Lots of people (auxiliars, mostly), up and leave Madrid during December. They go home, or go travel because it’s one time during the year when we have a big block of time to see other places. I used to travel during this time, but in the last couple of years, I have stayed in Madrid and that is exactly what I will do this year. There are a few reasons I want to stay in Madrid during Christmas- first, traveling at this time can be quite expensive. Second, it’s COLD. It’s cold in Spain and even colder everywhere else, so the idea of paying a lot of money to walk around freezing cities with freezing toes is less than appealing. And third, because Madrid can be really great around this time, despite the hoards of people. Of course, if you stay here, but don’t make any plans, it can feel a bit lonely and like everyone you know is doing fun things, so here are a few ideas of festive things to do in Madrid.
Festive Things to Do in Madrid This Holiday Season
Walk around to see the Christmas lights
Madrid does an incredible job of lighting up the city each year. If you didn’t get a chance to purchase tickets for the Navilus bus (I did! YAY!), which sells out very quickly, then consider walking to see the lights, or rent a car and doing it. Or bike with BiciMadrid!!!
See a show
I love seeing musicals, comedies and plays, but especially love seeing them around this time. There are many theaters in Madrid, so you have a lot to choose from. Here is what is playing now:
- El Mago Pop (Teatro Rialto)
- Los Hombres son de Marte y Las Mujeres de Venus en Madrid (Nuevo Teatro Alcala)
- Taxi en Madrid (Teatro Maravillas)
- El Funeral en Madrid (La Latina)
- Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde en Madrid (Teatro Infanta Isabel)
- The Lion King (Teatro Lope de Vega)
- New Year’s Day Concert (Opera House)- January 1, 8 pm
- Circo Price Circus (Embajadores) – Luis and I went to this- it’s decent but don’t pay more than 10€ per ticket!
Here is the complete list that includes shows, concerts, and more.
Have a Holiday Dinner with Friends
It’s very common around this time of year for companies, classmates, and friends to have a Christmas dinner in a restaurant. Gather a group of friends and make a reservation in a restaurant for a nice dinner together before everyone goes on their way.
Go to the Plaza Mayor Christmas Market
It will be held through December and January. Enjoy some shopping under the lights!
Visit the International Fair of Cultures at the Matadero
It’s an outdoor fair with lots of food and crafts from places around the world. It’s like a Christmas market, but better because it’s food and not junk. Luis and I went last year and it was great! We are going again this weekend. It runs until the 23rd of December, until 9 pm each night.
