Not for most of it. Last year the shows and installations were free, first come until full, and you could book a free same-day pass at the info booth by the Plaza de Legazpi gate. The ice rink sells its own tickets online and at a booth by the rink.

How much is the ice rink?

Last year a 30-minute session cost from €7.50 with skates included. Gloves are required (€1.60 if you need a pair), a skating aid for small kids is €2, and helmets are free.

What if my kid has never skated?

The rink is set up for beginners. Rent a skating aid for a small kid, take a free helmet, and keep the first session short. The rink is outdoors, and the city warns hours can change with the weather.

Is the Christmas Carol show OK for preschoolers?

Last year's Cuento de Navidad, a Dickens adaptation by COMA14 and Société Mouffette, was for ages 6 and up. The snow, the rink and the play installations work for younger kids.

Madrid with Kids in Winter, 7 of 8

UpcomingFestival

Christmas at Matadero: Evening Snow, Ice Rink and Family Shows

When: Dates to be announced
Ages: All ages
Price: Most activities free, ice…

Christmas at Matadero: Evening Snow, Ice Rink and Family Shows photo 3

Christmas at Matadero: Evening Snow, Ice Rink and Family Shows photo 4

Christmas at Matadero: Evening Snow, Ice Rink and Family Shows photo 5

FestivalArganzuela

Where

Arganzuela, Matadero Madrid

Ages

All ages

Setting

Indoors/outdoors

Plan for

Drop-in, stay as long as kids last

Ice rink

Paid, from €7.50 per 30 minutes last year

Snowfall

Every evening, 6pm to 8pm last year

What you need to know

Snow on the plaza at dusk, every evening of the run last year, from 6pm to 8pm
The ice rink opens first, in early December, a couple of weeks before the rest of the village
Closed on the big days: last year the village shut Dec 24, 25, 31 and Jan 1

About

Madrid, Navidad de Encuentro turns Matadero, the old slaughterhouse arts center by Madrid Río, into a Christmas village. The hook for kids is the fake snow that falls on Plaza Matadero every evening. Around it sit an ice rink, play installations by street-theater companies, craft workshops, storytelling and classic Christmas films at Cineteca. Each edition picks a theme. Last year's was books and storytelling.

Most activities free, ice rink paid

Dates to be announced

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Where it is

Matadero Madrid

Plaza de Legazpi, 8, 28045 Madrid

Getting there

Metro: Legazpi (3 min walk)
Bus: Beata (4 min walk), Beata (5 min walk)

Nearby playgrounds

Resources

Common questions

More this weekend

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More family picks, Friday to Sunday.