The 10 best things to do in Madrid this Christmas
1. Ice skating at Madrid Río
At the Puente del Rey esplanade, among many other options, you’ll find a large ice rink where you can enjoy the experience and also watch figure skating and ice sports exhibitions (from December 4 to January 10. It is closed on December 24, 25 and 31, and on January 1, because the person renting you the skates… also has to eat some Christmas sweets!).
2. How long has it been since you had hot chocolate with churros at San Ginés?
Time flies and you probably no longer remember the last time you were near Puerta del Sol and decided to step into that place once frequented by Madrid’s bohemians and the most renowned authors of the time. San Ginés has opened chocolate shops all over the world: in the famous Shibuya district in Tokyo, in Shanghai, in Colombia and more recently in Mexico… Are you really going to miss it? (And to top it all off, just two minutes away on foot, you have the house of the Tooth Fairy Mouse). I can’t think of a better plan.
3. Christmas market at Plaza Mayor
It’s simply not an option to be in Madrid and not go and see it. And I don’t care if you don’t have a New Year’s Eve party this year, or if your 2019 wig still works, because really, what are you saving it for… This Christmas market is the essence of Madrid. Even though it will have half as many stalls as in other years, it is still wonderful: its decoration is very similar to the central European markets we love so much, and on top of that you’ll have heated terraces where you can enjoy whatever you fancy while trying out the joke item you bought for December 28.
4. Route through Madrid’s Nativity scenes
It’s a plan for all ages. There are so many Nativity scenes that you won’t be able to see them all. You’ll find them large, small, modern and classic, but together they create a delightful route for spending the morning walking around and admiring the detail with which they are made. To plan the most organized Nativity route possible, visit the Madrid City Council page, where they are grouped by neighborhood.
5. A morning at the racecourse
Madrid’s racecourse is one of those places you only remember exists when someone tells you they’ve been there and that it was delightful. Don’t procrastinate, come on! Grab your phone, message your most fun friends and suggest a Sunday morning at the racecourse. Guaranteed success!
6. Step inside the Christmas tree at Puerta del Sol
Yes, inside… Stand right in the middle and look up. Even better at night. It is 14 stories high and has 90,000 lights. You’re welcome. It’s an incredible spectacle. Of course, you can’t stay too long because lots of people want to enjoy it too. Don’t leave your Zara shopping bags forgotten on the ground!
7. Have a coffee on the top floor of the Adolfo Domínguez store on Serrano
Yes, there is a Coffee Lounge on the top floor. It is absolutely gorgeous and, if you’re lucky, you might catch a talk or a concert. Leather armchairs, impossible lamps and a movie-worthy wooden floor are all there waiting for you. You’re taking too long.
8. Walk around Madrid’s Meninas
Every year Madrid is filled with Meninas. Velázquez deserves it, and so do the people of Madrid. They are only there until December 15. Come on! Get off the sofa. Run! You’ll be able to admire or criticize, for free, the works imagined by different artists, actresses, athletes… a bit of everything, a gift to Madrid from those chosen to give life to the painter’s work. Discover the Map of Madrid’s Meninas!
9. Night walk through the illuminated Botanical Garden
The Royal Botanical Garden is celebrating Christmas during its 265th anniversary with “Enchanted Nature”.
They call it an immersive light and sensory arts event in a natural setting. Quite something! You can visit it until January 10, but don’t leave it until the last minute… It’s magical… Tickets will be on sale from Thursday, October 29 through the website.
10. Eat a roscón, or whatever you like, at La Mallorquina
Chocolates, tea biscuits, cakes, pastries… Don’t say you can’t eat any of that, because with the walk you’re going to take afterward along Calle Preciados, you’ll make sure to burn off all the calories you’ve just enjoyed. But the truth is, La Mallorquina is pure Madrid. And everything is so delicious…
I hope you enjoyed these 10 best Christmas plans in Madrid!
Author: Madrid-based writer Manuela Manzana for Madrid Guide Tours
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