There’s something absolutely magical about Madrid in December. Normally, Madrid is rarely on the top of the list of tourists who are visiting Spain. I know most tourists opt for Barcelona. But this fully changes during the holiday season. The reason is simple: Madrid does Christmas differently than most European capitals.
The whole city transforms into this wonderland of lights, the smell of roasted chestnuts and churros fills the air, and suddenly every plaza has a story to tell. In this guide, I’ll talk about anything and everything you need to know about the Madrid Christmas markets in 2025.
This will be my 6th holiday season in Madrid, and trust me when I tell you. I have all the answers. I’ve got all the official dates, the best times to visit (trust me, timing matters!), and plenty of insider tips to help you experience the festive season like a local.
Let’s dive in!
The Main Christmas Markets in Madrid
Madrid’s Christmas market scene is wonderfully diverse. You’ve got the centuries-old tradition at Plaza Mayor, modern winter villages with ice rinks, and everything in between. Let me break down the best ones.
1. Plaza Mayor: The Heart of Madrid’s Christmas
- – Location: Plaza Mayor
- – Opening dates: November 27 to December 31
- – Opening hours: 10 AM to 9 PM on weekdays, and 10 AM to 10 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holiday eves
- – Best time to visit: Visit on a weekday morning between 10:00 and 12:00 if you want to actually browse without being shoulder-to-shoulder with half of Madrid. If you prefer the atmosphere with all the lights glowing, come around sunset (roughly 18:00), but be prepared for crowds.
This is the Christmas market in Madrid. The one everyone talks about, the one that’s been running for centuries (literally), and honestly? It lives up to the hype.
Plaza Mayor is a landmark location all year round, but Plaza Mayor Christmas Market is something else. The market consists of 104 red wooden stalls set up right in the heart of this iconic square, surrounded by those beautiful Habsburg-era buildings. And yes, it’s as picturesque as it sounds. It is one of the best Christmas markets I have ever seen, ever.
Now, what makes this market special is the belén tradition. Most stalls sell tiny figurines, moss, cork mountains, and everything you need to build a nativity scene at home. Spanish families take their belenes seriously, and some have been adding pieces for generations.
Now, I never for once attempted to start my own, but it is always fascinating to browse what has been already built. Some families set up their displays on the same spot every year, and they even have regular visitors following up on their progress as they add new pieces. This tradition is absolutely huge, I am telling you!
Plaza Mayor Christmas Market also has the artículos de broma stalls, which are my favorites! These stalls are dedicated entirely to joke items for the Day of the Holy Innocents on December 28 (think Spain’s version of April Fools’ Day). It’s seriously crazy. You can find all sorts of things here: wigs, foam hammers, stink bombs, the works. It’s chaotic and wonderful. Not super Christmas-y, yes, but extremely fun!
2. Plaza de España (La Navideña): Winter Wonderland Vibes
- – Location: Plaza de España, Madrid
- – Opening dates: November 23, 2025 to January 6, 2026
- – Best time to visit: Weekday afternoons for shorter ice rink queues. Buy rink tickets online in advance if possible to skip the physical queue.
If Plaza Mayor is all about century-long traditions, La Navideña at Plaza de España is its modern, activity-packed cousin. This one feels less like a Christmas market and more like a proper Winter Village, and I mean that in the best way.
Here, you’ll find around 40 artisan and food stalls, but let’s be honest: the real star is the ice rink. I am talking about a 450m² natural ice rink right in the middle of Plaza de España. I’m telling you, the Spanish are not lazy when it comes to Christmas. They literally set up this massive ice rink just for the holiday season! It’s gorgeous, especially at night with all the lights. A 30-minute session costs around €7–€9, and heads up: gloves are mandatory, so bring your own or you’ll have to buy some there.
Now, I must talk about my favorite part in this market: The food. It is excellent. You can find traditional Christmas bites in all Christmas Markets in Madrid, but the food variety in Plaza de España is by far the richest. In addition to traditional food items, you can also find hot dogs, burgers, and of course, chocolate con churros (they are to die for). I always end up spending more time eating than shopping here, if I’m being completely honest with you.
The vibe is definitely more family-oriented and modern compared to Plaza Mayor. If you’re traveling with kids who might get bored looking at nativity figurines, this is your spot. They can skate, you can browse the stalls, everyone wins!
