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Three Kings Parade Madrid 2025: route, schedule and a ham break
A magical tradition that fills the city with joy
Every year on January 5th, Madrid welcomes the arrival of the Three Wise Men with a joyful and colourful parade. Known in Spain as the Cabalgata de Reyes, this event isn’t just a parade — it’s a celebration that brings families and friends together to enjoy music, lights, and excitement in the streets.
Dozens of beautifully decorated floats, dancers, characters and endless candy make this night one of the most exciting moments of the season. For many children, it’s the true highlight of the holidays — the night when the Kings wave from their carriages before delivering gifts.
Route and schedule for 2025
The Madrid Three Kings Parade will take place on Sunday, January 5th, 2025, starting at approximately 6:30 PM. As in previous years, the route will begin at Nuevos Ministerios and continue down Paseo de la Castellana, passing through key spots such as Plaza de San Juan de la Cruz, Paseo de Recoletos, Plaza de Colón, and Glorieta de Emilio Castelar, before reaching the grand finale at Plaza de Cibeles.
The evening concludes with a final show, including speeches and fireworks. The event usually wraps up around 9:00 PM, depending on how the parade progresses.
How to make the most of the parade experience
The parade draws large crowds, so it’s best to plan ahead. If you want a good view, we recommend arriving at least one hour before the start. Some sections of the route are more relaxed than others — areas like Colón and Cibeles tend to fill up quickly.
Public transport is the easiest way to get around that day, as many central roads will be closed from the afternoon. The metro and commuter trains are reliable and let you move freely across the city.
Madrid City Council usually sets up designated areas for people with reduced mobility and offers free grandstand seating between Castelar and Colón. The entire parade is also broadcast live on national TV.
The perfect plan: parade and ham
The parade alone is a wonderful plan, but pairing it with a stop at Museo del Jamón turns it into a truly memorable night. You can start the evening with an early meal or warm snack at one of our central locations: Gran Vía, Plaza Mayor, or Paseo del Prado are just steps from the parade route.
And if you prefer to enjoy the parade first, there’s nothing better than ending the night with a freshly cut plate of ham or a light dinner in our dining rooms. We’ll be ready to welcome you and celebrate the magic of this special night.
Bring the flavour home for your own celebration
If you plan to watch the parade from home or host family and friends, you can order everything you need from our online store. A tray of ham, cold cuts and cheeses is perfect for sharing during this festive evening.
You can also prepare your own holiday hamper, with traditional Spanish products selected for gifting or enjoying at home. Our Christmas baskets are available for delivery across Spain — the perfect way to bring flavour and tradition to your celebration.
Check our locations here and plan your stop before or after the parade.
