Since the end of November the Christmas spirit spread through the streets of Madrid to give it a unique charm and special. Madrid can boast of having many parties to brighten up its streets and attract hundreds of people, but none is as endearing as Christmas.
From late November to early January lights of all colors and shapes flood the city to illuminate streets, squares and buildings. The artificial fir trees are present in strategic points of Madrid giving a return to the traditional tree and allowing in some cases to cross it inside to take fun pictures.
If you plan to visit Madrid during Christmas, here are some irresistible plans to enjoy the city at this time of year.
Christmas lights
The Christmas lighting is one of the main attractions of Madrid during these holidays. The first traces of electric lighting in the streets of Madrid that are preserved in the municipal archives date from the 60s.
The lighting of this edition took place on November 27 and will illuminate the streets of the city until the first week of January. Among the lighting proposals we can find the decoration of the designers Ángel Schlesser, Hannibal Laguna, Purificación García, Ana Locking, as well as the architects Sergio Sebastián, Teresa Sapey and Ben Busche and the graphic designer Roberto Turégano.
The lights will remain on for one more hour: from Sunday to Wednesday until 23 p.m. and from Thursday to Saturday until 24 p.m., as well as the eve of holidays, In addition, these Christmas lights meet the strictest requirements of respect for the environment and energy efficiency, illuminating more but consuming less.
Christmas bus
The City Council, through the EMT, puts tourist buses into service so that families can enjoy the Christmas lights in the most comfortable way. These buses are called "Christmas buses" and cover a forty-minute route through the center of the capital that leaves and arrives at the Plaza de Colón.
The service hours are from 18:00 p.m. to 23:00 p.m. and the general price of the ticket is 2 euros, although, as in previous years, children under 7 years of age travel for free. In addition, those over 65 pay a reduced rate of 1 euros. The "Christmas buses" will provide service every day of this period except December 24 and 31 and January 5.
International Fair of Cultures
The great novelty of this year is the International Fair of Cultures to be held at the Conde Duque from December 17 to 22 from 12 to 24 hours. In this place, more than a hundred multicultural activities will take place with the participation of 40 embassies such as the Japanese kimono ceremony, tastings of Arab food, African dances, etc.
This fair will have an extensive children's calendar that replaces the Ciudad de los Niños program of previous years.
Nativity scenes exhibitions
The City Council usually organizes exhibitions of nativity scenes in its headquarters where you can admire various compositions that recall the origin of Christmas. This year four nativity scenes will be installed at the CentroCentro Cibeles, the Casa de la Villa, the San Isidro Museum and the Madrid History Museum. However, in any corner of Madrid you can find a nativity scene where one least expected it.
Christmas shopping
Those who are passionate about shopping will enjoy a large assortment of shops in the downtown area and Christmas markets scattered around the city. Some of the most outstanding are those of the Plaza Mayor, the Plaza de España, the Plaza de Jacinto Benavente, the Mercadillo del Gato in the Cultural Center of the Armies or the Mercado de la Paz in the Salamanca neighborhood. Surely in some of them you will find the perfect gift this Christmas.
Plaza de Colón ice rink
One of the star proposals this Christmas in Madrid is the great ice rink of 540 square meters that the magazine Hello! It has located in the Plaza de Colón for children and adults. The skating day will be enlivened by Christmas carols that invite you to slide on the ice.
In the morning it will be free for children from shelters and families without resources. In the afternoon and on weekends, for the rest of the public. The Plazas de la Luna and Callao will not have an ice rink this year.
Christmas in Madrid Rio
Madrid Río is incorporated this year as a space to celebrate Christmas. On December 26, 27 and 28 at 18:00 p.m., the Luminous Yincana will take place, through which part of the park will be illuminated through sports, creating a moving light show. A large Ferris wheel will also be installed in Madrid Río to enjoy views of the city.
San Silvestre
The most sporty will also have an appointment at the San Silvestre Race, the traditional Christmas sporting event in Madrid December 31st. This competition has increasing popular support and participation. Although the registration quota increases every year, they sell out quickly so if you are thinking of participating you should be attentive to the opening of the registrations.
Three Kings
During the early hours of January 5 to 6, while everyone sleeps, the Three Wise Men deposit gifts in homes around the world. The previous afternoon they go through the streets of the city in a spectacular parade to greet everyone present and distribute sweets.
The procession leaves at 18:30 p.m. from the Plaza de San Juan de la Cruz and slowly goes down the Paseo de la Castellana to the Plaza de Cibeles, where at 20:45 p.m. the Three Wise Men will send us their message.