This blog post was originally posted on December 28, 2012 and was updated on November 20, 2020. In Spain, Santa Claus isn’t the star of the show when the holiday season rolls around. Instead, it’s the Three Wise Men—or los reyes magos—who take center stage during the winter holidays. They’re the ones who bring Spanish children […]
Christmas
Where to Eat in Madrid on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Our Top Picks
This blog post was originally posted on November 30, 2018 and was updated on November 12, 2019. It’s no secret that Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are among the most important days of the year in Madrid. All throughout the city, business owners close up shop and head home for a few days to spend […]
All About El Gordo: The Spanish Christmas Lottery Explained
With billions of euros handed out in prize money every year, the Spanish Christmas lottery is the biggest in the world. Walk through the center of Madrid—or any Spanish city or town—this time of year, and you’ll already start to see this beloved tradition come to life. Lines spill out of lottery booths and wind […]
Ring in the Holidays with Locals: Authentic Holiday Traditions in Spain
When you combine a magical time of year (winter) and a magical setting (every corner of Spain, pretty much), you’re guaranteed to feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. That being said, trying to figure out how to have the most authentic holiday experience in a new country can be confusing when you don’t […]
How To Make The Most Of Winter in Madrid
This blog post was originally posted on November 7, 2013 and was updated on October 25, 2018. Forget the mental image you may have of warm, summer days in Spain—it’s time to embrace the holiday spirit and winter festivities! Yes, you’ll need a winter coat, but no worries—temperatures here are quite mild compared to northern Europe, […]
Winter Holidays in Madrid: What to do on Christmas and New Year’s Day
This blog post was originally posted on December 23, 2015 and was updated on November 12, 2019. Just before the holidays, Madrid is a flurry of hustle and bustle as crowds make their way to the stores to finish their shopping beneath the twinkle of Christmas lights. Then, on Christmas Eve, seemingly all goes quiet. […]
Four Great Christmas Markets in Madrid in 2019
This blog post was originally published on December 16, 2015 and was updated on November 12, 2019. It’s the most wonderful time of the year here in Madrid! It goes without saying that Christmastime here in Madrid brings an unforgettable sensation of holiday magic, and nowhere does that feel more present than at one of […]
Madrid at Christmas: What to See, Do, Buy and Eat
This blog post was originally posted on December 5, 2014 and was updated on October 11, 2018. The halls have been decked and the bells are jingling. Christmas has arrived in Madrid! Madrid at Christmas is a true winter wonderland. You’ve got all the fairytale magic of winter in Europe, but with a unique Spanish […]
Top 5 Spanish Christmas Sweets and Where to Find Them in Madrid
This blog post was originally posted on December 4, 2012 and was updated on November 13, 2017. It is officially Christmastime in Spain! Walk through any market or peer into any bakery, and you’ll find a special variety of treats that Spaniards crave during the holidays. We can’t live without these top Spanish Christmas sweets—and we bet […]
Our Favorite Christmas Traditions in Madrid
This blog post was originally posted on November 12, 2013 and was updated on November 7, 2017. Christmas is blooming across Madrid. Roasted chestnut stands are popping up in plazas. Giant strings of lights are being draped across avenues. Supermarket aisles are glistening with the shiny gold wrappers of Christmas turrón. While Santa statues and […]