For 2026, we confirmed 19 Christmas events for kids in Madrid. The season opens on November 14 with Mágicas Navidades and runs until January 10 with Naturaleza Encendida: Alicia en el País de las Maravillas (Alice in Wonderland). Of these, 9 are free. Every listing links straight to the host. This page is part of our guide to Christmas events for kids in Spain.
The short version
- Kids’ Christmas events confirmed for 2026 in Madrid and Torrejón de Ardoz: 19
- First: Mágicas Navidades, Torrejón de Ardoz, November 14
- Free events: Cortylandia, Christmas Cookie Decorating Workshop, La magia de la Navidad (The Magic of Christmas), Kids' movie at the María Lejárraga Library: “Shreketefeliz Navidad” (the Shrek Christmas special), El Cascanueces (The Nutcracker), Reusing Materials: Christmas Ornament Workshop and more
Below is every event we could confirm, grouped by town, with the date, time, cost and the small things parents ask about (registration, ages, what is included).
At a glance: Christmas events for kids in Madrid
- Kids’ Christmas events
- 19 confirmed for 2026
- Towns
- Madrid and Torrejón de Ardoz
- Season
- November 14 to January 10
- Free events
- 9
- Last checked
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Free Christmas events for kids in Madrid
Christmas lightsFree
Cortylandia
- When: From late November to Jan 5, 2027
- Where: El Corte Inglés Preciados-Callao, Calle de Preciados, 3, 28013 Madrid (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free
- Ages: All ages
Expand to see the parent tip
Cortylandia is one of Madrid's best-loved Christmas traditions: since 1979, the El Corte Inglés façade on Calle Preciados fills with animated figures that sing and dance to wish everyone a merry Christmas. The scenery changes every year, inspired by what the youngest enjoy, but the song stays the one every child ends up humming.
You can watch it free from the street, between Sol and Callao, from late November to Jan 5, 2027. It is a short plan that is easy to combine with a stroll past the lights downtown, the Plaza Mayor or the Puerta del Sol. Turismo de Madrid includes it in its official Christmas 2026-2027 agenda, so it is worth adding to your list of holiday plans with the kids.
Parent tip: It gets very crowded on weekends and long holiday weekends; weekday afternoon shows tend to be calmer. Metro Callao or Sol.
- Host
- El Corte Inglés (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- El Corte Inglés Preciados-Callao, Calle de Preciados, 3, 28013 Madrid (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Rally’s Christmas research
Rally the corgi has 18 more Madrid events researched for you.
- New events every week We research new events daily and send you one email a week with the new ones we find in Madrid.
- Exclusive access to free events Be first to hear about new free events in Madrid.
- Unlock the filters Find Santa visits, free events and weekend plans in one tap.
- Rally’s Christmas Eve Express and a free advent calendar Get early access to Rally the corgi’s Christmas Eve tracker, plus a free digital advent calendar to count down to Christmas.
- One-tap add to calendar Save any event to your Google, Apple or Outlook calendar so you never miss it.
Coming up on this page
- 10 Shows
- 4 Santa
- 4 Lights
- 3 Parades
- 9 Free
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Christmas craftsFree
Christmas Cookie Decorating Workshop
- When: Sat, Nov 28, 12 to 2 pm (30-minute sessions)
- Where: Centro Cultural Benjamín Palencia, Avenida de La Gavia, 55, 28051 Madrid (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free, with registration
- Ages 7 and up
Expand to see the parent tip
Zumo Animaciones organizes a workshop at the Benjamín Palencia cultural center where kids decorate their own Christmas cookies using different techniques, colors and festive designs. Each participant takes home the cookies they made, so it makes a perfect gift for the family or something to leave out for the Three Kings (Reyes Magos).
The workshop is on Saturday, Nov 28 starting at 12 pm and is organized in four 30-minute sessions with a maximum of 12 children each. It is recommended for ages 7 and up and is free, but you need to register: registration opens on Nov 20. With so few spots, it is worth keeping an eye out that day. The activity is meant to be enjoyed as a family and to let creativity run free.
Parent tip: Registration opens Nov 20 and there are only 48 spots in total; sign up early. Expect it to be in Spanish.
