Madrid is a special city. Its cosmopolitan atmosphere and the open nature of its people make it the ideal place for anyone who visits, whether for a short or long stay.

And naturally, Madrid is also the perfect place to spend Christmas. Its shops are already full of typical products for these dates, and, in addition, its great cultural offer increases even more.

From Vitium, we want to give you some advice for these special days:

Christmas Markets: Typical Places and Products

Spanish gastronomy is extraordinarily big and enjoys great international fame, and as it could not be otherwise, for these very special dates, it has typical products, which delight all those who try them. We show you some small samples:

• Turrón. This sweet cannot be missing from any Spanish table at Christmas time. This confectionery wonder, composed mainly of honey and almonds, is already centuries old, and although its place of origin is not known with certainty, the most widespread theory is that it is of Arabic origin. Did you know that in the tales of the “Thousand and One Nights” a sweet with similar characteristics is already mentioned? Whatever the case, what is important is its extraordinary flavour, which we can taste in different types, Jijona, guirlache, chocolate for those with a sweet tooth, etc.
• Marzipan. Marzipan is another Christmas classic. Its ingredients consist of almonds and sugar, which once mixed and crushed, are shaped into beautiful and fun shapes.

There are different types of marzipan in much of Europe, but the most famous is that of Toledo, where it is also customary to eat it all year round.

These and other products can be purchased in any shop in Madrid, but if you really want to enjoy the best atmosphere, we recommend that you visit any of the Christmas markets that are set up at this time. Below we list some of the most traditional ones:

• Plaza Mayor Market. The emblematic Plaza Mayor is where perhaps the most beloved and traditional of the Christmas markets is set up. Here you can find all kinds of Christmas decorations and joke items.
• Plaza de España Market. Do you like skating? Well, you are in luck, because at the Plaza de España market, in addition to being able to buy all kinds of Christmas items, you can skate on an impressive 450-square-metre rink.
• Mercado del Gato. And very close to Vitium, at 61 Gran Vía, we can find the Mercado del Gato, popular for its elegance, which opens its doors again with more than 60 exhibitors from different places. You can find select fashion, crafts, food, decoration, cosmetics, jewelry and all kinds of accessories.

Special Events: Seasonal Concerts and Shows.

And naturally, at Christmas we must save space for music. Madrid, at this time of year, offers all kinds of concerts, whatever your favorite musical genre. One of the best options is the Christmas Concert of the Symphony Orchestra, Choir and Escolanía, which will celebrate its traditional Christmas concert this year in its 12th edition.

The Concert will take place on Sunday, December 11 at 11:30 a.m. in the Symphony Hall of the National Music Auditorium in Madrid, at number 146, Príncipe de Vergara. Reserve your tickets now!

And if you want to enjoy a show that is unique in the world, you cannot miss the “ICE Festival”. At this festival, which will take place very close to Madrid, in Torrejón de Ardoz, from November 15 to January 6, you will be able to see ice sculptures made by some of the best sculptors in the world. Together they will create a spectacular exhibition inside a tent where ice is transformed into the most delicate and ephemeral art. In this third edition, you will be able to discover incredible stories and legends through these amazing ice sculptures

As you can see, Madrid has everything you need to have a wonderful and incredible Christmas. Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy everything our capital has to offer and experience all its charm.

Merry and Magical Christmas!