Top Free Things to do in Madrid for Christmas
Christmas in Madrid feels different in the best way possible. After living here for over six months now, I’ve realized that the city comes alive in December.
There’s lights everywhere, markets pop up in central plazas, and people slow down just enough to enjoy being outside, walking, and soaking it all in. Coming from a North American background where Christmas often feels rushed and commercial, Madrid has certainly been a refreshing change.
What I love most about living in Madrid during the holiday season is that you don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy the Christmas season here. Some of the top free things to do in Madrid for Christmas are honestly the simplest experiences, walking through Gran Vía at night when the lights are on (a personal favourite of mine), standing in a crowded plaza with a hot drink in hand, or wandering past Christmas markets just to people-watch and feel the energy of the city.
Since I live in Madrid and have done all of these (touristic) things myself, this guide is based on real experiences, not a quick visit or a checklist. Everything here is central, walkable, and easy to fit into a relaxed afternoon or evening.
If you’re visiting Madrid during Christmas, or even if you live here and want ideas, these are some of my favorite ways to enjoy the city without spending a single euro.
Walking Gran Vía at Christmas
I highly recommend you check this out, even if you are only in Madrid for a few evenings (and if you are living centrally, most likely you will check this off without even trying).
Walking Gran Vía during Christmastime is one of those simple pleasures that never really gets old for me, even after living in Madrid for a while now.
The street completely transforms during this time of year. The Christmas lights stretch from building to building, the shops stay busy late into the evening, and there’s a constant buzz of people walking and admiring the décor, even at 1AM (yes, I’ve seen it myself)!
I usually prefer to walk Gran Vía slowly, without a destination in mind. I like window shopping, stopping to watch street performers, and just taking in how alive the city feels. Around Christmas, there’s a mix of locals doing their everyday errands, families out together, tourists seeing it for the first time, and everyone sort of sharing the same space. It feels very Madrid.
What I love most is that this is completely free. You don’t need a ticket, a reservation, or a plan. Just walk. If you go in the evening, the lights are obviously the highlight, but even during the day there’s a festive feel with decorations, pop-up stands, and people everywhere. It’s one of the top free things to do in Madrid for Christmas, and it’s something I find myself doing again and again without even thinking about it.
Walking Gran Via isn’t always free, and its very likely you will run into a store you love or a performance you want to grab tickets for, but don’t worry, everywhere and everyone in this city takes Apple Pay, so no need for cash for any extra activities that pique your interest.
Cortylandia at El Corte Inglés (at Puerta del Sol)
Cortylandia is a very Madrid Christmas tradition that feels slightly chaotic, a little kitschy, and oddly charming all at the same time. Its also a well-known local tradition that many locals take their children to, so most tourists don’t know about this unless they have seen it online or have local friends.
It’s set up on the side of El Corte Inglés (a popular department store, like a fancy Macy’s) in Puerta del Sol, and it’s basically a large animated Christmas display with music and moving characters that plays several times an hour.
The first time I saw it, I didn’t fully know what to expect. There were tons of families, kids sitting on shoulders, people filming on their phones, and a lot of noise, but in a festive way. It’s definitely more geared toward children, but even as an adult, it’s fun to experience at least once. It’s very traditional, very local, and something that many people in Madrid grew up coming to every Christmas.
If you want to see Cortylandia without feeling overwhelmed, I recommend going earlier in the day or during the week. In the evenings and on weekends, it gets extremely crowded. But since it’s right in Sol, it’s easy to pair with a walk through the area, some Christmas shopping, or just wandering around the center.
Like Gran Vía, it’s completely free, and it’s one of those experiences that really shows you how Madrid celebrates the holidays. Even if you only stay for one show, it’s worth seeing, especially if you’re spending Christmas time in the city for the first time.
La Navideña Christmas Market at Plaza de España
One of my top markets during the holidays is La Navideña Christmas Market at Plaza de España, and it’s one I’ve already been back to more than once. If you’re looking for top free things to do in Madrid for Christmas, this market is a quick and easy top, that’s central to where you likely will already be!
The market is set right in Plaza de España, which already feels magical in December with all the lights and décor the city puts up. The stalls are laid out in a way that’s easy to walk through, and you’ll find a mix of Christmas gifts, ornaments, cozy winter accessories, and food stands selling seasonal treats (plus I saw one stand selling some vodka infused gummy bears, how festive)!
It’s not a huge Christmas market, definitely not the biggest in the city, but it’s big enough that you can take your time wandering, stopping for a few quick photos, and soaking in the atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed.
I will warn that since this market is centrally located and right at the beginning of where Gran Via begins, it does get quick busy on evenings and weekends.
One thing I really like about La Navideña is that its quite accessible. You don’t need a ticket to enter, and it’s easy to pair it with a walk through the surrounding area. If you’re already strolling around Gran Vía or Plaza de España, it fits perfectly into your route. This is one of those places where you can stop by for 20 minutes or linger for an hour and go to each and every one of the shops – it just depends on your mood of the day!
