Hello Coliver!
December is finally here. The city is colder, the streets are full of lights, and everything feels a little more magical. It’s the perfect month to slow down, get cosy, revisit classics, and enjoy Madrid with a festive twist.
Here’s our super-friendly guide to things to do this December so you can end the year on a high note.
Gilmore Girls
Fast dialogue, cosy vibes and endless cups of coffee. Stars Hollow feels like the perfect place to hide from the cold while watching mother-daughter dynamics, friendships and small-town drama. Ideal for December afternoons with a blanket and something warm to drink.
📌 Available on: Netflix
Stranger Things
Mystery, friendship and a strong dose of 80s nostalgia. It’s thrilling without being overwhelming and perfect for winter evenings when you want something addictive. Plus, it pairs very well with Christmas lights in the background.
📌 Available on: Netflix
Modern Family
Short episodes, easy humour and characters that feel like family. It’s the perfect comfort series for busy December days when you just want to laugh and relax without committing to heavy plots.
📌 Available on: Disney+
Downton Abbey
Elegance, drama and beautifully slow storytelling. Ideal for December, when everything feels a bit more reflective and calm. Watching it feels like settling into a warm, classic routine.
📌 Available on: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
Sherlock
Smart, intense and visually striking. If you’re in the mood for sharp dialogue and clever mysteries during long winter nights, this is a great pick.
📌 Available on: Amazon Prime Video
Home Alone (1990)
A December must. Funny, nostalgic and full of Christmas spirit. Perfect for switching off your brain and enjoying a feel-good classic that never gets old.
📌 Available on: Disney+
The Holiday (2006)
Romantic, cosy and set in winter. It’s the definition of a December comfort film, ideal for nights when you want something warm and emotional but easy to watch.
📌 Available on: Netflix
Love Actually (2003)
Multiple stories, love in all its forms and a strong Christmas atmosphere. Whether you love it or love to criticise it, it’s impossible to ignore in December.
📌 Available on: Amazon Prime Video
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
A timeless classic that reminds you what really matters. Emotional, hopeful and perfect for reflective December evenings.
📌 Available on: Movistar Plus+
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001)
Magic, winter vibes and pure nostalgia. Ideal for December marathons, especially with hot chocolate and low lights at home.
📌 Available on: HBO Max
A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens
Short, powerful and full of Christmas spirit. Perfect for December reading, reminding you of generosity, kindness and second chances.
Little Women – Louisa May Alcott
Family, warmth and emotional depth. A beautiful book to read during winter, especially when you’re in a reflective end-of-year mood.
The Catcher in the Rye – J.D. Salinger
Introspective and timeless. Ideal if December makes you reflective and a little nostalgic.
The Night Circus – Erin Morgenstern
Magical, atmospheric and perfect for winter nights. It feels like stepping into a dream while the city sleeps outside.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – C.S. Lewis
Snow, fantasy and childhood wonder. A perfect December escape, whether it’s your first time or a reread.
Last Christmas – Wham!
Yes, it’s everywhere, and yes, we still love it. Melancholic, catchy and perfect for December walks through lit-up streets.
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Frank Sinatra
Warm, nostalgic and calm. Ideal for quiet evenings, decorating the house or simply slowing down.
All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey
Pure energy and festive chaos. Perfect for lifting your mood instantly, whether you like it or not.
Let It Snow – Dean Martin
Classic, cosy and timeless. Great background music for December afternoons at home.
River – Joni Mitchell
Emotional and reflective, with a winter feel that fits perfectly with end-of-year thoughts and long nights.
Christmas lights walk
Walking through Gran Vía, Alcalá and Puerta del Sol when the lights are on is a December essential. No rush, just strolling, photos and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Retiro Park in winter
Quieter, colder and calmer. Perfect for a reflective walk, wrapped up in a coat, enjoying the stillness of the season.
Christmas markets (Plaza Mayor)
Browsing stalls, buying small decorations or just soaking up the atmosphere. It’s touristy, but it’s part of December in Madrid.
Hot chocolate at San Ginés
A classic that hits even better in December. Ideal after a cold walk or as a late-night plan with friends.
A theatre or Christmas concert
December is perfect for live culture. Whether it’s theatre, classical music or a Christmas concert, it’s a great way to slow down and enjoy something special before the year ends.
So this December, embrace the cold, the lights and the calm moments. Between films, books, music and cosy plans around Madrid, it’s the perfect month to enjoy life at a slightly slower pace and close the year feeling good.
