Christmas plans in Madrid make use of all kinds of illusions: those awakened by Christmas Eve with Santa Claus, the family Christmas meal, the days off to rest, the grapes on New Year’s Eve and, of course, the three Wise Men with their clothes, roscones and gifts.
Far from what many may think, the events that occupy these dates have a lot to do with sharing, leisurely recreation and stroll under an exceptional sky of lights. Here’s how we tell you about the new Christmas season.
Christmas Lights 2025 in Madrid
Madrid welcomes Christmas 2025 with an even more spectacular display of lights. This year, the switch-on will be held on November 22 in Plaza de Cibeles, which takes over from Puerta del Sol as the epicenter of the inauguration. More than 13 million LED bulbs will illuminate 240 points in the 21 districts, covering 157 kilometers of streets and incorporating 126 cherry trees, 13 giant fir trees and thousands of energy-saving garlands.
Highlights include new designs by renowned designers and elementary school children, as well as the use of warmer tones and sustainable structures that seek to create an enveloping and festive atmosphere. The lighting will remain on until January 6, consolidating Madrid as a reference in art, tradition and creativity during the holidays.
📍 Location: different locations
🗓️ Dates: from November 22nd, 2025
Christmas Markets
The best-known Christmas markets in Madrid start in mid-November and last until early January, such as the one in Plaza Mayor or Plaza de España. If you want to get out of the classic, the city is full of pop ups and there are usually other themed markets such as the Xmas Shop of the florist Sally Hambleton or the Mercadillo del Gato at The Westin Palace with accessories, jewelry, jewelry, crafts, cosmetics … Among many others that are scattered around the city.
Location: different locations
Skating on the ice rinks
Although there are permanent ice rinks, Christmas -and the cold of this season- brings to the center of Madrid the possibility of skating outdoors. The usual rinks are those in Plaza de Colón and Plaza de España, which also have a market around with food and crafts to complete the festive plan. The Matadero rinks, where there will be exhibitions by the Madrid Winter Sports Federation, and the one at the Cibeles Palace, with 400 m², are also usually extended until the beginning of January.
Various locations
Have one of the best roscones in the city.
The roscón de Reyes is the quintessential Christmas sweet. In Madrid there are bakeries where they elaborate it with mastery. You can choose between the classic, which has candied fruit and almonds laminated on top, and more innovative versions, with cream, chocolate, cream or even pink panther.
Several locations
Nativity scenes
The most traditional Christmas plan. Nativity scenes are part of the typical itinerary of the outings and routes through the city at this time of the year. There are two aspects: the traditional representations that for example can be seen in the City Hall of Madrid or the Museum of History of Madrid, with its hundreds of clay figures, and the more alternative versions are in light format in Plaza de España and floral crafts in the Casa de Mexico Foundation.
Location: Various locations
Having churros with chocolate
After walking in the cold through the illuminated streets, visiting the Christmas markets and buying some gifts, it’s time to sit down for a drink: churros with chocolate is what the body is asking for these days.
Chocolatería San Ginés(Pasadizo de San Ginés, 5) is an infallible classic. But if you want to try a modernized version and almost as traditional as the typical churrerías, try Manosanta (Calle Hermosilla, 97).
Location: Various locations
Navipark: the Christmas theme park in Móstoles.
Navipark 2025 returns to Móstoles from November 22 to January 6 with a Christmas proposal full of light, festivities and experiences for everyone. Located in Finca Liana Park, its great success is the new indoor ice rink with disco on skates, a 30-meter Ferris wheel, more than 40 attractions and Santa Claus Village.
The enclosure triples the number of luminous figures and expands its gourmet area, and incorporates inclusive measures for people with sensory sensitivities. It is thus consolidated as one of the hot spots to experience Christmas in the Community of Madrid.
📍 Location: Finca Liana Park, Móstoles.
🗓️ Dates:November 22 to January 6
MAVIDAD Bernabéu
The Santiago Bernabéu stadium will host MAVIDAD, a huge Christmas event from December 24 to 31, with the world’s largest snow globe and a varied program of shows, music, workshops and restaurants. Visitors will be able to tour themed areas such as the Plaza de los Sueños or the Galería de los Copos, while the renovated façade will become a screen for videomapping projections.
Tickets will be available from November 7 on the official website and there will be limited seating with three daily passes.
📍 Location: Santiago Bernabéu Stadium
🗓️ Dates: from December 24 to December 31