Madrid’s Christmas circus is one of the few holiday shows a visitor can book without worrying about language. The bigger one, Circlassica, puts up its big top at the IFEMA trade fair grounds from 30 October to 17 January, with more than 30 international artists and a live orchestra. The central one, Circo Price, the city-owned circus theatre at Ronda de Atocha, 35, hosts the Raluy Legacy circus from 20 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, with tickets from €8 to €30 and a 105-minute show.
Which Christmas circus should you see in Madrid? Circlassica at IFEMA is the bigger production, about 2 hours with a live orchestra, and the only one still running after 6 January, until 17 January. Circo Price in central Madrid is the shorter option: the Raluy Legacy circus, from 20 November 2026 to 6 January 2027, at 8 to 30 euros for a 105-minute show.
Circo Price belongs to the City Council and is run by Madrid Destino, and its Christmas show changes every year: in 2025 it was Sueña despierto, with tickets from €12, and this year the first performance is on Friday 20 November at 6.30pm.
Do you need Spanish for a Madrid circus?
Mostly not. Both shows are built on acrobatics, balancing and juggling, and Circlassica’s score is played live by its own orchestra, so the evening works for anyone. Some clown routines may lean on Spanish. That makes either one a safer family booking than a musical or a play; the city’s musicals and what they cost are in Madrid musicals and tickets.
Circo Price or Circlassica, which to book
- With small children or on a short trip, Circo Price. It is central, the show is shorter and the interval is built in.
- For a big production, Circlassica. This season’s show, Los Extraordinarios, gathers more than 30 artists with the orchestra on stage; the top-price area, Platino experience, comes with a gift, fast-track entry and a drink.
- After 6 January, only Circlassica is left, until 17 January.
Tickets, discounts and babies
For its Christmas run the Price charges €8 to €30 plus a booking fee depending on the area and the date, with discounts for under-16s, a group rate for 20 to 50 people and, on selected dates, 30% off the general price. Children under 2 who sit on a lap pay €1, and under-16s must come with an adult.
At Circlassica each seat area is priced separately and you see the price when you pick a seat; under-2s are free if they do not take a seat.
Booking Circo Price for a family, in four steps:
- Pick the date in the Madrid Destino ticket shop and check whether it carries the 30% discount.
- Choose the seat area, from €8 to €30, and apply the under-16 discount.
- Add a €1 lap ticket for any child under 2.
- If you are driving, book the €4 car park at the same time, because a space has to be bought in advance.
When the shows run
Circlassica plays for 80 days and Circo Price for 48. Circo Price opens on Friday 20 November with a 6.30pm performance. On 2 and 3 January it holds accessible performances with reserved seats, audio description, a hearing loop and sign language. Holiday-week opening hours across the city are in what’s open in Madrid on Christmas Day.
Getting there
For Circo Price, use Embajadores, Lavapiés or Atocha Metro, or Cercanías line C-5 to Embajadores or Atocha; buses 27, 34, 36, 41, 119 and C2 also stop nearby. Drivers can book the theatre’s own car park on Calle Juan Sebastián Elcano, 25, for €4.
Circlassica is at IFEMA’s south entrance on Avenida del Partenón, on Metro line 8 at Feria de Madrid, the line that also serves the airport, or on buses 73, 112 and 122. A single ticket costs €1.50 to €2.00 depending on the number of stations; the details are in the Madrid Metro ticket price, more family plans in Madrid with kids and skating afterwards in ice skating in Madrid at Christmas.
Book Circo Price for a first circus close to the hotel, Circlassica for the full spectacle.
Christmas circus in Madrid, frequently asked questions
How much are Circo Price Christmas tickets?
For the 2026-27 season, from 8 to 30 euros plus a booking fee, depending on the seat area and the performance. Under-16s get discounts, and children under 2 who sit on a lap pay 1 euro.
How long is the Christmas circus show in Madrid?
The Circo Price Christmas show lasts 1 hour 45 minutes including an interval, which suits small children. Circlassica, in its big top at IFEMA, runs about 2 hours with a 20-minute interval in the middle, so plan for a later finish.
Do you need to speak Spanish for the circus in Madrid?
Not for the acrobatics, juggling and balancing acts, which make up most of both shows, and Circlassica’s music is played live by an orchestra. Some clown routines may use Spanish.
How do I get to Circlassica at IFEMA?
Take Metro line 8 to Feria de Madrid, the same line that runs to the airport, or buses 73, 112 and 122. The big top uses the south entrance on Avenida del Partenón.