- Host
- Ayuntamiento de Madrid, Junta de Distrito de Villa de Vallecas (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Centro Cultural Benjamín Palencia, Avenida de La Gavia, 55, 28051 Madrid (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Family Christmas eventFree
Kids' movie at the María Lejárraga Library: “Shreketefeliz Navidad” (the Shrek Christmas special)
- When: Thu, Dec 10, at 6 pm
- Where: Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Lejárraga, Calle de la Princesa de Éboli, 29, 28050 Madrid (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free, open entry until the room is full
- Ages: All ages
Expand to see the parent tip
The María Lejárraga Library, in Hortaleza, is hosting an afternoon of Christmas movies for kids with Shreketefeliz Navidad. In this story Shrek, who as a good ogre is not much for celebrating Christmas, makes an effort to do it right for Fiona and their babies, and even promises his wife a big surprise for the occasion.
The screening is on Thursday, Dec 10 at 6 pm, is aimed at families and is for all ages. Entry is free and open until the room is full, so there is no need to reserve. It is an easy plan for a weekday afternoon after school, and you can also take the chance to check out Christmas books from the library's children's section.
Parent tip: No reservation: arrive a little early because capacity is limited.
- Host
- Bibliotecas Públicas Municipales de Madrid (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Biblioteca Pública Municipal María Lejárraga, Calle de la Princesa de Éboli, 29, 28050 Madrid (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas showFree
El Cascanueces (The Nutcracker)
- When: Fri, Dec 11, at 7 pm
- Where: Centro Cultural Zazuar, Calle de Zazuar, 4, 28031 Madrid (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free
- Ages 8 and up
Expand to see the parent tip
The Zazuar cultural center, in Villa de Vallecas, hosts a free performance of The Nutcracker, the Christmas story par excellence, with Tchaikovsky's music. It is Christmas Eve and the girl Clara receives from her godfather Drosselmeyer a nutcracker shaped like a prince; when she falls asleep she dreams she travels with him through different countries until she reaches the kingdom of sweets and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
It is danced by Compañía de Danza Arts, with direction and choreography by Ana Malia and the participation of children from the company's school. It lasts 70 minutes and is recommended for ages 8 and up. It is on Friday, Dec 11 at 7 pm, a good first ballet experience for kids who can already sit through a whole show.
Parent tip: A free performance at a city cultural center: arrive early to make sure you get a seat.
- Host
- Ayuntamiento de Madrid, Junta de Distrito de Villa de Vallecas (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Centro Cultural Zazuar, Calle de Zazuar, 4, 28031 Madrid (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas craftsFree
Reusing Materials: Christmas Ornament Workshop
- When: Sun, Dec 13, 11 am
- Where: Centro de Información y Educación Ambiental de Dehesa de la Villa, Parque de la Dehesa de la Villa, 28035 Madrid (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free
Expand to see the parent tip
The Dehesa de la Villa environmental education center is holding a Christmas ornament workshop with reused materials on Sunday, Dec 13, at 11 am. The idea is to decorate the house for Christmas without buying anything new, giving a second life to things that usually end up in the trash.
The activity is free. To find out the ages and whether you need to sign up beforehand, it is best to call the center or check the City of Madrid website. The workshop takes place in the Dehesa de la Villa park area, in the Moncloa-Aravaca district, so you can combine it with a walk in the park before or after. Bundle the kids up well.
Parent tip: Check with the center whether you need to register and from what age children can take part. Expect it to be in Spanish.
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Santa Claus paradeFree
Three Kings Parade of Madrid (Cabalgata de Reyes de Madrid)
- When: Tue, Jan 5, 2027, from 6 pm
- Where: Paseo de la Castellana, from Plaza de San Juan de la Cruz to Plaza de Cibeles, 28003 Madrid (opens in maps)
- Cost: Free
- Ages: All ages
Expand to see the parent tip
The big night for Madrid's kids: on the afternoon of Jan 5 the Three Kings travel along the Paseo de la Castellana from Plaza de San Juan de la Cruz to Plaza de Cibeles, with their pages, the three royal floats, other floats that hand out candy and street shows from around the world. The parade starts at 6 pm.
In the last edition the route had bleachers with thousands of seats along the Castellana and at Cibeles, areas reserved for people with reduced mobility, and the event ended on the stage at the Palacio de Cibeles with Their Majesties' speech shortly before 9 pm and fireworks. It is free and you do not need to reserve to watch from the street.
