If when you see the Christmas classic The Holiday (2006, Nancy Meyer) the house you like the most is the English cottage with all snowy, the closest thing you can find near Madrid is Navacerrada, the town, not the port. This town transforms every December into one of the most magical destinations to experience Christmas in the mountains of Madrid.
This picturesque mountain village, nestled in the heart of the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, dresses its streets with lights, garlands and a careful decoration that turns every corner into a Christmas story scene. Its slate-roofed houses, its square and its natural environment under the snow invite you to immerse yourself in tradition, nature and the illusion of the holidays.
Christmas in Navacerrada
One of the great protagonists of the Christmas atmosphere in Navacerrada is its craft market, open from December 6 to January 7 in Doctor Gereda Square. There, the wooden booths bring together the creativity of local artisans: you can find pieces of pottery, jewelry, fashion, gourmet products, ornaments and small handmade gifts. Each day, the market is accompanied by music, concerts, shows and workshops for the whole family, as well as stands with sweets and roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate and typical local dishes.
The program is completed with Christmas concerts in the church and in the theater, craft workshops, storytelling and children’s activities designed for the little ones to learn and have fun while decorating the house or writing their letter to the Three Wise Men. On January 5, the traditional parade runs through the main streets and culminates in a snack with roscón and chocolate for everyone. Recreational and sporting activities, such as the chestnut festival, Christmas sweater contests, the San Silvestre and street entertainment, complete the offer of a town that beats to the rhythm of Christmas.