MAGIC

Alright, so Madrid might have no beach but when it comes to Christmas lights and displays it is the best, bar none. The decorations were turned on yesterday and will remain on until January 6th.

Despite the budget cut, an estimated 41% reduction, the city turned on its Christmas charm yesterday. I was going down Castellana when I saw all the trees lit up with LED light. It is estimated that the change to LED will reduce emissions, the energy bill, but they are increasing the total amount of hours that the lights will be on this season (230 hours).

Due to the cut the extravagant Paseo de los Arboles Navideños on Castellana is now gone. The city has only put up two Christmas trees, the one on Sol and another on Callao. This year El Corte Ingles' theme for Cortylandia is "Christmas round the world" and it features bears dressed in cute little traditional costume signing and dancing around. The Christmas market on Plaza Mayor will start Saturday.

January 5th is the famous Cabalgata de los Reyes.

this is the closest Corte Ingles to me, on Calle Princesa and Alberto Aguilera.

I am beyond excited!