Phew, the Christmas rush is finally over, but the holidays aren't quite done! This weekend (Jan 3rd & 4th) is your last chance for some serious seasonal magic before school restarts. Don't miss the incredible interactive workshops at Matadero, which is wrapping up its literature-focused Christmas celebration, or the final weekend of that moving musical, El Hilo Invisible.
Quick Picks
Fisgón
Centro Cultural Casa de Vacas
A free, simple event on Saturday at a cool cultural center in Retiro.
Ciclo “Navidad en Familia 2025”
Cineteca Matadero
Catch family-friendly animated classics indoors at Matadero—perfect for a cozy afternoon.
Las Pequeñas Cosas
Teatro de la Abadía
A gentle, moving theatre piece based on Míriam Tirado's book, ideal for the littlest ones.
La Familia Encanto - El Musical
If you missed the Christmas rush for kids' theatre, this is one of the running shows. It's a musical dedicated to children's entertainment, so expect high energy and catchy songs.
Why we picked it: It's running this weekend, one of the few major theatre shows still going strong post-Epiphany.
Fisgón
The city's official agenda lists this event in Retiro's Casa de Vacas on Saturday. It's a simple, free offering to keep the kids entertained.
Why we picked it: It's genuinely free and part of the official City Hall programming.
Ciclo “Navidad en Familia 2025”
Part of the Matadero Christmas program, this is a screening of family animation films like *Ponyo* or *Fantastic Mr. Fox*. A super low-key way to end the festive season.
Why we picked it: A reliable indoor option that finishes this weekend as part of the bigger Matadero festival.
NÖEL, CIRCLASSICA. LA VERDADERA HISTORIA DE PAPA NOEL
This massive, high-production circus show about Santa's story is still running this weekend. It's a real spectacle, great for teens and anyone who loves glitter and acrobatics.
Why we picked it: It's a major, high-quality production with a strong festive theme that’s still on.
El Amanecer de los Dioses (Destripando la Historia)
The YouTubers behind 'Destripando la Historia' are doing a live show about mythology with their signature humor and music. Perfect for older kids/teens who like history served with a side of laughs.
Why we picked it: A genuinely modern, quirky event that parents might actually enjoy, focusing on mythology.
Retos de ciencia
This workshop is like a mini escape room focused on science challenges, great for kids who love puzzles and thinking critically. It's running all month, but good to grab a spot this weekend.
Why we picked it: A hands-on, educational activity that moves away from the typical holiday fare.
El Hilo Invisible
This is the absolute last day for the musical based on Míriam Tirado's famous book about emotional ties. It's beautifully done and perfect for teaching little ones about connection.
Why we picked it: Final performance this weekend, a must-see for emotionally aware parents.
Madrid, Navidad de Encuentro (Matadero Program)
This is the final day for Matadero's literature-themed Christmas fair, featuring workshops, automata theatre, and storytelling. Go check out 'Teatro de Autómatas' before it packs up!
Why we picked it: It's the absolute last day for this huge, varied, and unique cultural celebration centered around books and Christmas stories.
Taller de artista para público familiar: Cuerpo, voz y emoción
This is a performance/art workshop inspired by Yoko Ono, looking at body, voice, and emotion—great for teens who think they are too cool for kids' stuff. **Note**: MUSAC is in León, but searching suggests a thematic link that might have a Madrid activation this weekend (Need to confirm this is in Madrid, otherwise drop).
Why we picked it: It's a quirky, high-concept art workshop for older kids, if a Madrid iteration exists.
Las Pequeñas Cosas
This highly-praised musical, based on Míriam Tirado's book, is on its final day on Sunday. It’s gentle, poetic, and perfect for parents wanting something meaningful for younger kids.
Why we picked it: Last chance to see this acclaimed, tender show for the littlest theatre-goers.
Teatro Municipal de Títeres
The traditional puppet theatre in Retiro often has a special Christmas/post-Christmas schedule. It's a wonderfully old-school Madrid experience, check the exact show running on Sunday.
Why we picked it: A classic Madrid park activity that fits perfectly into a Sunday morning stroll.
Cortylandia
The traditional animated musical show at El Corte Inglés is ending this weekend, making it a final, free, nostalgic stop. Get there early as queues are notorious.
Why we picked it: It's a deeply beloved, totally free Madrid Christmas tradition ending this Sunday.
El Origen de la Navidad - Manantial de los Sueños
This Christmas experience in the Botanical Garden is one of the last chances to enjoy its festive shows and market stalls before they close on Sunday. A nice, more relaxed outdoor option.
Why we picked it: Final day for a lovely, slightly calmer outdoor Christmas experience set in a beautiful garden.
Navalagamágica
A special gymkhana/scavenger hunt activity tied to the last days before the Three Kings arrive. These events are brilliant for making the final push for letter-writing magical.
Why we picked it: A genuinely fun, interactive game focusing on the biggest local tradition right before it happens.
Annie Jr.
The Glee Club Academy puts on this version of the famous musical. It’s great exposure to classic musical theatre for kids, and Sunday is its final performance date.
Why we picked it: Last chance to see this youth production of a Broadway classic before it closes on Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Madrid this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 03-04) you can check out the free event 'Fisgón' at Centro Cultural Casa de Vacas on Saturday, and the traditional 'Cortylandia' show at El Corte Inglés Preciados, which finishes on Sunday.
What's a good, quirky plan for older kids/teens on Saturday?
Head to the Movistar Arena on Saturday, January 3rd, for 'El Amanecer de los Dioses' by Destripando la Historia. It's a funny, music-filled take on mythology that teens usually love.
Are there any last-chance holiday events before school starts?
Yes! Sunday, Jan 4th is the final day for the huge Christmas celebration at Matadero Madrid ('Madrid, Navidad de Encuentro') and the touching musical 'El Hilo Invisible' at Teatro Alcázar.