Parent tip: Arrive early to get a spot on the Castellana and wear warm clothes; public transportation is the best option that afternoon.
- Host
- Ayuntamiento de Madrid (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Paseo de la Castellana, from Plaza de San Juan de la Cruz to Plaza de Cibeles, 28003 Madrid (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Ticketed and paid Christmas events for kids in Madrid
Admission, tickets or a fee apply. Where a host has not posted a price yet, the listing says so.
The #1 spot Event hosts: free events are listed first. One featured spot puts your event at the very top of this page.Ask about the #1 spot
Christmas show
Christmas at Circo Price: Circo Raluy Legacy
- When: Nov 20 to Jan 6, several shows
- Where: Teatro Circo Price, Ronda de Atocha, 35, 28012 Madrid (opens in maps)
- Cost: From €14 (booking fees extra)
- Ages: All ages
Expand to see the parent tip
Going to the Price at Christmas is already a tradition in Madrid, and this season the ring is filled by Circo Raluy Legacy, one of the best-known circus families in the country. The show brings together acrobatics, balancing, juggling, humor and lots of fantasy, and is designed so grown-ups and little ones can share the thrill of live circus together.
The show lasts one hour and forty-five minutes including intermission and is recommended for all ages. Tickets cost from €14 plus booking fees and there are discounts for children under 16. Every spectator needs their own ticket; children under 2 who sit on a lap pay a €1 ticket bought at the box office or when choosing a seat online. Jan 2 and 3 are accessible performances, with reserved seats handled by email.
Parent tip: Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. There is its own parking at Calle Juan Sebastián Elcano, 25, for €4, with advance online reservation; by metro, take Embajadores or Lavapiés.
- Host
- Teatro Circo Price (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Teatro Circo Price, Ronda de Atocha, 35, 28012 Madrid (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas lights
Naturaleza Encendida: Alicia en el País de las Maravillas (Alice in Wonderland)
- When: Nov 24 to Jan 10 (closed Dec 14, 15, 24 and 31)
- Where: Real Jardín Botánico Alfonso XIII (Universidad Complutense), Avenida Complutense, s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid (opens in maps)
- Cost: Child rate for ages 4 to 14; check prices
- Ages: All ages
Expand to see the parent tip
Naturaleza Encendida returns to the Real Jardín Botánico Alfonso XIII, in Ciudad Universitaria, with a nighttime route inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Light, nature and fantasy blend in an immersive walk of about 45 minutes, with activities for all ages, a food and drink area and an ice rink.
Entry is timed: there are slots every 15 minutes and it is best to arrive a quarter of an hour early. There is a child rate for kids ages 4 to 14 and a specific ticket for children under 3, which must be linked to an adult's ticket; everyone who attends needs a ticket. There is also a premium ticket with no lines and a one-hour window. It goes ahead even if it rains and is closed on Dec 14, 15, 24 and 31.
Parent tip: Wear comfortable shoes and warm clothes because it is outdoors. At the door they ask for a national ID (DNI), passport or family book (libro de familia) for the children's rates.
- Host
- Naturaleza Encendida (LETSGO) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Real Jardín Botánico Alfonso XIII (Universidad Complutense), Avenida Complutense, s/n, Ciudad Universitaria, 28040 Madrid (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Santa Claus parade
Christmas at the Parque de Atracciones de Madrid (Winterland 2026)
- When: Sat, Nov 28 to Jan 5, according to the park calendar
- Where: Parque de Atracciones de Madrid, Casa de Campo, s/n, 28011 Madrid (opens in maps)
- Cost: Park admission, online from €23.90 depending on the rate
- Ages: For the whole family
Expand to see the parent tip
From Nov 28 to Jan 5, 2027, the Parque de Atracciones de Madrid dresses up for Christmas with a new zone called Winterland, set in the place where Christmas was born, among mountains of snow. The season includes shows such as La última carta a Papá Noel (The Last Letter to Santa), a Christmas edition of the Nickelodeon Parade and the Lumina Aeterna show.
