Christmas in Madrid 2025: lights, markets, plans and events to enjoy this holiday season

Christmas in Madrid 2025 is here, and as every year, the city lights up with plans, markets, shows and activities for all ages.

From the official lights-switching on to the Three Kings Parade Madrid 2026, Madrid once again combines tradition, gastronomy, culture and thousands of proposals throughout all its districts.

If you live in Madrid — or are planning to visit the capital this season — here is the updated guide with everything you shouldn’t miss this Christmas 2025.

Madrid Christmas lights switch-on

The festive lighting was switched on 22 November at 19:30 in Plaza de Cibeles, officially launching this year’s Christmas season

This year Madrid features:

• Over 240 illuminated locations.
• Christmas trees at iconic points.
• New lighting designs on Gran Vía, Plaza de España and the Alcalá-Cibeles axis.
• Special lighting across neighbourhood and shopping areas.

Lighting schedule 2025:

• Sunday to Thursday: 18:00 – 00:00

• Fridays and Saturdays: 18:00 – 01:00

• 24 & 31 December: until 03:00

• 5 January: until 06:00

Famous areas to admire the lights

• Gran Vía
• Calle Alcalá – Cibeles
• Puerta del Sol
• Plaza Mayor
• Salamanca – Serrano
• Chamartín
• Arganzuela – Madrid Río
• Centro Comercial Plaza Río 2

Christmas markets in Madrid 2025

A classic: the Mercadillo de la Plaza Mayor — the perfect spot for nativity figurines, Christmas trees, decorations, fun items and more. Expect atmosphere, street performers, crafts and more. Don’t miss it. Also notable: the Artisan Market along Paseo de Recoletos (between Colón and Cibeles), and at Plaza de España the event La Navideña — combining a market with an ice rink.

Plaza Mayor Market

27 November – 31 December
One of the symbols of Christmas in Madrid. More than 100 stalls with nativity scenes, decorations, top hats, gifts and a traditional atmosphere.

Other markets:

• Craft Market Fair (Paseo de Recoletos)
• Special Christmas Design Market
• Pop-up markets in neighbourhoods and cultural centres
• Food markets with sweets and artisan products

Perfect for those seeking original gifts or quality craftsmanship.

Ice rinks and outdoor activities

Madrid is once again installing ice rinks at key locations around the city. Needless to say, this quintessential children’s activity is such a special part of Christmas in Madrid that we could almost label it our “favourite”. From 25 November to 11 January, Plaza de España will host its large 600 m2 outdoor natural ice rink.

Other ice rinks:

• Matadero Madrid
• Palacio de Cibeles – Galería de Cristal

You will also find:

• Carousels
• Children’s games
• Family activities in cultural centres
• Outdoor concerts and shows

Christmas Train (Madrid Underground)

All aboard! One of the most popular plans for families is back again this year. The Madrid Metro Christmas Train runs on different lines with special decorations, Christmas carols and activities for children. From 20 December to 6 January (except 24, 25 and 31 December, and 1 January), offering two trips a day.

Cortylandia 2025

If there is one thing that no child in Madrid will have missed, it is Cortylandia, the animated children’s show that El Corte Inglés installs on the façade of its Preciados centre, very close to Puerta del Sol. It is advisable to go early and be patient, as it is usually very crowded. The new edition, which runs from 22 November to 5 January 2026, invites the public to take a trip on the magical ‘Cortylandia Express’.

Three Kings Parade Madrid 2026

The kings are coming! The Three Kings visit all the houses in Madrid from 5 to 6 January, but the afternoon before, they parade through the streets in a spectacular procession. On 5 January 2026, starting at 6 p.m., the parade will begin in the Plaza de Nuevos Ministerios, continue along the Paseo de la Castellana and the Paseo de Recoletos, and end in the Plaza de Cibeles, where there will be a fireworks display and a message from the Three Kings. Have you been good?

Tips for enjoying Christmas in Madrid

If you are a Proinca tenant, the festive season is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the city and its Christmas atmosphere just a stone’s throw from home. Many of our buildings are close to the main areas of lights and entertainment.

Recommendations:

• Avoid rush hour in Plaza Mayor and Gran Vía (weekends in the afternoon/evening).
• If you want to see the lights at a leisurely pace, choose weekdays.
• Wear comfortable shoes: many activities are spread throughout the city.
• If you fancy a sweet treat, head to San Ginés for some churros with chocolate.

If you want to experience Christmas in Madrid close to the main attractions, check out our flats for rent in Madrid.

Happy Holidays!