Spain might not be the first country you think of during the festive season but they really go all out with Christmas lights and decorations. I spent a long weekend in Madrid just as the lights were turned on and was blown away by how magical the city was. It really got me in the Christmas spirit! In this article I will make sure that you don’t miss any of the holiday decorations in Spains capital by sharing the best Christmas lights and Decorations in Madrid.
Article in collaboration with Spain and Madrid.
A list of the best places to see the Christmas lights & decorations in Madrid
1. Plaza Mayor
2. Puerta del Sol
3. Calle Gran Via
4. Plaza de España
5. Metropolis building
6. Four Seasons Madrid
7. Plaza de Canalejas
8. Landscape of Light
9. Royal Botanical Gardens
10. Opera
11. Cortylandia Christmas Diorama
The best Christmas lights & decorations in Madrid
1) Plaza Mayor
I’m going to start my list of the best Christmas lights and decorations in Madrid with Plaza Mayor, one of the main square’s in Spains capital. It was once the centre of Old Madrid and is where you will find the Christmas market.
In the market stands you’ll find lots of beautiful, intricate nativity statues and ornaments, as well as various knicknacks like pikachu hats and Christmas decorations. You’ll also find a traditional nativity creche or “Portal de Belen”. Unlike British ones it is a whole town and well worth a look. The markets don’t sell food or drinks but you’ll find a number of cafe’s and restaurants in close proximity. Such as San Ginés the iconic Churros Chocolateria, the oldest restaurant in the world, Sobrino de Botín and the wonderful food market Mercado de San Miguel.
TRAVEL TIP – Each year the Plaza Mayor is also decked out with a number of Christmas lights and decorations, the market opens from 10am but I recommend also going after 6pm to see it all lit up.
2) Puerta del Sol
Just down the road from Plaza Mayor is the Puerta del Sol, one of the best known and busiest places in the city. This square is where you’ll find the famous clock whose bells mark the traditional eating of the 12 Grapes at the beginning of a new year. At Christmas time you’ll find decorations on the main square and a number of streets with bright, colourful lights.
TRAVEL TIP – It’s definitely worth exploring at night to fully appreciate the lights, although be warned that on the weekend it gets busy.
3) Calle Gran Via
The Gran Vía is one of the main streets in central Madrid, and one of the city’s most important shopping areas. You’ll find many incredible architectural pieces (which might make you feel like you’re in Chicago). As well as numerous theatres, which is why it’s often known as the “Spanish Broadway”. Calle Gran Via is one of the best places to see Christmas lights in Madrid, the entire length of the street is lit up and looks so magical! You’ll also find a big tree next to the Gran Via Metro station.
TRAVEL TIP – Head up to the Gourmet Experience on the 6th floor of El Corte Ingles Callao for an incredible view over the Gran Via.
4) Plaza de Espana
Plaza de España absolutely comes alive at Christmas time. From sparkly lights in the trees, to little manger light instalments to an 18m high fully decorated fir tree. The square is beautiful during the day, but even more magical at night. So I recommend coming for both! It’s just at the end of the Gran Via so you can visit both at the same time.
TRAVEL TIP – Head up to the rooftop bar of the Hotel Riu on Plaza España for a great view of the square as well as a complete 360 degree view of the city.
5) Metropolis Building
At the other end of the Gran Via street you’ll find one of the best Christmas lights in Madrid: the Metropolis building. Outside the building is a huge bauble which has regular music and light illuminations shows after 6pm.
6) Four Seasons Madrid
One of my favourite Christmas decorations in Madrid is the facade of the Four Seasons Hotel and Hermes shop on Calle de Sevilla. It looks incredible by both day and night. However I recommend going before 10am if you want a photo without too many other people around.
7) Plaza de Canalejas
Just a few seconds away from the Four Seasons Madrid is the Plaza de Canalejas. A very quiet square that’s overlooked by many but the hanging lights are well worth a look. It’s a very instagrammable Christmas spot in Madrid and where I took one of my favourite photos! Please just be careful as this is a roundabout.
If you’re looking for a centrally located hotel then I can recommend where I stayed, the Hotel Quatro Puerta del Sol. It is just next to this square and the Four Seasons.
8) Landscape of Light
The Landscape of Light is the first site in the city of Madrid to have been granted World Heritage status. It includes Paseo del Prado, from Plaza de Cibeles to Plaza de Atocha, the whole of El Retiro Park and the neighbourhood of Los Jerónimos. It’s where you will find a number of iconic monuments, such as Puerta de Alcalá gate, the Cibeles, and the Apollo and Neptuno (Cybele, Apollo and Neptune) fountains.
Over the festive season it’s one of the best places to see the Christmas lights. A number of the streets are lit up, and this year there are even lights in El Retiro Park for the first time in celebration of the World Heritage Status! At Paseo de México, near the entrance of the Puerta de Alcalá, you’ll find a total of 48 trees with red led lights. Make sure to also walk over to Retiro Pond, to marvel at the light installations there too!
TRAVEL TIP – Don’t miss my favourite hanging lights on Calle de Alcalá after 6pm.
9) Royal Botanical Gardens
Just next to El Retiro Park is the Royal Botanical Gardens which hosts an annual light installation experience from 2 November to 16 January. This year you can immerse yourself in a maritime expedition through the ocean, its flora and its fauna.
TRAVEL TIP – The Royal Botanical Gardnes are open from 6:45pm to midnight and ticket are €13.50 for an adult and €11 for children.
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Photos from esmadrid.com
10) Opéra
Another one of the best places to see the Christmas lights in Madrid is on Plaza de Isabel II just in front of the Opera house. There is a large, brightly lit Christmas tree as well as colourful lights lining the adjourning streets.
11) Cortylandia Christmas Diorama
A little bit different from the other items on this list, but running for over 30 years now the Cortylandia Christmas Diorama is definitely an unmissable Christmas event in Madrid! The Diorama is located on the facade of El Corte Inglés Preciados building on Calle Maestro Victoria. Each year there is a different theme but always features gigantic puppets singing Christmas carols and songs. It’s a wonderful Christmas show and will definitely be a hit with the kids (plus it’s FREE)!
TRAVEL TIP: The Show only runs for certain times each day, so make sure to check out the timetable before planning your visit.
I hope you enjoy visiting the best Christmas lights and decorations in Madrid. The city really comes alive at night. Madrid is absolutely magical to walk around, there are lights everywhere so I urge you to still explore places not on this list! Check out the official Christmas in Madrid webpage for more information.
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