This year, Madrid is preparing an unusual surprise for locals and visitors: the holiday lights switch-on ceremony will take place earlier than usual and, for the first time, will move to Plaza de Cibeles. On November 22, the capital will light up with millions of lights, officially kicking off the winter festivities.
The organizers have decided not only to change the date but to completely rethink the approach to decorating the streets. In 2025, light installations will appear at more than two hundred locations throughout the city, covering all 21 districts. More than 13 million LED bulbs will be installed to decorate Madrid, helping to reduce energy consumption and make the show more eco-friendly. The total length of garlands and other elements will exceed 150 kilometers — almost the distance from Madrid to Toledo and back.
Particular attention has been paid to details: dozens of glowing trees, massive firs, and thousands of energy-efficient garlands will appear on the streets. As before, all electricity costs are covered by the contractor, allowing the city to fully focus on creating a festive atmosphere.
Children’s creativity and new names in design
This year, elementary school students were once again invited to help shape the festive look of the capital. The best children’s drawings were used as the basis for new light installations that will now decorate the main streets. In addition, young designers joined the project, having been invited through a partnership with the Asociación de Creadores de Moda de España (ACME). As a result, many elements have gained a fresh, modern look, with warm tones dominating the color palette to create a cozy atmosphere.
This approach allowed for the combination of children’s imagination and the professionalism of designers, making this year’s decorations stand out from previous years. City authorities emphasize that they want to make the celebration accessible and relatable for all residents, regardless of age.
An Early Start and New Traditions
In 2025, Madrid will become one of the first cities in Europe to switch on its Christmas lights. In recent years, the date of the ceremony kept changing, but this time organizers decided to return to the earliest possible schedule. The goal is to extend the festive mood and give locals more time to enjoy the winter holiday atmosphere.
The name of the person who will press the symbolic button to launch the illumination at Cibeles remains a secret for now. Last year, this honor went to the coach of the national football team, and organizers promise an equally prominent figure this time. Thousands of spectators are expected to gather in the square, so everyone interested is advised to arrive early and use public transportation — traffic in the city center will be restricted.
A spectacular light show and new emotions
This year, Madrid is focusing on sustainability, creativity, and citizen participation. Plaza de Cibeles will become the main gathering place for everyone who wants to feel the start of the winter holidays. The city promises not only a dazzling light show but also plenty of surprises for the whole family. The new ceremony format and fresh approach to the street decorations are sure to make this season special and memorable for everyone in the capital at the end of November.
