Every December, two public holidays fall close together in Spain: Constitution Day on 6 December and the Immaculate Conception on 8 December. When the calendar lines up, Spaniards turn them into a long weekend called the puente, literally the bridge.
In 2026 the calendar is generous. Here is how it works and how to plan it if you are in Madrid.
The 2026 dates
- Saturday 5 December: weekend.
- Sunday 6 December: Constitution Day, which in 2026 falls on a Sunday.
- Monday 7 December: public holiday in the Comunidad de Madrid, because Constitution Day moves to the Monday.
- Tuesday 8 December: Immaculate Conception, a national holiday.
That makes four days off in a row, from Saturday 5 to Tuesday 8 December. These dates come from the official 2026 working calendar approved by the Comunidad de Madrid.
What it means for the city
The December puente is one of the busiest weekends of the year in Madrid. The Christmas lights are on, the Plaza Mayor market is open and visitors arrive from all over Spain and abroad. At the same time, many people who live in Madrid leave the city.
The result: a very busy centre, especially around Sol, Gran Vía and Plaza Mayor, and quieter residential barrios.
What is open
- Shops: many shops in the centre open during the puente, as it is the start of the Christmas shopping season. Hours vary, so check before you go.
- Museums: the big museums usually open on holidays, sometimes with holiday hours. Check each museum’s calendar.
- Restaurants and bars: open and busy. Book ahead for dinner.
- Public transport: runs, sometimes on a holiday timetable. Our transport guide explains the metro and night buses.
How to enjoy it without the stress
- Go to the famous spots early. Plaza Mayor and the main light displays are much calmer in the morning or late at night.
- Spend afternoons in the barrios. La Latina, Lavapiés and Chamberí feel very different from Sol on a holiday weekend.
- Book anything you care about. Restaurants, museum slots and shows.
- Consider a day trip. Toledo and Segovia are both easy to reach from Madrid by train, though they will be popular too.
- Plan your evenings indoors. December nights are cold. Our list of indoor things to do at night has ideas.
Living in Madrid? Make the most of the quiet
If you are staying in town while friends travel, the puente is a good moment to try something new: a museum you have not visited, a barrio you do not know, or a show in English.
Comedy in English in December
Our shows are in English and take place at Off Latina in La Latina. December dates are announced on our what’s on page as soon as they are confirmed, so check there before you plan your week. In the meantime, see what each show is about: No Offense, But..., a mix of stand-up, live podcast moments and improv, and The Arab and the Jew, comedy and conversation about politics, identity and Palestine.
Coming before December? Our November guide lists what is happening this month.
