This year, Madrid is preparing a unique surprise for residents and visitors: a gigantic light installation shaped like a candle will appear in the Nuevos Ministerios square. The structure will stand 12 meters tall and over five meters in diameter. Visitors will be able to walk inside the installation, surrounded by over 14,000 LEDs shimmering in warm and cool shades of white and orange.
The candle is set to be unveiled on November 22—the earliest date ever for the festive lights to be switched on in the capital. This year, the illumination ceremony will take place not at the usual Puerta del Sol, but at Cibeles square. From that moment, millions of lights will sparkle across the city, and the new candle promises to become the main symbol of the Christmas season.
The installation’s exterior will be accentuated by dozens of glowing stars, adding a special ambiance. Organizers emphasize that the entire lighting system will be energy efficient, and the candle will blend harmoniously with the newly refreshed decorations along Paseo de la Castellana and Cibeles. This year, these streets will feature new garlands and Christmas trees in soft, cozy tones to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Record-breaking illumination and new traditions
The festive decorations in the capital for 2025 promise to break all records: more than 150 kilometers of light installations will stretch across the streets, and a total of 13 million bulbs, 126 cherry blossom figures, and 13 giant Christmas trees will be installed throughout the city. Special attention will be given to new design ideas—some of the decorations will be created from sketches by schoolchildren who won a citywide competition.
The giant candle at Nuevos Ministerios will not only attract photography enthusiasts, but is set to become a new symbol of the winter holidays in Madrid. Thanks to its impressive size and original design, it is sure to become one of the most recognizable features of Europe’s Christmas capital.
Madrid — the capital of light and wonder
Each year, the city strengthens its status as one of the brightest European destinations for winter tourism. The new installation is part of a strategy to attract visitors and create a unique holiday atmosphere for everyone who chooses to celebrate in the Spanish capital. Organizers promise even more surprises: more dazzling light displays and festive events are still to come.
