Cava, grapes at midnight in Plaza del Sol, red bows in shop windows, artisanal markets…There are many traditions and customs repeated year after year during Christmas in Madrid. Even the never ending lines of people waiting to but their Christmas Lottery ticket has become something that without it Christmas wouldn’t be the same. Apart from keeping your fingers crossed hoping your lucky number comes out here are a few more suggestions for a memorable Christmas in Madrid.

Located in an emblematic enclave in the centre of Madrid, on the corner of Alcala Street with Gran Via, the roof top terrace of the Círculo de Bellas Artes is one of the city’s best kept secrets.

The Olavide apartments are in the Chamberí neighbourhood, a safe residential area close to the university but far from the hectic centre of Madrid. In Chamberí there are a lot of cultural activities and many different types of mansions and historic buildings, nerromantic, modernist, gothic and neomudejar…

Lavapiés is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Madrid. Over the last few decades it was a cheap neighbourhood which attracted people both young and old, immigrants from all over the world: Moroccans, Indians, Chinese…Lavapiés has progressively modernised over the last two years and today it offers a multicultural and bohemian environment whose residents live on the most cosmopolitan neighbourhood of Madrid.

The Central neighbourhood of Las Letras in Madrid has adopted throughout its history many of the Spanish literary greats, hence its name. Today it is a bohemian neighbourhood which combines entertainment, shopping and excellent restaurants in the centre of Madrid.

Madrid hots up during May and June. We’re not talking about the temperature increase (which still hasn’t arrived), but simply the large quantity of parties, exhibitions, concerts and activities that are on offer in the city during these months.

Yes, Halloween isn’t something that is typically celebrated in Spain, however it is a fun event that gains an increasing number of followers every year, including in Spain. Thus, if you’re not lucky enough to be going on a little break and celebrating Halloween in London or New York, here’s what you can do in Madrid.

Located barely an hour away from the Spanish capital is the Castle of Manzanares El Real, also known as Mendoza Castle. If you’re in Madrid and you fancy going on a little trip, this is a very special place, with magnificent surroundings that you will especially enjoy at this time of year.

A permanent fixture in the Spanish capital and a great option for holiday makers during the hot summer months, this theme park comprises a definite stop off during your time in Madrid. The park is divided into 5 themed areas and features some thrilling rides including floorless trains, inverted roller coasters and vertical drops all named after our favourite Warner action heroes and cartoon characters.

Its all going on in Madrid at the moment. Despite the slightly chilly weather the locals are finding plenty of things to do thanks to the exciting activities and events on offer as always in the Spanish capital. Madrid is and always will be a popular tourist destination and this comes as no surprise given all that is going on. Especially this month, whether its the Swing or Boogie Woogie classes that will be keeping you warm and entertained this winter season, the contemporary art fairs keeping you intrigued, the Madrid Carnival and the International Magic Festival on the bursting-to-the-seams agenda or the Madrid Gastrofestival for all you foodies out there this February you will definitely not be stuck for something to do.