Where should we stand with small kids?

Crowds are deepest at Cibeles, where the parade ends with the Kings' speech and the fireworks. Farther up the Castellana, toward the start at Plaza de San Juan de la Cruz, you give up the finale for more room at the curb and a better shot at candy.

What time does it start?

In 2026 the parade left the Castellana at 6pm and the Kings spoke at Cibeles just before 9pm. The 2027 times aren't published yet, and we'll update this page when they are.

Are there seats in the stands?

In 2026 there were grandstand seats along the route, plus five marked areas for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility. Seats in front of the Palacio de Cibeles went through charities to kids in hospital or foster care and people with disabilities. How to get a stand seat for 2027 isn't published yet.

Is there anything to do that morning?

Most years the charity Aldeas Infantiles SOS hands out free roscón de Reyes and hot chocolate in Puerta del Sol on January 5. The 2027 plans aren't out yet, so check the city's Christmas program closer to the day.

Cabalgata de Reyes: The Three Kings Parade on the Castellana

Name: Cabalgata de Reyes: The Three Kings Parade on the Castellana
Start: 2027-01-05
End: 2027-01-05
Location: Plaza de Cibeles (parade finish)

Featured inChristmas with Kids in Madrid 2026

Cabalgata de Reyes: The Three Kings Parade on the Castellana photo 2

Cabalgata de Reyes: The Three Kings Parade on the Castellana photo 3

Cabalgata de Reyes: The Three Kings Parade on the Castellana photo 4

Cabalgata de Reyes: The Three Kings Parade on the Castellana photo 5

FestivalCentro14 families interested

Where

Centro, Plaza de Cibeles (parade finish)

Ages

All ages

Setting

Outdoors

Plan for

2-3 hours, including the wait for a curb spot

Candy from the floats

Bring a bag for the candy

Fireworks

Finale at Plaza de Cibeles

What you need to know

Candy from every float, so bring a cloth bag and let kids stand at the front of the curb
Built for access, with five marked zones for wheelchair users and audio description on request at the 2026 parade
A late, cold night: the Kings spoke at Cibeles just before 9pm in 2026, so pack layers and a snack

About

Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar ride down the Castellana on three royal floats, with pages tossing candy and street-theater troupes in between. It ends at Cibeles with the Kings' speech and fireworks. For Spanish kids this is the night before the presents arrive, so the curb buzzes with excitement. Little ones see best from shoulders; it runs long and cold for kids who tire fast.

Free

Tue, Jan 5, 2027

Time TBA

Share with another parent

WhatsApp Email

Where it is

Plaza de Cibeles (parade finish)

Plaza de Cibeles, 28014 Madrid

Nearby playgrounds

Resources

Common questions

More this weekend

See all events →

More family picks, Friday to Sunday.

More from Christmas with Kids in Madrid 2026

See all →

The Three Kings in Madrid 2027

Collection

How kids here celebrate the Three Kings, from nativity scenes to the January 5 parade and roscón the next morning.

Gran Circo del Agua: A Water Circus with Giant Whales

Performance·Hortaleza

Acrobats perform around dancing fountains while giant whales float over the crowd in a big top in Hortaleza. The ocean story brings pirates, mermaids and a storm or two.

Through Feb 7, 2027From €14.40

Mágicas Navidades in Torrejón de Ardoz

Festival·Torrejón de Ardoz

An evening Christmas park with a lake ice rink, a giant Ferris wheel and nightly fireworks.

Nov 14 - Jan 10, 2027From €5, under 2 free

Christmas Lights Across Madrid

Festival·Centro

Streets and plazas across the city light up for the holidays, including bulbs designed by Madrid first and second graders. Can your kids spot the ones by kids their age?

Daily Nov 21 - Jan 6, 2027Free

Naviluz: Open-Top Bus Tour of the Christmas Lights

Guided Visit·Retiro

An open-top bus loops past Puerta de Alcalá, Colón and Serrano under the lights, so kids see the whole display without walking it.

Dates soonFares not announced yet