Christmas time is here! If you’re planning to visit Madrid with your family, or to show off the capital to friends visiting from home, we’ve put together a short 2-day program to make the most of this magical time for children. Here’s our selection for a family Christmas weekend in Madrid.
A family Christmas weekend in Madrid:
Day 1: Visit downtown Madrid
If you’re planning a family weekend in Madrid over the Christmas period, now’s the time to make the most of the special atmosphere and some “special Christmas” activities. At the same time, it can be very cold and children (unfortunately) can’t walk indefinitely without making “a few” complaints. So you need a reasonable, fun program.
We don’t think you’ll need to use public transport for this 1st day. Distances can be covered on foot with children.
Plaza Mayor: This square in the heart of the city is a must-see and an ideal starting point. The Christmas Market, which takes place here at the end of November, is also a classic during the festive season, and one of the city’s biggest.
Puerta del Sol: As you stroll through the little streets around Plaza Mayor, you can quietly make your way to Puerta del Sol. All the alleyways are decorated and illuminated. It’s one of the city’s most emblematic squares, and a popular gathering place for Madrid locals (especially on December 31, when they can watch the 12 strokes of midnight while eating grapes). Here you’ll see the famous statue of the Bear and the Arbutus tree, which features on the town’s coat of arms. During the festive season, a brightly lit Christmas tree takes pride of place in the middle of the square.
Casa Raton Perez: After this little stroll through the streets of Madrid, a special activity for children might be a good option. Not far from the Puerta del Sol, you can visit the house where the tooth fairy once lived. Perfect for the magical Christmas season. This tour is very popular at weekends and requires advance reservations. A word of advice: contact them via WhastApp to book your tickets.
Short break:If you’re planning a late lunch, i.e. on Spanish time, don’t hesitate to take a short churro break at Chocolateria San Gines to keep the kids waiting until lunchtime. We’re staying right in the neighborhood, just a stone’s throw from Casa Raton Perez and Plaza Mayor. It’s one of Madrid’s best-known establishments, so there can be a long queue…
Cortylandia: Also in central Madrid, 2 minutes from Chocolateria San Gines, a mecca for children’s Christmas parties. At certain times of the day, there’s a 15-minute children’s show with figurines on the facade of the El Corte Inglés department store (Calle de Preciados, 3).
Lunch break: In keeping with your itinerary, enjoy lunch at one of Madrid’s covered gastronomic mercados (markets), the Mercado San Ildefonso. It’s not the most famous, but it’s less touristy than the Mercado San Miguel, with a cool atmosphere and plenty to do with children. Street food, Asian cuisine, traditional cuisine… you’ll have plenty of choice to keep your kids happy.
Nativity scene (belen) at the Palacio de Cibeles: In Madrid, several nativity scenes are on display during the Christmas season. One of the largest is the Palacio de Cibeles, an impressive building also known as the Palacio de Telecomunicaciones and home to the Town Hall. A visit that’s always fun for children, with lots of characters to observe!
And to round off the day, from 6pm onwards – a must in Madrid during the festive season – you can admire the Christmas decorations on a bus tour. A perfect plan with kids who are probably a little tired, while still enjoying the Christmas atmosphere.
The best-known bus is the Naviluz, but seats are quite scarce. This night-time walk is great for children. If there’s no more room, you can try the Tourist Bus (until 6pm), which stops at various points in the city. A great alternative to the metro. Info and booking.
The second option, when the naviluz is full, is the navibus.
The tour starts at the intersection of Alcalá and Julio Camba streets, near the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas. Participants will be welcomed aboard the Navibus for a festive tour of Madrid. The 45-minute journey offers views of the city’s iconic sites, illuminated for Christmas, perfect for taking photos. Highlights include the Paseo del Prado and Calle Alcalá, both brilliantly decorated. The tour also includes anecdotes about Christmas in Madrid told by a Santa’s helper. The tour ends at the starting point.
Price : From €5.6. Book your ticket here.
Day 2: A family Christmas weekend in Madrid
The Royal Palace, the Retiro.
After a busy 1ʳᵉ day, we’ve got a quieter second day in store!
The Royal Palace: It would be a shame to come to Madrid without seeing the Royal Palace. We suggest you start the day with this visit. Right next door, you can also visit the Almudena Cathedral with its Christmas cot (Calle de Bailén). Book your priority tickets online to avoid queuing.
Madrid cable car: From the Royal Palace, you can walk along the Sabatini gardens, past the Egyptian temple, the Debord temple, and arrive at the Madrid cable car. An activity children are sure to love. Paseo del Pintor Rosales, s/n, 28008 Madrid. You can then take the opportunity to stroll around Casa de Campo and warm up at the Madrid Aquarium!
The Retiro: And if the cold hasn’t completely frozen you yet, we suggest taking the metro for a stroll through the Retiro. Madrid’s best-known park, it’s very big, you can go boating and there are puppet shows every weekend at 12.30 pm.
Weekend in Madrid for Christmas: other ideas for activities :
Around Madrid
There’s a very nice excursion to do during the Christmas holidays, not far from Madrid (1h). The idea is to discover the human-sized crib in the streets of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. An impressive experience, perfect for children. We go there every year.
If you don’t have a car, this excursion is also accessible by bus from Moncloa or by taking the Felipe 2 tourist train through the Sierra. Take the opportunity to visit the monastery of San Lorenzo de El Escorial.
Temporary Christmas activities for kids:
And for those of you who are in Madrid close to Christmas and the Three W ise Men’s Day, i.e. between January 21 and 6, here are a few fun things to do with your family on the 2nd day of your visit:
- Ice skating in the Galeria de Cristal at Palacio Cibeles: During the Christmas season, this courtyard with its large glass dome is transformed into a giant ice rink. See our selection of Christmas ice rinks in Madrid.
- Discover the Plaza de Espana and all the activities you can do as a family: market, ice rink, restaurant, etc.
- Watch the Three Wise Men parade: In Spain, it’s not just Santa Claus who brings the presents, it’s also the Three Wise Men! A long-standing tradition. Spanish children are more likely to receive their presents on the morning of January 6. So, if you’re in Spain on January 5, you’ll be lucky enough to be able to watch the Three Wise Men parade through the city (the Cabalgata) in the evening in the center of Madrid. A magical moment!
Take the Christmas train: Generally from December 21 or 22 to January 5, you can travel on an old train from the 1920s that picks up at Principe Pio station. Inside, during the 1-hour trip, you’ll enjoy Christmas-themed entertainment for children. On January 5, the Three Wise Men themselves will be part of the trip! Schedules and information here.
We hope this article will help you plan your family Christmas weekend
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Emilie
