It's Christmas in Madrid!
The streets of the capital are ready to receive the thousands of tourists who walk the streets of the capital in search of their Christmas gifts and wanting to catch the Christmas spirit of the people of Madrid.
Throughout December and part of January, a special feeling of Christmas floods the city. From the end of November and until 6 January, streets, squares and buildings are illuminated with millions of lights that leave no one indifferent.
Strolling through the city center while eating a cone of roasted chestnuts or a couple of churros with hot chocolate is one of the cheap plans to make this Christmas in Madrid.
Below we indicate the schedules of turning on the lights of the Community of Madrid.
Lights Switching Hours 2023 - 2024
Sunday to Thursday: from 18:00 to 00:00 hours (except Thursday 24 nov from 19:00 h).
Fridays and Saturdays: from 18:00 to 01:00 hours.
4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 December from 18:00 to 01:00 hours.
December 24 and January 5: from 6:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.
December 31: from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
The Christmas lights of Madrid: Naviluz
Have you ever thought that it would be a great idea to be able to see all the lights of Madrid without walking among the crowds of people that gather in the center of the capital? Well, you're in luck, from November 25 to January 7 the Naviluz buses will tour the center of the city so you can enjoy the Christmas decorations that cover the center of Madrid.
Naviluz services will be provided every day from November 25 to January 7 (both included), except December 24 and 31 and January 5.
Naviluz has its exit in Plaza de Colón, in front of No. 30 Calle Serrano. The arrival is in the same Calle Serrano, but at number 21. The tour lasts 50 minutes and its price, for adults, is € 7.
The traditional nativity scenes
One of the most popular Spanish traditions when Christmas arrives is to decorate houses, churches and public and private organizations with the birth of the baby Jesus.
Every year, Madrid is filled with nativity scenes of different types that can be visited for free.
Here are some that you can't miss!
Neapolitan Belen of the Royal Palace
Location: Royal Palace
When can it be visited? From December 6, 2023 to January 14, 2024
Belen Center
Location: Centro Cibeles
When can it be visited? From Tuesday to Sunday. From 23 November to 5 January.
Belen of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Almudena
Location: Almudena Cathedral
When can it be visited? From 26 December to 7 January
Nativity scenes of the Royal Monasteries of Madrid
Location: Royal Monastery of the Incarnation
When can it be visited? Check dates in each monastery
Belen of the Museum of San Isidro
Location: San Isidro Museum. The Origins of Madrid
When can it be visited? From 12 December to 21 January.
Belen Museum of History of Madrid
Location: History Museum
When can it be visited? From 1 December to 4 February
Enjoy Christmas in Madrid this 2023!