We have plans to be in Madrid from the 4Th of December to the 11Th. As I understand the 6Th is Día de la Constitución and the 8Th is Inmaculada Concepción. How big are these holidays/festivals? Any events we should look to attend or things we should avoid? We're really looking forward to Christmas season in Madrid. How about Courtyladia? Will that be up by then? Thanks again

I also understand that this is the biggest puente of the year. Will that be a problem?

I was there for that particular 'puente' in 2004. The centro was very crowded and a trip to Aranjuez on the Monday holiday was more of the same. A visit to almost any bar or restaurant meant a long wait and wall to wall crowds.

Perhaps more importantly, all the ATM's in the area around Sol were empty by Saturday night, not to be filled again until Tuesday. From what I hear from local friends, this can be a problem on Holidays. Make sure your money needs are taken care of before the holiday starts.

I was looking back on some photos and could see some of Cortylandia taken on Dec 9th ( in 2006 ) .. so it seems theres a good chance that will be open . The couple of times i've been past it the crowds were immense . Any firm details and I'll get back to you . Steve

Thanks for all the info!

Another question;since the 6th is on a Saturday and the 8th is on Monday, does that mean many will take Friday the 5th and Tuesday the 9th off?

I may just go visit family in La Roda Albacete over the weekend.

I'm going to leave the dates question to someone else but if I'm not mistaken La Roda is home to the wonerful "miguelitos" cream cakes ? My flatmate was born in Albacete but brought up in near Alicante . When he travels to Alicante by car ( I joined him last year ) , one stop over is always La Roda , and when heading back to Madrid we always buy 2 or 3 huge boxes of Miguelitos .. Delicious !! Steve

I'll be in Madrid from the 5th til the 14th....What a fun time of year....Can't wait...

hey it seems those dates are ringing loud and clear, maybe Madridman can schedule a meeting with all of us
I will be in Madrid from Dec 6 -8th for the celebrations, so maybe something on the 7th would be nice. I will be at the Bernabeu for the Sevilla game so other than that i am open for dates/times.

It would be fun to meet up, I'm not sure about that Sunday, we may be in Segovia that day....but let's all stay in touch in case something works out for a meet up....actually during the week is best for me....we'll see.....
also my niece will be performing in Madrid during that time...she's in Sesame Street touring the country of Spain. It's a fun show.....