3. Mercadillo del Museo Reina Sofía: Art Meets Christmas
- – Location: Plaza de Juan Goytisolo (right next to the Reina Sofía Museum and Atocha station)
- – Opening dates: November 30, 2025 to January 5, 2026
- – Best time to visit: Pair it with the museum’s free entry hours (Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 19:00 to 21:00, and on Sunday from 12:30 to 14:30).
This market has a completely different energy from the others. The vibe here is artsy and slightly alternative, which makes total sense given its location right next to one of Madrid’s most important contemporary art museums.
You’ll find international crafts, unique jewelry, and plenty of sweet treats here. It’s smaller and more curated than Plaza Mayor, which might be a good thing, to be honest. You won’t feel overwhelmed, and the quality of what’s on offer is genuinely impressive.
Now, here’s what I would do if I wanted to visit this Christmas market: I’d combine this market with a visit to the Reina Sofía Museum to see the original Guernica. Seriously, it’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime art experiences, and if you time it right with the free entry hours, you get culture and Christmas shopping in one go.
Start with the museum, let Picasso blow your mind, then step outside and browse the stalls with a cup of something warm in your hand. Perfect afternoon, if you ask me!
4. El Corte Inglés Castellana
- – Location: Parking lot of the Nuevos Ministerios store (Paseo de la Castellana)
- – Opening dates: November 14, 2025 to January 5, 2026
- – Best time to visit: Evenings for the light show, which runs every 30 minutes from around 18:00 to 23:00.
Now, this one is a bit different. El Corte Inglés Castellana is not your typical Christmas market in a historic plaza. It’s set up in the parking lot of the famous department store chain, El Corte Inglés, which sounds unromantic, I know. But trust me, it is worth a visit.
The vibe here is high-end foodie market meets Christmas lights. You’ll find gourmet food trucks, and gourmet-mixed street food stalls. This place often features concepts like Dabiz Muñoz’s GoXo (it’s a Michelin-star street food!) alongside other fancy options. If you’re a foodie, this is your Christmas market.
Although, in my opinion, this place falls more on the “gourmet, artisanal food market with Christmas theme”, rather than a Christmas market. If you are in Madrid for a short time, and you don’t have time to visit all the Christmas markets I am listing here, I’d suggest you skip this one and opt for the other ones. The one Christmasy thing about this market is the light show. Every 30 minutes, there’s a musical light show projected onto the building’s face.
There are some other perks to this market in addition to the amazing gourmet food scene: It is also incredibly practical for families. There are small attractions for kids, and here’s the best part: parking is easy! You can use the underground store parking and avoid the nightmare of finding a spot in central Madrid during the holiday season. If you’re driving around with kids and shopping bags, this is a lifesaver.
5. Madrid Río: Riverside Festivities
- – Location: Behind the Matadero cultural center
- – Opening dates: Early December 2025 to January 7, 2026
- – Best time to visit: Evenings, when the artificial snow falls in the Matadero square (usually around 18:00) and the whole area lights up.
If you want to escape the city center crowds, Madrid Río is one of the most underrated spots for holiday festivities in Madrid. It is a bit far from the city, next to the river. But the whole area ransforms into a spacious open-air Christmas village, which is worth seeing.
The market is part of a larger event called “Madrid, Navidad de Encuentro,” which often features a guest country (like Italy, Colombia) hosting cultural stalls and performances. So you’re not just getting Christmas markets here, you’re getting concerts, workshops, DJ sets, and all kinds of free events throughout the season.
There is also an ice rink, bigger than the one in Plaza de España! It is located at Matadero and around 600m², which makes it one of the largest outdoor rinks in the city. And the best part? Every evening, they have a snow machine that blankets the Matadero square in artificial snow. Is it a bit cheesy? Yes. Do I love it anyway? Absolutely.
Kid-Friendly Christmas Activities in Madrid
I know I mentioned about two ice rinks, and said the Christmas Market in Plaza de España is the best choice for some Christmasy fun with little ones. But, it is not your only option! Here’s some other stuff you can do in Madrid during Christmas with kids:
1. Ice Skating
Madrid sets up multiple ice rinks across the city during the holidays, and kids absolutely love them. Your best options are:
- – Matadero Madrid: The largest outdoor rink in the city (around 600m²), very atmospheric with the riverside setting.
- – Plaza de España: Convenient but can get crowded. Great if you’re already visiting La Navideña market.
- – Plaza de Colón: Often called the “Javier Fernández” rink (named after the Olympic skater). This one usually includes a carousel and DJ, so it’s extra fun for kids.
