Christmas is a season awaited by many: it is the time when the traditional flea markets return, the lights are installed in the streets… And in the case of the Community of Madrid, although we tend to focus on the capital, the region is extensive and in it you can find Christmas villages and towns with lots of charm.
It is a charm that does not depend on seasonality, but is maintained throughout the year, but some of them shine especially at this time of the year. Therefore, whether for a day or for a longer stay, these are some of the most beautiful Christmas villages and towns where you can experience a fairytale Christmas -or a movie- without leaving the region (or very close to it).
1. Alcalá de Henares
World Heritage Site, birthplace of Cervantes… And an essential stop to experience the Christmas season. Alcalá de Henares is always a safe bet and at Christmas time it is brimming with activity. As usual, the Plaza de Cervantes will be the epicenter of the festivities: the Christmas market, an ice skating rink, a carousel, ecological attractions, a railway train around a 20-meter high tree and a Ferris wheel are installed there.
In addition to the above, there are scheduled parades, workshops, recitals, concerts… and many other activities. You can consult the program in detail at this link.
2. Navacerrada
The villages of the mountains have a charm that at this time of the year is multiplied: they are covered with snow and turn places like Navacerrada into a beautiful winter postcard. This, together with the Christmas lights, creates a unique atmosphere that is worth experiencing first hand.
Among the Christmas activities programmed by the City Council there are flea markets, concerts, storytelling, a castanyada, bingo, workshops… But this year they have also added the Christmas Train.
This winter plan proposes a magical train ride from the village of Navacerrada to the Barranca Valley to visit La Casa de la Navidad. During the journey, families accompany the royal pages in an experience that includes activities, hot chocolate and the delivery of letters. The wagons decorated with lights and garlands go up through pine forests to a space set up in the middle of nature that looks like something out of a fairy tale.
3. Chinchón
Chinchón is, if not one of the best-known main squares, at least one of the most iconic of the entire Community of Madrid. Considered one of the most beautiful in Spain, and coupled with other attractions such as the Clock Tower, its traditional architecture or the gastronomic offer, it attracts year after year visitors from all corners: in 2021, in fact, it was the most visited town in Spain and this 2022 is on track to follow the same path.
Located just 50 kilometers from the capital, Chinchón – a place that, by the way, Wes Anderson chose as the setting for filming his movie Asteroid City –becomes a beautiful Christmas village during the winter. In which to enjoy its Christmas market in the Plaza Mayor and the decorations that adorn the facades of the houses, as well as activities such as concerts.
4. San Lorenzo de El Escorial
It is possible that, being from Madrid, you have made more than one express trip to San Lorenzo de El Escorial, but if none of them has been between December and January, there is a cause that justifies returning: its Monumental Nativity Scene, which occupies about 5,000 square meters of its historic center and has been declared a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest.
This giant nativity scene, which can be visited free of charge, has been installed for more than 25 years and has about 500 life-size figures, made of a wooden frame, covered with paper pulp and cloth and dressed in clothes that come from donations. If you want to know others, we have a guide to the nativity scenes in Madrid that you can not miss this Christmas. And an article with the rest of their Christmas program.
5. Buitrago de Lozoya
Buitrago de Lozoya is a classic in the articles about beautiful towns to visit in the Community of Madrid, and no wonder: this year National Geographic has awarded it the distinction of the third most beautiful town in Spain.
At Christmas, in addition to the fact that it tends to snow more frequently than in the capital, the town turns to its living nativity scene. This year marks the 35th anniversary of this Festival of Regional Tourist Interest, which can be seen on December 20 and 21. If you do not get tickets to see it, because they tend to sell out quickly, its medieval wall and castle surrounded by the Lozoya River are worth the trip there.
6. San Sebastian de los Reyes
The pilgrimage to Sanse is related, as in the case of Buitrago, with the nativity scenes, but this time because it is a Monumental Nativity Sc ene. It has more than 120 square meters and the Association of Nativity Scenes of San Sebastián de los Reyes has made it one of the most prestigious assemblies in Spain. The visit is completely free and you can take advantage of the trip to enjoy some of the other activities of its Christmas program.
Bonus tracks
Toledo
We know that it is neither a town nor a municipality and that it is not within the Community of Madrid, but given its proximity (about 50 minutes by car) and how spectacular it is at this time of year we can not fail to recommend a visit. Just strolling through the streets among its Christmas lights is worth the trip, but it also has a wide range of activities for these dates.
Shows and concerts have been programmed, there are festive attractions and traditions such as the migas (breadcrumbs) contest are back. The complete Christmas program can be consulted at this link.
Pedraza
Pedraza, a medieval village in Segovia, has been highlighted by National Geographic as the best place to enjoy Christmas near Madrid. With its cobblestone streets, stately homes and snowy landscapes, it is a good option to disconnect from the capital. On the other hand, its history as a wool village in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries has left a unique architectural legacy. In this article we tell you more about this charming village.