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Contents
Madrid in December | Weather, Museums, Attractions & More
With Christmas in December, the streets of Madrid are all aglow with brilliant lights and decorations. This is the time for shopping, delighting in delicious foods, and enjoying entertainment. The capital city of Spain really knows how to celebrate the holidays! One of the most popular things to do in Madrid in December going ice skating at one of the many rinks set up around the city. There are also plenty of Christmas markets to enjoy, where you can find gifts for everyone on your list. And don't forget about the flamenco shows, tapas tours, and other festive activities that make Madrid in December so special.
Is December a good time to visit Madrid?
December is definitely one of the coolest times to visit Madrid. The city gets chilly even during the daytime as the temperature dips down. However, this helps slash the overall travel and accommodation prices too (except for the end of the month). December is also one of the rainiest months in Madrid too. The Christmas and new year festivities also make December a worthy time to visit Madrid.
Why you should visit Madrid in December
- Madrid is comparatively cheaper in December (except the Christmas week) due to chilly weather and rainy days making it less favorable for tourists in Madrid.
- Ideal for budget travelers to book cheaper flights and accommodation.
- Christmas lights and decorations make the city even more lively. So, if you are looking for a pocket-friendly trip to Madrid, December is your month.
What to look out for in Madrid in December
- The temperature dips significantly during the month of December and there is rain on most days.
- Less favorable for tourists due to chilly conditions outside, which affects many outdoor activities. It is necessary that one prepares accordingly in order to visit Madrid in December.
Overview of weather in Madrid in December
December is one of the chilliest months in Madrid. There is rain and winds all around the month. However, it is advisable that one readies them with umbrellas to avoid being caught up in the rain in outdoor spaces.
- Average temperature- 4 – 10 °C
- Average Rainfall- 51 mm
- Daily Wind Speed- 6 miles per hour
Why visit Madrid during Christmas and New year's Eve?
Christmas
New Year's Eve
- Spanish Nativity scenes, or belénes, grace churches and squares across the country during Christmas, even finding a place in the Royal Palace.
- The festive season kicks off on December 24th with a grand Christmas Eve dinner. Most establishments close around midday to allow workers to enjoy this crucial meal with their families.
- Look for a giant white tent in a Madrid plaza during Christmas—it likely houses an indoor ice skating rink. Although the weather isn't cold enough for open-air rinks, Madrid embraces the winter tradition of ice skating. Famous rinks can be found at the Matadero and within the stunning glass-domed events room at the Palacio de Cibeles.
- Madrid's fresh food markets come alive during the holidays. With five significant family meals on the calendar, this time of year sees the markets brimming with the finest seafood, meats, cured hams, fruits, and vegetables.
- Join Madrid's sporty celebration of Christmas lights with the annual 10K race on New Year's Eve, known as San Silvestre. The illuminated course winds through the city's most festive streets, including Calle Serrano, around the Puerta de Alcalá, and the Ronda de Atocha. Many participants don Christmas-themed attire for this lively run!
- Learn the tradition of eating twelve grapes as the clock strikes midnight on December 31st. Whether for prosperity or just fun, the grape-eating ritual is a highly anticipated moment of New Year's Eve.
- Puerta del Sol in Madrid is renowned for this tradition. As the clock counts down, thousands gather for a massive celebration, turning the square into a joyous party. Confetti, streamers, music, and festive attire create a fantastic atmosphere, making it a shared experience to remember.
Plan your Christmas in Madrid
Mercado de San Miguel
Take a Walk in the Park
Head Out to Eat
Indulge in Churros and Chocolate
Visit A Nativity Scene
Bring Your Kids To Cortylandia
Plan your New Year's Eve in Madrid
12 grapes
cotillón
Flamenco show
San Silvestre Race
Spanish tapas
Joy Eslava Nightclub
Best things to do in Madrid in December
1. Royal Palace of Madrid
Historic Palace | Must-See
The royal family of Spain moved to the modest Palacio de la Zarzuela years ago, and the Palacio Real is now only used for royal festivities on rare occasions. When the alcázar was destroyed in a fire in 1734, Felipe V, the first of the Bourbon kings, wanted to build a palace to equal any in Europe.
December Timings: Monday to Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM | Sunday - 10 AM to 4 PM | Closed on December 12 and 25
from €13
2. Wanda Metropolitano
Football Stadium
Popularly called Civitas Metropolitano, Wanda Metropolitano is a popular stadium in Madrid known to have hosted some of the premiere matches like the UEFA Champions League. Even though the construction of the stadium began in the 1990s, the stadium has great amenities and can accommodate 68,000 plus spectators with ample parking space for vehicles as well.
December Timings: Monday to Saturday- 10 AM to 8 PM | Sunday- 11 AM to 8 PM.
from €24
3. Royal Basilica of Saint Francis the Great
Religious Monument
The Roman Catholic church in the central part of Madrid dates back to the 13th century. The church bells form a major attraction even though they are not rung anymore. The church has been declared a national monument and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Madrid.
