If you visit Madrid in winter, you shouldn’t miss Naturaleza Encendida, a magical light show taking place almost every year in the Spanish capital.
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NOTE: Before you keep reading, just an update that this season (2025-2026), the Naturaleza Encendida show won’t take place in Madrid. Instead, you can check out the shows in Sevilla, Córdoba, and Zaragoza. The features are very similar, and it’s a lovely experience all the same. Check out more details on the Naturaleza Encendida website.
Naturaleza Encendida in Madrid has taken place every year for Christmas since 2019. The theme changes each year, usually inspired by various aspects of nature: water, air, and earth. The last time I visited, the show focused on marine life. In 2024/25, the show was called Life. Regardless of the theme, the show offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in a garden filled with colorful lights, stunning installations, and music.
Enter the fairytale realm
From the moment you step inside the space, you’ll find yourself catapulted into a fairytale realm. You’ll soon understand how fit the name Naturaleza Encendida is. Nature is truly “turned on” (encendida), with fairy lights on virtually every leaf, branch, or flower. I am a sucker for bright lights and colors, so as soon as I found myself in this magical place, I felt like a kid. Little pathways will guide you through the labyrinth, each area prettier than the last one.
Note: When I last visited, the Naturaleza Encendida show was in the Royal Botanical Garden. In 2024/25, the show took place in Parque Enrique Tierno Galván. The concept is the same, but you can expect a different layout. I will update this article with new information on the next edition of this show.
Prepare to be amazed by ocean creatures
I won’t spoil the surprise, but make sure to take your sweet time to explore every little angle of this little paradise. Now and then, you’ll come across a “point of no return,” which means you won’t be able to go back to the previous part of the garden. If you ask me, that sounds a bit harsh, and it made me feel anxious. FOMO is real! But you know, social distancing rules.
There are a few stops you definitely shouldn’t miss, so look for them. One is close to the big red sculpture representing a ship, where a virtual river flows endlessly, populated by turtles, sea stars, and fish.
The other place you shouldn’t miss is a square opening where the lights simulate dancing waves over your head, making you feel like you’re underwater. At some point, the straight lines coming from different angles formed a sort of grid. I won’t lie, that gave me strong Resident Evil vibes for a moment there if you know what I mean.
Finally, and this one is impossible to miss, there’s a huge octopus emerging from the fountain in front of the pavilion. The creature’s huge tentacles change colors to the rhythm of the music. Did anyone say Kraken?
tips for your visit to the Naturaleza Encendida light show
Buy your tickets online for faster access. You can find different ticket options on the official website. Make sure to buy them in advance as they tend to sell out pretty fast.
Finally, here are a few tips so you won’t make my mistake and nearly freeze or lose the use of your hands (you gotta take those pictures somehow). You’ll be surrounded by plants, meaning you should expect high humidity. If it happens to be a cold evening, as it was for me, you’ll feel it even more in the garden. Go prepared with a winter jacket and possibly a pair of gloves if you don’t want your fingers to freeze on your camera or phone.
There’s a hot chocolate cart if you want to warm up a little as you’re walking through the garden. You’ll find it right by the “Kraken”, under the jellyfish (unless they move the cart around). When buying your ticket, you can also select the one that includes hot chocolate.
So get your camera ready and get in the mood for some fairy lights, marine creatures, and music. Enjoy the light show!
P.S. Naturaleza Encendida takes place in different Spanish cities each year, including Sevilla, Barcelona, or Bilbao, and some locations outside Spain, like Rome, Italy, or Paris, France. Check the website for up-to-date information on locations.
Traveling around Spain?
If you’re planning to visit more Spanish cities, I have a few articles for you:
- Top Free Things to Do in Barcelona
- Top Free Things to Do in Valencia
- Explore Villajoyosa, Costa Blanca
Travel Resources
If you plan a trip to Madrid, check out these resources to plan everything from your accommodation to experiences and transportation.
| Website/App | Category | Description | Book Here |
|---|---|---|---|
| Booking.com | Accommodation | My favorite website for great accommodations for different budgets. | Find a Place |
| Kiwi.com | Flights | My new favorite platform for finding affordable flights. | Find Flights |
| Omio | Transportation | You can book everything from buses and trains to ferry rides. | Transportation |
| SafetyWing | Insurance | One of the best travel medical insurances for frequent travelers. | Get Insured |
| Manawa | Activities | A great platform to book activities and adventures with local hosts. | Find Activities |
| GetYourGuide | Activities | My go-to platform for tours and experiences with lots of options. | Experiences |
| Viator | Activities | A great alternative for activities all over the world. | Experiences |
| GuruWalk | Free tours | A great platform for free walking tours (tipping is recommended). | Book a tour |
| DiscoverCars | Car rental | My go-to platform for car rental anywhere in the world. | Rent a Car |
| Airalo | eSIM | My favorite app for buying digital SIM cards when traveling abroad. | Get an eSIM |
| Saily | eSIM | A great alternative to Airalo, with cheaper plans in some destinations. | Get an eSIM |
| Xe | Currency | A currency converter showing real-time rates. Website or app. | Get Xe App |
| Maps.me | Navigation | My favorite navigation app for hiking trails and remote areas. | Get Maps |