December 2025 agenda

December in Madrid is full of magic, lights and plans for all tastes. It’s the perfect time to enjoy the city with a Christmas touch, with culture, gastronomy, music and experiences that will make you live an unforgettable winter.

Take note and don’t miss it. Here we go!

🎄 Christmas Markets and Fairs

Throughout the month, Madrid is filled with markets that transport you into the Christmas spirit. The Christmas Market in the Plaza Mayor is the most iconic: decorations, nativity scenes, crafts and traditional sweets that you can’t miss. Other markets, such as the Reyes and Artesanía markets in Conde Duque, offer original products and are perfect for finding unique gifts while enjoying the festive atmosphere.

⛸️ Ice rinks

Following tradition, December is the month for ice skating in the city. From the ice rink at the Palacio de Cibeles to the one at Madrid Río, these are ideal plans for going with friends, as a couple or with the family. In addition to skating, you’ll enjoy the Christmas decorations and music that accompany the experience.

🎶 Christmas Concerts and Live Music

December brings special concerts to celebrate the holidays. Highlights include concerts by the Madrid Symphony Orchestra and Christmas carol recitals in theatres such as the Teatro Real. There are also more modern and intimate offerings in jazz or acoustic venues, where music blends with the Christmas spirit.

❄️ Nature Lit Up – Winter Edition

As in November, some of Madrid’s parks and gardens are illuminated to become a night-time light show. Nature Lit Up – Winter Edition transforms spaces such as the Royal Botanical Gardens into a journey full of art, lights and creativity. Ideal for strolling and capturing unique moments.

🎬 Cinema and Festivals

December is the perfect month to enjoy cinema with special offerings. In addition to commercial Christmas releases, there are family film festivals and retrospectives of great classics screened at cinemas such as Cine Doré and Cineteca Madrid. A perfect plan to escape the cold and experience exciting stories.

🖼️ Exhibitions you can’t miss

• Salvador Dalí – Liquid Dreams (Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum): An immersion in the work of the surrealist master through his most colourful and poetic vision.
• El Bosco – The Centenary Exhibition (Prado Museum): A unique opportunity to explore the work of one of the most enigmatic geniuses in universal painting.
• Picasso and Music (Reina Sofía Museum): Explore the relationship between art and melody in an experience that combines painting, sculpture and sound.

🍲 Savour Madrid in December

• Madrid-style tripe: Winter calls for hearty, traditional dishes. Hot and spicy tripe is ideal for warming you up.
• Chocolate with churros at San Ginés: Never fails. The classic Madrid plan for cold December afternoons.
• Roasted chestnuts: A street tradition not to be missed, especially at Christmas markets and fairs.

🌿 Getaways and places to unwind

• Navacerrada and La Pedriza: Less than an hour from Madrid, the hiking trails with snowy views are perfect for an active winter’s day.
• Roof terrace of the Círculo de Bellas Artes: The panoramic views of Madrid illuminated by Christmas lights are breathtaking. A coffee or mulled wine in hand makes the experience magical.
• Real Sitio de El Escorial: Between history, architecture and nature, strolling through this setting in December has a special charm, with fewer tourists and a unique winter atmosphere.

December in Madrid is a month to experience the city in a different way: lights, aromas, music and experiences that make every plan special. Whether you’re into culture, gastronomy or nature, there will always be something to surprise you.