- – Cibeles (Galería de Cristal): An indoor rink under a spectacular glass dome. Price is around €6.50 plus skate rental. Perfect if the weather isn’t cooperating!
2. Cortylandia
This is a Madrid childhood rite of passage, I’m telling you. Cortylandia is a massive animated puppet show displayed on the walls of El Corte Inglés on Calle Preciados. It runs from November 22, 2025 to January 5, 2026, and the shows play every 15 minutes (usually at 12:00, 13:00, 14:00 and then from 17:00 to 21:00). Each show lasts about 15 minutes, and it’s completely free.
3. Christmas Shows for Kids
Madrid has some fantastic holiday performances for families:
- – Teatro Circo Price: This is the premier Christmas circus production in Madrid. It runs from November 21, 2025 to January 6, 2026. The show is theatrical, acrobatic, and story-driven (no animals), so it’s perfect for kids of all ages.
- – Circo Raluy Legacy: A vintage circus that sometimes tours during the season. Worth checking if they’re in town!
4. Creative Workshops
If your kids are the crafty type, several venues offer holiday workshops:
- – Matadero: Their “Espacio de los Lectores” hosts storytelling sessions and craft activities during the season.
- – Museo del Prado and Thyssen: Both museums run special holiday art workshops for children. Heads up: these book out weeks in advance, so plan ahead!
5. Parque de Atracciones: Winterland
Madrid’s main amusement park transforms into “Winterland” from December 6, 2025 to January 4, 2026. The whole park gets decorated with lights, there’s a Santa’s Grotto, holiday parades, and all the festive atmosphere you could want. Just note that some water rides may be closed due to the cold.
Weather in Madrid During Christmas
Now, I feel obligated to warn you: Madrid in December is cold. Not Scandinavian cold, but cold enough that you’ll want to dress properly, especially if you’re planning to spend hours wandering around outdoor markets!
The average temperatures are around 10°C (50°F) during the day and drop to about 4°C (39°F) at night. But here’s the thing about Madrid: it’s at a high altitude and the air is dry, so those evening temperatures feel bone-chilling. Mornings are crisp and often frosty, mid-day can be surprisingly sunny and pleasant, and then the cold hits hard again after sunset.
When it comes to what to wear, a nice coat, a warm scarf, and comfortable walking boots are essential. Layers are your best friend here because the shops and metro have the heating cranked up, so you’ll be sweating indoors and freezing outdoors. Gloves are a must if you’re planning to ice skate (remember, they’re mandatory at most rinks).
Tips for the Best Christmas Market Experience in Madrid
After six holiday seasons in this city, I’ve learned a thing or two about navigating the Christmas chaos. Here’s everything I wish someone had told me before my first December in Madrid:
- – Beat the crowds: Avoid Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol on Saturday nights or during the long weekend of December 6 – 8 (it’s a national holiday). Weekday mornings between 10:00 and 12:00 are your sweet spot. During peak times, police implement one-way pedestrian traffic on streets like Calle Preciados, so just follow the arrows.
- – Money matters: Cash is essential for small stalls at Plaza Mayor. Food trucks and bigger shops accept cards. Avoid Euronet ATMs (ridiculous fees!) and use bank ATMs instead (CaixaBank, BBVA, Santander).
- – Where to warm up: Chocolatería San Ginés is the classic, open 24/7 with churros and hot chocolate. El Riojano on Calle Mayor is a stunning historic pastry shop perfect for a coffee break.
- – Photography spots: Plaza Mayor’s arches framing the lights are magical. For Gran Vía and the Metropolis Building, shoot from the fork at Calle Alcalá. Hotel Riu Plaza España’s rooftop (€5 – €10 entry) offers 360° sunset views.
- – Storage options: Don’t want to lug bags around? Try Locking Madrid (Plaza Puerta Cerrada, 13) or Stow Your Bags (Calle Costanilla de Santiago, 2), both near Plaza Mayor.
- – Local etiquette: A simple “Hola” and “Gracias” go a long way. They know you are tourists, and they will appreciate your efforts! Aslo, haggling isn’t a thing at Christmas markets here, so don’t try it!
Christmas in Madrid: Now It’s Your Turn
Madrid really does Christmas differently, and that’s exactly what makes it special. If you are short on time, I suggest: don’t try to do everything. Pick a couple of markets, wander without a strict plan, and let yourself get a little lost. Some of my best Madrid Christmas memories happened when I wasn’t looking for them.
Now, go make some memories. Madrid is waiting for you!
