Quick answer
It’s a private 1-hour festive electric tuk tuk tour of Madrid’s Christmas lights, just for your group. This year the Grinch is paying us a visit and he’ll be driving the tuk tuks: you get the Christmas music of your choice during the ride and gifts for the little ones. It starts and ends at Plaza de las Cortes, next to the Spanish Parliament, at 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 pm, every day from 22 November to 6 January except 24, 25 and 31 December. It costs €100 per tuk tuk for up to 4 people and €150 for 5 or 6, with free cancellation up to 12 hours before.
This year the Grinch is visiting
This year the Grinch is paying us a visit and he’ll be driving the tuk tuks on the Christmas lights tour. It’s a festive tour, not a historical one: no history lessons here, just Christmas, lights and a great atmosphere.
- The Grinch at the wheel: he drives the tuk tuk for the whole route.
- Christmas music of your choice: you pick the soundtrack to the ride.
- Gifts for the little ones in the family.
Who this tour is for
For anyone who wants to see Madrid lit up without getting cold walking: families, couples and groups of friends. And above all for people who come to Christmas late: there are departures at 9 pm and 10 pm, for those who dine late, leave the theatre or arrive in Madrid after dark.
Madrid lit up at Christmas
Illustrative photos from other Christmases: the designs and displays change every year.
The route, stop by stop
- Start: Plaza de las Cortes (next to the Spanish Parliament)
- Illuminated Menina
- Area around Retiro Park
- Puerta de Alcalá
- Calle de Velázquez
- Calle de Goya
- Plaza de Colón
- Calle de Jorge Juan
- Calle de Serrano
- Calle de Alcalá
- Cibeles fountain
- Metrópolis Christmas tree
- Four Seasons hotel
- Plaza de Canalejas
- Spanish Parliament
- Neptune fountain
- Finish: Plaza de las Cortes
The lights and displays, such as the Menina, the Metrópolis tree or the Four Seasons hotel decoration, are decided by the City Council each year and confirmed close to the date: the tour goes past whatever is installed that year. At Retiro we see the surroundings: the park closes at 10 pm.
Departures and times
| Departure | Best for |
|---|---|
| 18:00 | First departure: with children and before dinner |
| 19:00 | An early-evening plan with the lights already on |
| 20:00 | Before dinner, at an easy pace |
| 21:00 | After dinner or when the theatre lets out |
| 22:00 | The last departure: Madrid at night, unhurried |
- Dates: every day from 22 November 2026 to 6 January 2027.
- No departures on 24, 25 and 31 December.
- Traffic closures: on days with City Council closures (for example the 5 January parade) the route may be adjusted or there may be no departures.
- Meeting point: Plaza de las Cortes, next to the Spanish Parliament (Barrio de las Letras, 28014 Madrid). Arrive 10 minutes early.
Price
| Group | Price per tuk tuk | Per person (full tuk tuk) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 4 people | €100 | €25 |
| 5 or 6 people | €150 | €25 |
Final price per tuk tuk, not per person, with no added fees. Hotel pickup: €20 extra, on request. Free cancellation up to 12 hours before the start.
What the experience is like
- A 100% electric, private tuk tuk: only your group rides, up to 6 people. If you’re more, you ride in several tuk tuks.
- The Grinch drives: it’s a festive tour, not a historical one.
- Christmas music of your choice for the whole ride.
- Gifts for the little ones in the family.
- Wifi, a phone charger and, in winter, blankets and rain covers.
- Short stops to hop out for photos wherever it’s worth it.
- The route doesn’t go inside any museum or monument: you don’t need tickets.
The tuk tuk isn’t adapted for wheelchairs. If you have any doubts, message us on WhatsApp before booking.
Private tuk tuk or the lights bus
The City Council runs an open-top shared bus with a fixed route every Christmas, priced per person. The tuk tuk is the private alternative: only your group rides, you pick the time, the Grinch drives, you choose the Christmas music and there are gifts for the little ones. See also our Christmas lights guide and the guide to Madrid at night by tuk tuk.
Official sources
- esMadrid: Christmas lights in Madrid (in Spanish)
- Madrid City Council: Christmas programme
- esMadrid, Madrid’s official tourism website
Frequently asked questions
What time are the Christmas lights tour departures?
At 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 pm, every day from 22 November to 6 January except 24, 25 and 31 December. On days with City Council traffic closures the route may be adjusted.
How much does a Madrid Christmas lights tuk tuk tour cost?
€100 per tuk tuk for up to 4 people and €150 for 5 or 6. It’s the final price, per tuk tuk and not per person.
Where does the tour start and finish?
At Plaza de las Cortes, next to the Spanish Parliament, in the Barrio de las Letras (28014 Madrid). Arrive 10 minutes before your time.
Who drives the tuk tuk on the Christmas tour?
This year the Grinch is paying us a visit and he’ll be driving the tuk tuks.
Can I choose the music during the ride?
Yes: you’ll enjoy the Christmas music of your choice during the tour.
Are there gifts for children?
Yes, there will be gifts for the little ones in the family.
Is it a historical tour?
No. This kind of tour is a festive one: we don’t give historical explanations, it’s a Christmas ride with lights, music and gifts.
Will the lights be on for the 9 pm and 10 pm departures?
Last Christmas the lights stayed on until midnight from Sunday to Thursday and until 1 am on Friday and Saturday. The City Council announces the dates, hours and displays every year; the first departures may be before the switch-on.
Can I cancel?
Yes, free of charge up to 12 hours before the tour starts.
Is the tuk tuk wheelchair accessible?
No, the tuk tuk isn’t adapted for wheelchairs.