Madrid lights up with festive spirit when the Christmas decorations are turned on. Streets glow with colour and joy: the giant tree in Puerta del Sol, the huge glowing ball near Gran V\u00eda and Alcal\u00e1, and famous figures like the illuminated Menina on the Paseo del Prado or the \u00c1ngel de Madrid in Col\u00f3n have become some of the most photographed sights in recent years.<\/p>\n\n
The perfect starting point<\/strong>: any of our Museo del Jam\u00f3n<\/strong> locations in the city centre. We\u2019re right on Gran V\u00eda, Plaza Mayor, Carrera de San Jer\u00f3nimo, Calle Mayor and Paseo del Prado, among others \u2014 so you can walk the route while enjoying tasty breaks between stops.<\/p>\n\n Madrid City Hall usually switches on the Christmas lights in late November and keeps them on until January 6th. For example, in 2024 the lights were turned on November 28th, with standard hours from 6:00 PM to midnight (until 1:00 AM on weekends, with extended hours on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve). For 2025, the official schedule will be announced in the autumn. Be sure to check the municipal programme closer to the holiday season.<\/p>\n\n Accessibility tip<\/strong>: the city offers the Navidad Accesible app, which provides inclusive content to follow the lights. It’s ideal for planning or for those unable to attend in person.<\/p>\n\n Start at our Gran V\u00eda<\/strong> location and head to Callao to see the avenue fully lit. Walk down Preciados to Puerta del Sol<\/strong> and its massive Christmas tree. From there, continue to Plaza Mayor<\/strong> to experience its classic holiday atmosphere. Finish with a cold beer and a plate of ham in our Plaza Mayor restaurant.<\/p>\n\n Starting at Paseo del Prado<\/strong>, head toward Cibeles<\/strong> and follow Calle Alcal\u00e1<\/strong>. Recent editions have featured spectacular displays, like the glowing ball or nativity scenes near the Metr\u00f3polis Building<\/strong> \u2014 a perfect photo opportunity. End the walk at our Gran V\u00eda location for a toast and a snack.<\/p>\n\n Begin at Plaza de Col\u00f3n<\/strong>, where the 18-metre Angel of Madrid<\/strong> lit up the skies in 2024. In other years, the famous glowing Menina has been installed nearby along the Paseo del Prado<\/strong>. Walk down Recoletos to reach our restaurants along the Prado\u2013Sol axis and continue enjoying your night.<\/p>\n\n Note<\/strong>: Each year brings new light designs and layout updates. In 2024, over 230 locations were illuminated with 100% LED lights. Always check the latest city guide before planning.<\/p>\n\n The Naviluz<\/strong> bus follows a route through Madrid\u2019s best-lit streets with frequent departures. In 2024, it ran from November 29th to January 6th (except December 24th, 31st and January 5th), with departures from Felipe IV Street (next to the Prado). Tickets are available on the official website, with assigned seating and accessibility recommendations. For the 2025 season, be sure to check dates and bookings when they are announced.<\/p>\n\n Seeing the Christmas lights in Madrid<\/strong> is even better when paired with a freshly sliced plate of ham. At Museo del Jam\u00f3n<\/strong>, you\u2019ll find bars, dining rooms, deli counters and our very own bakery<\/strong> \u2014 everything you need for a perfect festive night out in the city centre.Dates and schedules: what to expect this year<\/h2>\n\n
Walking routes from our Museo del Jam\u00f3n locations<\/h2>\n\n
1) Gran V\u00eda \u2192 Callao \u2192 Preciados \u2192 Sol \u2192 Plaza Mayor<\/h3>\n\n
2) Prado \u2192 Cibeles \u2192 Alcal\u00e1 \u2192 Metr\u00f3polis \u2192 Gran V\u00eda<\/h3>\n\n
3) Col\u00f3n \u2192 Recoletos \u2192 Prado<\/h3>\n\n
Must-see stops (based on recent years)<\/h2>\n\n
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Naviluz: the Christmas lights bus in Madrid<\/h2>\n\n
Tips to make the most of your route<\/h2>\n\n
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The perfect plan: Christmas lights + ham<\/h2>\n\n