The best ice rinks for Christmas skating in Madrid

Ice skating is a Christmas favourite for young and old. During these festive days, the capital of Madrid fills with open-air rinks where you can enjoy one of the most popular activities of the season. 

Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash

The ice rink on Plaza Colón

Plaza Colón boasts one of the most famous ice rinks in the city. It is 800 square-metres large, and it is the perfect place to go with kids because it also has a merry-go-round and a street market. In addition, this year when you buy your ticket you will be collaborating with the Down España Association, as 10% of the proceeds will go to finance their projects. It will be open from 24 November until 7 January and the opening hours are from 11 am to 10 pm.

The Galería de Cristal ice rink

Located in the Palacio de Cibeles, this indoor ice rink is one of the most beautiful Christmas scenes Madrid has to offer. Here you can enjoy a rink more than 400 square metres large. The general opening hours are from 11 am to 9 pm, though there are certain days when the opening hours vary, so we recommend that you check before you go. It will be open from 16 December to 5 January. 

The Matadero Madrid ice rink

Another of the largest, most popular ice rinks in the city is the one in Matadero. This one is more than 600 square metres large, which allows visitors to skate more freely. In addition, throughout the Christmas period we can enjoy free figure skating shows organised by the Madrid Winter Sports Federation. You can enjoy this rink from 8 December to 7 January, also from 11 am to 9 pm, although there are days when the opening hours vary. 

The ice rink on Plaza de España

Last but not least is another of the most beautiful and popular ice rinks in Madrid, located in Plaza de España. This is an open-air natural ice rink measuring 450 m2. It is located inside La Navideña, a Christmas market with around 40 different food and craft stalls. The square’s decorations are inspired by the famous fairy tale The Nutcracker, with decorative towers, statues of nutcracker dolls and tin soldiers. A perfect plan for a Christmas day where, in addition to ice skating, you can recharge your batteries with a nice cup of hot chocolate. 

Nothing spells Christmas quite like a group of people skating on an ice rink. In Madrid we have four perfect places where you can enjoy this plan during Christmas. 

Categories: Navidad Madrid