Enjoying Madrid in Christmas
In Madrid you’ll find a wide variety of plans and leisure choices during the whole year, but if there’s a really special time in the city, that’s Christmas.
The streets are decorated with the typical Christmas lights, the shops decorate their windows, and the Christmas markets fill the busy city with joy.
If you still don’t know how Madrid looks in Christmas, or if you have been here and you want to enjoy the magical spirit of those days, we’re going to tell you about some special plans you can’t miss out on, and we invite you to have a really special holiday with us.
Christmas lights switch-on
From the 23rd of November, and up until the 6th of January 2020, several streets of the city will have a very special light switch-on that starts around 6PM every afternoon. This year the number of streets that will have a special decoration has increased. Walking by the city this year will be an absolute pleasure.
You can enjoy the singular lights that will turn on in Gran Vía from our SmartRental Collection Gran Vía 42, and Gran Vía 48 buildings. You’ll be able to enjoy the lighting of other places of the city such as Plaza de Chueca, Fuencarral, Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor or Callao from our other SmartRental buildings.
Christmas markets in Madrid
The most famous one is the Plaza Mayor Christmas Market. This market hosts over 100 stands that have all kinds of products, from the most traditional Christmas items, to funny, artisanal or decorative items.
It usually opens its doors on November 23rd, and keeps on open until New Year.
During those dates, you can also enjoy the Jacinto Benavente market, a very lively market where you can buy all kinds of artisanal products.
In Madrid there’s space for a wide variety of Christmas markets for all tastes: solidary markets, whose funds are destined to public projects; gastronomic markets, where you can enjoy the typical Christmas pastries; fashion markets… you will surely find one that you like!
Madrid in Christmas with children.
If you’re coming with your family, the children will transmit their excitement to you. At this time, most of the leisure activities that you will find are focused on the smallest ones of the house. Even though we still don’t have the programme for this year, the Royal House of the Post Office turns into a Christmas Village where Santa Claus and the Elves work hard so that the presents arrive to every house!
Also in Puerta del Sol you can discover the classic Christmas Nativity Scene, and it’s one of the most visited places of the festivities, with over 100 square metres of structures.
If you like to practice sports with your family, and want to take part in one of the funniest streets of the year, you should try out running “La San Silvestre”. You can go with your children if they’re at least 16 years old. And if they’re younger than that, you can try la San Silvestre Mini that takes place a few days earlier and where the youngest ones run free!
And last but not least, the traditional “Cabalgata de Reyes”. The most exciting day for children. The local government installs terraces although you should go earlier so you can get a seat, as this is one of the most expected events of the year in Madrid.
What to do and what to see in Madrid in Christmas
Además de las opciones más tradicionales, en Madrid también podrás disfrutar de todo tipo de actividades para niños y adultos, como por ejemplo las pistas de patinaje.
In addition to the most traditional options, in Madrid you’ll also be able to enjoy all kinds of activities for children and adults such as the ice rinks.
The most famous one is Palacio de Hielo. With over 1800m2 and leisure options with cinemas, shops and restaurants, you can visit it every day of the year.
However, during the Christmas season there’s several points in Madrid where you can wear your ice skates and skate away. Some of the places where ice rinks have been installed on previous years have been La Galería de Cristal del Palacio de Cibeles, or in Plaza de Colón. These rinks have over 500 square metres divided in various rinks for adults and children.
And of course, one of the most important things that you can do in Madrid is spend the New Year’s Eve in the city and celebrate the entry of the New Year by the Clock in the Tower, that is in charge of stroking midnight for the whole country. The entry is free, but you will have to go early as it’s another of the busiest events of the year.
Accommodation in Madrid during Christmas
Si te animas a venir a disfrutar de la ilusión de la Navidad en Madrid, seguramente estés buscando dónde alojarte.
If you decide to come to enjoy the Chrismas magic in Madrid, you’re surely looking for a nice place to stay.
Booking an apartment can be a great choice as it will give you the freedom of having services such as a kitchen, washing machine, etc.
Our SmartRental Collection apartments are located right in the centre of the city, in Calle Gran Vía, where you’ll be able to fully enjoy Christmas.
In addition to the lights, in Gran Vía you have an endless amount of restaurants, shops, cinemas and theatres.
Just 10 minutes away by foot you can visit Plaza Mayor, and just 5 minutes away you’ll find Puerta del Sol.
Our apartments have a modern style, they’re furnished, with a fully equipped kitchen, a double bed, and a large living room with a sofa-bed, TV, WIFI and chromecast.
We have 1,2 or 3 bedroom apartments and studios with or without terrace. In addition to a large rooftop terrace where you can enjoy the best views of Gran Vía in Christmas.
If you still have any doubts, you can contact us through our SmartRental Collection website or calling us at (+34) 910 284 776 and we will try to help you out in any way we can. Christmas at your feet!