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Celebrating Christmas in your city!
Christmas looks different depending on where you celebrate it. One thing’s for sure: you don’t need to spend loads of money or stick to cliché plans to have a great time. Whether you’re into lights, food, cozy cafés, or spontaneous trips with friends, here’s how to make the most of Christmas in your city; Amsterdam, Leiden, Granada or Madrid.
Amsterdam
Aesthetic light walks
The Amsterdam Light Festival turns the canals into an open-air art gallery. Walk (or bike) along the water at night to watch the city glow. Want to make it extra cute? Book a boat tour to see the installations from the water (often from around €15).
Festive ice skating
In winter, ice skating rinks pop up all around the city. Head to Rembrandtplein and reward yourself with hot chocolate or glühwein after. The Museumplein rink in front of the Rijksmuseum is iconic (just skip weekends; it gets packed). Want more space to actually practice? Go for Jaap Eden in Amsterdam East.
Het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs vibes
If you want everything in one place, het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs in the RAI is where you need to go. Think ice skating, food stalls, music, drinks, and even a ferris wheel! Looking for crazy, slightly chaotic Christmas vibes? Then, get your tickets for het Amsterdamse Winterparadijs!
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Leiden
Cozy café hopping
Leiden is the city for café afternoons that turn into long chats. Pick a spot near the canals, order a hot drink, and settle in for a while. Stay until your fingers stop being cold (and you’ve somehow talked about everything).
Homey Holiday hangouts
Feel like something low-budget and indoors? Organize Christmas activities at home, like hosting a “bring one snack” potluck, cooking something festive together, or hosting a Christmas movie night. Add a cozy playlist, festive snacks and hot drinks, and it immediately feels like a real holiday tradition.
Granada
Classic churros breaks
Winter in Granada means café season. Grab churros con chocolate at local favorites like Alhambra Churrería, Gran Café Bib-Rambla, or Café Fútbol. They're warm, sweet, and perfect after an evening out with friends.
Snowy Sierra Nevada escapes
Only one hour from the city, Sierra Nevada gives you a totally different Christmas vibe. Ski, snowboard, or just go for the views and to take Instagram-worthy photos. Even a day trip feels like a mini holiday.
Soft-lit city evenings
Granada’s Christmas lights feel warm and relaxed. Walk through Reyes Católicos, Gran Vía, and Plaza Bib-Rambla, enjoy the mild winter air, and let the festive mood come to you. In the middle of December chaos, it’s the kind of plan that makes everything feel slower (in the best way).
Madrid
Glow-up night walks
Madrid goes in full sparkle mode at Christmas. Millions of warm lights wrap streets, plazas, and trees across the city, turning simple evening walks into something magical. Wander around Gran Vía, Alcalá, or Plaza de Cibeles after dark and let the lights do the work. No plan needed, just comfy shoes and a slow pace.
Ice skating, Madrid-style
Winter means ice rinks in some of the city’s most iconic spots. Skate at Plaza de Colón, Plaza de España, or right in front of Palacio de Cibeles, then warm up with hot chocolate or churros nearby. Not exactly a pro skater? It doesn’t matter; falling is basically part of the experience.
Christmas markets wandering
Madrid’s festive markets are perfect for aimless browsing. Start at Plaza Mayor for classic decorations, then check out cooler pop-ups like the Mercadillo del Gato or Sally Hambleton’s Xmas Shop. Expect handmade gifts, sweet treats, and that buzzy “I’ll just look for five minutes” energy.
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