There’s also a small ice skating rink set up at the market, which adds to the Christmasy vibe. It’s not massive, but it does add to the Christmas spirit of the market. You can rent skates there, which makes it simple even if you didn’t plan ahead.
What makes this market even better is its location next to the Riu Plaza España Hotel. If you head up to the rooftop (which I’ll talk more about in the next section), you get an incredible overview of the entire Christmas market from above. Seeing the lights, the stalls, and the skating rink from the rooftop really puts everything into perspective and makes the experience feel extra special. They’re literally right beside each other, so it’s easy to combine both in one visit.
As someone living in Madrid, I love that La Navideña feels festive without being too chaotic. It’s lively, but not stressful, and it has that slower, social European Christmas feeling.
If you’re visiting in December and want something seasonal that’s central, walkable, and genuinely enjoyable, this is one of the top free things to do in Madrid for Christmas that I’d recommend time and time again.
RIU Plaza España Rooftop (360º Views Over Gran Vía)
This one isn’t technically free, but it’s so affordable that I think it’s worth including when talking about the top free things to do in Madrid for Christmas, especially if you want one of the best views in the city.
The RIU Plaza España rooftop is one of my favorite places to go during the Christmas season because you get a full 360-degree view over Madrid, and it sits directly above Gran Vía. To go up, you pay €10 per person, which gives you access to the rooftop and lets you stay as long as you want there. There’s no rush to leave, and you can relax and have a cup of tea or drink from the top and watch the views of the city.
From the rooftop of the hotel, you can see Gran Vía completely lit up with Christmas lights, Plaza de España below, and even the Christmas market right next door at La Navideña.
If you’ve just visited the market, this is the perfect follow-up attraction because you can see everything from above, even the market, which is right in front of the RIU hotel.
There’s also a bar and restaurant at the top, so you can grab a drink or something to eat while you enjoy the view. When I went, a tea was €4.50, and cocktails were around €14, which honestly isn’t bad considering the setting and the unlimited time your allowed to stay at the top of. I will note that I went during winter and the top was quite chilly, so bring a scarf and some gloves if you plan to head up during winter, or in the evening.
One of the most popular features of the RIU hotel rooftop is the glass walkway that sticks out from the rooftop. You can line up and wait your turn to walk out and take photos. It does get busy, especially in December, but the line moves pretty quickly. I waited about 20 minutes for a medium sized line for my turn on the glass walkway.
Mercadillo de Nuevos Ministerios
If you’ve been scrolling Instagram or TikTok around Christmas time in Madrid, chances are you’ve already seen the Mercadillo de Nuevos Ministerios on your feed a few times. It’s one of those markets that feels a bit more local and a little less polished than the ones right in the center, so it’s a good option to also check out if you are experiencing Christmas in Madrid.
Nuevos Ministerios is just outside the main tourist area, so if you’re staying around Gran Vía or Sol, walking there will take closer to 30–40 minutes. I’ve done the walk before and it’s fine if you enjoy long strolls, but it’s also very easy to get there by metro or bus, and Ubers are everywhere in Madrid and fairly affordable. The market is right near the Nuevos Ministerios station, so once you arrive it is easy to find.
What I like about this market is that its calmer and more chill compared to Plaza de España or Sol. You still get the Christmas atmosphere of the lights, stalls, people walking around with drinks and new purchases, but it doesn’t feel as crowded or overwhelming. It’s a different option than the markets in the crowded city center, although I do also recommend both to get different perspectives of Madrid at Christmas. If you’re spending a few days in Madrid during the holidays and you want to see more than just the central markets, this one is worth adding to your list.
El Jardín Secreto — A Cozy Christmas Spot Near Gran Vía
One spot I recommend when you want to warm up during a winter walk around the city is El Jardín Secreto. It’s a really cute, cozy spot that feels especially festive around Christmas, and it’s easy to fit into a day of walking around central Madrid.
If you’re near Plaza de España, the Navideña Christmas Market, or the Riu Plaza España Hotel, it’s roughly an eight to ten minute walk, so not far at all for a cute and festive bite to eat.
The area where the Riu Hotel sits is right at Plaza de España, which is also where Gran Vía begins as it stretches to the city center. From there, walking toward the Gran Vía / Calle de Alcalá end of the city puts you close to El Jardín Secreto, slightly off the main streets.
Inside, it’s very atmospheric, especially in December. There’s a lot of Christmas décor, warm lighting, and a cozy, almost fairytale-like feel. On a Friday night it’s usually lively, but I’ve often walked in without a reservation.
That said, if you’re planning to go on a weekend evening or closer to Christmas, it’s probably smart to reserve ahead just in case. If you can get one of the window tables, even better, it’s a great spot to sit, people-watch, and take a break from the cold. You can make a reservation on the website via Whatsapp.
