The best plans in Madrid for Christmas
Shows full of magic, Christmas markets, ice rinks and much more. Check out the best plans in Madrid for Christmas: a thousand and one options to choose from and enjoy with your family!




Christmas is one of the most awaited times for everyone. Children and adults join the magic and illusion of these special dates, in which we look for leisure plans to go out and enjoy with the family of unique and unforgettable moments. Therefore, in this article we bring you the list with the best plans in Madrid for Christmas. Different shows, Christmas markets, activities for the whole family, etc.
Read carefully our proposals and save some of these dates to enjoy with your family the best plans for Christmas in the capital.
Let’s get started!
1. The best Christmas lights in Madrid
Christmas in Madrid begins when you see the lighting of the lights along the main streets. A tradition that you can not miss whether you live in the capital, as if you are visiting the city for just a few days. Once the week of Black Friday is over, and until the arrival of the Three Wise Men, the capital of Madrid is completely illuminated.
In addition, this year also returns the famous Naviluz, the bus of Christmas in Madrid with which you can see the Christmas lights of the capital as you have never done before. A special transport service, which will be carried out in the city until next January 6, 2023, with a maximum travel time of 50 minutes. The general admission price is 7 € per adult, being free for children under 7 years. You can not miss it!
2. The Plaza Mayor Christmas Market
If there is something that we Christmas lovers love are the Christmas markets. Those small outdoor stores where we buy our decorations for the tree and even for the interior decoration of the home. And, of course, the Christmas market in the Plaza Mayor, with its classic red booths, becomes one of the most visited year after year in the Community of Madrid.
If it is the first time you visit the city, you can not miss this free market in the capital. It will be open until December 31, being one of the star events in Madrid during these magical and special dates.
3. Arcticus, the first Christmas amusement park
Illuminated rides, attractions of all kinds and magic shows. You will find all this and much more in Árticus, the great Christmas theme park in Madrid, located in the Lago Fairgrounds (Casa de Campo).
With an entrance fee of only 5€ per person, you can enjoy this amusement park until January 8. Undoubtedly, one of the most magical experiences for the whole family.
4. Shows in Madrid for Christmas
We could not stay with just one! The truth is that Madrid is full of shows during the Christmas season: musicals, magic shows, children’s theater, etc..
Here are some of the most awaited and the shows that most surprise the public, whether to go as a couple, with friends or with children:
WAH Madrid
For us, one of the most impressive live music and performance shows in the world. Here you can hear and see the best musicians, singers and interpreters of our country, making a review of the great milestones and moments in the history of music. All this, enjoying the best gastronomy, another of the fundamental legs of this cosmopolitan show. You can enjoy it from Thursday to Sunday, until February 5, 2023. Don’t miss your ticket!
Cirque du Soleil
Cirque Du Solei returns to Madrid this Christmas with Luzia, from November 5 to January 8, 2023. An amazing visual spectacle with heart-stopping acrobatic numbers. Its big top is located at the Puerta del Ángel stage in Madrid, at the Casa de Campo Fairgrounds.
Hangar 52 Revolution
The show of the magician Yuke comes to Madrid for Christmas; a work where magic merges with a spectacular scenography and special effects of last generation. You can go to see it from December 1 to January 8, 2023, at Ifema Madrid.
Cortylandia
The free show for the whole family and outdoors, which this 2022 celebrates 45 years of history. Until January 5, 2023 you can enjoy this children’s musical, which this year pays tribute to the old animals of the 30s and 50s.
Spring of Dreams: The Origin of Christmas
New Christmas show that will be performed until January 8, 2023 at the Royal Botanical Garden Alfonso XIII. It is another of the best options to do with the little ones of the family, where in addition to different shows, you will find an ice rink and even a small Christmas market. The general admission costs 12 €, there is a Premium pass with more experiences included for 25 €. Check them out!
5. The train of the Three Kings
From Principe Pio Station in Madrid starts the Train of the Three Wise Men, an old locomotive that travels through the Monte de El Pardo and the Pinar de las Rozas with the three kings of the Orient on board.
Children can enjoy this initiative of the Association of Friends of the Madrid Railway from December 21st until January 5th.
Who dares to travel with Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar through the city of Madrid?
We already know that technology is one of the main pillars of Christmas. Therefore, the following option becomes one of the best plans in Madrid for Christmas: the Virtual Arena Madrid.
In this space you can enjoy with friends and family of fun virtual reality proposals. We encourage you to live this experience with a team of coaches, who apart from being very nice, will explain the experience in detail so you do not miss anything.
7. Craft Market Fair of the Community of Madrid
From December 1 to 30 comes to the Community of Madrid the 36th edition of the Craft Fair of the Community of Madrid. An event that serves to consolidate the work of regional artisans and where you can perform various workshops, in addition to finding Christmas gifts made 100% handmade.
The fair will take place from December 1 to 30 at Paseo de Recoletos -between Colón and Cibeles-, where you can visit more than 150 stands of authentic craftsmanship. Find in this event the best potters, jewelers and goldsmiths of the capital.
8. Nativity Scenes in Madrid
Madrid also likes to expose multiple cribs around the city, as it is an emblematic tradition of Christmas. We highlight such special nativity scenes as the Bethlehem of the Real Casa de Correos or the one in the Plaza de la Vila.
Although, there is a long list that you can write down to go visiting those Christmas weekends in which you run out of plans.
9. New Year's Eve party at Puerta del Sol
If you want to live Christmas in Madrid style, it is essential that on December 31 you take the grapes under the clock of the Puerta del Sol.
Sharing this tradition from the capital will be a unique and exclusive memory that you can live with your family, friends or partner.
10. Three Kings parade Madrid 2023
Christmas is not over until the Three Kings arrive in the capital. This is undoubtedly one of the best plans in Madrid for Christmas.
Even more if you visit the city accompanied by the little ones of the house.