December Timing: Daily: 8 AM - 10.30 AM | Sundays: 10 AM - 1.30 PM | 6.30 PM – 8 PM
4. Liria Palace
Art and Architecture
Liria Palace serves as the residence of the Dukes of Alba. The palace is located on the Explanada de los Españoles which is a large avenue that was created as part of an urbanization process in 1907. This palace has been declared a national monument and is currently open to the public as a museum. The rooms have been furnished with tapestries, paintings, and other artifacts that date back to the 18th century.
December Timings: 9:45 PM to 2:00 PM | Noon 3:45 PM to 6:30 PM | On 24 and 31 December, it closes at 3 PM.
from €15
5. Faunia Madrid
Nature Park
Faunia Madrid is a large animal theme park that is located on the outskirts of Madrid. The park has over 2,000 animals from all over the world including tigers, lions, bears, crocodiles, and many more. The park also has a large aquarium with over 200 different species of fish. The park is open all year round and has a wide variety of attractions and activities for all ages. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes located within the park.
December Timings: 11 AM to 6 PM
from €29.95
6. Parque Warner
Theme Park
Parque Warner, a theme park in Madrid is spread over 70 hectares of space and is divided into five major areas like Hollywood Boulevard, DC Superheroes World, Warner Bros Studios, the Far West, and Cartoon Village. It is adjacent to Warner Beach which offers some of the best water slides in the world.
December Timings: Monday to Saturday - 12:00 PM to 09:00 PM
from €67.90
7. Prado Museum
Arts & Craft Museum
The national art museum of Madrid is notable for its finest pieces and collections not just in Europe, but also throughout the world. The museum features works from the 12th century up to the early 20th century. It has one of the world's largest collections of European art, which includes paintings, sculptures, drawings, and other artifacts.
December Timings: Monday to Saturday (10 AM to 8 PM) | Sunday: 10 AM TO 7 PM
from €15
8. Madrid Aquarium Zoo
Theme Park
The Madrid Aquarium Zoo is one of the largest aquariums in Europe and is home to over 500 different species of fish and other aquatic creatures. The aquarium also has a large collection of reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. The zoo is open all year round and has a wide variety of attractions and activities for all ages.
December Timings: Monday to Friday: 11 AM to 5 PM | Saturday and Sunday: 11 AM to 6 PM
9. Parque De Atracciones
Amusement Park
Parque de Atracciones is the third-largest amusement park that is divided into five zones. Tranquilidad, Maquinismo, Naturaleza, Nickelodeon Land, and Gran Avenida (now a part of Tranquilidad). The park has a wide variety of rides and attractions for all ages. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes located within the park.
December Timings: Monday to Saturday - 12 - 8
from €36.90
10. Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum
Art Museum
Being a part of the Golden Triangle of Art (along with Prado and Reina Sofia museums), the museum has the second-largest private collection in the world. Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum has a collection of some of the 1000+ finest artworks of Europe from the 13th to the 20th century. Some of the artists whose arts have adored the museum are Degas, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Morisot, Van Gogh, and Gauguin.
December Timings: Tue - Fri: 10 AM to 7 PM | Sat: 10 AM to 9 PM | Sun - 12 PM- 4 PM
from €13
11. Take a Day-Trip to Toledo
Adventure
A 30-minute train ride can take you from the capital of Spain to the World Heritage site of Toledo. Known as the Imperial City, the place was the seat of the Gothic cathedral, and hence its architecture is heavily inspired by their designs too. The city has some of the famous historical sites of Spain, like Alcazar, and Zocodover, which are loved by history enthusiasts.
from €55
12. Temple of Debod
Religious Monument
The Temple of Debod is an ancient Egyptian temple that was gifted to Spain by the Egyptian government in 1968. The temple was originally built in the 2nd century BC and was dedicated to the god Amun. The temple was moved to its current location in Madrid in 1972 and is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city that's a great spot to watch the sunset.
December Timings: Tuesday - Friday – 10 AM to 2 PM, 6 PM to 8 PM | Saturday and Sunday – 9.30 AM to 8 PM
0
Festivals in Madrid in December
Christmas & New Years
Date: December 25 | January 1
The Christmas lights make the streets of Madrid look lively, and the people roam throughout the city enjoying their favorite foods and drinks. The Christmas trees, decorations at Church, and lively market scenes, all make Madrid a lively scene for visitors.
Events in Madrid in December
San Silvestre Vallecana
Date: December 31
The 10 km road race held on December 31 every year is one of the greatest marathons that the city sees annually. This race has become a part of the city's culture since 1964, and people from all over the globe take part in this glorious event.
