jerónimos church.

This audiovisual show will take place from December 21 to 23, from 18 to 24 p.m.

Great Christmas Ball in the Plaza de España in Madrid
Great Christmas Ball in the Plaza de España in Madrid

Lighting installations at Christmas in Madrid

under the motto Madrid, a city with a star, this Christmas you can see luminous art installations in five places in the capital.

Specifically, Borealis in the Conde Duque Cultural Center, Christmas sweetss in the Cristina Arce Square, The gift en Azca, Merry Christmasad en Madrid River y Snowball in the Carabanchel square.

Here you have all the information with dates and times.

Music at the Christmas holidays 2023 – 2024 in Madrid

La music always has a great role during the Christmas parties in Madrid, with a wide concert program in various settings in the city.

When and where to see the Christmas Zambombada in Madrid

The traditional Zambombada also walk the streets of the center of Madrid again from Plaza de la Villa to Plaza de Oriente, with music of traditional rondas and quadrillas from Madrid, the Community and the neighboring Castilian provinces.

Christmas lights in Madrid
Christmas lights in Madrid

It is celebrated on December 17 from 12,30:XNUMX p.m.

Christmas music concerts in Madrid

El Christmas program in Madrid offers a wide program of concerts of varied music, in which there is no shortage of gospel, choirs, flamenco or regional house music, which take place in various venues in the capital.

To emphasize that some of these concerts take place on balconies of such emblematic places of Madrid as the Bakery House in the Plaza Mayor, the Spanish Theater and house of the village.

Here you can consult the complete program of Music at Christmas in Madrid

Christmas lights at the Cibeles Fountain in Madrid
Christmas lights at the Cibeles Fountain in Madrid

Apart from the specific concerts included in the official program, there are other musical events that are traditionally scheduled in the capital, and which we highlight below.

Gospel Festival 2023 in Madrid

El Christmas musical program traditionally begins with Great Gospel Festival Madrid which in its XXIX edition takes place in the Fernando Fernán Gómez Theater, In the Plaza de Colón, with concerts held from November 29 to December 10.

Christmas and New Year concerts 2023 in Madrid

Another of the classic events on these dates are the christmas concerts that are held in various auditoriums.

To highlight the New Years Concert that in the National Auditorium takes place on December 26, but before that, on December 5, the Christmas Solidarity Concert Salesian Missions for a better world.

San Ginés Chocolate Shop in Madrid
San Ginés Chocolate Shop in Madrid

Tickets for shows at Christmas in Spain

The Christmas season is ideal for attending various types of Shows, with a great offer in all Spain; here you can see the billboard and get tickets for theater plays, musical y circus shows

On December 12 you also have in National Auditorium el Christmas Concert by the Madrid Philharmonic.

Christmas activities at the Matadero in Madrid

You can also attend the activities that are scheduled in Matadero Madrid, under the name Madrid, Christmas Meeting, and this year in collaboration with the United States Embassy.

This program of Christmas activities has offers for all ages: puppetry, poetry and rap workshops, stories from the native peoples of America and narrations in English, pictorial actions, performing arts, games, unique shows, Rollerball disk, zone foodtrucks.

This cultural event is celebrated from December 22 to January 3, and here you can consult the complete program Madrid, Christmas Meeting.

Roasted chestnut stall in the center of Madrid
Roasted chestnut stall in the center of Madrid

As a complement to your visit to the center of Madrid at Christmas, here you have several Free Tours in Madrid those you may be interested in signing up for

Ice rinks at Christmas in Madrid

Every year in Christmas you can also practice ice skating in Madrid.

Thus, from December 6th to January 7th you can skate on the Matadero ice rink, with 600 square meters, one of the largest to be installed in Spain.

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You have to keep in mind that there will be capacity limitation, so it is essential to reserve tickets in advance.

You also have the option of Cibeles Palace ice rink, with hours from 11 a.m. to 21 p.m.

Ice rink at Christmas in Plaza de España in Madrid
Ice rink at Christmas in Plaza de España in Madrid

Other places where ice rinks are installed in Madrid are Spain Square, Carabanchel y Fuencarralwhose schedules you can check here.

Nativity scenes at Christmas 2023 in Madrid

Another typical Christmas activities that have a prominent place in the program are the nativity scene exhibitions in Madrid.

In addition to the more traditional nativity scenes that are presented each year, there are also usually other nativity scene exhibitions that have a more artistic character, such as Neapolitan nativity scenes.

You have good examples of these in the Nativity Scene of the Royal Palace of Madrid or Nativity scene of the Convent of Las Carboneras, and you also have other different options, such as Monumental Nativity Scene of San Lorenzo de El Escorial.

Here we propose a route to see the best nativity scenes in the center of Madrid.

Community Nativity Scene 2023 in Puerta del Sol

Now, the most popular and visited nativity scene by Madrid residents is the one in which Region of Madrid installs in its headquarters in the old Royal Post Office for the Puerta del Sol.

Christmas market in the Plaza Mayor of Madrid
Christmas market in the Plaza Mayor of Madrid

Better known as the Bethlehem of Sun, you can visit it until January 7.

The Belén de Sol turns 21 years old and occupies an area of ​​about 150 square meters with more than 300 figures made by the artists May, Guilloto, Olot y Almansa.

City Hall Nativity Scene 2023 in Cibeles Palace

For its part, the Madrid Nativity Scene Association every year installs in the Cybele Palace the traditional Bethlehem of the City Council of Madrid.

With a collection of 200 figures of the nativity scene Jose Luis Mayo, you can visit this nativity scene from November 23 to January 5 with hours from Tuesday to Sunday from 10,50:19,00 a.m. to XNUMX:XNUMX p.m., and entrances every half hour.

