Madrid, a paradise for shopping and culture, also at Christmas

The Christmas lighting takes centre stage in the main streets of the city centre and shopping areas such as the Barrio de Salamanca, creating a spectacle worth seeing, which can be enjoyed from the heights aboard the Naviluz, the Christmas bus.

Photo: Hugo Fernández Valeiras.

Christmas in Madrid is a time of traditions that you can experience first-hand, for example, strolling among the stalls of the traditional Christmas market in the Plaza Mayor, where you can find all kinds of products related to the festive season.

Christmas traditions: nativity scenes

Another unique experience is to visit the most iconic nativity scenes in the capital, such as the one located in the headquarters of the Region of Madrid, the former Royal Post Office, with more than a hundred figures on a platform of over 200 square metres; the Neapolitan nativity scene in the Royal Palace or the one in the headquarters of the Department of Culture, Tourism and Sport; that of City Hall, in Plaza de Cibeles; or the one in the Royal Monastery of Agustinas Recoletas, to name but a few.

But the most iconic nativity scenes, around 30, are not confined to the capital alone. Throughout the region, other monumental and even living nativity scenes can be seen, which over the years have become consolidated as Festivals of Regional Tourist Interest, guardians of tradition.

Image of the Monumental Nativity Scene of San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Photo: Region of Madrid.

So the Monumental Nativity Scene of San Lorenzo de El Escorial, which was created 27 years ago as proposed by a group of local residents to revitalise the town during the festivities, has become an indisputable attraction for visitors from inside and outside the region, over 80,000 every year. With nearly 500 life-size figures, distributed over some 6,000 square metres of its historic centre, it recreates a village in which traditional trades are represented.

Also declared a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest, the living Nativity Scene of Buitrago del Lozoya celebrates its 33rd edition this year, organised by the non-profit cultural association of the same name, which performs a static theatrical tradition with more than 41 biblical scenes along a route of some 1,300 metres distributed throughout the old part of the municipality.

What’s more, since 2014, the living Nativity Scene of Manzanares El Real has been held at this time of year under the title “Jerusalem, the story of a nativity scene”. Over 2,000 people come to see this staging in which each of the characters tells their own story inside the Mendoza Castle.

Christmas traditions: carols and traditional music

Manzanares El Real, along with other historic towns in the region such as Villarejo de Salvanés, Chinchón and Torrelaguna, also revive their Christmas traditions with a series of traditional music concerts whereby young and old alike can experience first-hand the folklore and melodies of the season.

Christmas in the Plaza Mayor in Chinchón. Photo: The Prettiest Spanish Villages.

Other Christmas experiences that can only be enjoyed in Madrid include the traditional Wishing Forest in Puerta del Sol, the Illuminated Nature of the Botanical Gardens and the “Magical Christmas” Park in Torrejón de Ardoz, as well as the arrival of the Three Wise Men, who, as well as touring the capital in their cavalcade, will also visit other towns in the Madrid Region such as Buitrago del Lozoya and Colmenar de Oreja.

Gastronomy and shopping

Christmas is also experienced in the typical gastronomy of these dates, when convents and monasteries offer the best of their bakeries, with sweets and desserts that bring the flavour of the festive season to the homes of Madrid and visitors. No one should leave Madrid without enjoying a chocolate with churros in such iconic places as the Chocolatería de San Ginés, the Churrería Siglo XIX or the Churrería de los Artesanos 1902; or tasting the handmade nougat of the centenary Casa Mira.

But it is also the best time to get unique gifts for family and friends with which to transmit the Christmas spirit that can be enjoyed in Madrid. Unsurprisingly, the biggest names in fashion, decoration and jewellery unite on the famous Golden Mile, in the heart of the Barrio de Salamanca, in the Canalejas Gallery, next to the Four Seasons and El Corte Inglés’ Castellana Store.

The Four Seasons Madrid and the adjoining Galería Canalejas are decked out at this time of year to show their best side to locals and visitors alike. Photo: Four Seasons. Daniel Schäfer.

Luxury also abounds in shopping centres, with their atmosphere of exclusivity, elegance, quietness and distinction. A few kilometres from Madrid, for instance, is Las Rozas Village, an outlet of luxury brands at irresistible prices. As well as the quality of its brands, it offers VIP services for its customers, such as advice from a personal stylist or transfers with a chauffeur-driven vehicle.

But the most daring design is also found in Madrid; a modern, genuine and avant-garde design in its most cosmopolitan and innovative neighbourhoods and streets such as Fuencarral, Triball, Chueca or Las Salesas. In all of them, visitors will be able to find that unique gift that will remind them of their experiences in the city.

There are also large shopping centres where, as well as buying gifts, you can have fun with the family, such as the Callao shopping centre with its traditional Cortylandia show, which has become an institution for locals and visitors alike. Not far from there, just a few steps away, you will find century-old shops that are the living history of the Madrid Region and that will take you back in time.

All these alternatives undoubtedly form a wide range of options to enjoy a visit to Madrid in this popular period, to share the experience with the locals and also to treat yourself or give your loved ones a souvenir of your Christmas experience in the city.

Visit the Region of Madrid STAND N5-200 - counter no: 21 at WTM, in London from 6 to 8 November and discover all that Madrid has to offer.