The little ones can get a photo at the meeting with Papá Noel, say hello to the Nickelodeon characters and take part in El secreto de los Reyes Magos (The Secret of the Three Kings), an interactive experience in which you overcome challenges and gather clues to uncover Christmas's best-kept mystery. The shows and this experience are included with park admission. The website offers online tickets from €23.90 depending on the rate, discounts for buying early and a group price of €24.90 per person for groups of 20 or more.
Parent tip: Check the season's schedule calendar before you go, because the shows have set times. Buying your ticket online in advance is cheaper.
- Host
- Parque de Atracciones de Madrid (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Parque de Atracciones de Madrid, Casa de Campo, s/n, 28011 Madrid (opens in maps)
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Santa Claus parade
Carrera de Papa Noel (Santa Claus Run)
- When: Sun, Dec 20, start at 10 am
- Where: Paseo de Recoletos (start and finish), Paseo de Recoletos, esquina Salustiano Olózaga, 28001 Madrid (opens in maps)
- Cost: Registration from €16.95
- Ages: Participants of all ages
Expand to see the parent tip
The Carrera de Papa Noel (Santa Claus Run) reaches its fifteenth edition on Sunday, Dec 20, with a course of about 5 kilometers through central Madrid. The start is at 10 am, and both start and finish are on the Paseo de Recoletos, next to Calle Salustiano Olózaga, with an uphill stretch to Plaza de Gregorio Marañón.
People of all ages take part and everyone runs dressed as Santa Claus, which makes it a festive outing for the whole family, whether running or cheering from the street. Registration starts at €16.95 and signing up is required. Check the registration website for children's categories before deciding whether the kids can take part.
Parent tip: Check on the registration website whether there is a children's category and what the race bib includes. It is a December morning, so bring warm clothes for the wait.
- Host
- Turismo Madrid (esMadrid), official events calendar (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Paseo de Recoletos (start and finish), Paseo de Recoletos, esquina Salustiano Olózaga, 28001 Madrid (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Required
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Visit with Santa
Rudolph y otros cuentos de Navidad (Rudolph and Other Christmas Tales)
- When: Wed, Dec 23 at 12 pm and 5:30 pm; Fri, Dec 25 at 5:30 pm
- Where: Teatro Sanpol, Plaza de San Pol de Mar, 1, 28008 Madrid (opens in maps)
- Cost: Check the price on the theater's website
- Ages: Recommended for ages 2 and up
Expand to see the parent tip
Tomte, a mischievous gnome, wants to help Papá Noel, who is getting old and sees less every year, find light to guide his sleigh. He chases a star, tries to rescue the tree lights the Grinch has wrecked and tries the matches of the Little Match Girl, until Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeer everyone made fun of, shows up and fixes everything. There are four tales tied together by Christmas and by Nordic characters kids adore, with Papá and Mamá Noel on stage.
It is the season's show best suited to little ones: the Sanpol recommends it for ages 2 and up. There are shows on Wednesday, Dec 23 at 12 pm and 5:30 pm, and on Christmas Day itself, Friday, Dec 25, at 5:30 pm.
Parent tip: The afternoon show on the 25th is a great plan for after Christmas lunch; buy ahead because there are few dates. Expect it to be in Spanish.
- Host
- Teatro Sanpol (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Teatro Sanpol, Plaza de San Pol de Mar, 1, 28008 Madrid (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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Christmas events for kids in Torrejón de Ardoz
Visit with Santa
Mágicas Navidades (Torrejón de Ardoz)
- When: Nov 14 to Jan 10, from 4 pm (check the opening calendar)
- Where: Parque Mágicas Navidades, Calle Meridiano (accesos A1 y A2), 28850 Torrejón de Ardoz (opens in maps)
- Cost: €5 to €10 depending on the day; under 2 free; Torrejón residents free with an invitation
- Ages: For the whole family
Expand to see the parent tip
Mágicas Navidades presents itself as Spain's Christmas park and returns to Torrejón de Ardoz with fifteen experiences. Included with admission are the musical show El Elfo Travieso (The Naughty Elf), Santa's Flight over the sky of the park, the fireworks every night, the Linternas de Asia (Asian Lanterns), the life-size Camino de Belén (Road to Bethlehem), a maze, the Christmas market and new shows at the Puerta Mágica (Magic Gate). Paid separately are the giant Ferris wheel, the ice rink on a lake, the Ice Festival, the immersive dome El viaje de Noel (Noel's Journey) and the rides.