La Admission is free, but it is essential buy the ticket online to reserve your visit (management cost, 0,50 euros).

Christmas markets at Christmas 2023 in Madrid

On the other hand, in Christmas program in Madrid there is no shortage of Christmas markets that you can visit in the main squares in the center of Madrid.

Christmas market in the Plaza Mayor of Madrid
Christmas market in the Plaza Mayor of Madrid

Christmas Market 2023 in the Plaza Mayor of Madrid

Without a doubt the most notable is the traditional Plaza Mayor market, where you can buy traditional Christmas products, how are the nativity scenes or Decorative elements, which you can visit until December 31.

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Christmas Craft Fair 2023 in Madrid

It is also worth highlighting the Madrid Craft Fair, a market that was usually held in the Spain Square, and which in recent years has been installed in the Recoletos walk.

This market can be visited from December 1 to 30, with schedules, every day, from 11 a.m. to 21 p.m., not opening on December 25, and closing at 15 p.m. on December 24.

There you can buy handmade jewelry, costume jewelry, ceramics, pottery, textiles, engraving, toys, millinery, glass and bookbinding products.

Finally, there is also markets in other squares in different districts of the city, such as Arganzuela or Carabanchel, and in the center of it, in Chamberí, Fuencarral, Moncloa, Plaza de España or Puente de Vallecas.

Christmas Market in Plaza Mayor of Madrid
Christmas Market in Plaza Mayor of Madrid

Christmas 2023 with children in Madrid

If there are some protagonists at this time in Madrid, they are the children, for whom numerous activities are traditionally programmed, among which there are several alternatives.

Circus at Christmas 2023 in Madrid

There is also no lack of numerous shows, some regulars in these holidays.

In addition to the usual musical that at this time acquire great prominence, the traditional show of Circo Price at Christmas, ideal for a family day, and which you can see until January 8.

And this year you also have the opportunity to see the new show Circlássica dedicated to the Great World Circus, which you can see in Ifema Madrid.

Circlássica Great World Circus
Circlássica Great World Circus

Nature Encendida 2023 in Tierno Galván Park in Madrid

This year Sound and light show with the name of Nature On leaves the stage Royal Botanical Garden and you can see it in the Enrique Tierno Galván Park.

It is a walk in a natural environment with the new theme Insects, very ideal to enjoy with the family, which you have here extensive information, and whose dates are from November 21 to January 21.

Reserve your RENTAL CAR now for your trip

Looking ahead to your trip, book your rental car now on this website that offers you the best price guaranteed and allows you a possible free cancellation in most cases. Here you have more information with tips for renting a car

Magical Christmas Parks

In recent years, they have become fashionable christmas parksas Magical Christmas that returns to Torrejón de Ardoz from November 30 to January 7.

Here you can buy tickets to visit Magical Christmas in Torrejón de Ardoz

Cortylandia 2023 in Madrid

If there is a show that every Christmas has become a fixture to take the kids, that's Cortylandia, specifically its main exponent, the one installed in the shopping center English court de Preciados, near the Puerta del Sol.

Cortylandia 2023 in Madrid
Cortylandia 2023 in Madrid

From November 23 to January 5 you can see this year's show, whose shows, I warn you, are always very crowded with families with children.

Here you have more information about activities to do at Christmas with children in Madrid

Three Kings Parade 2024 in Madrid

Finally, in the festival program the traditional Madrid Three Kings Parade 2024 which takes place on the evening of January 5, and you also have the option of attending one of the parades held in the districts of Madrid.

About the Author

José Luis Sarralde

Journalist and traveler throughout his life, José Luis Sarralde is the founder of Guías Viajar, where since 2008 he has been capturing his travel experiences around the world, specializing in cultural and scenic destinations in Spain and Europe.

Comments

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  • I would like to know. Where are those tracks that they put. At Christmas so that children can go sledding in the center of Madrid.

  • For those who still don't know where they are going to have dinner on Christmas Eve, I recommend the Mirasierra Suites Hotel, I had dinner here last year and it is worth it, it is worth it, excellent quality and unbeatable service, and if you go through memimo.es they will give you a free gift a bottle of wine for your next lunch/dinner.

  • Elena says: 9 December 2011 at 11:04 am
    I think that the best position of Mr. Gallardón and Doña Esperanza,
    would have been to give more joy to the Capital, with more light and
    decorations, because this would give an image more in accordance with
    the dates, because the crisis does exist, but it seems not for the official buildings.
    A Plaza de Cibeles so touristy and so poor in color
    On these dates, where are the floral decorations that are
    they put on? Why only on the Gran Vía?
    I would ask that as the saying goes, even if you change it a little: bad times, better and happier view of our
    Capital, I think we Madrid residents deserve it.

  • I think that the best position of Mr. Gallardón and Doña Esperanza,
    would have been to give more joy to the Capital, with more light and
    decorations, because this would give an image more in accordance with
    the dates, because the crisis does exist, but it seems not for the official buildings.
    A Plaza de Cibeles so touristy and so poor in color
    On these dates, where are the floral decorations that are
    they put on? Why only on the Gran Vía?
    I would ask that as the saying goes, even if you change it a little: bad times, better and happier view of our
    Capital, I think we Madrid residents deserve it.

  • A Nativity scene not to be missed in Madrid is the ThreeDee-You Photo-Sculpture in Fuencarral, 65.

    More technological but no less artistic than the traditional versions, made in collaboration with the El Molar Living Nativity Scene, the ThreeDee-You Nativity Scene is made up of photo-sculptures of real people who have posed in the studio dressed in the costumes they will wear in the Living Nativity Scene.

    http://www.3d-u.es/escaparate.html

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