I’ll be honest about the food: it’s good, but it’s not amazing. El Jardín Secreto is much more of a drinks place than a food destination. Most of their menu is cocktails, teas, coffees, and hot drinks, and only about one page is dedicated to food.
I usually come here for a tea, a coffee, or a festive drink rather than a full meal. It’s perfect if you’ve been walking Gran Vía for a while and want somewhere warm and cute to stop before continuing on.
Wander and Explore the Christmas Atmosphere in Madrid
One of the things I’ve loved most about spending Christmas in Madrid is how much there is to do here without having to plan anything. Some of the top free things to do in Madrid for Christmas are actually just walking, wandering, and letting the city show off a bit. Madrid really comes alive in December (and by the end of November most lights are already up), especially in the central, tourist areas, and you don’t need tickets or reservations to enjoy it.
I highly recommend spending time just wandering around Sol, Gran Vía, Plaza Mayor, and Plaza de Cibeles. These areas are beautifully lit up, busy but not overwhelming, and full of energy. Plaza de Cibeles, in particular, is stunning at night during Christmas. The building itself is lit up, the streets around it glow, and it feels very “Madrid”, beautiful, lively, and festive without being cheesy.
Another area I love walking through is Calle de Alcalá, which runs from Sol past Cibeles. This street is perfect for aimless wandering and viewing of the beautiful Christmas décor hung throughout Madrid.
It’s wide, well-lit, and during Christmas it’s lined with decorations and lights that make even a simple walk feel special. I’ve done this walk late at night, even around 1 a.m. on a Saturday in December, and it was still busy. People were out walking, meeting friends, grabbing late dinners, or stopping for drinks – Madrid is really a city that never sleeps.
That’s another thing that surprised me when I first moved here: Madrid doesn’t really shut down early, even in winter. During Christmas especially, you’ll find cafés, bars, and restaurants open well into the night.
It’s easy to grab a coffee, a glass of wine, or even a very late dinner, since the Spanish eat much later than most North Americans (an adjustment I am still getting used to). This makes wandering around at night feel pretty safe, lively, and enjoyable, not empty.
If you’re looking for festive decor, window displays, and that cozy Christmas feeling, just staying within the main central streets will give you plenty to see. Gran Vía, Alcalá, and the streets around Sol all have lights overhead, decorated storefronts, and lots of people out enjoying the season – so why not be one of them!
One thing I’ve noticed is that Madrid does Christmas a bit differently than what I’m used to as a North American. You won’t see mulled wine everywhere, and hot chocolate isn’t really “hot chocolate” the way we know it.
Here, it’s more like thick, melted chocolate, the kind you dip churros into, which is very traditional in Spain. If you’re craving the classic North American-style hot chocolate with milk, it’s surprisingly hard to find. But churros with chocolate? That’s everywhere, and it’s worth trying.
Conclusion
Madrid has so much to offer during Christmas, especially if you enjoy city walking, people-watching, and enjoying the local Christmas atmosphere.
Some of the top free things to do in Madrid for Christmas are also the simplest: walking through Gran Vía, admiring the lights around Sol and Cibeles, wandering Calle de Alcalá late at night, and popping into cafés or bars to warm up along the way.
You don’t need a packed itinerary here. Madrid really does reward slow travel… from taking your time doing the small daily things you just need to get done, walking instead of rushing, and letting the city’s energy guide you. Whether it’s your first Christmas in Madrid or, like me, you’re experiencing it as a resident here, the city feels festive, alive, and welcoming throughout the entire month of December.
FAQ
A few of the best free things are simply walking the city and soaking it all in, Gran Vía, Sol, Plaza Mayor, and Plaza de Cibeles are all beautifully decorated. Wandering these areas at night to see the lights is honestly one of the top free things to do in Madrid for Christmas for me.
Yes, all the Christmas markets are free to enter and walk around. You only pay if you want to buy food, gifts, or go skating, which makes them easy to enjoy even on a budget.
I personally love going after dinner, around 9–11 pm, when the lights feel extra festive and the city is still very alive. I’ve even gone as late as 1 am on a weekend and there were still plenty of people out walking around, even at 1AM!
Yes, especially in central areas like Gran Vía, Sol, and Plaza Mayor, it can get very busy, particularly on weekends. If you prefer a calmer experience, go during the week or earlier in the day.
If you’re staying central, you can walk almost everywhere, which is one of the things I love most. For spots like Nuevos Ministerios, the metro or a short Uber ride makes things easier.
Not really in the North American sense, here it’s more like thick, melted chocolate served with churros. It’s classic Spanish and very good, but don’t expect a milk-based hot chocolate like back home.
Yes. Between walking the decorated streets, visiting markets, seeing Cortylandia, and enjoying the atmosphere, there are plenty of free experiences. That’s why I think Madrid is such a great option if you’re looking for festive travel without spending a lot.
