Where are the best Christmas markets in Madrid? As locals set off in search of the best bargains for their seasonal shop, most Madrileños abandon major chain stores and brand names to wander through the stalls of a festive market.
Madrid’s Christmas markets are nestled right in the middle of the city center, and they’re all about charm and that cozy holiday vibe. Each market has its own special theme, making them perfect for wandering around and stumbling upon some truly delightful finds. The whole experience is packed with Christmas magic, and trust me, it’s something that’ll bring a smile to everyone in your party or family, no matter their age.
These markets are the best option to find something different and unique for the holiday season. And it should be at the top of your list of things to do in Madrid at Christmas!
03/12/2025: All dates and opening times are up to date.
Mercado de Navidad de la Plaza Mayor
This is the biggest of the city’s Christmas markets in Madrid, and it has been held since the 19th century…
Already one of the most famous spots in Madrid, the Plaza Mayor gets transformed into the city’s most popular traditional Christmas market. The balconies are adorned with beautiful candle-shaped lights, and 100+ tiny red cabins line the square selling everything from Nativity scenes (belén in Spanish) and Christmas ornaments to jokes for the Día de los Santos Inocentes on December 28th, the equivalent in Spain to your April Fool’s Day.
Given its central location, this market is perhaps the busiest in all of Madrid, but don’t let the crowds intimidate you. Get stuck in and you’re sure to come away with a great Christmas gift, something special and typical of Madrid!
Where: Plaza Mayor
When: November 27 – December 31
Feria mercado de artesanía
Traditionally held in Plaza de España, from 2021 the Artisan’s Market takes place in Paseo de Recoletos. This market features showcases of art and over 150 artisan workshops.
Dozens of artisan workshops participate in this traditional Christmas market, showcasing their handcrafted products for sale. These workshops, with their unique trades and distinctive characteristics, is definitely a must-attend craftsmanship event that you shouldn’t miss.
Head over to check out very unique products from Madrid as well as 11 other regions around Spain. You’ll find everything here from toys and games, handmade musical instruments, woodworking, jewelry, ceramics, pottery, leather goods, hats and clothing.
Where: Paseo de Recoletos (between Plaza de Colón and Plaza de Cibeles)
When: December 1 – December 30
La Navideña (Mercadillo Plaza de España)
La Navideña, the Christmas market in Plaza de España is back for this Christmas season to offer a wide range of activities for the whole family. You can enjoy a 450-m² natural ice rink and 40 stalls of exclusive artisan products offer the best gift ideas for this Christmas season.
The space has also a large gastronomy area that includes outdoor stalls and an indoor gourmet restaurant: El Alpino, where its dishes and décor will transport you to the Swiss Alps.
The ambiance and decoration of La Navideña transport you to a setting inspired by “The Nutcracker”, creating a connection between the history of Plaza de España and the former Cuartel de San Gil, which once stood in this location. Decorative towers, nutcracker statues, and toy soldier figures adorn the market, immersing attendees in a festive atmosphere. Additionally, Christmas lights will illuminate every corner of La Navideña.
Where: Plaza de España
When: November 25 – January 11
Mercadillo de Navidad El Corte Inglés Castellana
El Corte Inglés (on its Paseo de la Castellana location) is once again organizing its traditional Christmas market, a place to find the perfect gift for Christmas and a place with a wide variety of gastronomy and food trucks.
As every year, numerous stalls distributed in the parking lot of the El Corte Inglés department store have the main Christmas items such as ornaments, gifts, crafts and typical Christmas-themed sweets. There are figures for the nativity scene or toys for the little ones with special exhibits that brands such as LEGO and Disney have prepared for this special market.
As for the gastronomic offer this year, if you’re in the mood to try something new, I have several culinary suggestions you won’t want to miss, like the food trucks from La Cocreta, La Romana, Rodilla, and more. Plus, don’t forget to enjoy the traditional Garrapiñada or the delicious sweets from San Ginés.
Starting at 18:00 every day the market organizes a music and light show with shows every half hour that is projected on the El Corte Inglés building.
