{"id":14419,"date":"2018-10-16T10:00:36","date_gmt":"2018-10-16T08:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/madridfoodtour.com\/?p=3216"},"modified":"2018-10-16T10:00:36","modified_gmt":"2018-10-16T08:00:36","slug":"what-to-do-on-christmas-and-new-years-day-in-madrid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/devourtours.com\/blog\/what-to-do-on-christmas-and-new-years-day-in-madrid\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do in Madrid on Christmas Day & New Year’s Day"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wondering what to do in Madrid on Christmas Day when seemingly everything is closed? What about New Year’s? Never fear—you’ve come to the right place!

\"Large
The famous tree in Puerta del Sol. Photo credit: Pedro Otones<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>

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.<\/p>

Then, on Christmas Eve, seemingly all goes quiet. Families gather for a special meal at home complete with sweet treats<\/a> like turrón<\/em>, and the city essentially shuts down until December 26. A week later, the cycle repeats on New Year’s Eve and January 1. <\/p>

However, 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<\/a>. These tips will ensure an unforgettable stay in one of Europe’s most magical cities at the most wonderful time of year!<\/p>

1. Explore Mercado de San Miguel<\/h2>

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

If you’re not sure what to do in Madrid on Christmas Day, head to the market for a tapas crawl. It is open on a special holiday schedule on December 25 and January 1.<\/p>

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

\"People
Grab tapas and a glass of wine at the San Miguel Market!<\/figcaption><\/figure>

2. Take a Walk in the Park<\/h2>

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<\/a>. <\/p>

Even popular green spaces like Retiro<\/a> 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!<\/p>

\"Sunset
A peaceful winter sunset at Tierno Galván Park. Photo credit: Ant_S95<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>

3. Indulge in Churros and Chocolate<\/h2>

There’s no bad <\/em>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<\/a>!<\/p>

Head to Chocolatería San Ginés<\/a> 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 <\/em>reference point for churros<\/a> in Madrid, and the ever-present line stretching out the door proves that. (We promise it’s worth the wait!)<\/p>

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.<\/p>

Want to learn the secrets of ordering churros con chocolate <\/em>like a local? Check out the video below to step inside San Ginés with Devour Madrid expert guide Joy!<\/p>

\n