The Star of Bethlehem will change course again, returning to light up Madrid’s districts with the fantastic show Carillón de Navidad and the exhibition Nativity Scenes of the World The central courtyard of Condeduque will transform into an interactive winter wonderland Masterpieces from the Prado Museum and iconic sites in the city will come together in a Nativity scene projected onto the façades of churches in the city’s historic centre Music and shows will light up streets, squares, balconies and churches across the city Clara Montes is the guest artist who will perform with the Madrid Municipal Symphonic Band (BSMM) in the traditional Epiphany charity concert at Teatro Real opera house Germany is the guest country of Madrid, Navidad de Encuentro at Matadero Madrid, where there will be a wide range of activities for the whole family The Three Kings Parade will be inspired by the aesthetic of Victorian toys The entire programme features accessibility and inclusivity measures, and can be viewed on the official website www.navidadmadrid.com

This year’s holiday programme, themed “Madrid: Gateway to Christmas” and put together by the Department of Culture, Tourism and Sport, was presented today in the Casa de la Villa building by Madrid’s mayor, José Luis Martínez-Almeida. Nativity scenes, music, theatre, film, street performers, arts and crafts, and gastronomy make up a comprehensive programme of activities for all audiences. Geared especially towards families, the programme includes unforgettable moments like the Three Kings Parade, which is inspired by the aesthetic of Victorian toys and will travel down Madrid’s main thoroughfare from Nuevos Ministerios to Plaza de Cibeles. It’s an extraordinary event in which the city will enthusiastically welcome the Three Kings as they arrive in the company of a spectacular entourage.

In addition, Condeduque Centre for Contemporary Culture will host Navidad de Cristal (Glass Christmas), an installation by visual and digital artist Miguel Chevalier which will transform the central courtyard into an interactive winter wonderland where digital pieces of glass react to visitors’ movements. Inspired by the geometry of snowflakes, the installation uses advanced technology and artificial intelligence to create a unique immersive experience and to add a contemporary and poetic dimension to Christmas in Madrid (26 to 30 December, from 7pm to 11pm).

Madrid, a city with a star

Once again, the Star of Bethlehem will shine in Madrid’s sky, lighting up the capital as its trail of light reaches the city’s districts in a fantastic show. Two outstanding events held as part of the initiative will give Madrileños and visitors alike a unique look at the richness of Christmas traditions: Nativity Scenes of the World and Carillón de Navidad. Madrid will thus be a gateway that leads us to multiple settings with a wide range of accessible offerings for the whole family.

Thanks to Nativity Scenes of the World, Madrid will have the privileged opportunity to enjoy a representative selection from one of the world’s finest Nativity scene collections. Started in 1977 by the married couple Antonio Basanta and María de los Ángeles Martín, it contains over 4,200 Nativity scenes and 30,000 figures from 154 different countries, with pieces from the 18th century to the present. Particular gems include two outstanding monumental Nativity scenes, one Neapolitan and one Sicilian, each of which has over 130 figures. The exhibition will be on display at cultural centres in the districts of Vicálvaro, Salamanca and Ciudad Lineal.

Carillón de Navidad, by the renowned Companyia La Tal, transforms a giant clock into the setting of a unique show. With a combination of ingenuity, creativity and artistic beauty, this Christmas carillon will travel to various districts across the city as part of the programme Madrid: Gateway to Christmas, which brings the holiday spirit to all of Madrid’s residents. Performance will take place in the district of Latina, on the 26th; in Puente de Vallecas, on the 27th; in Usera, on the 28th; in San Blas-Canillejas, on the 29th (shows at 1pm, 5pm and 6pm); and in Fuencarral-El Pardo, on the 30th. Shows will begin at 5pm, 6pm and 7pm.

Monumental Nativity scene projections in the heart of the city

Madrid, a city with an extraordinary architectural heritage which is home to one of the world’s top art galleries—the Prado Museum—, will be the setting of a unique spectacle this Christmas. Designed and produced by Pedro Chamizo with Paco Azorín as artistic director, the initiative invites us to explore the most iconic places in the city’s historic centre as art and history come together in a monumental Nativity scene projected onto the façades of several churches. From the Royal Monastery of the Incarnation and the Cathedral of the Armed Forces to the Convent of Las Carboneras and the Church of San Andrés, the projections highlight the richness of the city’s cultural and artistic heritage, bringing Christmas tradition to a new level of expression.

On 23 December (at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm), music and artistic projections will come together as the series concludes with a concert on the southern façade of the Church of San Andrés. Directed by Juan Pablo de Juan, the performance will feature a repertoire of Christmas music, offering a preview of Christmas Eve in a setting that combines tradition with innovation, immersing us in the holiday spirit.

Madrid is a musical fiesta at Christmas

Madrid will hum with music, a sign that it’s the most magical time of year, as the city embraces the festive spirit that defines Christmas. The capital will be a major music hub thanks to a programme that combines festive rhythms, melodies and sounds from all styles and eras. Jazz, classical, Baroque, soul, gospel, swing and flamenco artists and bands will perform their best numbers in streets, squares, balconies and churches.

