{"id":5121,"date":"2019-11-06T10:00:36","date_gmt":"2019-11-06T09:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/madridfoodtour.com\/?p=5121"},"modified":"2021-12-23T22:08:11","modified_gmt":"2021-12-23T22:08:11","slug":"what-to-do-in-madrid-in-december","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/dev.devourtours.com\/blog\/what-to-do-in-madrid-in-december\/","title":{"rendered":"Madrid in December: Best Things to See & Do"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Bundle up and get ready to indulge in plenty of seasonal treats. The holiday season has officially arrived in Madrid, and we couldn’t be more excited! <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

There are plenty of fun activities in store when it comes to what to do in Madrid in December. If your holiday itinerary includes the Spanish capital (and it should!), here’s how to make the most of your trip during this magical time of year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Madrid during the holidays is full of festive cheer! Photo credit: Jo Kassis<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

There’s a lot to love about visiting Madrid in December. You’ve got the festive holiday atmosphere, charming European Christmas markets, and\u2014our personal favorite aspect!\u2014the delicious seasonal food.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Read on to discover how to make the most of the Spanish capital at this cheerful and chilly time of year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Weather in Madrid in December<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

December is definitely one of the chilliest months of the year in Madrid. Temperatures average out in the mid-40s Fahrenheit (6\u20137 degrees Celsius). However, they can range from the mid 30s to the low 50s (2\u201310 degrees Celsius).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

It’s one of the rainiest months of the year along with November<\/a>. Around 2 inches (50 mm) of precipitation in total fall throughout the month.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

That said, December weather in Madrid is overall pleasant and mild compared to many other European destinations at this same time of year. Sunshine, while less common than in the warmer months, is still quite prevalent. Snow is rare in the capital, so if you want to experience a white Christmas, consider heading out to one of the mountain villages north of the city.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Pack warm clothes if you’re visiting Madrid in December!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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

1. Marvel at the Holiday Lights<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

First on our agenda of what to do in Madrid in December is simple: check out the Christmas lights! <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

All over the city, festive lights twinkle in the streets, bringing a visible sense of holiday cheer that’s impossible to resist. If walking around in the cold doesn’t sound too appealing but you want to enjoy the holiday magic, hop on board the Navibus, the city’s famous Christmas-themed bus! <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The double-decker bus makes its way regularly through Madrid’s city center, allowing breathtaking views of the holiday lights along with live holiday-themed performances. If you’re wondering what to do in Madrid in December with your family, this option will easily be at the top of your list.<\/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><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

2. Explore the Christmas Markets<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

But before you hop on board the Navibus, it’s time to take part in a cherished European holiday tradition: the fairytale Christmas markets<\/a>. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Madrid’s largest and most famous market takes place in Plaza Mayor, and locals and visitors alike look forward to it every year. Here, you’ll be able to find anything and everything you could possibly want, from crazy hats to traditional handmade decorations to remarkable details for your home nativity scene. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

It’s impossible not to feel the holiday spirit as you make your way through the stalls and browse the traditional products. No wonder this is often at the top of everyone’s list of what to do in Madrid in December!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Did you really visit Europe at the holidays if you didn’t shop at a Christmas market? Photo credit: Ross Sneddon<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

3. Snack on Churros<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Between wandering around the Christmas markets and taking a stroll to see the holiday lights, you’ll probably start to feel a bit chilly after a while. Warm up by ducking into a cozy\u00a0churrer\u00eda\u00a0<\/em>for our favorite cold-weather snack:\u00a0churros con chocolate<\/em><\/a>! <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Churros aren’t exclusively a holiday treat, but they taste even more perfect on a cold winter day. Enjoy them for breakfast, or later in the day for\u00a0merienda\u00a0<\/em>(the mid-afternoon snack, traditionally eaten around 6 p.m.) for the best experience\u2014they’re more likely to be freshly fried at these times.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you’re coming from the Plaza Mayor Christmas market, your closest churros stop is the iconic\u00a0Chocolateria San Gin\u00e9s<\/a>.<\/em>\u00a0This legendary local favorite is open 24 hours a day and has been serving up some of the city’s best churros and hot chocolate since 1894! Indulge your sweet tooth with a virtual visit to San Gin\u00e9s in the video below.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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