Although the Christmas markets of Germany and central Europe are well known, and visited by many from the UK, the Spanish capital Madrid can certainly give those a run for their money.
It takes place during the months of November and December, on the city’s Plaza Mayor, Madrid’s central square.
Christmas shopping in Madrid
Over a hundred stalls cram into the square each year, and most of them are open every day, and stay open long into the evening, not shutting until 10 or 11pm. They sell a huge variety of Christmas goods, from small trinkets and baubles to large family Christmas trees. This is not simply a tourist market, but the place to go for Madrid’s people when the time comes to get the decorations up. Carved figures for nativity scenes are a popular buy among locals and tourists alike, as nativity – or Belen - is a standard part of the decoration in most Spanish homes. Also sold are joke-shop items and fancy dress for El Día de los Santos Inocentes on December 28th, a Spanish ‘fools day’ full of pranks and jokes.
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As with any Christmas market, simply wandering around the stalls and taking in the pre-Christmas atmosphere and colour is a pleasure, and it’s always fascinating to see how such as universal festival operates in another country. Madrid has the added bonus of a relatively warm climate, with a daily average of 9 degrees Celsius in December, compared to 5 in London, so you can spend much longer shopping without getting cold. Madrid is also a fantastic city to explore. Often unfairly overlooked by holidaymakers who head straight for the coast, it boasts some beautiful architecture, a thriving arts and cultural scene, a host of great restaurants and a fast-paced nightlife.