On 15 December starting at 12.30pm, the Zambombada de Madrid will travel through Plaza de la Villa, Calle Mayor, Calle de Santiago, Plaza de Ramales and Plaza de Oriente. This musical parade will welcome the festive season with traditional groups known as rondallas and cuadrillas from different parts of the region of Madrid and its neighbouring provinces. Next, there will be a Christmas concert by the Madrid Municipal Police Band in the Theatre-Auditorium in Casa de Campo Park (17 December at 6pm).

On 21 and 22 December, starting at 12 noon, the Temple of Debod will host performances of Christmas choral pieces organised by different regional associations. The same venue will also be filled with music on the nights of 21 to 23 December, at 8pm. On the 21st, the Ariel Brínguez Quintet, which has won multiple Grammy Awards, will play renditions of works by J. S. Bach infused with the warmth of Latin jazz. On 22 December, Gospel Factory, a group of singers from over 20 different countries, will perform classic gospel songs with tones of jazz, soul, African beats and even flamenco. And, on the 23rd, the Habichuela family will give a flamenco zambomba concert featuring the most traditional gypsy Christmas songs.

Plaza de los Carros will also be an important hub for music. On 28 December, the singer Maui will present a show brimming with theatricality, humour and music: a festive performance full of different rhythms. On 29 December, The Swing Cats, the most notable swing quartet on today’s scene, will perform a delightful repertoire of classic Christmas jazz songs in an original acoustic format, and on 30 December, Acantha Lang and her band will showcase their latest soul music, including two Christmas songs oozing beauty and emotion. All performances will be at 8pm.

Christmas music will also play from some of the city’s most iconic balconies, like that of Casa de la Panadería, which will host the Madrid Youth Choir on 18 December, and Casa de la Villa, where there will be various performances. On the 26th, flamenco singer Macarena de Jerez will invite us to experience a Jerez-style zambomba session, giving us a look at the passionate way flamenco musicians celebrate Christmas. The 27th will feature Irene Reig & The Bop Collective, an ensemble of great musicians whose music moves between jazz standards, swing and hard bop. And on the night of 28 December, violinist Pablo Navarro and his Brass Band, which includes guitar, piano, bass, drums, saxophone, trombone and trumpet, will provide an unforgettable experience. All performances will begin at 8pm.

A church music series will add a special touch to the Christmas celebrations, with performances by outstanding artists in some of the city’s most beautiful places of worship. On 19 December at 8.30pm, the Church of Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro will host a concert by the Harmonica Baroque Ensemble Trio, which will delight audiences with its repertoire of Baroque music. Later, on 20 December, also at 8.30pm, we’ll be able to hear Cadiz-born bagpipe player Eduardo Guerrero. Admission is free until full capacity is reached.

The Church of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe will present the great Portuguese fado singer Carminho, on 26 December at 8pm, and at the same time on 27 December, it will host Kiki Morente. The prominent figure in contemporary flamenco will deliver a performance featuring his distinctive personal and emotional style. Admission is free, with tickets available for download starting from 20 December at www.navidadmadrid.com.

The Basilica of San Miguel will also take part in this year’s Christmas programme, with two notable performances. On 3 January, Lechner Piano Trío, made up of three very talented siblings, will present a repertoire of songs ranging from classical to pop music, including special renditions of classics like The Nutcraker and The Little Drummer Boy. On 4 January, we’ll be able to hear the renowned Baroque music ensemble Al Ayre Español, led by conductor Eduardo López Banzo. Both concerts are scheduled to start at 7.30pm and will give Madrileños and visitors the chance to experience Christmas from a musical, spiritual perspective in a setting that boasts an enormously rich artistic and cultural heritage. Admission is free until full capacity is reached.

Another series, Los Distritos Cantan, will be held from 20 December to 3 January in the CentroCentro auditorium in Cibeles Palace, in partnership with the Madrid Choir Federation. The classic Christmas event puts the spotlight on choirs from the city’s different districts. Admission is free, with tickets available for download starting from 13 December at www.navidadmadrid.com.

Clara Montes will shine in the Epiphany Concert at Teatro Real

On 5 January, Teatro Real opera house will host the classic Epiphany Concert organised by Madrid City Council. This year it will star Madrid-born singer Clara Montes, who will be accompanied by the Madrid Municipal Symphonic Band (BSMM), conducted by Jan Cober. The performance is scheduled for 12 noon and will be more than just a musical experience, as all of the proceeds will go to the Pequeño Deseo Foundation. Tickets will go on sale at 12 noon on 13 December at www.teatroreal.es/es

Nativity scene route around the city

The Department of Culture, Tourism and Sport has created a guide to encourage Madrileños and visitors to enjoy the most iconic Nativity scenes in the city and across its districts. The route begins with the Madrid City Hall Nativity Scene in Cibeles Palace and continues with a complete tour which includes a wide range of cribs displayed in museums, cultural centres, churches, auditoriums, municipal government buildings and other emblematic places. Particularly outstanding scenes include those of the Royal Palace and the Museum of San Isidro - Origins of Madrid, the Madrid History Museum, the regional government of Madrid, the Department of Public Works and Equipment and the various district governments. Once again, this year El Corte Inglés department store will join the initiative by displaying Nativity scenes in its branches.

