Madrid Newsletter - January 2026

Happy New Year from Madrid! As the festive glow of the holidays gently fades, January ushers in a new year with a captivating blend of tradition, culture, and innovation. The air is crisp, perfect for exploring, and the city pulses with a vibrant energy, ready to welcome visitors with open arms. Whether you're here to delve into history, savor local flavors, or soak in the artistic spirit, Madrid in January offers a truly authentic experience.

This month, the echoes of holiday cheer linger slightly longer with some special events. Until January 6th, you can catch the enchanting Videomapping at the Real Casa de Correos in Puerta del Sol, a stunning light and projection show that adds a magical touch to the evenings. A highlight for many, especially families, is the magnificent Three Kings Day Parade 2026 (Cabalgata de Reyes) on January 5th. This traditional Epiphany parade, with its elaborate floats and showering of sweets, is a quintessential Spanish experience. Our knowledgeable guides, who know the best viewing spots and local customs, would love to share this magic with you on our tours. If you’re eager to understand how historical events shaped the very streets where these parades now pass, consider joining our 20th Century Madrid: War, Dictatorship & Democracy tour and discover the city's complex past.

For those looking for a different kind of cultural immersion, January offers some unique opportunities. Art lovers shouldn't miss Retratadas: 19th‑Century Spanish Photography by Women, an exhibition at a Madrid venue until January 25th, offering a unique perspective on history and gender studies through photography. If you're a performing arts enthusiast, New Year’s Flamenco: Café Ziryab Show offers intimate performances throughout January, providing an authentic taste of local music and dance. And speaking of authentic, why not experience the heart of Madrid's artistic and social life? Our Modern Madrid: Culture & Iconic Neighbourhoods tour will take you through vibrant areas like Malasaña and Chueca, giving you a true taste of local life, complete with tapas stops and a sip of madroño liqueur!

Foodies, mark your calendars for late January! From January 26th, Madrid hosts Madrid Fusion, a world-renowned food festival where top chefs showcase innovative cuisine at IFEMA. It's a prime spot for culinary discoveries, with gourmet demos and workshops. Beyond modern gastronomy, Madrid is also rich in artistic masterpieces. To truly grasp the significance of Spain's artistic heritage, a visit to the Prado Museum is essential. Our Prado Museum Masterpieces Guided Tour offers an in-depth look at iconic works by Velázquez, Goya, and Bosch, guided by our passionate experts who bring these masterpieces to life. And for a gentle, all-encompassing introduction to the city's charming core, our Welcome to Madrid! Historic Centre Guided Walking Tour is the perfect starting point, tracing Madrid's story from its Islamic roots to its modern-day splendor.

Finally, for a truly unique Madrid experience, why not combine history with a sweet treat? Our Madrid Churches & Cookies made by the nuns tour will lead you through magnificent churches and hidden convents, culminating in a delightful surprise: cookies baked by cloistered nuns. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the city's spiritual and cultural heritage. Our guides are excited to share their knowledge and passion for Madrid with you, ensuring you have an insightful and enjoyable visit. We look forward to exploring this magnificent city with you!

Date	Event	Category
January 11-31	Creative workshops at the Círculo de Bellas Artes Hands-on sessions in fashion, cinema, writing. Tourists create with pros at Marqués de Casa Riera 37. Fun for all skill levels.	📅 Other	More details →
January 21	Godspell the musical Broadway classic directed by Antonio Banderas at Gran Teatro Pavón. Features Angy Fernández and Roko in rock-infused Gospel tales. Tourists love the vaudeville, puppets, and tolerance themes.	📅 Other	More details →
January 26-28	Madrid Fusion Top chefs showcase innovative cuisine at IFEMA. Tourists taste gourmet demos and workshops. Prime spot for foodie discoveries.	📅 Other	More details →
January 1	Año Nuevo National holiday in ES	🎄 Holiday
January 2	Reconquista National holiday in ES	🎄 Holiday
January 6	Epifanía del Señor National holiday in ES	🎄 Holiday
December 20 - January 4	Madrid, Navidad de encuentro Experience the seventh edition of this Christmas event at Matadero Madrid cultural space.	🎪 Festival	More details →
January 5	Three Kings Day Parade 2026 (Cabalgata de Reyes) Traditional Epiphany parade with the Three Wise Men, floats and sweets, running from Plaza de San Juan de la Cruz to Plaza de Cibeles, ideal for experiencing Spanish Christmas traditions with locals and families.[3][1]	🎪 Festival	More details →
January 1-31	New Year’s Flamenco: Café Ziryab Show Intimate flamenco performances at Café Ziryab on multiple January dates, combining guitar, song and dance for visitors wanting an authentic local night out.[2]	🎵 Concert	More details →
Until January 25th	Retratadas: 19th‑Century Spanish Photography by Women Photography exhibition focused on 19th‑century Spanish images from a female perspective, on show in Madrid until 25 January for visitors interested in history and gender studies.[1]	🖼️ Exhibition	More details →
Until January 6th	Videomapping at the Real Casa de Correos Nightly light and projection show on the façade of Real Casa de Correos in Puerta del Sol until 6 January, adding a festive finish to Christmas visits.[1]	📅 Other	More details →