Madrid Christmas Market 2024: Plaza Mayor Traditions (2024)

Of course, Madrid is always worth visiting, but don’t overlook the beauty of a winter visit. I loved seeing lights and decorations throughout its historic streets, parks, and squares, as well as the Madrid Christmas Market in Plaza Mayor.

In this article, I’ll explain everything you need to know about planning a visit to Spain’s largest winter market.

Madrid Christmas Market 2024

Dates – Unconfirmed

Madrid Christmas Market dates: 23rd November to 31st December 2024 (unconfirmed).

Expected Update: Last year’s dates were announced in October. Want to know when dates are confirmed? Sign up for our newsletter to get notified as soon as they become available.

Source: Dates are obtained directly from the event organiser’s website, available here.

Plan Your Visit

Location and Times

Location: Plaza Mayor.
Opening times:
Sunday to Thursday: 10am to 9pm.
Friday and Saturday: 10am to 10pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.

La Navideña dates: Late November to early January 2025 (unconfirmed).
Location: Plaza de España.
Christmas Eve: 10am to 10pm.

Travel and Accommodation

Recommended tour: See the highlights of Madrid in this city tour.
Public transport: Metro – Sol.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Where to stay: Pestana Plaza Mayor is a highly-rated hotel located directly at Plaza Mayor.

Amenities and Attractions

Admission: Free.
Christmas lights: From November.
Santa: No.
Ice skating: Yes, at Plaza de España.
Carousel: Plaza de Santa Cruz.
Reason to visit: Belénes displays, live music, Spanish food stalls.

Dietary Options

Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten-free: Yes, but limited.
Specialities: Roasted chestnuts, churros con chocolate; marzipan sweets; polvorones.

Accessibility

Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.

Convenient Hotels

Madrid is quite a spread-out city. I recommend staying near Puerta del Sol which is the most central area between the Royal Palace and the famous Prado museum.

Pestana Plaza Mayor is an excellent choice in the area as it’s located directly on Plaza Mayor.

Interesting Tours

I recommend this city tour of Madrid as you get to see many of the city’s highlights with a local guide, such as Puerta del Sol, Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral.

Otherwise, consider taking this food tour, which involves visiting several tapas bars where you can try around 12-15 different tapas. I’ve taken many food tours over the years, and they never disappoint.

Event Location

Wrapped up your Christmas visit? We’d love to hear about your experience. Share your story and tag photos with #UltimateChristmasMarkets on social media.

Christmas in Madrid

Madrid’s main square, Plaza Mayor, is transformed into an expansive Christmas market, a tradition dating back to the 17th century.

You’ll find over 100 stalls shaped like small huts, selling festive products, from handcrafted belénes (nativity scenes) to toys and decorations. A vintage carousel in Plaza de Santa Cruz adds to the ambience.

A second market called La Navideña is located at Plaza de España, about a 15-minute walk from Plaza Mayor. Here, you’ll find the ice rink and circus performances.

Spanish Specialties

• Churros con Chocolate: A classic Madrid treat, churros are long, fried pastries dipped in thick chocolate sauce.
• Porras: Similar to churros but thicker and softer.
• Turrón: A nougat-like confectionary, usually made with almonds.
• Mantecados and Polvorones: Crumbly cookies dusted with powdered sugar.
• Roscón de Reyes (King’s Cake): Traditionally eaten for Epiphany, this ring-shaped cake is decorated with candied fruit and sometimes filled with cream or chocolate.
• Vino Caliente (Mulled Wine): Sometimes, you can keep the mug as a souvenir or return it for a refund.
• Sidra (Cider): Although not as traditional as in northern Spain, warm cider is a lighter alternative to mulled wine.
• Buñuelos de Viento: Light and airy fritters filled with custard, chocolate, or fruit.

What to Buy

• Belénes (Nativity Scenes): Ranging from simple setups to elaborate displays featuring figurines of the Holy Family, shepherds, and the Three Wise Men.
• Figuras de Belén (Nativity Figures): Sold separately from the full scenes.
• Abanicos (Handheld Fans): Although these are a summer item, you can get one for later. In Madrid, they often feature flamenco styles or traditional Spanish patterns.
• Mantones de Manila (Manila Shawls): Embroidered shawls that are more or less works of art.
• Castañuelas (Castanets): These famous percussion instruments are a fundamental part of traditional dance and music.
• Piel de Ubrique (Leather Goods from Ubrique): Wallets, belts and bags from the town of Ubrique.
• Vino Español (Spanish Wine): Look for regional specialties like Rioja or Ribera del Duero.
• Juguetes de Madera (Wooden Toys): Traditional and sustainable gifts for children.

Travel Information

To make the most of your trip to Madrid, get the latest info at Visit Espana, Spain’s official tourism website. It provides invaluable information and resources tailored specifically to your needs as you discover the city.

Sustainability Tips

• Food Waste: Plan your meals at local markets and restaurants by being mindful of portion sizes to minimise leftovers and waste.
• Ethical Consumption: Support local artisans and businesses by purchasing handmade, ethically sourced gifts and products at independent stores.
• Renewable Energy: Book an eco-friendly hotel powered by renewable energy. There are several sustainable hotels in Madrid from which you can choose.
• Sustainable Diets: The city offers a diverse range of plant-based dishes and tapas, and vegetarian options are available.
• Transport: The extensive public transportation network includes the metro, buses, and trains. You can also rent a bike to explore. Madrid has increasing numbers of separated bike lanes to make cycling safer for everyone.

Comment below if you want to leave a Xmas review, have any questions or would like to report any inaccuracies.

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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. While we make every effort to provide accurate information, the dates and details listed here should not be relied upon. Please consult the official website before booking your trip or planning a visit.