What to see in Madrid at Christmas in 2023: A guide to enjoy the magic of the city

November 24, 2023

Would you like to spend an unforgettable Christmas in Madrid? The capital of Spain transforms into a dreamlike setting every year, full of lights, colors, music, and fun. There are plans for all tastes and ages, from strolling through illuminated streets, visiting Christmas markets, ice skating, attending circus or theater shows, to participating in the most popular traditions, such as the Lottery, San Silvestre (New Year's Eve race), New Year's Eve grapes, or the Three Kings' Parade. In this article, we tell you what to see in Madrid at Christmas in 2023, pointing out streets, places where there will be Christmas markets, trees, best lights, and much more. Keep reading and discover how to live a magical experience in Madrid.

Madrid is a city that always has something to offer, but at Christmas, it becomes even more special. The city is adorned with spectacular lighting, which can be admired from November 23 to January 7. In addition, numerous cultural, leisure, and festive activities are organized, making Madrid an ideal destination to enjoy these special dates. Whether with family, as a couple, or with friends, Madrid awaits you with open arms for you to experience a fairytale Christmas. Below, we give you some ideas of what to see in Madrid at Christmas in 2023 so that you don't miss anything this city has to offer.

Christmas Lights in Madrid

One of the most impressive attractions of Christmas in Madrid is the lights that decorate its streets and squares. Every year, the City Council incorporates novelties and original designs, turning Christmas lighting into a unique spectacle. Some of the most emblematic areas that light up include Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de Cibeles, Plaza de Colón, Paseo de la Castellana, Paseo del Prado, or the Temple of Debod. Additionally, other areas join the festive lights, such as the Salamanca neighborhood, the Literary Quarter, Lavapiés, Malasaña, or Chueca. To see the Christmas lights, you can choose to walk, bike, drive, or take the Naviluz, a double-decker panoramic bus that tours the city center at night.

Christmas Markets in Madrid

Another essential plan for Christmas in Madrid is to visit the markets that are set up in different parts of the city. The most famous and traditional one is the Plaza Mayor Market, where you can find all kinds of decorations, figurines, nativity scenes, sweets, and gifts. This market takes place from November 24 to December 31 and has more than 100 stalls. Other markets worth visiting include the Crafts Market at Plaza de España, the Design Market at Matadero Madrid, the Railway Museum Christmas Market, the Plaza de Oriente Christmas Market, the Plaza de Santa Cruz Christmas Market, or the Plaza de Santo Domingo Christmas Market. In these markets, you can find artisanal, original, ecological, and solidarity products, as well as enjoy live music, workshops, and activities for children.

Ice Skating Rinks in Madrid at Christmas

If you enjoy ice skating, Madrid offers several options to practice this fun and festive sport. One of the largest and most popular rinks is located in Plaza de Colón, with an area of 800 square meters and open from November 23 to January 7. Other rinks you can find include Plaza de la Luna, Plaza de Callao, Plaza de Azca, Plaza de Felipe II, or Plaza de la Remonta. Additionally, this year features a very special novelty: the Christmas on Ice rink, a show that combines skating, music, lights, and special effects, held at the Palacio de Deportes de la Comunidad de Madrid. In this spectacle, you can see the world's best skaters performing the Nutcracker story, and you can also skate on the rink before or after the show.

Christmas Shows in Madrid

Madrid is a city that offers a wide variety of shows of all kinds, and Christmas is no exception. There are options for all tastes and ages, including musicals, theater, dance, magic, comedy, cinema, or concerts. Some of the highlighted shows you can see in Madrid at Christmas in 2023 are:

Circo Price at Christmas: The Worlds of Price. The Circo Price Theater becomes a magical stage where different worlds and characters, such as toys, fairy tales, stars, or dreams, mix together. A circus, music, humor, and fantasy show that will delight the whole family.
Pixar World. On December 5, Madrid will open the doors to one of the major events of this Christmas. It is an interactive and multimedia exhibition that reviews the history and secrets of Pixar films, such as Toy Story, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Coco, or Soul. A journey through the Pixar universe that allows you to see characters, scenarios, sketches, and original objects from the films up close, as well as participate in activities and games.
WAH Madrid. If you like electronic music, you can't miss this festival, which will take place on December 31 at the IFEMA fairground. An event that will bring together the best DJs and artists from the national and international scene, such as Carl Cox, Charlotte de Witte, Amelie Lens, Paco Osuna, Anna Tur, or Deborah de Luca. A way to bid farewell to the year in style, dancing and enjoying the best music.

Christmas Traditions in Madrid

Madrid is also a city that preserves and celebrates its Christmas traditions, which are part of its identity and culture. Some of the most popular and rooted traditions you can experience in Madrid at Christmas in 2023 are:

The Christmas Lottery. On December 22, the most awaited and famous lottery draw in Spain takes place, distributing millions of euros in prizes. Thousands of people follow the draw live from the Royal Theater, where the San Ildefonso children sing the numbers and prizes. The excitement and joy spread throughout the city, and it is common to see the lucky winners celebrating their fortune with champagne, hugs, and chants.
The San Silvestre Vallecana. On December 31, the most famous and crowded popular race in Spain takes place, covering 10 kilometers through the streets of Madrid, from the Santiago Bernabéu stadium to the Vallecas stadium. More than 40,000 people participate in this sports and festive event, which has two modalities: a popular one and a professional one. Many runners take the opportunity to dress up and unleash their imagination and humor. The San Silvestre Vallecana is a way to bid farewell to the year by exercising and having a good time.
New Year's Eve Grapes. On the night of December 31, thousands of people gather in Puerta del Sol to welcome the new year to the sound of the clock chimes. The tradition involves eating 12 grapes, one for each chime, and making a wish for each one. It is said that this ensures good luck for the coming year. Puerta del Sol is filled with joy, confetti, hats, noisemakers, and bottles of cava, creating a festive and celebratory atmosphere.
The Three Kings' Parade. On January 5, the eve of Three Kings' Day, Madrid hosts the largest and most spectacular parade in Spain, which travels through the city's main streets, from Nuevos Ministerios to Plaza de Cibeles. The parade involves more than 2,000 people, including floats, artists, musicians, dancers, acrobats, and volunteers, creating a colorful, bright, and magical procession. The Three Wise Men, Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthasar, are the protagonists, throwing candies and gifts to the eagerly waiting children. The parade ends with a fireworks display and a message from the Three Kings from City Hall.

Conclusion

Madrid is a city that dresses up for Christmas and offers a myriad of plans and proposals to enjoy these special dates. From Christmas lighting, turning Madrid into a fairytale city, to markets, ice rinks, shows, traditions, and much more. Madrid is a city that will surprise you, move you, and make you live an unforgettable Christmas. Don't hesitate and come to discover what to see in Madrid at Christmas in 2023. We await you with open arms. Merry Christmas! 🎄