Live the magic of the Three Kings Parade in Madrid

23 December 2024

Christmas is the most magical time of the year to visit Madrid: Cheerful lights, traditional Christmas Markets, hot chocolate and a very special tradition for our children in the evening of the 5th January, when the three Wise Men or Kings visit Spanish people houses and leave presents for everyone who well behave during the year.  

5th of January

If you are lucky enough to visit Madrid on the 5th of January, you will have the opportunity to experience one of the most loved Christmas traditions by Spanish people, and especially if you travel with children: The arrival of the Three Kings, the Spanish equivalent to Santa Claus, that is a more important celebration than Christmas for many families in Spain, who wait until then to open their presents said to have been brought by the Wise Men. In Madrid, the evening include very special celebrations, with a famous parade that allows the excited children lined the streets of Madrid to watch Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar arrival from the East. Keep reading, so you don’t miss any details about of the Three Kings Parade in Madrid and live the magic with your little ones! And remember that you can rest and relax after such an eventful night in one of our apartments in the heart of Madrid.

The Three Kings Parade Route

A great number of parades are organized throughout all the Spanish territory, but none as large as the one in the capital city, which is even televised. No matter how old you are, everyone enjoys like if they were children in this show full of colour, lights, dance, music and Christmas joy! The official parade is organized by Ayuntamiento de Madrid, starting at 6:30 pm at Nuevos Ministerios, located at Plaza San Juan de la Cruz, passing by Plaza del Doctor Gregorio Marañon. Then the show will continue along Paseo de la Castellana, Glorieta Emilio Castelar and then towards Plaza de Colón, to finally go down Paseo Recoletos to Plaza de Cibeles, where it will end at approximately around 9:00 p.m. If you have the opportunity to see the end of the parade (remember that you will have to go sometime before to take a seat), Melchior, Gaspar and Balthasar will pronounce their traditional message of peace for all and then you will be able to enjoy a fireworks spectacle in front of the Palacio de Cibeles.  

Other Three Kings Parades in Madrid

But if you prefer a more relaxed and quiet atmosphere, don’t hesitate to visit one of the parades organized by other districts in Madrid, which may be a good option, especially if you travel with very young children. Some of the districts that do their own parades are: Alcobendas, Pinto, San Sebastián de los Reyes, Pozuelo de Alarcón, Fuenlabrada, Chamartín, Vallecas, and many others. You can find more information in this website.

Photo credit esmadrid.com

Free "Roscón de Reyes" 

Also, don't forget that every year, on the 5th of January, the organization Aldeas Infantiles gives everyone the popular "Roscón de Reyes" for free in Puerta del Sol at 12:00h, with some hot chocolate too. This "Roscón de Reyes" is a bigger version of the traditional cake, and it weights 1500 kilograms! During the morning, there will also be musical shows and workshops  for children. You can't miss it!

Photo credit esmadrid.com

Remember that after the 3 Kings Parade, you have to return home early for the little ones to leave something to drink and some sweets for their Majesties before going to bed, because the next day you will have to get up early to see if the 3 Kings have left you any gifts. Happy Epiphany!

If you're planning more activities in Madrid, don't miss our blog "Five Famous Art Museums in Madrid You Don’t Want to Miss", where we share everything you need to know to enjoy these cultural gems. You'll love it!