Madrid, Navidad de Encuentro at Matadero Madrid

Madrid is a welcoming city which embraces visitors and encourages them to share their customs and celebrations with us. This season, Matadero Madrid will become a meeting place which will host some of the city’s main Christmas and family events. The sixth edition of Madrid, Navidad de Encuentro will feature Germany as the guest country.

From 20 December to 3 January, in partnership with the German Embassy in Madrid, Matadero Madrid will showcase a sample of the European country’s cultural diversity in the form of music, literature, film, artisan goods and gastronomy. The stage at Plaza Matadero will be the hub of the music programme, featuring a range of performances in the mornings and evenings which will include Spanish artists who live in Berlin and German artists who live in Spain, reflecting the cultural exchange between the two countries. Germany will also have a presence in En lo más profundo del bosque (In the Deepest Part of the Forest), a programme at Nave 12 and Casa del Lector organised by Eñe Festival.

The spaces at Matadero Madrid will offer a wide range of activities for the whole family ranging from participative installations and magic shows to workshops on illustration, experimentation, art creation, design, arts and crafts, sculpture, masks, and Christmas sweet making. We’ll also be able to enjoy storytelling, performing arts, games, a food truck zone and countless experiences to suit all tastes. In addition, there will be outdoor shows created especially for the little ones and a carefully selected range of musical offerings.

Madrid City Council’s Automaton Theatre, one of Madrid’s true cultural heritage gems, will be another star attraction. Built in the 1940s, the historic fairground stall offers a show which uses moving mechanical figures and intricately decorated sets across ten different scenes, ranging from Costumbrist depictions to lively cabaret.

This year, Madrid, Navidad de Encuentro will be held in Espacio Cultural Serrería Belga, a cultural centre that will host a range of activities for children from 21 to 29 December. Kids will be able to take part in German Christmas arts and crafts and art creation workshops, where they will learn to make traditional German decorative items like calendars, Advent wreaths and Christmas lanterns. They can also enjoy storytelling centred on Andersen’s fairy tales, in a year that marks the 150th anniversary of his death.

Once again, snow will cover Plaza Matadero every day this Christmas, creating a magical setting. And, as usual, the iconic 600 m2 ice rink will also be an important gathering spot this year.

Another option for skaters or for those visiting the city centre or El Retiro Park is the ice-skating rink at Cibeles Palace (No. 1 Calle de Montalbán). Spanning 400 m2, it has been set up every Christmas in the Glass Gallery since 2012.

Traditional markets and offerings in Madrid’s districts

Christmas markets are a can’t-miss holiday tradition that will once again fill the city with their distinctive charm, particularly the iconic market held in Plaza Mayor. This year, they will also be set up in numerous places, from Arganzuela and Carabanchel to Centro, Chamberí, Fuencarral, Moncloa and Puente de Vallecas. All of them will have stalls selling typical Christmas goods and decorations. Theatres, municipal centres and the city’s districts will also hold special Christmas programmes with a wide range of offerings for everyone to enjoy.

This year’s official Christmas poster was designed by architect and illustrator Pablo García Conde. Known as Polinho Trapalleiro, he drew inspiration from the Puerta de Alcalá gate as a historic symbol of Madrid, from Maíno’s The Adoration of the Magi due to its artistic ties to Christmas, and from universal Christmas values, represented by glowing spheres of light which evoke togetherness, hope and magic. He also makes use of anachronism to combine eras and highlight the timeless transcendence of these values.

Accessibility

Once again, this year’s Christmas programme boasts a diverse and accessible range of cultural offerings developed thanks to the hard work and dedication of different teams, artists and professionals, and their commitment to culture for everyone. All of the information on accessibility measures, reservable spaces and discounts for people with disabilities can be found at www.navidadmadrid.com.

Sustainability is also a key focus of this year’s Christmas campaign, which includes measures aimed at reducing its environmental impact, such as waste recycling, emission tracking and the promotion of sustainable mobility.

Sponsors

This year, the Christmas programme organised by Madrid City Council is sponsored by: El Corte Inglés, Amazon, LEGO, Mastercard, Productores de Sonrisas and Urbaser, with support from San Pablo CEU University Foundation as an institutional partner and the Madrid Chamber of Commerce via the municipal programme Madrid Has it All (Todo está en Madrid).

All information regarding activities and tickets can be found at www.navidadmadrid.com

Press materials are available in the press section: www.navidadmadrid.com/prensa