What’s On

Christmas In Madrid 2016

2016 is no exception when talking about the variety of events on offer in Madrid over the festive holidays.
Maja Jakic offers a few suggestions on where to go and what to do this holiday season:
MERCADILLO NAVIDENO AT PLAZA DE MAYOR – ENJOY THE CHRISTMAS FAIRYTALE!
The jolliest time of the year brings a Christmas fairy-tale to the city, thanks to the colourful Christmas lights, trees and the most popular Christmas markets. Locally known as the Mercadillo de Navidad, Madrid’s Christmas market is situated at the very heart of the city in the Plaza de Mayor where it has maintained the tradition since 1960. 104 log cabins will be selling everything from sweets to tree ornaments as well as an even mix of antiques, artwork and collectibles totalling more than 12,000 items from the 1960s to the 1980s. A carousel will serve to entertain little ones, and food and beverages are also available to help keep you warm and refreshed. The official program lasts more than a month, so there’s enough time to see and do everything.
Apart from the market at Plaza de Mayor, don’t miss the other mercadillos at Plaza de España or Plaza de Santa Cruz.
Plaza de Mayor. 25th of November to 6th of January. Monday to Friday 10:00-21:00 & Saturday and Sunday 10:00- 22:00. Free entry.

Revolution Ice

RevolutiOn Ice is THE event aimed at all those who are passionate about skating and music. For the first time in Spain, the world stars of skating will fuse their talent on the ice rink to the live music of first class musicians. Visitors will have a chance to see one of the top figures of the skating world – double world champion and four-time champion of Europe, Javier Fernandez. David Moreno, a professional with a great experience in the world of television, music and radio, will be in charge as the master of ceremonies.
Palacio Vistalegre Arena, Calle Utebo 1. 29th of December, 20:00. Metro: Vista Alegre (L5). €25-€190.

Christmas Carol At Teatro Figaro

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens arrives on stage at the Teatro Figaro this December. Audiences of all ages will be able to enjoy Face2Face’s adaptation of one of the world’s most popular and most loved Christmas classics. The plot follows the story of the cynical Ebenezer Scrooge who is visited by the three spirits of Christmas past, present and future. Although primarily aimed at an English speaking audience, the production’s unique style of acting which includes physical theatre and mime, makes it accessible to those who even have the most basic knowledge of English. Expect a new, comical version of the story with a lots of improvisation, evocative songs and magical stagecraft.
Teatro Figaro, Calle Doctor Cortezo 5. 3rd to 18th of December. Metro: Banco de España (L2), Chueca (L5), Tirso de Molina (L1). €14.

International Fair Of Cultures

A special event organised in collaboration with 75 embassies and various institutions will showcase the many different ways of celebrating Christmas around the world. The program includes more than 75 stands and over 250 activities, many of which are aimed for all ages which not only includes dancing, singing and playing, but also the opportunity to taste a variety international Christmas dishes.
Matadero Madrid, Paseo de la Chopera. 15th of December to 23rd of December. Metro: Legazpi (L3, L6). Free entry.

The Design Market – Xmas Fun Event

Lovers of art, music, design and food are treated to a unique experience combining all of the above at the Mercado de Diseño’s Xmas Fun event. The Design Market is a platform aimed at increasing the visibility and commercialisation of Spanish design. Here, you can encounter everything from fashion, beauty products, art illustrations, decorations and much more. In addition, visitors can enjoy seven live music concerts and on Saturday night, a big party with the best of Spanish electronic music.
Circulo de Bellas Artes, Calle de Alcala, 42. 17th & 18th of December, 11:00-22:00. Metro: Banco de España (L2), Sevilla (L2). €3. www.mercadodediseno.es

Main Square Nye Celebration

The traditional celebration of New Year’s Eve at the very centre of a capital city is surely one of the “must-do” things to do in any country, and Spain is no exception.  On the eve of every new year, the Puerta del Sol fills with thousands of people from all over the world joining in the tradition of eating 12 grapes synchronised to the 12 bells that ring in the coming year. However, tradition aside, the real celebration takes place after midnight when Europe’s loudest city makes its own contribution to the world’s biggest party in true Spanish style.  Expect, noise, alcohol and more noise.
Puerta del Sol. 31st of December, 23:59. Metro: Sol (L1, L2, L3). Free.

La Cabalgata De Reyes

Or in other words, “Spanish Christmas”.  The Three King’s Day or Epiphany, is the Christian feast day that celebrates the visit of the Regents of the Orient to the baby Jesus. This particular holiday has a unique way of being celebrated in Madrid in the form of a grand parade welcoming his majesties: Gaspar, Melchor and Baltasar to the centre of the city to bring the message of peace and solidarity. The route will start at in the afternoon at Plaza de San Juan de la Cruz, passing by the Paseo de Castellana before finalising at the Plaza de Cibeles. The event still remains the longest standing parade in Spain which makes it worth seeing.
Plaza de Cibeles. 5th of January, 18:30. Free.

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