Videomapping at the Palacio de Cibeles: Magic, Technology and Tradition

Organised by the Madrid City Council in collaboration with Endesa, this event kicked off the city’s holiday lighting and captivated thousands of people who gathered in the square to experience an immersive display that fused art, technology and tradition.

Below, we walk you through what made this show so special, how it unfolded and why it was the perfect plan for families and friends to enjoy the start of the most colourful and joyful month of the year.

What Is Videomapping, and What Made the Palacio de Cibeles Edition So Special?

Videomapping is a technique that projects 3D animated images and advanced AI-based visual effects onto architectural surfaces. Each design is adapted to the building’s structure to create three-dimensional illusions and hyper-realistic textures that bring a visual narrative to life.

For La energía de la Navidad, the Palacio de Cibeles became a living canvas that told a contemporary tale of Madrid: the light that is born in every home during Christmas and expands across the city, illuminating its streets and squares.

Its emotional and technological approach made it truly unique. But it wasn’t only a visual production —it was a multisensory experience that blended images, sound and rhythm with millimetre-level precision. Thus, it wrapped the audience in a magical atmosphere that combined cutting-edge technology with Madrid’s cherished Christmas spirit.

2025–2026 Edition Highlights

One of this year’s most striking innovations was the technical setup: 14 state-of-the-art projectors delivering over half a million lumens, ensuring stunning clarity even from long distances. Another key innovation was the collaboration with Endesa, reinforcing the energy message not just narratively but symbolically. The theme, ‘The Energy of Christmas,’ reflected the light that begins at home and reaches the entire city.

A major leap forward came with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to generate hyper-realistic textures and dynamic 3D effects tailored to the building’s architecture, creating unprecedented depth and movement while raising the immersive standard beyond previous editions.

The visual narrative was further enhanced with synchronised music and video, supported by a custom-built technical infrastructure. All of this was made possible thanks to the work of 25 creators and more than 150 technicians, who achieved flawless coordination to deliver a more ambitious and unforgettable show.

How Visitors Experienced the Immersive Show

Thousands gathered in Plaza de Cibeles to enjoy what instantly became the highlight of the city’s holiday lighting ceremony. The festive atmosphere and live performance by Pablo López, joined by four young talents from Crescendo (a programme of the Teatro Real and its Fundación Amigos), made the experience far more than a projection.

Adding to the magic were the children who won the school Christmas-lighting design contest; their creations were transformed into luminous details and ornaments now featured in Madrid’s holiday décor. Students with Down syndrome from the María Corredentora Special Education School also enjoyed this unforgettable night on the Cibeles stage.

The videomapping turned the façade into layers of light, shapes and moving textures perfectly synchronised with live music, captivating the audience and creating a full sensory experience. Following the show, the city’s official Christmas lights were switched on, triggering a massive LED illumination display throughout Madrid.

Best Viewing Spots for the Videomapping Show

The best angles were directly in front of the palace façade, in the central area of the square and along the sides near Calle Alcalá and Paseo del Prado. These vantage points offered the fullest view of the spectacle and showcased the depth of the 3D effects.

Those who could not attend in person had the chance to stream it live through the Madrid City Council’s YouTube channel.

Why It Was the Perfect Idea for a Family Plan or Holiday Trip

The show was free, outdoors and suitable for all ages. All this makes it the ideal plan for families and groups of friends to share a truly special moment.

It was spectacular not only visually but also emotionally, combining technology, tradition, celebration and live music. For children, the story of ‘the light that begins at home and expands across the city’ offered a warm emotional message tied to the magic of Christmas. For adults, the blend of modernity and holiday nostalgia, set against Madrid’s urban beauty, delivered a fully rounded experience.

How It Connected with Madrid’s Citywide Lighting Ceremony

As the videomapping coincided with the official lighting of Madrid’s Christmas décor, attendees continued their evening strolling through the illuminated streets.

Right after the Cibeles show, more than 13 million LED bulbs lit up across 240 locations in the city —including Gran Vía, Puerta del Sol, Plaza de España and Paseo del Prado. They will remain on display through 7 January. When exploring these areas, you can discover some new attractions: a monumental 22-metre Christmas tree, a walk-through candle installation in Nuevos Ministerios and exclusive designs created by children and fashion designers.

How Long Did Each Videomapping Session Last?

The show began at 19:30 and lasted approximately 15 minutes. During this time, the magical Christmas story unfolded, moving all attendees and leading up to the lighting of the city’s full holiday décor.

La energía de la Navidad was undoubtedly a memorable experience that not only inaugurated the festive season with a powerful combination of technology and tradition but also shared a clear message: innovation and heritage can coexist to create sustainable, unforgettable experiences.

This year, the city’s holiday lighting is 100% LED, helping reduce energy consumption and light pollution. That’s why we invite you to enjoy the illuminated streets of Madrid and other Spanish cities while celebrating the magic of Christmas with energy awareness. And at home, choose LED lights, timers and efficient use of electricity —along with the right energy tariff— to celebrate the holidays responsibly and efficiently.