Christmas plans in Madrid 2024: Things to do in Madrid at Christmas time

Madrid in December transforms itself to offer locals and visitors an unforgettable Christmas atmosphere. The city offers plans for all tastes, perfect to enjoy with family, friends or as a couple, from flea markets and Christmas lights to exclusive experiences. Here, from IQOS we propose you ideas of the best Christmas plans in Madrid to enjoy the holidays, with activities that capture the festive spirit. Take advantage of these dates and discover also different options of innovative gifts from IQOS.

The Christmas illumination in Madrid is a spectacle that attracts people from all over the world. Walk along Gran Vía, Serrano street and Paseo del Prado to admire the decorations and luminous figures. For a stroll through the capital, visit the Salamanca neighborhood or El Retiro Park, which is decorated with lights for the occasion. The Christmas buses, known as “Naviluz”, are the perfect option to enjoy the lights without suffering the cold of the night.

An essential plan for Christmas in Madrid is to visit its famous markets, which offer everything from decorations to Christmas delicacies. Among them, the Christmas Market in Plaza Mayor takes the fame, it is the perfect place to find handmade items, toys and traditional nativity scenes. Another outstanding destination is the Christmas Market of El Corte Inglés in Nuevos Ministerios, perfect for those looking for gourmet products and exclusive gifts. Discover here all the Christmas markets in Spain.

Madrid becomes a magical city in December, offering a variety of Christmas plans for couples. From walks under the Christmas lights to unforgettable dinners, the city offers unique plans to share. Discover also original gift ideas to surprise your partner this Christmas.

One of the most romantic activities for this season is ice skating. In Madrid, you will find several outdoor rinks that, illuminated by Christmas lights, create an enchanting atmosphere. The rink at Plaza de Colón, decorated with an impressive Christmas setting, is ideal to experience the magic of the season. You can also opt for the Palacio de Cibeles rink, which offers a spectacular view of the City Hall, right in the center of the city, and surrounded by other festive attractions.

Madrid has several themed restaurants that prepare exclusive menus for these dates, where traditional flavors are mixed with innovative proposals.

Some restaurants offer dinners with views of the illuminated city, creating a unique atmosphere. In neighborhoods like Malasaña or La Latina, you can find cozy restaurants that stand out for their creative gastronomic proposals. For a more complete experience, some restaurants offer wine pairings or Christmas cocktails to complete the experience.

Madrid at Christmas is also synonymous with culture. The theaters on Gran Vía present musicals and shows with Christmas themes, perfect for the whole family. In addition, museums organize special exhibitions and interactive activities for children. If you are looking for a different experience, visit the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas, where this year a Christmas park has been installed with activities and attractions for all ages.

For those who enjoy good food, Madrid offers several gourmet Christmas markets such as Mercado de San Miguel and Mercado de San Antón, where you can taste typical Christmas products from Spain and around the world. Try delicacies such as nougat, marzipan and wines, perfect to bring a touch of Christmas to the table or to give to loved ones.