Yes! Madrid turns the Christmas lights today, 22nd November!
If you live in Madrid or are planning a trip to the Spanish capital, get ready for some Christmas magic!
Tourists and locals will be amazed by this year's Madrid Christmas lights which aim to be of spectacularly remarkable. And sustainable. Keep reading to find out more.
When to see the lights?
The City Council of the Spanish capital will be turning on the Christmas decorative lighting at 17:45 on Friday, November 22 when the the lighting ceremony will be held in Puerta del Sol. The decorations will be featured all around the capital until Monday, January 6, Three Kings Day with the following schedule:
- Sunday to Wednesday: 6pm to 11pm
- Thursday to Saturday and on the eve of public holidays: 6pm to 12 midnight
- 25 December, 1 and 6 January: 6pm to 12 midnight
- 24 December and 5 January: 6pm to 3am
- 31 December: 6pm to 6am
Where to see the Christmas lights in Madrid?
Each neighbourhood/street has lights with different design and colours. You will see lots of different lights from the classical colourful tree branches on Gran Via to Christmassy shapes hanging over those small cobbled streets in Toledo. But it's not all! Most of the major plazas in the city centre – Sol, Callao, Plaza de España, Montera – will have majestic Christmas trees.
If you are looking for some nativity scenes, you should head to the Gates of Alcalá, Toledo and San Vicente. There will be more in the viaduct of Segovia Street and at the entrances to the Plaza Mayor. This year, you will also find new design at Canalejas Square, Carrera de San Jerónimo, Atocha Street, Mayor Street, Montera Street, Cibeles Square, Neptune Square and Cuatro Caminos Roundabout.
Yes, basically Madrid will be shining with Christmas lights all around!
Sustainable lights for a sustainable Christmas
People all around the world are demanding for more sustainability and Madrid has promptly responded to the request with a unique and innovative lighting. In fact, the Christmas decoration in Madrid this year will be more sustainable, thanks to the use of more efficient technologies.
The lights were designed and constructed by architects and fashion designers with a goal to create an energy efficient, environmentally conscious lighting.