MADRID LIGHTS UP CHRISTMAS 2025-2026 WITH MORE THAN 13 MILLION LIGHTS AND A ROUTE FULL OF PREMIERES
2025/11/24
Madrid is once again immersed in the Christmas spirit with the official switch-on of its festive lights, which will remain illuminated from November 22nd to January 6th. The capital welcomes Christmas 2025-2026 with more than 240 illuminated locations across its 21 districts and over 13 million LED bulbs , reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency. As in previous years, the electricity consumption will be entirely covered by the winning bidder.
Carlos Sainz started the race at Cibeles
Two-time World Rally Champion and four-time Paris-Dakar winner Carlos Sainz flipped the switch that illuminated Madrid at 7:30 p.m. in the Plaza de Cibeles. Before the switch-on, the façade of the Cibeles Palace was transformed into a canvas of light and sound thanks to the videomapping show "The Energy of Christmas," followed by a live concert by singer Pablo López , which provided the soundtrack to the start of the holiday season.
Children's creativity and original design
For the second year in a row, the winning drawings from the primary school competition will become part of the Christmas lights display. The streets of Sal, Gerona, Felipe III, Siete de Julio, Ciudad Rodrigo, and Toledo will be adorned with the colorful creations of the youngest students, while last year's designs will continue to illuminate the area around Calle de la Ballesta.
These are complemented by exclusive offerings from renowned fashion designers thanks to the agreement between the City Council and the Spanish Fashion Designers Association (ACME). This year's highlights include new works by:
Oteyza , with a special design for Montera Street.
Isabel Sanchís , author of the illuminated tree in the Plaza de San Juan de la Cruz.
Pablo Erroz , who designed the Christmas decorations for Plaza de Chueca and its surroundings.
The creations of Devota & Lomba, Pedro del Hierro, Juana Martín or Ulises Mérida complete a unique artistic journey.
More kilometers of light and new Christmas icons
This year, Madrid's streets will feature 126 cherry trees , 7,134 strings of lights —equivalent to 157 km of illumination—and 13 large illuminated fir trees . Most of the decorations will sport warmer tones to create a more welcoming atmosphere.
Among the main new developments for 2025 are:
New lighting design on Gran Vía and a large fir tree in Alcalá–Gran Vía .
The large walkable sail in Nuevos Ministerios.
Luminous angels in Plaza de Carlos V.
A giant Baby Jesus on the Ventas Bridge.
A luminous nativity scene in front of Congress.
A new dawn of light on Goya Street.
Christmas classics are also back, such as the lighted ball between Bailén and Plaza de España, the Menina on Paseo del Prado, the Angel of Madrid in Colón and the figurative nativity scenes on the historic gates.
A journey full of magical places
The city boasts numerous spots perfect for strolling and photography: Bravo Murillo's winter garden, the illuminated stained-glass windows at the entrance to Retiro Park, Plaza de Canalejas, and the iconic streets of Arenal, Preciados, Alcalá, and Mayor. Plaza Mayor, as every year, hosts its traditional Christmas market.
The Manzanares River turns blue
As a grand debut, the City Council is illuminating the Manzanares River for the first time. A 560-meter stretch of blue light —between the Oblique Bridge and the Andorra footbridge—will be active every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday throughout the year. Until January 29, the lights will be on from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Lighting schedules
Sunday to Thursday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Fridays and Saturdays: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
December 7: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
December 24 and January 5: 6:00 PM – 3:00 AM
December 31: 6:00 PM – 6:00 AM
With all these new developments, Madrid is once again consolidating its position as one of the great European destinations to experience the magic of Christmas, combining tradition, innovation and a firm commitment to the environment.