If you are visiting Madrid this Christmas, you might be wondering: where to see the Christmas lights in Madrid in 2024. Well, Madrid truly comes alive during Christmas. Its streets glow with festive lights and magical displays. From Gran Vía to Retiro Park, the city feels alive. It’s the perfect time to explore Madrid’s holiday charm.

Before we get into it, here is the…
Madrid Christmas Lights Timetable
Sunday to Thursday: 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM
Fridays and Saturdays: 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM
On December 5, 6, 7, and 8: 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Festive days like December 24 and January 5: 6:00 PM to 3:00 AM
For New Year’s, on December 31: 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Christmas Lights Route
In my opinion, there are three great ways to experience the Christmas lights in Madrid: on foot, by using public transport, or by booking a Christmas night bus ride.
In this post, I’ve planned a route for you that’s easy to follow on foot or by metro, without needing any adjustments. And, I linked the best tour bus experience we have tried so far, in case you’re interested.
If you’ve never been to Madrid and have no idea how to use its public transport system. Well, I have a blog post that covers all the details on how to use the metro system, trains, buses & more! So check it out if you want to travel more confidently and stress-free.
Planning a trip to Madrid and don’t feel like the hassle of planning an itinerary from scratch? We’ve got you covered. Get your 3-day Christmas in Madrid itinerary with custom google maps for each day and a ton of travel resources to get tickets, acommodation & more!
We tell you all about it in our Youtube video “How To See All The Christmas Lights in Madrid in 3h”
SOUND ON!
Open in a new tabChristmas Lights in Madrid
Plaza de Colón (Metro: Colón)
Let’s start our route at Plaza de Colón (Colón metro stop on line 4) to see the giant angel standing in the middle of the roundabout. It is 18 m tall (59 ft) and made up of 36000 LED lights.

Plaza de Colón Christmas Market
While you are in Colón, stop by the Christmas market with charming stalls, an ice rink and a carousel with the Angel in the background.
Open from 24 November 2024 – 7 January 2025. The ice rink tickets cost 8€ without any extras like gloves (2€) and aid for kids (4€).
Salamanca Neighbourhood (Metro: Serrano & Velázquez)
This neighbourhood is a classy and sophisticated area in Madrid with beautiful buildings and stores, so taking a stroll through its streets is a must. Stunning lights sparkle along the streets, stores decorate their storefronts elegantly for the festive season, and high-end brands compete to create the most captivating displays.
The main streets to visit are Serrano, Velázquez & Calle de Jorge Juan.

Retiro Park (Metro: Retiro)
Next, walk 5 mins to Retiro Park (metro stop Retiro, line 2) from the Salamanca neighbourhood.
Here you can find trees covered in lights and big lit-up stained glass panels depicting nativity scenes. It is also worth seeing the Alfonso XII monument on the other side of the Estanque Grande de El Retiro (Retiro Park’s lake) that lights up at night.
Puerta de Alcalá
Puerta de Alcalá is a beautiful, historic archway in Madrid, located at the edge of Retiro Park. It was once one of the city’s main gates and is now a popular landmark. For Christmas 2024, it is decorated with festive lights and colorful displays, filling the inside of the arches.
Paseo del Prado
A major and iconic street in Madrid, home to the renowned Prado Museum (Museo del Prado), transforms each year with the dazzling display of La Gran Menina Luminosa—a giant illuminated doll inspired by the female figures in Velázquez’s paintings.

Metrópolis Building (Metro: Banco de España)
The Metropolis Building is a famous and beautiful landmark in Madrid, known for its stunning architecture. It sits at the corner of Gran Vía and Alcalá Street and has a distinctive dome topped with a golden statue. The building is often admired for its ornate details and is one of the city’s most recognizable structures. It originally served as an insurance company headquarters but is now a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
This year they have installed a giant LED nativity scene or manger (belén in Spanish). It is a 3D figure that is 10 meters tall, 4.6 meters wide, and 2 meters deep, placed on a base for support.
Four Seasons Madrid (Metro: Sevilla)
Everyone has heard of the Four Seasons Hotel (Metro Stop: Sevilla, Line 2) and the one in Madrid doesn’t disappoint for Christmas. Every year their façade is fully decorated with ornaments and garlands made to look like a Christmas tree. It is a popular spot to get a festive photo, so we highly recommend you stop by.
It is also worth mentioning, the hotel lobby is decorated with beautiful displays each year, so definitely stop by. You can take a look at the decorations or grab a drink at the bar for a special holiday experience.

Puerta del Sol (Metro: Sol)
Puerta del Sol, or Sol (Metro Stop: Sol, Lines 1, 2 & 3) is one of the most famous squares in Madrid and a magical spot during the festive season. The square is decorated with sparkling lights, and a giant Christmas tree takes center stage, making it a popular place for photos. Street performers add to the lively atmosphere, and nearby shops and cafes are perfect for soaking in the holiday cheer. On New Year’s Eve, Sol becomes the heart of celebrations as people gather to eat 12 grapes at midnight—a fun Spanish tradition to welcome the new year.
Plaza Mayor
Ópera (Plaza de Isabel II)
This year there is a colorful LED Christmas tree by the Ópera Metro stop surrounded by a tiny Christmas market.
Gran Bola de Navidad (Giant Christmas Ornament) in Jardines de Sabatini
Every year, the giant Gran Bola de Navidad (Big 3D Christmas Ornament), stands by the Royal Palace, close to Plaza de España by Jardines de Sabatini. It features 43,000 LED lights and the lights of the sphere will be programmed and synchronized with sound.

La Navideña in Plaza de España (Christmas Market)
From 23 November 2024 to 6 January 2025. Open Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 22:00, and on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from 10:00. This market features 40 craft and product stalls, as well as food stalls like San Ginés, famous for churros & chocolate. Enjoy a 450m² ice rink with real ice and plenty of entertainment. Plus, there’s also an Alpine restaurant, which is run by reservations only.
Gran Vía
Gran Vía is one of Madrid’s most famous streets, often referred to as the city’s Broadway or Fifth Avenue. It’s a lively hub known for its grand architecture, vibrant atmosphere, and a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Lined with theaters, cinemas, and high-end shops, Gran Vía is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
Take a stroll to see all the festive Christmas lights lining the whole street.
Cortylandia
If you’re traveling with kids, walk towards the El Corte Inglés department store in Preciados-Callao. Cortylandia is back in Madrid, adding magic and tradition to the Christmas season. Each year since 1979, it features a festive, family-friendly display on the façade of the store, complete with moving figures, colorful decorations, and a musical show.
The show lasts 15 mins, from Monday to Sunday with several performances. In the mornings, shows are scheduled at 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM, and 2:00 PM. In the afternoons, performances take place at 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 7:00 PM, 8:00 PM, and 9:00 PM. On December 24 and 31, as well as January 5, they adjust the schedule, with the last performance ending at 7:00 PM. Please note that there will be no shows on December 25 and January 1.

Christmas Night Bus (Navibus)
Capture the best views of Madrid’s enchanting Christmas lights on the top floor of the Christmas Bus for a duration of 50 minutes. Book your tickets here from 10€ (limited spots & it run out quickly). Departures daily from 18:00 to 22:00.
The tour departs from the tourist bus stop on Av. de Menéndez Pelayo, 11, Retiro, 28009 Madrid, Spain, by Retiro Park. Be punctual as the bus cannot wait for you. If you’re late, you can board the following bus, but you may have to sit on the lower floor with less visibility.
This year the Christmas bus operates from November 24 to January 4 (with the exception of December 24th and December 31st).
Leave a Reply