{"id":1941,"date":"2018-10-11T09:25:34","date_gmt":"2018-10-11T07:25:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/madridfoodtour.com\/?p=1941"},"modified":"2021-12-23T22:05:21","modified_gmt":"2021-12-23T22:05:21","slug":"madrid-at-christmas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/devourtours.com\/blog\/madrid-at-christmas\/","title":{"rendered":"Christmas in Madrid: Local Traditions & Things to Do"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Roasted chestnut stands are popping up in plazas. Giant strings of lights are lighting up over busy streets. Supermarket aisles are glistening with the shiny gold wrappers of turr\u00f3n<\/em>… it can only be Christmas in Madrid!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

While Santa statues and flying reindeer can be spotted in many shop windows, the Christmas traditions in Madrid are uniquely Spanish. Spain doesn’t stop with the typical holiday season celebrations (Christmas and New Years), instead stretching out the fun into more than two weeks of revelry.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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The famous tree in Puerta del Sol! Photo credit: \u00c1lvaro Bernal<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Madrid at Christmas<\/a> is basically a winter wonderland. You’ve got all the fairytale magic of winter in Europe, but with a unique Spanish twist to keep things interesting. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Plus, while it does get a bit chilly, the weather feels much milder compared to other destinations further north. What’s more, here in the city, you won’t usually have to worry about snow!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

We’re so happy you’ve decided to come spend the holidays here in Spain’s gorgeous capital. Here’s how to make the most of Christmas in Madrid!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The Holiday Season in Spain<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Here in Spain, the winter holidays kick off firstly with children singing winning lottery numbers on December 22 and end with a visit from the biblical Three Wise Men on January 6. In between, there’s plenty of festive fun as well.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Confused on what to celebrate and when? Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect throughout the Christmas season in Madrid, as well as throughout Spain.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

December 22: Spanish Christmas Lottery<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If ever there was a time to try your luck at winning the lottery, it is during Christmas in Madrid. Everywhere you look, from grocery stores to elementary schools, people buying tickets for the Spanish Christmas lottery<\/a>, locally known as el gordo<\/em> or \u201cthe fat one.\u201d This state-run lottery is surprisingly the largest in the world, with total prizes regularly totaling into the millions of euros. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

On average, Spaniards spend about \u20ac60\u201370 on lottery tickets every holiday season trying to hit the jackpot. But the prizes are open to anyone, not just Spanish citizens. So while doing your holiday shopping in Madrid, stop by a lottery ticket booth to try your luck at el gordo<\/em>\u2014after all, it\u2019s tradition!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The moment of truth comes on December 22, when the winners are announced during a special live telecast. That’s when Spaniards across the country watch breathlessly as students from the San Ildefonso elementary school in Madrid randomly choose the winning numbers and sing them out. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Long lines at lottery ticket booths are a common sight in December. Photo credit: Barcex<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

December 24: Christmas Eve (Nochebuena)<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Nochebuena<\/em>, or Christmas Eve, is all about family and food. Spaniards flock to their family’s homes to feast on seafood and sip sparkling cava.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Christmas Eve is arguably more important than Christmas Day in Spain\u2014at least when it comes to celebrations! Because traditionally most people eat dinner with their families at home, many bars and restaurants do close on the evening of December 24. However, it is still possible to find places to eat in Madrid on Christmas Eve<\/a> (though keep in mind you may have to reserve ahead of time).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

December 25: Christmas Day (Navidad)<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In Spain, Christmas Day takes a backseat to Three Kings Day as the main gift-giving holiday. (More on that in a bit.)<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Though not traditional, many Spanish families have adopted the Santa Claus custom in recent years. Some children do wake up on December 25 to find the area under their tree laden with presents from the jolly man in his famous red suit. What is<\/em> common, though, is to share another large meal on Christmas Day, this time at lunch.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you’re visiting Madrid, a good number of bars and restaurants do open on Christmas Day, so you’ll have an easier time finding something to eat. While shops and tourist attractions are closed, there are still plenty of things to do on December 25<\/a>!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Puerta del Sol is the heart of Madrid’s holiday festivities. Photo credit: Alvaro Araoz<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

December 31: New Year\u2019s Eve (Nochevieja)<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

