I have a 15 hour layover in Madrid on December 24th (during the day - on my way to South Africa). I'm excited because I haven't been there since 2000 and I'm going to power through my jetlag and hang out there all day! Cafe con leche, jamon, I can't wait. Anyhow are most things usually open that day? Restuarants and shops? I'm guessing they are but I figured you all would know. I'm going to try to put my backpack in a locker at the Madrid airport - I think there are lockers or storage, right? Thanks!

Places are usually opened, but they close earlier than in a normal day. For instances, shops that usually close at 8 might be closed at 6 PM. You may have some difficulties to find an opened restaurant unless you manage to book at it or to have dinner early. 4 and 5 star hotels may have the restaurants opened as a special event.

Enjoy the eve! Madrid looks wonderful in Christmas.

Fernando