Seasonal Highlights • 3 hours 5.0 (6)

Lights and festive sights: Experience the magic of Madrid at Christmas

Explore Madrid's Christmas charm with a local insider: Plaza Mayor market, Puerta del Sol lights, Gran Vía, Royal Palace, and Mercado de San Miguel.

Plan to adjust your schedule to 3 pm lunches and 10 pm dinners as many restaurants do not open for lunch or dinner until those times

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • Experience Madrid's Christmas magic through the eyes of a knowledgeable local, offering insider insights and engaging stories.
  • Immerse in the festive atmosphere at Plaza Mayor's traditional market, a hub for unique holiday crafts and authentic Spanish sweets.
  • Marvel at the stunning Christmas light displays at Puerta del Sol, capturing the essence of Madrid's holiday spirit.
  • Stroll along Gran Vía, adorned with spectacular lights and decorations, showcasing the city's festive flair and architectural beauty.
  • Witness the illuminated Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral, adding a regal touch to your holiday exploration in Madrid.
  • Conclude with a culinary adventure at Mercado de San Miguel, savoring the best of Spanish tapas and seasonal treats handpicked by your guide.

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

A glass of mulled wine, hot chocolate & churros or a soft drink.
A private and personalized 3-hour walking experience with a local host
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

What’s not included

Additional food and drink
Transport costs
Tickets to any attractions
Gratuities

Meeting point

Your hotel/apartment or any other central location

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

Welcome to a festive journey through Madrid's Christmas wonders, starting at the iconic Plaza Mayor. Your rendezvous point is the impressive statue of King Philip III, standing majestically in the heart of the square.

As this historic square transforms into a winter wonderland, with its traditional Christmas market as the centerpiece, you're greeted by the enticing aroma of holiday sweets like 'turrones' and the warmth of vino caliente (mulled wine) drifting through the air. Here, amidst the charming market stalls, take a moment to enjoy a cup of this spiced winter beverage or indulge in the classic Madrid treat of hot chocolate and churros, each adding to the festive atmosphere.

With your host leading the way, you'll then venture to Puerta del Sol. This vibrant area is known for its iconic Christmas tree and mesmerizing light displays. As you wander, your host will share stories of Madrid's festive customs, bringing the twinkling lights and ornate decorations to life.

Continuing along the lively Gran Vía, which shines with the glow of Christmas lights, the festive ambiance blends beautifully with the grandeur of Madrid's architecture. Your host's insights into the area's history and cultural significance enrich your experience, making it more than just a walk but a true journey through the soul of Madrid.

Your path then leads to the Royal Palace and Almudena Cathedral, both spectacularly lit up to celebrate the season. Standing under their radiant lights, you'll hear tales of royal Christmases past and the cathedral's significance, adding a regal touch to your exploration.

The final stop is the vibrant Mercado de San Miguel. In this bustling market, your host will introduce you to a world of culinary delights, from traditional tapas to seasonal specialties. Amid the market's festive atmosphere, you'll have the perfect backdrop to savor the rich flavors of Madrid, concluding your journey through the city's festive heart.

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories

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What travelers think of this experience

Jeffrey Dec 2023

Great tour. Very informative and fun. Our guide Gonzala even stopped by a market stand and ordered us mulled wine in a souvenir mug with a sweet treat to enjoy along the journey. We learned so much about this great city. He knew all the best photo locations.

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Kiky Dec 2023

Thanks Patricia for such a fun and memorable tour of Madrid - you've expanded the charm and beauty of Madrid! We had a great day full of laughter and inpiring stories of what makes Madrid the ciry that it is today. You're very knowledgeable and informative about the history and made us love the story of Madrid as a city. We explored various plazas (each with its own charm), wondered at the Royal Palace and Cathedral, heard the history of shops that have been around for centuries, seen the significance of buildings throughout the city, and got good recommendations for good food and experiences to explore further. Thanks for a great day! Would highly recommend for a day filled with happy memories and knowledge about what makes Madrid beautiful as it is.

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Jeffrey Dec 2023

Our guide Gonzalo made this visit wonderful. We had mulled wine and delicious sweet treat along the way. He gave us many recommendations for dining and museums. He knew all the best photo locations. Well done.

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Brittney Dec 2023

Alba did a fantastic job showing us around Madrid. We highly recommend this tour.

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Linda Dec 2021

Patrícia is very knowledgeable and worked hard to tailor the tour to our needs and interests. She is a wonderful tour guide with great stories. She even brought some candy treats for us.

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Bill Apr 2025

Patricia did a fantastic job. We enjoyed the tour. She was communicative ahead of time and easy to work with. It was an extremely informative tour. She was very knowledgeable about the city.

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