Founded in 1860, the Madrid Christmas market is probably the oldest in the country. Although Madrid doesn’t always have snow in winter, its Christmas market is always full of holiday cheer. It usually starts in mid-November and lasts until the feast of Epiphany, also known as Three Kings’ Day, celebrated on January 6.
In the Plaza Mayor, you’ll find everything you expect from a European Christmas market, including a lavishly decorated Christmas tree and numerous wooden stalls offering Christmas gifts and decoration, crafts, food, drinks, and entertainment. The market showcases handmade gifts made by local artisans, nativity scenes, beautiful decorations, and other Christmas-themed items.
In addition to the Christmas tree and over 100 stalls, there’s a brightly lit carousel for even more Christmas fun. No wonder that the market in the Plaza Mayor draws lots of people, locals and tourists alike, so if you’re not a fan of big crowds, we suggest attending it on a weekday or early in the evening for a more relaxed experience.
Although the Christmas market in the Plaza Mayor is the biggest and most cherished one in Madrid, it is not the only one. Smaller markets are scattered throughout the city. Some focus on artisanal handcrafted items and Christmas gifts, while others offer traditional food products and gourmet treats. In short, there’s something for everyone, so if you happen to visit Madrid in late November or in December, you absolutely need to attend its Christmas markets.
