Looking for a break from Madrid during Christmas? Weekend getaways from Madrid at Christmas are a great option. You can enjoy charming towns with festive lights and lively markets, all just a short trip away. Many of these places can be visited in a day, so you can enjoy the holiday spirit without staying overnight. Get ready to explore and make the most of the season!
Weekend getaways from Madrid at Christmas are a wonderful way to experience the festive season in Spain’s surrounding regions. Just a short drive or train ride from the capital, you can explore charming towns filled with beautiful holiday decorations. With so many beautiful destinations close to Madrid, these trips make for memorable holiday experiences.
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Toledo, Castile-La Mancha
A day trip to Toledo’s Christmas market at Plaza Consistorio is a festive outing the whole family will love! It’s located near Toledo’s City Hall (Ayuntamiento in Spanish). The market has a vintage carousel for the kids and plenty of stalls. Be sure to try the vino caliente (mulled wine) and roasted chestnuts!
Dishes to try in Toledo
When in Toledo, be sure to try mazapan (marzipan), a sweet almond treat, and venado (venison), often served in stews. Other local favourites include pisto (vegetable ratatouille) and sopa de ajo (garlic soup).
How to get there from Madrid
The trip from Madrid’s Atocha Station to Toledo is quick and easy, with a direct train taking aprox 35 minutes. Once you arrive at Toledo Station, it’s a 20-minute walk up to the main square. Alternatively, take the bus from Madrid’s Plaza Elíptica, which takes about 50 minutes and drops you near Toledo’s historic centre.
San Lorenzo de El Escorial, Community of Madrid
One of the main highlights in San Lorenzo de El Escorial is the Belen Monumental. This large nativity scene has been a beloved tradition for the past 25 years, and has received the title of Interés Turístico Regional. An award by regional governments in Spain to recognize events, festivals, or attractions of cultural, historical, or artistic significance. It will be open to visitors from around December 8 to January 7.
Dishes to try in San Lorenzo de El Escorial
We recommend trying roast lamb from local restaurants, which is known for its tender meat and rich flavors. You should also taste churros with hot chocolate, a popular treat.
How to get there from Madrid
To reach San Lorenzo de El Escorial, you can take a train from Chamartín station in Madrid, which takes about 55 minutes to reach El Escorial. From the station, it takes approximately 30 minutes to walk uphill to the town center. Alternatively, you can take Bus Line 1 from Estación El Escorial, which is just a 1-minute walk from the train station. This bus ride takes about 4 minutes and makes only two stops, making it a quick and convenient option.
Segovia, Castile and León
In Segovia at Christmas, visitors can enjoy the beautiful Plaza Mayor adorned with festive lights and decorations, making it a perfect spot for holiday photos. The city also hosts a charming Christmas market where you can find local crafts and delicious treats like the traditional Segovian punch. Don’t miss the stunning Alcázar of Segovia, which looks enchanting in winter, especially if there’s snow. Additionally, the impressive Cathedral of Segovia, known for its beautiful architecture and stained glass windows, is a must-see during this festive season.
The cathedral in Segovia is called Santa Iglesia Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción y de San Frutos, commonly known as the Segovia Cathedral. This impressive Gothic-style cathedral is often referred to as the “Lady of Cathedrals” due to its elegance and late Gothic architecture.
Dishes to try in Segovia
Dishes we recommend you try are roast suckling pig and fried suckling pig. Additionally, you can enjoy local favourites like judiones (large beans), Castilian soup, lamb, and, of course, churros.
How to get there from Madrid
To get to Segovia, you can take a train from Madrid’s Chamartín station, which takes about 30 minutes to reach the nearby town of Segovia-Guiomar. From there, you need to take bus line 11, which runs regularly and will take you into the city center in about 10-15 minutes. If you prefer driving, it takes about an hour from Madrid (around 90 km) via the AP-61 highway. Buses are also available from various locations in Madrid, with a travel time of around 1.5 hours, making Segovia an accessible day trip for those looking to experience the Christmas spirit in a picturesque setting.
Avila, Castile and Leon
Ávila at Christmas is a must for those looking for weekend getaways from Madrid at Christmas. The city’s medieval walls and historic streets are illuminated with festive lights, creating a magical holiday atmosphere. Visitors can explore Ávila’s Christmas markets, sample traditional sweets like yemas, and soak in the charm of this UNESCO World Heritage city.
Visit the Christmas market in Plaza del Mercado Chico to find local crafts and festive foods, and enjoy the unique nativity scenes displayed in nearby churches and public squares.
Dishes to try in Ávila
Dishes we recommend you try in Ávila are beef steak, known for its high quality, and yemas de Ávila, a sweet treat made from egg yolks and sugar. You can also enjoy sopa de ajo (garlic soup) and marmitako, a fish stew. Don’t forget to stop by a local bakery to taste the delicious natillas, a creamy dessert.
How to get there from Madrid
To travel from Madrid to Ávila, you can take a train from Madrid-Chamartín station, which goes to El Escorial. From El Escorial, you’ll need to switch trains to reach Ávila. The entire journey takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Madrid South Bus Station to Ávila Bus Station, which takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. If you prefer driving, the distance is about 109 km, typically taking around 1.5 hours via the A-6 and AP-6 motorways.
Chinchon, Community of Madrid
Chinchón at Christmas is another excellent option for weekend getaways from Madrid at Christmas. The town’s Plaza Mayor is beautifully decorated for the season, and the local shops and restaurants offer a cosy, festive vibe. Chinchón’s holiday market and nativity displays make it an ideal spot to experience traditional Spanish Christmas celebrations without venturing far from Madrid.
Dishes to try in Chinchón
The dishes we recommend you try in Chinchón are migas (fried breadcrumbs with garlic), roast lamb, and cured meats. The town is also famous for its anise liqueur, which is a local specialty.
How to get there from Madrid
You can get to Chinchón by car or take Bus 337 from Madrid’s Conde de Casal station which will drop you off at the Chinchón bus station, located on Calle de Los Huertos, just a short walk from the town’s main square, Plaza Mayor.
Rascafria, Community of Madrid
Rascafría, located in the Sierra de Guadarrama, is a lovely destination to visit during Christmas. The village is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, which become even more enchanting in winter. Expect to see stunning snowy scenes, with the surrounding mountains providing a picturesque backdrop. In addition to the natural beauty, you can enjoy festive decorations throughout the village, creating a charming holiday atmosphere.
There are plenty of activities to partake in, including hiking on various trails that cater to different skill levels, offering breathtaking views of the winter scenery. For those who enjoy skiing, the nearby Valdesquí Ski Resort has slopes suitable for all levels, making it a great spot for winter sports enthusiasts
Dishes to try in Rascafría
We highly recommend a visit to La Petite Brasserie is known for serving delicious dishes like bone broth, tartiflette, and vino caliente. It’s also great to know that the owners are a married couple, with one from Spain and the other from France, adding a personal touch to the dining experience. For more details, you can check their website or social media for the latest offerings and customer reviews.
How to get there from Madrid
To get to Rascafría from central Madrid, you have a few options. You can take a bus from Castellana – Nudo Norte which takes aprox 2 hours. Alternatively by car which takes aprox 1 hour 25 minutes (105 km) via the A-1 motorway.
Christmas in Madrid 2024
Head to our blog post Top Things to do in Madrid Spain at Christmas 2024. This your ultimate guide of what to see and do in the Spanish capital during the festive season!
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