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What to Do in Madrid in December

figure ready to fight with sword
Written by Daniella

December is one of the most important months of the year, because of one of its special festivities: Christmas. Usually, the month revolves around preparing every little detail for those special days.

You need to do groceries for the Christmas menu you will be serving family and friends, you need to shop for gifts for under Christmas tree… all these things make Christmas the best moment of the year.

But there is so much more to do during the month of December besides shopping, especially in the city of Madrid. Visit one of the many cultural shows in the capital in December (which are for all audiences), or follow some of December’s special traditions.

Today, this article by ShMadrid will focus on activities in Madrid in the month of December.

Related article: Activities for a Romantic Day in Madrid

Enjoy December in Madrid

Christmas Lights Madrid

lady in christmas spirit on streets

Photo via Pixabay

One of the most exciting things to see in Madrid this time of year is the city’s spectacular Christmas lights.

The lights and sparkles will take you right back to your childhood when pure joy for the holidays warmed and excited your heart. Besides the fact that the intention of the Christmas lights in the streets of Madrid is to attract shopping customers, the lights are spectacular to look at.

The event takes place from the November 22 to January 6 (Three Kings’ Day), and streets, plazas and buildings will be illuminated with millions of lights, completely in compliance with the strictest requirements in respect of the environment and energy efficiency regulations, and as a result lighting more optimally, while using less energy.

Lights in Madrid’s Royal Botanical Gardens

We continue with the shimmer and shine, but this time it is the Royal Botanical Gardens in Madrid that are decorated with an abundance of lights.

You can visit the gardens every evening from November 19 to January 6, and you will be bedazzled with what you see here.

The event has been called “Christmas Garden” (or Jardín de Navidad), and this is a very successful tradition in England (but then under the name of “Christmas en Kew”), where they decorate the whole garden with thousands of different coloured lights. The gardens turn into an almost fairytale-like landscape, with Christmas lights and Christmas figures emphasizing the uniqueness of the botanical gardens even more.

Related article: Free Activities in Madrid in 2019

Cortylandia – for children

lady in white and red clothes, christmas

Photo via Pixabay

El Corte Inglés is one of the most important shopping centres in Spain. This department store is one hundred per cent Spanish, and it is one of the few that has survived its competition in the eighties, so El Corte Inglés still exists today.

Due to its roots in the Spanish capital, one of its Christmas traditions in the centre of Madrid is Cortylandia. The event is promoted by El Corte Inglés shopping centre every year on its façade on Calle del Maestro Victoria, in the centre of Madrid.

The event is called Elfolandia this Christmas (2019-2020), and it can be visited from November 14 to January 6. The show consists of animated figures, singing songs and Christmas carols in front of the many children and families that come to visit them. Every show lasts about 15 minutes.

Game of Thrones Exhibition

And for those of you who hate the Christmas season and prefer any activity that has nothing to do with this festivity – there will undoubtedly be some -, there are always other options, especially if you are a big Game of Thrones fan.

The biggest series’ exhibition is to be exhibited in Spain, and it will give you the opportunity to get to know the set, props and original costumes. Hall 5.1 at IFEMA can be visited on Tuesdays and Sundays, until March 15, 2020.

What activity do you like best?

About the author

Daniella

Daniella loves to write and translate. Her bucket list is filled with beautiful places she still needs to visit.

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