When planning to celebrate Christmas in Madrid, travelers are better off coming here a little earlier - in the pre-Christmas time they will see the transformation of the city and feel the festive spirit on the streets of December Madrid (nativity scenes, concerts, shows).
Features of the celebration of Christmas in Madrid
The official opening of the Christmas period in Madrid kicks off on 18 November, when a light show and fireworks are held outside the Palacio de Cibeles City Hall at 20:00. The city at this time is decorated with illumination, and those who are tired or who do not like walking can move around the city on the Navibus Christmas bus.
The holiday itself (December 25) is celebrated with the family - the Spaniards eat turkey with mushrooms, seafood and champagne. Locals and tourists alike can attend Christmas dinners from mid-December. So, you can visit the restaurant "El Glass Bar" in the hotel "Urban".
Entertainment and celebrations in Madrid
The city offers its guests to view exhibitions with scenes of the Nativity in the Museum of the History of Madrid, the cultural center of Fernando Fernan Gomez, the Museum of San Isidro. And with children, you should look into the El Corte Ingles department store - here an original nativity scene is set up for them using animated characters in the form of fairies, animals, and friendly monsters.
Parents should delight little tourists with the exciting Adventure of King Bubi and Perez the Mouse and let them “experience” the Christmas Traditions route, during which children will get acquainted with Madrid's holiday traditions and taste sweets. As for adult travelers, they are invited to go on a tour of “Historical henés” (biblical Christmas scenes in the form of sculptures and models) - they will be taken to the Basilica of San Miguel and the Royal Palace to admire the Madrid henés.
December 23 - January 8 with children it is worth visiting the Conde Duque cultural center - for them the City of Children opens here, and various events are held.
On January 5, those who wish will have a chance to see the Cavalcade of the Magi - a costume procession with the Magi - Balthasar, Melchior and Kaspar (they throw sweets to the children) will appear before their eyes.
Christmas markets in Madrid
By visiting the Christmas markets and markets at Plaza de la Santa Cruz and Plaza Mayor (November 29 - December 30), visitors will be able to acquire a variety of gifts, nativity scenes, home decorations, and traditional Spanish goods.
December 14 - January 5, the Feria de Navidad Christmas fair in Plaza Espana functions (except for January 1 and December 25) - here they sell leather goods, ceramics, jewelry and ornaments, figurines and toys.
Although discount sales in Madrid do not start until January 2nd, visit El Corte Ingles department store during Christmas time.
