What to Do in Madrid on Christmas Day & New Year’s Day

Last Updated on October 29, 2025 by Emma Fajcz | Published: October 16, 2018

Wondering what to do in Madrid on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day when seemingly everything is closed? Never fear—you’ve come to the right place! From parks to activities and food recommendations, we’ve got everything you need to enjoy a wonderful holiday in Madrid.

The famous tree in Puerta del Sol. Photo credit: Pedro Otones

Why You’ll Love Madrid at Christmas & New Year’s

• Quieter Streets on Christmas Day & New Year’s Day: Just before the holidays, Madrid is a flurry of hustle and bustle as crowds make their way to the stores to finish their shopping beneath the twinkle of Christmas lights. Then, on Christmas Eve, seemingly all goes quiet! Families gather for a special meal at home complete with sweet treats like turrón, and the city essentially shuts down until December 26. A week later, the cycle repeats on New Year’s Eve and January 1.
• Beautiful Weather: Although the weather can be chilly, it’s also cooler and perfect for exploring outdoor parks and walking the streets of Madrid!
• Christmas Lights: Madrid is well known for its dazzling Christmas trees in its 12 squares, and millions of lights strung along the streets. You won’t want to miss this unforgettable display!

If you’re wondering what to do in Madrid on Christmas Day, there are still plenty of ways to make the most of the winter holidays. These tips will ensure an unforgettable stay in one of Europe’s most magical cities at the most wonderful time of year!

1. Explore Mercado de San Miguel

Madrid’s most famous food market, the iconic Mercado San Miguel, is so much more than an array of food stalls; it’s a hallowed gastronomic space where storied tradition meets glamorous modernity.

If you’re not sure what to do in Madrid on Christmas Day, head to the market for a tapas crawl. Fortunately, the market is open on a special holiday schedule on December 25 and January 1. (Always check the Mercado San Miguel website to confirm their holiday hours.)

Not sure where to start? We recommend kicking things off with an aperitif at La Hora del Vermut, then moving on to a delicious seafood dish at La Casa del Bacalao!

Grab tapas and a glass of wine at the San Miguel Market!

2. Take a Walk in the Park

Madrid’s sunny yet cool winter days make for the perfect opportunity to get out and about. Grab your comfiest coat and get some fresh air by heading to one of the city’s many beautiful parks.

Even popular green spaces like Retiro tend to be much quieter during the holidays. Local families come to enjoy the fresh air and walk off the excessive amounts of holiday food they’ve just enjoyed. It’s one of the most relaxing options for what to do on Christmas Day in Madrid!

A peaceful winter sunset at Tierno Galván Park. Photo credit: Ant_S95

3. Indulge in Churros and Chocolate

There’s no bad time of year to enjoy churros and chocolate, but the sweet indulgence tastes even better as a way to warm up after a brisk walk in the cool winter air. It’s one of our favorite cold-weather treats!

Head to Chocolatería San Ginés to indulge in a Madrid classic: thick, piping hot churros and rich, soul-warming hot chocolate. For more than 120 years, San Ginés has been the reference point for churros in Madrid, and the ever-present line stretching out the door proves that. (We promise it’s worth the wait!)

The best part: San Gines is open 365 days a year. Join locals and visitors alike as you tuck into one of the most delicious treats the city has to offer.

The only hard part of eating churros is having to share!

Learn how to order churros con chocolate like a local with Devour Madrid expert guide Joy in the video below!

4. Head Out to Eat

Believe it or not, it’s quite easy to find restaurants in Madrid that are open on Christmas and New Year’s Day. (December 24 and 31, on the other hand, are another story.)

Because Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve respectively are the more important celebrations in much of Spain, many family-run restaurants will close on those days. On December 25 and January 1, many spots across Madrid open and welcome guests who want to celebrate the holiday with a meal out.

Local Tip: As the holidays can be a busy time of year, we highly recommend making a reservation at your eatery of choice!

Heading out to eat on Christmas Day? In Madrid, it’s possible!

5. Explore the City

Christmas and New Year’s Day tend to be pretty quiet, as most (if not all) stores and tourist attractions are closed. There’s no better time to explore Madrid and its diverse barrios with practically nobody else in the way!

Check out colorful, international Lavapiés or picturesque, charming Alonso Martínez if you want to get off the beaten path in Madrid. Take advantage of the peaceful atmosphere to discover hidden plazas and gorgeous architecture, and to get those once-in-a-lifetime pictures of Madrid’s most famous landmarks with fewer crowds!

Madrid is full of gorgeous corners just waiting to be discovered!

6. Go to the Movies

Going to the movies on Christmas or New Year’s Day is a popular tradition no matter where you are in the world.

Grab your palomitas (popcorn) and head to one of our favorite movie theaters in Madrid to catch the biggest Hollywood blockbusters of the moment—in English! It’s the perfect way to relax and chill out in between exploring the city and devouring an evening meal.

Insider’s Tip: Spanish cinemas often have numbered seating for movies, so be sure to think ahead about where you’d like to sit.

Explore Madrid’s Cuisine on a Guided Tour

Want to experience Madrid’s amazing food while you’re in the city? Save your spot on our Ultimate Spanish Cuisine Tour! It’s been one of the most popular food tours in Madrid for over 10 years.

On this traveler-favorite tour, one of our expert guides will take you through beloved, family-run food spots in two iconic neighborhoods. You’ll try mouthwatering calamari sandwiches, hand-carved jamón, churros, cheeses, vermouth, and pastries, all while connecting with the people behind the counter and learning the traditions behind every bite.

Featured Review: Ultimate Spanish Cuisine Tour

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “What a fantastic couple of hours!! Nicole was amazing and her knowledge of local food and wine was tremendous. Highly recommended.”
– Chris on Tripadvisor

What to Do in Madrid on Christmas Day FAQs