Christmas arrives in Madrid with candlelight concerts at the Círculo de Bellas Artes, the Wellington Hotel, and more: Candlelight has confirmed its Christmas program

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Marina Carrasco

 –  Staff Writer

 ·  November 13, 2026

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We already know when the Christmas lights will be turned on this year, the new Lottery ad, and the Christmas markets in Madrid. It’s November, but the air is already filled with the irresistible aroma of roasted chestnuts. But there’s no Christmas without concerts, and the capital is an expert at hosting them. Especially the Candlelight concerts, which this holiday season will take place at some of Madrid’s most famous venues.

From a Baroque gem in Habsburg-era Madrid to a luxury hotel in the Salamanca neighborhood or one of the capital’s most renowned cultural institutions, this year there are five confirmed venues where you can immerse yourself in live music and thousands of candles: the Pontifical Basilica of San Miguel, the Paraninfo at the Complutense University, the Círculo de Bellas Artes, the Church of Comillas University, and the Wellington Hotel.

Christmas Classics at the Basilica of San Miguel, the Círculo de Bellas Artes, and the Church of Comillas

The true Christmas classics. “Los peces en el río,” “Campana sobre campana,” “El tamborilero,” Silent Night… the timeless Christmas carols are joined by more classical pieces like the Waltz of the Flowers from *The Nutcracker* or Winter from Vivaldi’s *The Four Seasons*. Melodies we all know, performed in this concert by a live string quartet. The perfect choice for anyone who’s been humming Christmas carols since before Black Friday.

📍Pontifical Basilica of San Miguel (Calle de San Justo, 4)
📍Círculo de Bellas Artes (Calle de Alcalá, 42)
📍Church of Comillas (Calle de Alberto Aguilera, 23)

Christmas Soundtracks at the Complutense University Auditorium

Are you one of those people who’s been waiting for Netflix’s Christmas rom-coms since August? This tribute pays homage to the songs from some of the most famous films of this season, from *The Grinch* to *The Polar Express*. The repertoire includes “White Christmas,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” Believe from *The Polar Express*, the suite from *The Nightmare Before Christmas*, and Christmas Time Is Here from *A Charlie Brown Christmas*.

📍Calle de San Bernardo, 49

Christmas and New Year’s Concert at the Wellington Hotel

If January 1st at your house starts with the Vienna concert on TV, you’ve already got your dad’s Three Kings Day gift. A string quartet performs waltzes and polkas by the Strauss family: “The Blue Danube,” “Voices of Spring,” “Wiener Blut,” the “Pizzicato Polka,” and the Radetzky March—the only one on the list composed by Johann Strauss Sr. (yes, the one we all applaud from our living rooms). A New Year’s concert in Madrid, with the grapes already digested.

📍Calle de Velázquez, 8

Looking for Christmas gifts this year?

We might have an idea of this year’s Christmas Eve dinner menu, but we always leave the gift shopping for last (we’re only human). But what if this year we keep our stress levels low and get all that sorted out by November? Experiences are always a hit, and the Candlelight gift card is valid for any concert in Spain for one year from the date of purchase. And it’s live music by candlelight… it’s practically impossible not to be moved by it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the Candlelight Christmas concerts in Madrid?

The “Christmas Classics” concert takes place at the Pontifical Basilica of San Miguel, the Círculo de Bellas Artes, and the Church of Comillas University. The “Christmas Soundtracks” concert is held at the Paraninfo of Complutense University, and the “Christmas and New Year’s Concert” takes place at the Wellington Hotel.

How long does a Candlelight concert last?

All concerts typically last about 60 minutes. Doors open 45 minutes before the concert, and admission is not permitted once the concert has begun.

What should you wear?

There’s no specific dress code. Most of the audience tends to dress up but still keep it casual.

Is there a minimum age requirement?

Yes, the concerts are for people ages 8 and up.

How does the Candlelight gift card work?

When you purchase it, you’ll receive an email with the code and a printable version. The recipient must open the Fever app (it doesn’t work in a browser), go to Profile → Coupons → “Add Coupon,” and apply it when purchasing tickets. It’s valid for any Candlelight concert in Spain for one year from the date of purchase.

To see the lights and stroll through the Christmas markets, you don’t need to plan anything, but concert tickets (especially for the Candlelight concerts) tend to sell out quickly this time of year, so we recommend booking in advance. Especially since seating is limited.

And if this year’s Secret Santa draw looks like it’s going to be a real headache because you’ve ended up with the cousin of a friend of a cousin, a Candlelight gift card might be the solution that saves you from having to ask every person in the group and ending up buying something you’re not convinced about. And who doesn’t love getting a concert as a gift?