It opens in the afternoon from 4 pm, mostly Thursday to Sunday, long weekends and holidays. General admission costs €5 on family days (almost every Thursday), €7 most days and €10 on many Saturdays and the December long weekend; children under 2 get in free, and so do Torrejón residents. There is no time limit inside.
Parent tip: The park is 100 meters from the Torrejón Cercanías (commuter rail) station and has free parking on Calle Meridiano, Calle Telémaco and Calle Margarita Salas. Ride passes save money if you plan to go on several.
- Host
- Mágicas Navidades (Productores de Sonrisas) (opens in a new tab)
- Where
- Parque Mágicas Navidades, Calle Meridiano (accesos A1 y A2), 28850 Torrejón de Ardoz (opens in maps)
- Registration
- Recommended
- Confirmed
- On the host’s page, checked
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More Christmas events for kids in Spain
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- Christmas events for kids in Spain
A story for the trip home
Our picture book follows Rally the corgi on his first train ride to see his grand-paw-rents. It is a cozy story to share on the way home after a big day out.
A bedtime story after seeing SantaRally Takes the Train is a five-minute rhyming picture book about a corgi’s first train ride, hand-painted in real watercolor. Ages 0 to 8.
Buy on Amazon.es (opens in a new tab)Christmas events for kids in Madrid: questions parents ask
What are the 2026 Christmas events for kids in Madrid?
For 2026, we confirmed 19 Christmas events for kids in Madrid, each on its host’s own page: Mágicas Navidades (Torrejón de Ardoz), Christmas at the Parque de Atracciones de Madrid (Winterland 2026), Christmas at Circo Price: Circo Raluy Legacy and 16 more. Each one is listed above with times, cost and a link to the host.
Are there free Christmas events for kids in Madrid?
Yes, 9 of the 19 events here are free: El Cascanueces (The Nutcracker), Tarjetas navideñas (Christmas Cards), Christmas Cookie Decorating Workshop and 6 more. Some free events still ask you to register, so check each listing.
Where can kids see Santa this year in Madrid?
Where to see Santa: Mágicas Navidades (Torrejón de Ardoz), Christmas at the Parque de Atracciones de Madrid (Winterland 2026), Rudolph y otros cuentos de Navidad (Rudolph and Other Christmas Tales) and 1 more. Check the listings above for times and booking.
Where are there Christmas story times for kids in Madrid?
Christmas story times on this page: Rudolph y otros cuentos de Navidad (Rudolph and Other Christmas Tales) and La magia de la Navidad (The Magic of Christmas).
How do you confirm these events?
We list an event only after we find this season’s date on the host’s own website or an official city, library or tourism calendar. We last checked every listing on November 9, 2026. Hosts change details, so always confirm on the host’s page before you go.
Event names belong to their hosts. Rally Takes the Train is a family picture book and is not affiliated with, sponsored by or endorsed by any host listed here. Confirm dates, times and prices on each host’s own site before you go.
The story of Christmas in Madrid
In Madrid, Christmas has been bought on the street for centuries: the Plaza Mayor market began in the 1600s selling live turkeys. Today kids wait for the animated puppets of Cortylandia, the Three Kings parade down the Castellana and the twelve grapes at midnight in Puerta del Sol.
How Madrid celebrates Christmas, and what is different for visitors
Madrid's Christmas happens outdoors and in the center. The Christmas market began in the 17th century in Plaza de Santa Cruz, where live turkeys and hens were sold for the holiday dinner. In 1860 the city moved it to the Plaza Mayor. Food stopped being sold there in 1944, so today the roughly one hundred wooden stalls, run by about fifty families, sell decorations and joke items.
In 1979 came Cortylandia, the animated puppet show on the facade of a department store on Preciados street. And every January 5, the Three Kings parade goes down the Castellana to Cibeles.
For a visiting family, the surprise is that gifts come from the Three Kings, who arrive on the night of January 5, so the big family moments are New Year's Eve and January 5 and 6, not just December 25. Most shows are in Spanish.
Local traditions your kids will meet
The Reyes Magos, the Three Kings, are the main gift bringers. On the afternoon of January 5 they ride in a parade through the city and send their message at Cibeles, and the presents appear on the morning of January 6. The floats throw candy to the crowd.