Where: Calle Raimundo Fernández Villaverde, 79
When: November 13 – January 5
Mercadillo de la Plaza de Colón
Not far away from the Feria mercado de artesanía you can find this charming Christmas market.
There you’ll find stalls of sweets, crafts, toys, jewelry, decorations. But there’s also an outdoor ice rink with DJ sessions and a vintage-style carousel for the little ones. This is one of the main Christmas markets that you can find in the Salamanca district.
Where: Plaza de Salvador Dalí
When: November 28 – January 6
Mercadillo del Museo Reina Sofía
Just off the Museo Reina Sofía, right in the heart of Madrid, the Plaza de Juan Goytisolo holds an annual craft market. Over 20 stalls sell sweets, Christmas decorations and beautifully handcrafted accessories that make lovely souvenirs to take home from Spain. And if you want to practice sports, you can skate on the ice rink.
Where: Plaza de Juan Goytisolo
When: November 30 – January 5
Mercadillo del Gato
One of the most diverse Christmas markets in Madrid is the Mercadillo del Gato – another must stop if you’re looking for that special unique gift this Christmas.
This cool pop-up market is the place to come if you want to find something less bauble-related and more stylish. The 60+ stalls are populated by young, local designers selling everything from clothes, jewelry, one-of-a-kind trinkets, accessories, art, games and vintage homewares.
Where: Calle de la Gran Vía, 13
When: December 12 – January 6
Mercadillo Navideño de Madrid Río
Located behind the Casa del Reloj and next to Matadero cultural center, to the South of Madrid, the Mercadillo Navideño de Madrid Río is a very special Christmas market.
Get there and enjoy 300+ free activities for all ages, tastes and sensitivities. These include crafts stands, classic Christmas concerts and DJs, dance and singing sessions, games, workshops, fashion shows, diverse shows, film cycles and much more.
In addition to this, at the Puente del Rey, there is a set up called “Navidad en el Río” (“Christmas by the River”). This is a space where you can enjoy various holiday attractions, such as a sledding slope, an ice skating rink, food stalls, and a small market offering Christmas products.
Where: Paseo de la Chopera, 14
When: December 5 – January 7
Adventsbasar German market
To bring the atmosphere of the German markets (called Weihnachtsmarkts) to Madrid, the community of the German Evangelical Church sets up this market just for 3 days.
This is an authentic German market with crafts, advent crowns, raffle, German food and Glüwein (hot, spiced wine). You can toast with mulled wine and beer, buy ornaments, and browse through their market. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets for the Adventsbasar German market in advance!
Where: Paseo de la Castellana, 6
When: November 28 (18:00-22:00), November 29 (14:00-22:00), and November 30 (12:00-16:00).
English Christmas Market
The English Christmas Market is hosted by Saint George’s Church and adds a British flair to Madrid’s Christmas market scene.
This market is especially popular among expatriates and anyone seeking a taste of British holiday culture. This new edition returns with nearly 30 stands that will be set up around the courtyard, garden, and the church’s main entrance hall.
What can you buy at this market? Everything from Christmas tree ornaments to chocolate truffles and traditional English holiday food, including mulled wine. And keep in mind, this delightful market is only open for one day, and the most tempting treats always sell out quickly!
Where: Saint George’s Church (Calle Núñez de Balboa, 43)
When: December 13 (11:00-20:00)
This article is part of a complete tutorial about Christmas in Madrid where you can read all the information you need to enjoy the best Christmas holidays in Madrid.
Here is a complete summary of all the guide:
1. Spend an unforgettable Christmas in Madrid
2. 11 things to do in Madrid for Christmas
3. 12 awesome things to do on New Year’s Eve in Madrid
4. How to celebrate Three Kings’ Day in Madrid
5. The best Christmas markets in Madrid
6. 10 unique Christmas present ideas from Madrid
7. My favorite 5 Spanish Christmas sweets in Madrid
8. Enjoy the Madrid Christmas lights walk
