This Christmas lights tour takes you through the most illuminated part of Madrid: it starts at the El Riojano pastry shop, passes the Plaza Mayor Christmas market and the Cortylandia show at El Corte Inglés in Preciados, and ends at Puerta del Sol. It runs from late November to early January.
Discover Christmas in Madrid on a stroll
In December, Madrid is one of the prettiest cities for Christmas lights. This festive sightseeing tour takes you through the most illuminated corners of the historic centre, with a guide telling you the history and the stories behind each stop. It is a relaxed, very family-friendly plan, ideal to kick off the late afternoon and evening before dinner in the area.
Compared with exploring the city on your own, the advantage of the tour is that it sets a logical route (so you waste no time) and explains details that escape the eye: why some façades are lit in a special way, which shops put on the most spectacular window displays and where the best photos are.
What the route includes
- El Riojano pastry shop: the starting point in a historic Madrid confectioner's, perfect for getting in the mood.
- Plaza Mayor Christmas market: the classic festive market with nativity figures, decorations and novelty items.
- Cortylandia: the Christmas show at El Corte Inglés in Preciados, a must for the little ones.
- Puerta del Sol: the heart of Madrid and the end of the route, with its grand lighting and famous clock.
Dates and duration
The tour runs during the Christmas season, from late November to early January (approximate dates; confirm them when you book as the date approaches). It covers the centre on foot, so it is accessible to almost everyone. Wear comfortable shoes and wrap up warm: December evenings in Madrid are cold.
