A Christmas Walk to Discover the Secrets of Madrid
Madrid is a special city at any time of the year, but during Christmas it completely transforms. In 2025, the Spanish capital shines once again with one of the most spectacular Christmas light displays in Europe, plans for all tastes, and a festive atmosphere that invites you to explore it on foot and at a relaxed pace.
A Christmas Walk to Discover the Secrets of Madrid
Madrid is a special city at any time of the year, but during Christmas it completely transforms. In 2025, the Spanish capital shines once again with one of the most spectacular Christmas light displays in Europe, plans for all tastes, and a festive atmosphere that invites you to explore it on foot and at a relaxed pace.
More than 230 streets and squares are illuminated with exclusive designs created by renowned Spanish designers and artists, blending tradition and modernity. The historic center becomes a true Christmas stage, where every corner is worth a photo and every walk feels like an experience.
Puerta de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
Our route begins at the iconic Puerta de Alcalá, one of the city’s most elegant landmarks, from where we head down toward Plaza de Cibeles. Here, the view of the illuminated Cibeles Palace and Calle de Alcalá is simply unmissable, especially after sunset.
We continue along Gran Vía, which in Christmas 2025 once again takes center stage thanks to its large interactive light installation, now a modern tradition. Thousands of LED lights wrap the avenue in a continuous spectacle that accompanies your walk with no fixed schedules, making it perfect to enjoy at any time of day without crowds. The route then leads to Plaza de España, where the immersive lighting over the square and the recently renovated gardens create an especially welcoming atmosphere.
Christmas lights of Gran Vía, Madrid
The next stop is a must: a photo next to the giant Christmas tree at Puerta del Sol, one of the most recognizable symbols of the season. From here, we head to nearby Plaza Mayor, where the traditional Christmas market keeps its essence alive with stalls selling decorations, nativity figures, and festive items that continue to attract both locals and visitors.
The perfect way to end this walk is with a stop at the historic Chocolatería San Ginés, where enjoying hot chocolate with churros remains one of the city’s most beloved Christmas rituals. In 2025, its heated terrace and classic atmosphere make it an ideal stop at any time of day.
Christmas tree at Puerta del Sol, Madrid
If you still feel like exploring more, you can continue toward the Paseo del Prado and visit the Prado Museum, which during Christmas maintains its cultural program and exhibitions in a unique setting. It’s an excellent option to combine art and an urban stroll during the holiday season.
If you have more days in Madrid and want to visit other attractions, we recommend checking our excursions section on the website. We also leave you a link to our Madrid travel guide, full of plans to enjoy this wonderful city. Madrid awaits you!