Know moreKnow before you visit Madrid in December
Travel Essentials
What to Wear
What to Pack
Transport
Stay
Time Zone: Central European Standard Time (CEST) - GMT + 1
Currency: Euro | EUR | €
Language: Spanish, French
Country code: +34 91
Emergency number: 112
Travel Guide
What to wear in Madrid in December
- Carry enough warm clothing, as the days may be chilly in spite of the sunshine.
- Comfortable shoes are necessary as you may need to walk a lot in the city.
- Even the locals prefer to dress according to the season and not the weather. Don’t be surprised if you see locals wearing gloves and coats even on a sunny day.
- Nights are too chilly, so it is essential to wear warm clothes. Consider wearing long jackets, sweaters, scarves, gloves, and warm socks.
- Scarves add to the overall look and are mostly preferred by locals. So, if you truly want to be in Madrid like a local, consider wearing one.
- Flip-flops are a no-no (until you are on a beach)
What to pack in Madrid in December
- Bring your raincoats, waterproof or water-repellant shoes, and an umbrella, as it might rain during December
- Prefer packing piles of warm clothes like jackets, sweaters, scarves, mufflers, gloves, and long-sleeved dresses.
- Carry your set of medicines along with prescriptions.
- Layering is always good during December, so you can pack your clothes accordingly.
Getting around Madrid in December
Metro: Metro is the most efficient and fastest manner of travel in Madrid. With over 300 stations and 12 lines operating, it is the seventh most extensive network of metros in the world. One can buy a single ticket or ticket for airport transfer or trip-based tickets (preferred by tourists).
Buses: The buses in Madrid run 365 days a year connecting major and minor stops throughout the city. The airport is also connected using the bus facility. Currently, there are more than 2000 fleets serving the entire city.
Trains: Trains connect the city of Madrid to other cities throughout Spain. With two major rail stations, passengers can choose their place and can conveniently move from one city to another or even within the city too.
Bikes: BiciMAD is the eco-friendly version of the bike used to travel within the city. Even the favorable system for tourists allows them to buy passes as per the day and enjoy bike rides within the city. With over 2000 electric bikes, there are more than 165 docking stations spread across the city.
Where to stay in Madrid in December
Budget Hotels: ibis budget Madrid Vallecas | Vértice Roomspace Madrid | Hotel Porcel TorreGarden
Mid-range Hotels: La Fontana | Woohoo Suites Madrid | Hostal Ballesta
Luxury Hotels: Eurostars Madrid Tower | Hyatt Centric Gran Via Madrid | ME Madrid Reina Victoria
Explore Madrid Through The Year
Frequently asked questions about visiting Madrid in December
Is December a good time to visit Madrid?
December is one of the best times to visit Madrid, especially for those looking for pocket friendly traveling. While some outdoor activities can be taken during the day, keep evening for indoor activities.
What are the best things to do in Madrid in December?
Some of the best things to do in Madrid in December is to visit the local streets of Madrid, all filled with Christmas lights. The market jostles with local people making it more lively and you can catch some amazing deals in the Christmas sale.
Is Madrid cold in December?
It is cold during December, and temperatures may dip during the nights. However, the day temperatures in Madrid in December can be sunny and windy.
How hot is Madrid in December?
The maximum temperature during the daytime in December is 10 ° C. It is not hot and keeps the touristy crowds away.
Can you swim in Madrid in December?
During the daytime, you can consider swimming in December. You can also consider visiting water theme parks for a more fun-filled adventure in the pools.
Is it sunny in Madrid in December?
Yes, days are sunny and windy in December with chances of downpours.
What clothes to wear in Madrid in December?
The temperatures are cool during December, so avoid wearing shorts or sleeveless dresses. Try to opt for light sweaters, long pants and comfortable and warm clothing. However, you have to keep coats and jackets for nights and add gloves, and scarves along with it.
Is it rainy in Madrid in December?
There is rainfall in Madrid during December, with an average of 51 mm downpours throughout the month.
Is Madrid expensive to visit?
During December, the tourist influx in Madrid is comparatively low except for the Christmas week, so the accommodation and traveling options are pocket-friendly and not expensive during December. Try avoiding Christmas week as it is costly during that time of the year.
How safe is Madrid?
Madrid is safe for tourists as well as solo travelers. However, one should be careful of the pickpockets. Avoid walking alone, especially in the nooks of the city at night.
What can I see in Madrid in December?
You can consider visiting local markets and old chapels in Madrid to experience the Christmas vibe. Not many local festivals take place during December except for Christmas.
What are the major events in Madrid in December?
Participate in San Silvestre Vallecana which is a fun-filled marathon in Madrid expecting people from around the globe annually.
What is the average temperature in Madrid in December?
The average temperature in Madrid is 4°C- 10° C. There are rainfalls too during December.
What are the main festivals in Madrid in December?
Christmas is the main festival in Madrid during December. The streets are filled with fairy lights, food and drinks offerings, and the religious places like churches are beautifully decorated.