We are entering the most special time of the year, dedicated to remembering the birth of the Holy Child in a humble manger in Bethlehem.
Christmas is the most meaningful occasion for sharing our affection, for reconnecting with our roots and with those who matter most to us. These are days of family gatherings, dinners with friends and colleagues, nougat and marzipan, dreams, and good intentions; days, in short, when the excitement of a child experiencing magical moments can only be matched by that of parents wishing to share them with their little ones.
These are days in which Madrid—from every neighborhood to the city center, from the intimacy of our homes to public spaces, from the depths of our hearts to the smiles on our faces—fills with light and lights, with joy and hope, with wonder and good wishes.
The Madrid City Council shares this enthusiasm and, as always at this time of year, from late November 2025 until 6 January 2026, will strive to make these days brighter, more colorful, and warmer.
Here is an outline of the main highlights of the Christmas season ahead: special lighting that will bring color to all districts; markets offering traditional Christmas products and gifts for Epiphany; nativity scenes such as the one at the Palacio de Cibeles, in CentroCentro; the New Year’s Eve chimes at Puerta del Sol; Madrid, Christmas of Encounter at Matadero Madrid, dedicated to families; ice rinks at Matadero Madrid, CentroCentro and several districts; performances at the Circo Price; the 31st Greats of Gospel Festival at Fernán Gómez Centro Cultural de la Villa; The Districts Sing at the CentroCentro auditorium, featuring choirs from all twenty-one districts of the city; Christmas music from balconies, in the streets and in churches; the immersive installation A Christmas of Light in the central courtyard of the Condeduque Contemporary Culture Centre; the district-level Epiphany Parades and, of course, the spectacular main Parade, which will finish at Cibeles with music and fireworks.
May this festive season help us look to the future with optimism, care for our loved ones, celebrate the beauty and wonder of life, and continue building together a kinder and more prosperous Madrid: the Madrid we all long for, the city we all carry in our hearts.
I wish all Madrileños and the visitors who choose Madrid to spend some of these magical days a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
José Luis Martínez - Almeida