When Christmas comes around, we are always looking for the perfect plan to spend the best time of the year. Strolling through illuminated streets, going to Christmas markets, seeing nativity scenes, shopping, going to a café for a cup of hot chocolate with churros in the cold, and much more.
Madrid is the ideal place to experience everything you are looking for at this time of year. Read on to discover what to do in Madrid at Christmas and let yourself be surprised by all it has to offer.
When will the Christmas lights be switched on in Madrid in 2021?
One of the most important aspects that mark the beginning of the festive season, and the Christmas spirit is the switching on of the lights. For this reason, first of all, we want to answer this great question about when the Christmas lights will be switched on in Madrid.
On this occasion, following the tradition of every year, they will be put on on November 25th, corresponding to the last Thursday of the week of November; and they will be switched off on January 6th, the day when these festivities that arouse so much passion and joy will come to an end.
From The Principal Madrid we recommend you not to miss the spectacular illumination that Madrid will show off this winter and that will bring a lot of novelties.
Discover the 3 essential Christmas activities for 2021
Visit a Christmas market in Madrid
Visiting a Christmas market and wandering around its illuminated shops is one of the activities that makes us enjoy this time of year the most. In the capital we find the historic market in the Plaza Mayor, open until 31 December, where you can find all kinds of traditional Christmas products.
Experience the Lit Nature of the Botanical Garden of Madrid
From 2 November to 16 January, you can enjoy a totally different plan that has been a remarkable success in its previous editions. This is the light and sound show called Naturaleza Encendida Explorium which takes place in the Botanical Garden of Madrid. The vegetation of these gardens of the city is decorated with a multitude of lights of distinct colours creating a unique visual experience and perfect for a walk with the family.
Click here to find out more about this event and to buy your tickets.
Breathe in the magic with the new Christmas tree at Plaza España
This year, the new Plaza España will be decorated with a Christmas tree up to eighteen metres high. With a total of eight hundred balls in silver and gold colours and a hundred and fifty luminous strings, this emblematic symbol of Christmas will become one of the biggest attractions during the festive season in the city.
In addition to these activities, we encourage you to visit some of the Christmas nativity scenes, such as the nativity scene set up by Madrid City Council or the Puerta del Sol Nativity Scene, both traditionally the most visited in the capital. Other unique events are the music concerts such as the symphony orchestra of the Gran Gala de Navidad held at the Auditorio Nacional; the event ''Madrid, Navidad de Encuentro'' at El Matadero, a cultural event with unique shows, magic, and workshops; or the city's skating rinks such as the ice rink at Matadero or at Palacio de Cibeles.
For more information, visit the following page to find out more about Madrid's Christmas Agenda 2021.
Where to try an authentic Christmas menu in Madrid city centre
Every Christmas plan should be accompanied by the best food. If you are looking for restaurants in Madrid for Christmas dinner, we recommend the excellence of the cuisine of our Restaurante Ático, awarded with a Sol Repsol and under the direction of Ramón Freixa.
We offer you a 6-step Christmas Eve menu with signature appetizers, a starter, a meat, a fish, pre-dessert, and dessert. In addition, you will benefit from exclusive services such as arrival transfer included, breakfast and late check out.
We also have our New Year's Eve menu proposal with the highest quality product that will captivate your palate. We will accompany the evening with live music and a welcome drink, and as a guest of The Principal Madrid you will have a free 30-minute massage on New Year's Day, breakfast-brunch, and late check-out in the room.
Check here our proposals and Christmas Menus and celebrate this Christmas at The Principal Madrid!
