December in Madrid always brings a special atmosphere, and this year is no exception. The city is already aglow with lights, and the streets are buzzing with festive activity. For those looking for things to do without breaking the bank, the capital has prepared a rich program: from traditional Nativity scenes to musical evenings and ice skating.
Once again, Madrid impresses this year with a variety of free events. The main highlight is the Nativity scenes displayed in the city’s most iconic locations. Joining them are choir festivals, light shows, and even ice skating. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a family outing or a cultural evening.
Nativity Scenes
Immersing yourself in the Christmas spirit begins with visiting the Nativity scenes. One of the most famous is the scene at the City Hall (Ayuntamiento de Madrid), created by master José Luis Mayo Lebrija. Here you can see over two hundred figures and twenty miniature buildings, each capturing the details of the biblical story. The display is open until January 4, except Mondays and January 1, from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM. The easiest way to get there is by metro to Banco de España station (line 2).
The next stop is the Museo de San Isidro, where you can view twelve Nativity scenes from different countries, gathered by the Basanta-Martín collection, on display until January 18. This event marks the museum’s 25th anniversary and offers a glimpse into how Christmas is depicted around the world. The museum is open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and the nearest metro station is La Latina (line 5).
Another highlight is the nativity scene at the Museo de Historia de Madrid. Here you’ll find a Neapolitan nativity with 51 wooden and clay figures, recreating scenes of daily life from centuries past. Admission is free, but you need to register in advance on the museum’s website. Address: Calle de Fuencarral, 78, metro La Latina (line 5).
Music and Light
Music lovers should check out the Coros en el Barrio festival, which this year opens with a performance by the I.E.S. Lope de Vega choir. The group has already gained fame for their rendition of “Campana sobre campana,” chosen for the region’s main Christmas commercial. The concert will take place on December 9 at 8:00 PM in the auditorium of the Centro de Cultura Contemporánea Conde Duque. Admission is free; tickets are available on the center’s website. Accessible via the San Bernardo metro station (lines 2 and 4).
In the very heart of the city, at Puerta del Sol, visitors will be treated to the vibrant video mapping show “La fábrica de los deseos.” The façade of the Real Casa de Correos transforms into a giant advent calendar, with light displays every half hour from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM (until midnight on Fridays and weekends). The program features traditional sweets, toys, and festive decorations, evoking the magic of a true fairy tale. The show runs until January 6 and can be reached via the Sol metro station (lines 1, 2, 3).
Winter Activities
For those who prefer active recreation, a free ice rink has opened in the Vallecas area. It’s located opposite the Renfe Asamblea de Madrid – Entrevías station (lines C2 and C7). Skating and skate rentals are free, but don’t forget to bring gloves—you won’t be allowed on the ice without them. The rink is open daily from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 22:00, but on school days until December 19, it’s reserved for students and organizations from 10:00 to 18:30. The venue also features a reading pavilion with a thousand books, a children’s play area, and entertainment for kids.
Cultural Events
Fans of unique musical fusions can attend a concert by Momi Maiga at Centro Cultural Eduardo Úrculo. The artist masterfully blends African motifs with flamenco, European classics, and Mediterranean rhythms. The concert will take place on December 12 at 20:00, with free admission until the venue is full. The nearest metro station is Ventilla (line 9).
Those who prefer literature might want to visit Casa de América, where on December 10 the fifth edition of the reading club will take place. This time, the guest will be Colombian writer Héctor Abad Faciolince, who will talk about his journey to a book fair in Ukraine after a major heart operation and share his reflections on the aftermath of the conflict in Donetsk. The event will be held in the Embajadores hall, near Banco de España metro station (line 2).
In case you didn’t know, Casa de América is a cultural center in Madrid that promotes Latin American literature, art, and dialogue between Spain and Latin American countries. It regularly hosts exhibitions, lectures, meetings with writers, and film screenings. The center is located in a historic building on Plaza de Cibeles and is considered one of the main venues for cultural events in the capital.
