"SEE" Shows Madrid-Style Christmas

As twinkling lights, Christmas decorations and sparkling window displays transform the city, magic fills the air and Madrileños prepare to celebrate their favorite holiday of the year.

From the end of November till the beginning of January, the city’s streets, buildings and squares twinkle with eco-friendly colorful lights created by renowned Spanish designers, architects, and graphic designers.

Last year there were new designs adorning the whole city, from the outskirts to its most popular areas. The stretch of Calle Alcalá between Cibeles and Puerta de Alcalá was covered with lights that were reminiscent of a star-filled sky, and Calle Serrano donned lights representing a variety of different materials to pay tribute to Madrid’s most fashion-conscious street.

Sky-scraping Christmas trees are put up around the city, in places like Puerta del Sol, Plaza San Juan de la Cruz, and Plaza España, Red de San Luis (Gran Vía-Montera), Calle Fuencarral, Plaza de Callao and Plaza de Colón (Calle Génova). Enjoy the lights from 22 November to 6 January.

Over the Christmas period, Madrid hosts myriad events and activities for all ages. Head over to the beautiful Plaza Mayor square which hosts the city’s most popular Christmas market to purchase all kinds of Christmas decorations and figurines for the traditional nativity scene. Dotted around the city you will find various design and crafts markets, including the Arts and Crafts fair, which are great places for last-minute gift buying.

Elaborate nativity scenes are set up around the city in churches and cultural centres. Found in most Spanish households, these crèches (belenes) illustrate scenes from the birth of Jesus, and include figures like Mary and Joseph, shepherds and angels, and the Three Kings following the Star of Bethlehem. 

If you’re in the mood for shopping, you should head to the area around Puerta del Sol, Gran Vía, Plaza Mayor and Callao, where you’ll find every item on your shopping list. The Three Wise Men and Father Christmas can be found in the area collecting letters from the youngest members of the family who can then enjoy the traditional Cortylandia show on Calle Maestro Victoria.

Theatres and cultural centres across the city stage a host of Christmas shows and concerts such as the New Year’s Concert at the Teatro Real opera house, a Gospel Festival and the production Christmas at the Circo Price (from 29 November to 5 January). 

Another must for kids are the ice rinks set up in some central squares and the carousels located in front of the Royal Palace and behind Sol. This year for the first time ever the Royal Botanical Gardens will open its gates to reveal a glittering garden full of Christmas lights (From 19 November to 6 January). If you want to take a tour of the city's lights, hop on the Naviluz and enjoy a 45-minute ride in an open-top bus.

Special Christmas Lottery

Since 2012, the Teatro Real opera house has played host to one of the highlights of the Christmas season in Spain: the Special Christmas Lottery. On 22 December in the morning, those who’ve bought their lottery tickets (that is to say, most Spaniards, for almost every family, group of friends or workplace in the country buys at least one) will harbour hopes of winning the Big Prize and making all their dreams come true.

The Christmas Lottery began in the nineteenth century when the Cortes of Cádiz was in session (1812). In those days, the authorities thought it could be a good idea to add money to the public treasury without collecting new taxes. The name itself (Sorteo de Navidad, in Spanish) was made official in 1892.

Since December 18, 1812, the Christmas Lottery drawings are held according to exactly the same procedure each year. Pupils of the San Ildefonso school draw the numbers and corresponding prizes, delivering the results in song to the public. In the early days of the lottery, the numbers and prizes were printed on paper. Now, two spherical vessels containing small wooden balls are used.

For over 40 years, the draw took place in the Lotería Nacional hall on Calle de Guzmán el Bueno, in Madrid. In 2010 and 2011, it was held at the Palacio de Congresos. Finally, in 2012, it moved to the Teatro Real. This year, the lottery will give out 2,240 million euro in cash prizes.

The draw at the opera house is a real show. Visitors can attend the event at the theatre for free. The theatre opens at 8 am and gets filled on a first-come, first-served basis.