We arrive in Madrid on Christmas Day early in the morning. I'm assuming that museums will be closed. What would be a good plan for sightseeing on that day?
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7157 posts
You are correct. Both the Prado and Reina Sofía are closed Christmas Day, so the others probably are too. What you do will partly depend on where your hotel is. Walking, you could go to Retiro Park, or walk along Paseo del Prado/Paseo de Recoletos to see Fuente de Neptuno, Alcalá Gate, Plaza de Cibeles, the Lucky Frog statue and Fernando Botero’s “Lady with Mirror.”
If you’re religious consider going to a mass at one of the local churches. Even if you’re not Catholic, or don’t understand Spanish, it would probably be a memorable experience.
You could also walk over the Toledo Bridge and gate, or wander between the Plaza Mayor, the palace, and Puerta Del Sol. Another option is walk along the Gran Vía up to the Plaza de España. Optimally, you just want to be out walking around until evening and not spending your arrival day sleeping.
I’m sure there will also be some type market.
Posted by
Los Angeles
972 posts
We also will be in Spain for the holidays. I believe there is a Christmas Festival near the Palace and I also had found this Christmas Light walk to take in the evening on Christmas Night.
https://www.madrid-traveller.com/madrid-christmas-lights-walk/
Posted by
Valencia Spain
46 posts
Make sure you have an advance plan about where to eat your meals. Most restaurants close on Christmas Eve and Day. They are closed so staff can spend with family. Same for New Year's Eve. We were in Madrid for NY Eve just before COVID and the only place open to eat after 7 PM was Pans & Company. Nothing was open including the fast food joints. Totally different than the US where NYE is THE day to go out to eat.
Posted by
Los Angeles
972 posts
We are going to take the "Naviluz Christmas Bus" when we are in Madrid over the New Year, but it looks like they run on Christmas Day: https://www.esmadrid.com/en/whats-on/christmas-bus
Here are a few Christmas markets in Madrid. I don't know if any of this is open Christmas Day but perhaps later in your trip.
Christmas market running from the 19th century on Plaza Mayor. It's old-fashioned and rather tacky compared to other central European Christmas markets, but the locals love to carry on this Christmas tradition of coming to buy some figurines for the "belén" (nativity scene) at home. Open until December 31st from 10am to 9pm https://www.mercadonavidadplazamayor.com/
Arts and Crafts Fair on Paseo de Recoletos. Exhibition of artisan gift items. The participants include representatives from a wide variety of artisan trades such as ceramicists, costume jewellers, leather goods makers, engravers, artistic glassmakers... Open until December 30th from 11am to 9pm.
La Navideña on Plaza de España. Little Christmas market offering some crafts and street food stalls, as well as an ice rink, some theatrical shows and circus performances. Open until early January from 12 noon to 9 pm https://www.lanavidena.com/