It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
Christmas season is here! Maybe you are staying in Madrid for the holidays or just have a few weeks before going home. Either way, you certainly have some time for the plethora of December events happening around the city. If you are one of the fortunate ones who have a long weekend coming up, there will be time to wander around and experience some of the great festive attractions. Therefore, Smart Insiders wanted to provide our readers with a special December events calendar for all the important things going on this month.
Spanish Christmas Lottery in Madrid: Everything You Need to Know
Maybe you’ve been “living under a rock” the past few months, but if not, you’ve definitely noticed the Christmas Lottery hype. Known locally as “El Gordo,” this is one of the most iconic events of the holiday season in Madrid.
The payoff is massive, and the tradition is deeply rooted in Spanish culture. On December 22nd, almost every family, group of friends, and workplace in Spain will be anxiously waiting to see if they hold the winning ticket.
                                
      
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What is the “El Gordo” Big Prize?
This year, the Spanish Christmas Lottery will give out a staggering 2.24 billion euros in cash prizes! The draw is a major cultural spectacle held at the Teatro Real opera house in Madrid. It’s a live show where school children sing out the winning numbers in a tradition that lasts all morning.
Where Can I Buy a Christmas Lottery Ticket in Madrid?
You can find LoterÃa administration shops all over the city. If you are looking for the most famous spots, check out:
Doña Manolita: The most legendary shop near Puerta del Sol (expect long queues!).
Local Administration offices: Look for the blue signs at Renfe stops or near Puerta del Sol.
Shared tickets: It is very common to buy a décimo (a tenth of a ticket) with friends or co-workers.
Can I Watch the Live Drawing at Teatro Real?
Yes! Visitors can attend the event at the Teatro Real for free.
Opening time: Doors open at 8:00 AM.
Entry: It works on a first-come, first-served basis.
Pro Tip: Since there are only 600 seats available, make sure to get there very early (some people even camp out the night before in costumes!).
Cortylandia The Iconic Christmas Show
Cortylandia is, without a doubt, the most traditional Christmas attraction in the heart of Madrid. Every year, the famous department store El Corte Inglés transforms its façade at Calle Preciados into a magical, animated musical display that has been a family favorite for generations.
Why you can’t miss Cortylandia
It’s Free: The show is outdoors and completely free to watch for everyone.
Quick & Fun: Each performance lasts approximately 15 minutes, making it easy to fit into your holiday stroll through the city center.
A New Theme Every Year: Since the display changes annually, it has become a “must-attend” tradition for locals and visitors to compare it with previous years.
How to get there
The show takes place on the façade of the El Corte Inglés building in the city center. It is easily accessible by foot from Puerta del Sol or Callao.
Address: Calle del Maestro Victoria, 4-6. 28013 Madrid (Right behind El Corte Inglés Preciados/Sol).
What is a Belén?
Another tradition in Madrid is the iconic Belenes (Nativity Scenes) that many churches display. All the Belenes are handcrafted nativity scenes that you can visit during Christmas all the way up until the first week of January. Similarly, it’s normal for many establishments and homes to display a Belene. If you would like to buy your own there are many places to do it this Christmas season. The most noteworthy place to shop is the Plaza Mayor Christmas market. Maybe you don’t have room for a large nativity scence, but don’t worry! You will come across many different styles and sizes, both big and small.
Other December events in Madrid.
Above all, the Christmas lights and markets around Madrid are a Christmas staple. From Plaza Mayor to Puerta de Alcala you will be able to get into the Christmas spirit by shopping for local Spanish goods while being awestruck by beautiful lights around the city. To get more information about markets and lights click below!