As a Madrid local, I can attest to fact that the cosmopolitan capital loves celebrating festivals and holidays, and Christmas is no exception. The city lights up, and thousands of locals and tourists crowd the streets to get a feel for the holiday magic. If you are thinking about experiencing the magic for yourself, keep reading for my holiday guide to Madrid.
Christmas Markets
Towards the end of November, Madrid transforms into a Christmas paradise. Christmas markets take over most major plazas around the city, where you can buy artisan gifts and treats. The most popular ones are at Plaza Mayor, Santo Domingo, and Plaza España. However, smaller markets appear throughout the city. Even Via Castellana is lined with wooden huts selling all kinds of handmade trinkets. Stop buy for that perfect ornament, or a unique gift for someone special.
The Lights
During the holidays, Madrid lights up with hundreds of fairy lights in all shapes and sizes. From the drop lights lining Calle Alcalá, to the giant Christmas tree in Sol, there is no corner of the city left untouched. If you would like to see all of the lights but the thought of exploring them all of foot seems daunting, then purchase a ticket to Naviluz. Naviluz is a double decker holiday bus that takes you on a tour of all of the magical lights around Madrid. The ride lasts about 50 minutes, and tickets are usually available the last week of November. Purchase your tickets early as they usually sell out in the first few days!
El Gordo Lottery
A huge tradition in Madrid, that I have yet to participate in, is the Christmas Lottery. Every December, thousands of people purchase their 20 euro lottery ticket for a chance to win the ultimate prize. Tickets come in packs of 10, and friends often share the 200 euro bundle in hopes of splitting the prize. The lottery stands in Sol are always full of people hoping to purchase the lucky numbers. The last day to buy the tickets is on December 21st as the city announces the winners on December 22nd.
Churros with Hot Chocolate
This may not necessarily be a Christmas tradition, as Churros are a popular snack all year round! However, a glass of thick creamy hot chocolate with a side of crunchy churros are the perfect solution for a cold December evening in Madrid. There are several Churrerias around Madrid, but the best one is without a doubt San Ginés. San Ginés is the oldest chocolateria in Madrid, open since 1894. It runs 24 hours, meaning you can go for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even for a midnight snack!
Preuvas in Sol
Every year thousands of spectators gather in Puerta de Sol, the heart of Madrid, to ring in the new year! With this tradition also comes the mandatory ritual of eating 12 grapes once the clock strikes midnight, and popping open a bottle of bubbly. However, similar to NYE in Times Square, in order to participate in these festivities you must be willing to wake up quite early, and spend all day outside in a queue.
If you have other plans with friends and family on the 31st, don’t fret! This is because Madrid has a sort of dress rehearsal on the 30th of December. The event is called Preuvas, but it works exactly the same! You still have to wait inline to get into Sol, but the crowds aren’t as overwhelming. Therefore, make sure to buy your grapes and your bubbly and get ready to celebrate New Years Eve in true Spanish fashion!
Roscon de Reyes
In several countries around the world, the holiday festivities are over after January 1st. Fortunately in Spain, the parties continue until January 6th, Three King’s Day. For those unaware of Three King’s Day, it is the day where the three Kings or the three wise men, visited Jesus and presented him with gifts. In fact, in Spain the tradition of giving gifts is done on January 6th instead of Christmas Day.
For this special holiday there is a typical dessert called Roscón de Reyes. Roscón is a sort of sweet bread in the shape of a giant donut, filled with cream or chocolate. Hidden inside the sweet pastry is a bean and a small king figurine. The person who finds the bean must pay for the Roscón. On the other hand, the lucky person who finds the king gets to be “King/Queen for the day” and wear the plastic crown all evening.
Cabalgata de Reyes
On January 6th most families gather round to open presents, and enjoy the final day of the holidays. The event not to be missed is the annual parade, called la Cabalgata de Reyes. The parade ends in Cibeles with concerts and a word from the Mayor. For those who wish to attend the parade, you must head early to Via Castellana to grab a spot. However, if you prefer to watch it from the comforts of your own home, you can catch it on any local television channel!
If a trip to Madrid is on your radar for the future, make sure to plan it around the holidays! From the numerous Christmas markets, endless light displays and continuous festivities, you will not be short of things to do. I hope my holiday guide for how to spend Christmas in Madrid gives you a fun itinerary for your next visit!
Safe Travels,
Vip <3