Finally the summer heat cooled down in Madrid and the Christmas season is around the corner. Besides the big Christmas preparation, Madrid has many more events to offer.

JazzMadrid17. Madrid International Jazz Festival

Another big event is happening this month. Enjoy a full month of the finest jazz, swing and blues.

From the 2nd to 30th November, JazzMadrid17 will take place in Spain's capital. The agenda is filled with a plethora of music performances from old and new talents in the Jazz scene.

Next to music performances, other jazz-related activities are being offered, such as discussion panels, films and exhibitions with leading Spanish jazz critics and cultural experts.

For more information, go check out their website.

Fiesta de la Almudena

The 9th of November is dedicated to the Virgin of Almudena, who is a patroness of Madrid.

The day begins with a mass, celebrated in the Cathedral of the Almudena, at 11 am. People bring flowers as offerings, and some even wear white and yellow roses,

Some Madridians will dress up with chulapos and chulapas, enjoying a day purely castiza in commemoration to the Virgin.

Generally, the day is to be spent with families and friends, walking through the Plaza Mayor, and having lunch in nearby bars/taverns.

For more detailed information, click here.

Madrid en Danza Festival 2017

Illustration 2 Marlen Fuerte / Josué Ullate – compañia Victor Ullate Ballet

Madrid is hosting the 32nd edition of Madrid en Danza Festival from the 18th November until the 8th of December.

The event is showcasing the full range of dance styles, from classic to avant-garde, and even Spanish and flamenco dances. Inviting renowned dancers, as well as new emerging ones, who are dancing on a local, national and international level, the festival attracts many dance companies from all around the world.

You can buy tickets, and see performances at various theatres around the city.

For more information and ticket prices, click here.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Illustration 3 Wildlife Photographer of the Year by Sam Hobson

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition comes from London to Madrid. During this exhibition, the audience can enjoy incredible images of landscapes, as well as flora and fauna.

Professional and amateur photographer will compete for 13 awards, 4 of them go to young photographers. The following categories will be presented: Diversity on Land: Mammals, Birds, Amphibiams and Reptiles, Invertebrates and Plants, Earth's Environments: Underwater, Land and Urban, Earth's Design: Details, Impressions, and Black and White.

Not only does this event display a variety of aesthetic and wondrous photographs, but it wants to raise awareness of the threats our wonderful planet is facing nowadays.

For further information, go check out their website.

Plaza Mayor Christmas Market

Madrid knows how to celebrate Christmas in a big way. The Christmas season starts off with lightning up the whole city. Renowned Spanish designers, architects, as well as graphic designers, are getting together and create a colourful lightning show in Madrid.

Illustration 4 Christmas Lights by Asturtom | flickr

With the Christmas lights on, people can head to Plaza Mayor, where the main Christmas market is located. With up to 104 stands, the young and old can purchase all kinds of toys and decorations related to Christmas.

Traditional sweets for this season are, for instance Turrón (almond nougat) and marzipan, glace fruit, mantecados (traditional powdery sweets).

Other fun activities can be found in the area around Puerta del Sol, Fran Via, Plaza Mayor and Callao, if you are in the mood for shopping or have to get a last-minute gift purchase.

For kids, one can find several ice rinks all over the city.

The Christmas Market is open from the 26th of November until the 31st of December.