New Year\u2019s Eve<\/a> sees Madrid\u2019s streets packed with revelers celebrating the countdown and eating their yearly dose of good-luck grapes. The main place to be is Puerta del Sol, which fills to the brim with spectators especially eager to watch the clock atop the Casa de Correos building strike midnight. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Before heading out, Spaniards traditionally get together with their families to enjoy another massive holiday dinner. Although many restaurants do close on New Year’s Eve, some stay open<\/a> and offer a special festive set menu. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Sets of 12 grapes ready for the midnight countdown! Photo credit: Chris Oakley<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

January 1: New Year\u2019s Day (A\u00f1o Nuevo)<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The new year in Spain often begins with a heaping helping of churros and hot chocolate. This is the most delicious way to greet the first sunrise of the new year after an all-night celebration! Like on Christmas Day, you’ll likely find more bars and restaurants open, but most other places will be closed. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

January 5: Three Kings Parade (Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos)<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The eve of the Epiphany is many Spanish children\u2019s favorite day of the year. On this evening, the Three Wise Men travel through Madrid in a spectacular parade throwing candy to the eager locals lining the streets.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The parade route is along Paseo de la Castellana from Nuevos Ministerios to Plaza de Cibeles. Grab a spot and let yourself be enchanted by the elaborate floats and costumes! Just be sure to watch out for the flying candy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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A beautiful winter-themed float in a Three Kings Parade. Photo credit: Salvo Photo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

January 6: Three Kings Day (D\u00eda de los Reyes Magos)<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

D\u00eda de los Reyes Magos, <\/em>or Three Kings Day<\/a>, is when most Spaniards open their Christmas gifts. The traditional crown-shaped cake known as rosc\u00f3n de Reyes<\/a><\/em> is an essential part of the celebration. Don’t leave Madrid without trying it!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Classic cream-filled rosc\u00f3n de Reyes<\/em>. Photo credit: Blog Crossover<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Things to Do in Madrid at Christmas<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

While the celebrations are pretty much nonstop during the above several days, Madrid is a flurry of Christmas excitement<\/a> from November until the second week of January. And this might just be the perfect time to visit Madrid<\/a>. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Tourists are scarce compared to the summer months. The city is at its most beautiful, glittering under a blanket of twinkling lights. And the seasonal food is unbeatable. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

No festive tour of Spain\u2019s capital would be complete without checking these Christmas traditions in Madrid off your list.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Go Christmas Shopping<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

From the sleek, glitzy international brands in Salamanca to funky indie boutiques in Chueca, shopping in Madrid<\/a> holds a world of wonders just waiting to be discovered. The city’s eclectic shopping scene takes on new life at Christmas, when locals and visitors alike take over the shops in their quest to find the perfect gifts and best deals. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

We personally love the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping in Madrid at Christmas, but if you’d prefer to avoid the crowds, try heading out during the week (most people leave their shopping for the weekend). There are so many incredible options for great gifts from Madrid<\/a>, and if you really want to impress your loved ones, consider bringing them a delicious foodie souvenir<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Shopping is enough to wear you out, so treat yourself once you’re done. Head to a local pastry shop (we’re big fans of El Riojano on Calle Mayor) to enjoy delicious homemade treats and rich, soul-warming Spanish-style hot chocolate.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the holiday season in Madrid! Photo credit: Jo Kassis<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

See the Christmas Lights<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

To truly experience the magic of Christmas in Madrid, there’s nothing better than taking an evening stroll to marvel at the lights. Starting in mid-late November, the holiday lights twinkle throughout the city, giving a tangible sense of Christmas magic. If you don’t want to walk around in the cold, you can even take a special bus tour<\/a> to enjoy the lights!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Puerta de Alcal\u00e1 all decked out for Christmas! Photo credit: Antonio Alelu<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Eat Churros & Chocolate<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Warm up after a walk around town by popping into San Gin\u00e9s<\/a>, the most iconic churrer\u00eda <\/em>in the city, for our favorite cold-weather treat: churros con chocolate<\/a><\/em>! <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Want to indulge, but not sure how to go about ordering? Check out the video below, where Devour Madrid expert guide Joy shows you how to enjoy this delicious tradition like a born-and-bred madrile\u00f1o<\/em>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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