The Plaza Mayor market sells nativity figures, decorations, Christmas trees and joke items. Joke items have been part of the market since the early 1900s, along with nougat and zambombas.
On New Year's Eve, people eat twelve grapes, one for each bell at midnight, in front of the clock of the Real Casa de Correos in Puerta del Sol. A ball drops first, then four quarter chimes sound, then come twelve slower bells. Explain it to kids as twelve bells, twelve grapes and a wish.
On the morning of January 5, a children's charity hands out 10,000 portions of roscón, a Three Kings sweet bread, with hot chocolate in Puerta del Sol.
Planning a Christmas visit to Madrid with kids
The season starts in November. The Christmas lights are listed from November 21 to January 6, with hours still to be confirmed. Cortylandia opens on November 27, the Circo Price Christmas circus runs from November 20 to January 6 and Winterland at the Parque de Atracciones starts on November 28 and runs to January 5, 2027.
Many events are free, such as Cortylandia, the Three Kings parade from 6 pm on January 5, 2027, library film screenings, cookie decorating workshops and storytelling at cultural centers. Many free workshops need sign-up. Paid events include circus, theme parks, theater musicals and Santa's run.
The events here are in Madrid's center and neighborhoods, plus a big Christmas park in Torrejón de Ardoz. Mix a daytime workshop or show with an evening of lights, and leave time on January 5 for the parade, since it is best to arrive early to get a spot.
A real train in 1979 and 1,200 kilos of candy
The first Cortylandia in 1979 used a real locomotive from Madrid's amusement park. It was such a hit that a new show is premiered in Madrid every year, and the earlier ones travel to other cities.
In the Three Kings parade on January 5, 2026, which left at 6 pm with the motto "Shared Knowledge," about 2,100 people took part, with three royal floats, and about 1,200 kilos of candy were handed out along the way.
Traditions today
- The Plaza Mayor Christmas market: About one hundred wooden stalls with red roofs sell nativity figures, decorations, trees and joke items from late November.
- Cortylandia: An animated puppet and song show on the facade of the department store on Preciados street, which premiered in 1979.
- Christmas lights: In Christmas 2025, more than 13 million LED bulbs lit more than 240 spots across the city's 21 districts.
- Twelve grapes in Puerta del Sol: On December 31, people eat twelve grapes with the twelve bells of the clock of the Real Casa de Correos.
- The Three Kings parade: On the afternoon of January 5 the Three Kings ride down the Castellana to Cibeles, throwing candy.
- Free roscón in Puerta del Sol: On the morning of January 5 a children's charity hands out 10,000 portions of roscón with hot chocolate.
A fact for kids
In 1979, Madrid's first animated puppet show on Preciados street featured a real locomotive from the city's amusement park. And at the 2026 Three Kings parade, about 1,200 kilos of candy were thrown.
Questions about Christmas in Madrid
Is Madrid worth visiting at Christmas with kids?
Yes. Kids can see Cortylandia's puppets, shop at the Plaza Mayor market, enjoy a circus and the Three Kings parade. Many events are free, and the center is full of lights.
When does Cortylandia start?
Cortylandia opens on November 27 at the department store on Preciados street, and runs until January 5, 2027. It is free and seen from the street. It began in 1979 with a real locomotive.
What is Cortylandia?
An animated puppet and song show on the facade of a department store on Preciados street in central Madrid. A new show is premiered in Madrid every year, and earlier ones travel to other cities.
When is the Three Kings parade in Madrid?
On Tuesday, January 5, 2027, from 6 pm, along the Castellana from the Plaza de San Juan de la Cruz to Cibeles. In 2026 the Kings reached Cibeles around 9 pm. Arrive early to get a spot. It is free.
How much candy do they throw at the Madrid Three Kings parade?
About 1,200 kilos in the January 5, 2026 parade, thrown from the floats along the Castellana and Recoletos. About 2,100 people took part, with three royal floats.
When do the Christmas lights go on in Madrid?
The 2026-2027 season runs from November 21 to January 6, with hours still to be confirmed. More than 250 spots in the 21 districts will be lit with more than 14 million LED bulbs. Some lights are designed by first and second graders from a city drawing contest.
