This year, we enjoyed a spontaneous trip to Madrid in December, which was a great way to kick off the holiday season with the kids and get into the Christmas spirit.

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An Ultimate Guide to visiting Madrid in December

Visiting Christmas Madrid

This year, after sharing my travel plans for Spain, we unexpectedly found budget-friendly train tickets to Madrid from Valencia (via Trainline) and decided to embark on a spontaneous getaway with the kids to explore the city in December. Living in the sun-kissed Valencia region, we’re fortunate to enjoy winter sun and beaches, but Christmas markets, warm drinks, and gingerbread cookies feel much more magical with snow in the background (or at least chilly weather), so Valencia doesn’t fully satisfy our Christmas wanderlust. In this sense, Madrid, the Pyrenees, and Andorra are our top choices for Spanish winter getaways.

Is it good time to visit Madrid in December?

Personally, I enjoy visiting Madrid in December. It’s one of the best places in Spain to experience Christmas decorations. While it may not be as charming as some of the Christmas markets in Northern Europe, it’s still one of the top destinations in Spain to embrace the festive spirit. Plus, there are so many great things to do in Madrid year-round, and the traditional churros con chocolate taste even better in the chilly weather.

Weather in Madrid in December

In December, temperatures in Madrid are typically quite cool for Spain. Average daytime highs range from around 6°C to 12°C (42°F to 54°F), while nighttime lows can drop to around 2°C to 4°C (36°F to 39°F). In some colder years, temperatures occasionally drop below 0°C, though this is not very common. During our visit, it was around 6°C in the mornings, reaching up to 15°C (59°F) on sunny days.

Does it snow in Madrid 

While it might snow in Madrid in December, I wouldn’t count on a winter wonderland experience. Even if temperatures occasionally drop below 0°C at night, it’s uncommon during the day, so the snow rarely lasts

Is Madrid in December colder than Barcelona?

If you’re choosing between visiting Madrid or Barcelona in December, the last one is definitely warmer, being on the Mediterranean coast. However, when it comes to Christmas markets and events, I personally enjoy Madrid during the holiday season slightly more.

Visiting Madrid in December: Top things to do

Christmas Parks in Madrid

If your time in Madrid is limited, focus on one of these places for a complete Christmas experience: Manantial de los Sueños, Articus, or Torrejón de Ardoz. By ‘complete Christmas experience,’ I mean that each of these locations offers its own Christmas decor, lights, shows, and activities, all within a single venue. This time, we enjoyed Manantial de los Sueños, while visiting Torrejon de Ardoz on another trip.

Mananatial de los Sueños

Manantial de los Sueños offers an immersive Christmas experience with a touch of magic and fairytale charm, featuring a Fairy Walk, ice gorges, dazzling lights, parades, a skating rink, a holiday market, Santa’s and Elf houses, and a beautiful show set on ice. I really enjoyed our evening at Manantial de los Sueños. This place was relatively small, but it had a bit of everything, and the show was simply gorgeous. I believe it’s a great match for both adults and kids.

Torrejón de Ardoz

Torrejón de Ardoz is a small town, located 30 minutes away from Madrid. Usually, from Nov 18 till Jan 6 the city opens its doors to the Christmas-themed park Parque de la Navidad. Aside from the decorations and shows, visitors can enjoy the first Spain Ice Figures Festival. You can read more about our visit to Torrejon de Ardoz in this post.

Ice-skating rinks in Madrid

There’s no Christmas Madrid without ice-skating rinks. Check Galleria de Cristal/ Palacio de Cibeles and Matadero Madrid. Christmas market at Plaza España also had an ice-skating rink, as well as Manantial de los Suenos.

Around 16-18 December you might get a chance to attend Spanish Figure Skating Championship at Pista de Hilo de Madrid.

Church Music in Madrid

As Spain has such a long-rooted Catholic tradition, taking time to enjoy local church music might be an interesting idea. Check Parroquia de Nuestra Senora del Perpetuo Socorro and Parroquia de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe for upcoming events.

Nativity Scenes in Madrid

Creating Nativity sciences in Spain (also called Belen) is an old and treasured by the Spaniards tradition. There’s no Christmas Madrid without visiting at least one nativity exposition: Museo de San Isidro, Museo de Historia de Madrid, Palacio de Cibeles, Palacio Real, Museo de Americas. Personally, I’m not a fan when it means waiting in line for at least 30 minutes. Therefore, I’ve only visited Belen at Plaza de Colon once, and by accident, saw another one this year, while visiting Madrid Royal Palace.

December Holiday shows in Madrid

Madrid is always a great cultural destination, but around Christmas, you can find more holiday-themed shows. These often vary every year. Check Auditorio de la Cultura Contemporanea Condeduque, La Filarmonica, and El Retiro Puppet Theatre for seasonal shows.

Also, this year the temporary ones are Navidad en La Villa/ Teatro Fernando Gomez, Teatro Circo Price, Cuento de Navidad / Teatro Pavon, El Cascanueces/ Teatro del Canal (not sure which ones will stay for the next holiday season).

El Corte Inglés de Preciados has offered Cortylandia since 1979, which is not much of a big deal, but it´s very dear and traditional to the locals.

The biggest event of Christmas in Madrid is Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos on January 5, also called the Three Wise Men Parade in English. It’s a very special spectacle for all the kids across the country, as traditionally in Spain, Reyes Magos (or the Three Kings) are those who bring presents (and not Santa). Although, most of my Spanish friends and relatives today do exchange presents on Christmas Eve. Mainly because this way everyone has two weeks of holidays ahead to enjoy the presents, otherwise school/work usually begins only a few days after Reyes Magos.

Christmas markets

Christmas markets in Madrid are quite average, in my opinion. The one at Plaza España is okay, but it doesn’t have enough stalls to explore for long; you can see everything in about 5 to 10 minutes. However, the holiday market at Plaza Mayor is honestly very tacky. It consists mainly of stalls selling the same cheap souvenir items, most of which are ugly, colorful hats that have nothing to do with Christmas at all. I really hope they improve it for next year by adding more handmade Spanish souvenirs.

Holiday lights

Madrid in December is full with beautiful Christmas lights and decorations. You can simply walk around the city center to enjoy them or take a Naviluz Christmas bus tour, which is available until January 6. I haven’t taken it myself, as I always prefer walking, but Google reviews suggest that the price is too high for what the experience actually offers. Nevertheless, it might still be a good option for families with kids or for those who can’t manage long walks for health reasons.

Small-town Christmas Charm Near Madrid

If at some point you get tired of a city buzz, consider taking day trips to experience the small-town-Christmas charm at Alcala de Henares, Navacerrada, Chinchon, San Lorenzo de el Escorial, Bustaviejo/Casa del Rey Mago. All of these can be perfect Madrid day trip ideas.

Food of Christmas Madrid

If food is an essential part of your travels, welcome to the club. What do you need to try in Christmas Madrid? – Turron (Casa Mira, mantecados, polvorones (Antigua Pasteleria del Pozo), hot chocolate+churros (San Gines), mazapan (La Mallorquina, El Riojano), Roscon de Reyes, pannetone. All of the following are always the best when artisan or homemade, but keep in mind that these are also available in almost every supermarket during December in Madrid.

Is it worth it to visit Madrid in December?

By and large, we really enjoyed the holiday spirit in Madrid,, the lights and decorations of Christmas Madrid felt inspiring, and the kids really enjoyed Manantial de los Sueños.You can check my Madrid IG Stories to see how it went.

What about you? Have you ever experienced Madrid in December or Christmas markets in Spain?

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