Madrid is one of the best family holiday destinations in Spain – and in winter it really comes into its own. Whether you’re looking for activities to keep the children busy, festive Spanish food or just a way to spend time together, Madrid has plenty of opportunities for festive fun that will make this Christmas holiday season one to remember.
Take in the Christmas lights
Get your bearings in a new city and kick off the Christmas season in Madrid with a trip on the Naviluz Christmas bus. This guided tour of Madrid’s best Christmas lights also takes in some of the capital’s most iconic sights and buildings. You’ll hear information from your guide throughout, as you progress along a meandering route around the city. Wrap up warm in your cosiest hat and scarf (it’s an open-top bus, so you may need to snuggle up!) and enjoy the magic of the city by night – perfect for families with tired little ones, as well as couples. It’s bound to be a special experience that really puts you in the festive mood!
The Naviluz tour starts just an eight-minute walk from our Calle Goya apartment and is easily accessible by public transport from several of our other locations.
If you’re feeling more energetic, why not take a wander on foot through the city to spot the multitude of lights, decorations, trees and shop windows? The display at Cortes Ingles is particularly famous and well-attended. The city employs local artists to design the lights, making every year spectacular.
Check out the Christmas markets
Madrid has several Christmas markets, the first of which took place in the 17th Century! Today, the biggest and most celebrated is the one on Plaza Mayor, where you can buy anything from souvenirs and food to traditional Spanish items from local artisans. Whether you’re spending pocket money or looking for gifts to take home, you’re bound to find something that catches your eye.
Plaza Mayor is just 15 minutes from our Sandoval apartments by public transport.
Wander through the Botanical Gardens
Stunning at any time of year, during the Christmas season in Madrid the Botanical gardens becomes the setting for a twinkling winter wonderland. In addition to the usual 90,000 plants and 1,500 trees, there’s also a mile-long trail of Christmas lights that turn a chilly walk into a special Christmas memory.
The Botanical Gardens are 20 minutes by public transport from our Sandoval apartments.
Feast on hot chocolate and churros
It wouldn’t be Christmas without the traditional over-indulgence! In Madrid, that means hot chocolate and churros. If you need an excuse, a hot cup of melted chocolate is perfect to warm your frozen fingers after a hard morning of sightseeing – and the churros will provide that all-important energy to fuel you for the afternoon. But really, who needs an excuse? It’s Christmas and you’re going to enjoy it like the Spanish do.
Chocolate and churros are available throughout Madrid, but particularly renowned at Chocolateria San Gines, which has been making them since 1894!
Glide around on the ice
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, what better way to dive into the holiday season than to take a spin on the ice? There are several budget-friendly open-air rinks in Madrid. The Javier Fernandez rink, in the Plaza de Colon, is named after – and supported by – a World Champion and Olympic figure skater. It’s not just the biggest rink in Madrid, there’s also a Christmas market and DJ sessions there too. Alternatively, there’s free skating at Villa de Vallecas or skating in beautiful surroundings under a glass dome at Galeria de Cristal del Palacion de Cibeles.
Fun fact!
Christmas in Madrid lasts much longer than in London! The season runs from 24th December to 6th January – known as Three Kings Day. On 5th January there’s a celebratory parade through the city centre, with floats and a firework display, and the Three Kings bring presents to children to open the next day. Why not extend your stay into the new year, to experience this piece of Spanish culture, and share a family Christmas break to remember? Our reservations team would be happy to arrange it for you.
Ready to book?
There’s so much to see and do over the Christmas season in Madrid! If you can’t wait to get going, click here to find out more about Roomspace’s serviced apartments in Madrid and book your Christmas break with us! We’re looking forward to helping you.
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