Where were the lights switched on in 2025?
In Plaza de Cibeles, for the first time, on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Before that it was in Puerta del Sol. Rally driver Carlos Sainz pressed the button at 7:30 pm.
What are the Christmas market stalls in the Plaza Mayor?
About one hundred wooden stalls with red roofs run by about fifty families. They sell nativity figures, decorations, Christmas trees and joke items, from late November to late December.
Why does the Plaza Mayor market sell joke items?
Joke items have been part of the market since the early 20th century, along with nougat, zambombas and nativity figures. When food was banned in 1944, the stalls kept decorations and jokes.
How old is the Plaza Mayor Christmas market?
It began in the 17th century in Plaza de Santa Cruz, selling live turkeys and hens. In 1860 the city moved it to the Plaza Mayor. While the square was being renovated it moved to Plaza de Santa Ana, until 1969.
Who brings gifts to kids in Madrid?
The Three Kings, who arrive on the night of January 5. That afternoon they ride in the parade, and the presents appear on the morning of January 6.
Where can kids meet Santa in Madrid?
Santa shows up at several events. Madrid's Parque de Atracciones has a Santa meet and greet during its Christmas season through January 5, 2027, a Christmas musical with Santa and Mrs. Claus plays at Teatro Sanpol on December 23 and 25, and a Santa run is held on December 20.
What are the twelve grapes?
On New Year's Eve, people eat twelve grapes, one with each bell of the clock at Puerta del Sol. The most accepted origin is 1909, when farmers from the Levante region shared surplus grapes.
How do I explain the New Year's bells to kids?
The clock first drops a ball, then chimes the four quarters and finally twelve slower bells. With each bell you eat one grape. Twelve bells, twelve grapes, one wish.
Where can we eat free roscón in Madrid?
In Puerta del Sol on the morning of January 5. A children's charity plays music from 11 am and from noon hands out 10,000 portions of roscón with hot chocolate.
Are there free Christmas events in Madrid?
Yes, many. Free options include Cortylandia, the Three Kings parade, storytelling and cookie-decorating workshops, family film screenings and a Nutcracker ballet at a cultural center on December 11. Some need sign-up.
Are Christmas events in Madrid in English?
Most events are in Spanish. Cortylandia, the parade and lights need no language, but for workshops and theater it is worth checking with the host.
What is Santa's run in Madrid?
The 15th Santa Claus run is on Sunday, December 20, 2026, about 5 km through the center, open to all ages in Santa costumes. It starts at 10 am on Paseo de Recoletos. Registration starts at 16.95 euros.
What Christmas shows are there for kids in Madrid?
Options include the Circo Price Christmas circus from November 20 to January 6, a children's musical of A Christmas Carol on November 21 and 22 and a Christmas musical for ages 2 and up. A boys' choir concert is on December 13.
What is the Alice in Wonderland night walk?
An illuminated night walk at the Alfonso XIII Botanical Garden from November 24 to January 10, closed on December 14, 15, 24 and 31. There is a child rate for ages 4 to 14.
What is Winterland at the Parque de Atracciones?
The Madrid amusement park's Christmas season, from November 28 to January 5, 2027, with Winterland, shows, a parade, a Santa meet and greet and a Three Kings adventure. Online tickets start at 23.90 euros.
What are the oldest pastry shops in Madrid for Christmas sweets?
Antigua Pastelería del Pozo has been open since 1830 and El Riojano since 1855. Casa Mira, a nougat shop, opened in 1942. For roscón, Horno de San Onofre sells it plain or filled with cream, hazelnut, raspberry or angel hair.
Sources
- Del reino de Cortylandia a las ruinas de Galerías Preciados y Rumasa, El Independiente
- Historia del mercadillo de Navidad en la Plaza Mayor de Madrid, The Diplomat in Spain
- Mercadillo de la Plaza Mayor, esencia de la Navidad madrileña, Diario de Madrid (Ayuntamiento de Madrid)
- Así será la Cabalgata de Reyes de Madrid 2026, Time Out Madrid
- Encendido de las luces de Navidad en Madrid 2025, El Independiente
- Navidad en Madrid, esMadrid (Ayuntamiento de Madrid)
- Luces de Navidad en Madrid, esMadrid (Ayuntamiento de Madrid)