5 Must-See Christmas Markets in Madrid

The Christmas market in Madrid is best known for opening in Plaza Mayor at the end of November. Christmas in Madrid also means crafts, sweets, and ice skating, so four more stops follow. We list dates, hours, and Metro stops for each, and flag any 2026 date that is still unconfirmed.

1. Plaza Mayor Christmas Market

Dates: late November to 31 December 2026 (opening day not yet published). Hours: last year, 10:00 to 21:00 Sunday to Thursday and 10:00 to 22:00 on Fridays, Saturdays and eves. Metro: Sol or Ópera.

About 100 red wooden stalls sell nativity figures, ornaments and joke masks. Go on a weekday morning, before the arcades fill. Wear flat shoes, because the square is cobbled. Entry is free.

2. La Navideña, Plaza de España

Dates: unconfirmed for 2026. Last year it ran from 25 November to 11 January. Metro: Plaza de España.

It is a winter village with food stalls, shows and a 600 m² ice rink. It is one of the largest and busiest markets in the city. Buy rink tickets online to skip the weekend queue. Visit after dark for the best lights.

3. Feria de Artesanía, Paseo de Recoletos

Dates: 1 to 30 December 2026, as announced. Hours: 11:00 to 21:00 last year. Metro: Banco de España or Colón.

Craft makers from across Spain sell ceramics, jewellery and toys along a flat boulevard. It stretches from Cibeles to Colón, so it pairs with the next stop. Buy handmade gifts here, not souvenirs. More than 100 stands, and the fair has run since 1988. Weekends get crowded, so go on a weekday afternoon.

4. Plaza de Colón Ice Rink Market

Dates: unconfirmed for 2026. Last year it ran from 29 November to 6 January. Metro: Colón.

The Javier Fernández rink covers 800 m², with craft and food stands around it. Walk here straight from the craft fair. Part of its income goes to charity. Arrive early, because skating sessions fill quickly.

5. Sweets Fair, Plaza de Ópera

Dates: unconfirmed for 2026, with one listing showing 30 November. Metro: Ópera (lines 2, 5 and R).

This small fair sits in front of the Teatro Real. It sells turrón, polvorones and other Christmas sweets. Stalls come from all over Spain, so you can sample regional sweets in one stop. It has about eight stalls, so allow thirty minutes. Pair it with hot chocolate and churros nearby.

A One-Evening Christmas Market Madrid Route

Start at Plaza Mayor, then walk to Ópera for sweets. Next, go to Plaza de España for the lights after dark. End with Colón and Recoletos, which sit side by side.

Central Madrid is easier on foot and by Metro. Parking is scarce, so we leave the car outside the centre. A car earns its keep on day trips. Chinchón, about 45 kilometres away, runs its own Christmas market.

Our rentals carry zero deposit, so there is no card hold at pickup. Book early, because December demand rises with the school holidays.