Christmas 2026
Christmas in Madrid
The markets, the lights and the parties — and when each is worth it.
15 days to go16 Nov – 26 Dec · 27 ideas
- 2 nights out
- 17 for families
- 12 free
Don't miss
Christmas Lights Switch-On
Madrid Christmas Lights Display
Mercado de Navidad de la Plaza Mayor
Saturday 21 November
Christmas Lights Switch-On
The official switch-on of Madrid's Christmas lights will take place with a special event. Expect crowds to gather early.
FamilyFreeSource: 65YMÁS
Monday 7 December
Day of the Spanish Constitution (Transferred Public Holiday)
Public holiday in the Community of Madrid, transferred to Monday. Many shops and services may be closed.
Tuesday 8 December
Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Public Holiday)
Public holiday in Madrid. Many shops and services may be closed.
Friday 11 December
Festival de Navidad en Madrid
The 'V Edición del Festival de Navidad' with various bands including AL ROJO VIVO, THE DIRTIES MOTLEY CRUE TRIBUTE, and ALEJANDRIA TRIBUTO A SANGRE AZUL. For ages 16 and up (minors must be accompanied by an adult).
Night outSource: Mutick
Saturday 12 December
El Cascanueces at El Corral de Usera
Tchaikovsky's classic ballet comes to El Corral de Usera for a Christmas Eve story. Features professional scenery, lighting, and costumes. Stroboscopic lights will be used.
FamilySource: EVENTIM.Light
UPM Christmas Concert: J.S. Bach Oratorio de Navidad
The Spanish Philharmonic Orchestra and the Polytechnic University of Madrid Choir perform J.S. Bach's Christmas Oratorio (Cantatas IV, V, and VI) under the direction of Javier Corcuera Martínez.
Sunday 20 December
El Cascanueces by Ballet CDAM
A unique performance of Tchaikovsky's 'The Nutcracker' ballet by students of the Centro de Danza y Arte de Madrid (CDAM), featuring professional staging, lighting, and costumes. Tickets go on sale December 1.
Family
Tuesday 22 December
Christmas Lottery Draw (Sorteo Extraordinario de Navidad)
The highly anticipated annual Christmas Lottery draw takes place. Tickets are sold from July until December 21.
Family
Thursday 24 December
Christmas Eve Party at Discoteca B12 Madrid
Celebrate Christmas Eve with commercial music and a fun atmosphere. Dress code: No sportswear, military attire, piercings (dilataciones), messy look, mohawk, or accentuated fade haircuts. No sleeveless shirts for men.
Night out
Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) - Public Transport Reduced Hours
Public transport will have reduced service hours on Christmas Eve, not resuming until 08:00 on Christmas Day. Ticket offices at the Auditorio Nacional de Música are closed. Matadero Madrid ice rink is also closed.
Free
Friday 25 December
Christmas Day (Natividad del Señor) - Public Holiday
Public holiday in Madrid. Most shops and services will be closed. Public transport resumes service from 08:00. Matadero Madrid ice rink is closed.
Saturday 26 December
CHRISTMASSY - Film Symphony Orchestra
Film Symphony Orchestra, directed by Constantino Martínez-Orts, performs beloved melodies from Christmas cinema in a live concert.
FamilySource: Mutick
All season
Madrid Christmas Lights Display
Madrid's streets, squares, and buildings are illuminated with millions of LED lights. The display covers over 250 locations across 21 districts, with famous spots including Gran Vía, Calle Serrano, and Puerta del Sol. Lights turn on at 18:00 daily.
FamilyFree
Mercado de Navidad de la Plaza Mayor
Madrid's most traditional Christmas market, featuring over 100 colorful stalls selling nativity figures, Christmas decorations, toys, and joke items. Open Sunday-Thursday 10:00-21:00, Friday, Saturday, and holiday eves 10:00-22:00.
FamilyFreeSource: Yosilose
La Navideña de Plaza de España (Christmas Market and Ice Rink)
This Christmas market includes about 40 stalls, a gastronomic area, and a natural ice rink of 600 m². The dates for 2025-2026 were Nov 27 to Jan 6, likely similar for 2026.
FamilySource: Yosilose
Belén Viviente de Buitrago del Lozoya
The 36th edition of this Living Nativity Scene, declared a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest. Visitors walk through 41 recreated biblical scenes along a 1,300-meter route within the medieval town.
FamilyFree
Belén Municipal de CentroCentro
A popular nativity scene by master artisan José Luis Mayo Lebrija, featuring two hundred pieces and a circular design. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10:30-19:00 (last entry). On December 24, 31, and January 5, hours are 10:30-13:00 (last entry).
FamilyFree
Cortylandia
A traditional animated musical show on the façade of El Corte Inglés, a beloved Christmas attraction for families.
FamilyFree
Belén de la Real Casa de Correos
This nativity scene is located in the Real Casa de Correos at Puerta del Sol. Free to visit.
FamilyFree
El Cascanueces by Ballet de Kiev
The prestigious Ballet de Kiev presents Tchaikovsky's classic ballet, 'The Nutcracker,' at the Teatro Lope de Vega, promising a magical Christmas experience.
Family
Feria Mercado de Artesanía de la Comunidad de Madrid
The 39th edition of the artisan market, featuring workshops and products made of ceramics, wood, textiles, metal, leather, and jewelry. Ideal for unique, handmade gifts.
Free
XXXII Grandes del Góspel de Madrid
The 32nd Festival of the Greats of Gospel brings together top international gospel groups. (Dates based on 2025-2026 program, 2026 dates expected to be similar).
Matadero Madrid Ice Rink
A 600 m² open-air ice rink suitable for all ages. Exhibitions by the Madrid Winter Sports Federation on December 23, 28, and 30 at 16:30. Closed on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1. Hours: 11:00-21:00 (Dec 23-Jan 8), 16:00-21:00 (Dec 19-22).
Family
Cibeles sobre Hielo (Ice Rink)
An indoor ice rink located in the stunning Crystal Gallery of the Palacio de Cibeles. Hours: 11:00-21:00. On December 24 & 31: 11:00-18:00. On December 25 & January 1: 17:00-21:00. On January 5: 11:00 to closing. On January 6: 12:00-21:00.
Family
El Cascanueces - Real Junior
Tchaikovsky's 'The Nutcracker' ballet, presented as part of the Real Junior series, designed to introduce opera, musical tales, and ballet to children and families.
FamilySource: Planomato
Mercadillo del Gato - Special Christmas Edition
A Christmas market set in an Art Nouveau building on Gran Vía, offering fashion, decoration, cosmetics, and jewelry from various exhibitors. Open 11:00-21:00.
Mercado de Diseño (Plaza de Azca) - Christmas Edition
An exhibition of new designers' creations, including activities for children, photo booths, and live music.
Family
Times and prices change, so check with the organiser before you go. Updated 31 Oct