Christmas Markets Madrid 2023
The Christmas season has arrived in Madrid, bringing with it the magic of markets that fill the streets of the capital with bright lights, festive aromas, and a joyful atmosphere! In this article, we will explore the most charming Christmas markets in Madrid in 2023, inviting you to immerse yourself in the festive tradition of this vibrant city.
Christmas Market in Plaza Mayor
Madrid’s Plaza Mayor transforms into an enchanted scene during the holiday season, hosting the city’s most iconic market from November 24th to December 31st. Visitors are welcomed by a symphony of twinkling lights adorning every corner of the square, creating a magical atmosphere that envelops the heart of the Spanish capital. Meticulously decorated stalls offer a wide variety of handmade gifts, from traditional toys to exquisite home decorations.
The intoxicating aroma of Christmas culinary specialties fills the air, inviting passersby to indulge in delights such as churros with hot chocolate, artisanal nougats, and roasted chestnuts. Plaza Mayor becomes a feast for the senses, where the cheerful bustle of vendors, festive music, and the warm glow of lights create an unforgettable experience. This corner of Madrid is not just a place to buy special gifts but also a meeting point for the community, where laughter, stories, and the contagious joy of the holiday season are shared.
La Navideña Christmas Market: Plaza de España
From November 23rd to January 7th, the Plaza de España in Madrid is gearing up for the third edition of La Navideña, a must-attend event for those visiting the city until January 7, 2024. November 23rd marks the beginning of La Navideña, with the opening of its impressive 450 m² natural ice rink, which attracted over 50,000 people last year. Additionally, there is a wide gastronomic area with outdoor stalls and an exclusive gourmet restaurant called El Alpino, whose dishes and meticulous decoration transport visitors to the Swiss Alps.
Although some stalls will start operating a few days earlier, the official opening of the Christmas market will take place on December 1st, where 40 exclusive artisanal product stalls will offer the best Christmas gift ideas.
Thus, Plaza de España once again becomes the epicenter of entertainment in the capital, thanks to the diverse offerings of La Navideña, which aims to promote quality culture, solidarity, and Madrid’s leisure activities. The meticulous decoration revolves around the famous story ‘The Nutcracker’, paying homage to the history of the square and the old San Gil Barracks that once occupied the space. Decorative towers, statues of nutcracker dolls, and lead soldiers will transport visitors to a world away from urban bustle. In addition, outdoor heaters will ensure comfort on colder days. The characteristic Christmas tree of Plaza de España and the city’s own lighting envelop La Navideña in an atmosphere of illusion and fantasy, making it a unique and memorable plan.
Mercado del Encanto Christmas Market: Ciudad Universitaria
From November 30th to January 6th, one of the most distinctive Christmas markets returns, and it does so in one of the places that anticipates being truly magical this year: El Manantial de los Sueños, the Christmas-themed park that reopens in the grounds of the Complutense University’s Botanical Garden, occupying an extensive area of over 50,000 square meters. As in previous editions, the arrival of its Christmas market promises to be as dreamy as the location itself, thanks to the signature touch of the Mercado del Encanto, which for the second consecutive year brings its Christmas edition to this charming corner. A dozen craft stalls will offer the irresistible opportunity to acquire a unique Christmas gift or indulge in some whimsy in this enchanting atmosphere.
Christmas Market – El Corte Inglés Castellana
Once again, El Corte Inglés de Castellana unveils its traditional Christmas market, providing a space to discover the perfect gift for the holidays. From November 20th to January 5th, 2024, this event offers a wide range of options to explore, along with delighting visitors with a varied selection of gastronomy and food trucks. Every year, the parking lot of El Corte Inglés de Castellana hosts numerous stalls filled with essential items for the holiday season, from ornaments and gifts to handicrafts and typical festive sweets. Also featured are nativity scene figures and toys for the little ones, with special exhibitions prepared by brands like LEGO.
In terms of culinary offerings, this year brings an exciting addition: the presence of a new food truck serving the latest creations from Michelin-starred chef Dabiz Muñoz. His new street food proposal is 100% based on chicken, featuring the special frying technique that has become a hallmark of ‘elgoxo,’ highlighting the Chicken Waffle dish.
Visitors can also taste the self-proclaimed best ham croquette in the world from Santerra, enjoy the classic squid sandwich from El Brillante, savor pizzas from Grosso Napoletano, or indulge in churros from the famous Chocolatería San Ginés.
From 6:00 pm onwards, the market has organized a music and light show with performances every half hour. The projections will be displayed on the building of El Corte Inglés, located just in front of the Nuevos Ministerios market.
El Gato Christmas Market
El Mercadillo del Gato, known for its distinguished elegance, opens its doors once again to host over 60 exhibitors from various backgrounds offering a selection of unique products in fashion, craftsmanship, gourmet, decoration, accessories, children’s fashion, cosmetics, jewelry, and collectibles. The upcoming edition of this renowned market will take place from December 1st to December 10th at the space located in the prestigious hotel The Westin Palace, in a special Christmas edition.
This celebrated pop-up market returns with the promise of offering unique pieces to the public, from a natural flower captured in a pendant to exquisite bites, impeccable garments crafted by master tailors, vintage dresses, luxurious handbags, or silk scarves with reproductions of works by the best painters of the 19th century.
The variety of objects presented at the various stands will change in the upcoming editions, providing a unique experience each time for those who visit. It will be open from December 15th to January 5th, 2024. On December 24th and 31st, the market opens to the public from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Closed on December 25th and January 1st.
Recoletos Handcraft Market
Establishing itself as the most prominent showcase for artisanal gifts and the main display of regional craftsmanship, this Christmas market will feature approximately 155 stands. Since its inception, over 2000 workshops have played a crucial role in consolidating this prominent space dedicated to authentic craftsmanship.
The organization of this event has been entrusted by the Community of Madrid to the most representative Artisan Associations in the region: the Professional Association of Craftsmen of the Villa and the Guild of Various Crafts. Participating workshops, mostly from the Community of Madrid, will showcase and sell products of their own creation. These workshops, with their characteristic crafts and peculiarities, contribute to consolidating this event as a reference point in our country in the field of craftsmanship.
The fair, which has been held since 1988 and brings together more than 155 artisans from all over Spain, is organized by the Madrilenian Association of Artisan Trades (AMOA). In this event, visitors can explore a wide variety of stalls offering products ranging from jewelry and costume jewelry to toys, ceramics, leather goods, pottery, and bookbinding, among others. The fair’s hours will be uninterrupted from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, except on Christmas Eve, when it will close at 3:00 pm, and on December 25th, when it will remain closed.
Where to sleep in Madrid to see Christmas Markets 2023?
If your passion is Christmas Markets, from SmartRental we offer you our network of luxury aparthotels in the heart of Gran Via in Madrid:
SmartRental Gran Vía Centric and SmartRental Gran Vía Capital or Akeah Hotel. We also have a new SmartRental Reina Sofia building.
Do you need more information? Contact us at:
Or book online here