Soaking up the Mediterranean sun or enjoying water sports are among the main reasons why, in 2024, Spain welcomed a record-breaking 93.9 million international tourists. But few travellers realise how magical, festive and deeply cultural Christmas in Spain truly is.

Beyond the white sands of Costa Blanca, the breathtaking Sierra Nevada mountains, or the iconic architecture of Barcelona, Seville and Córdoba, Spain also shines when it comes to Christmas celebrations, decorations and long-standing traditions.
With festivities stretching from early December to mid-January—and some of Europe’s mildest winters—Spain has become a popular Christmas and winter getaway.

Although Father Christmas is not traditionally part of Spanish culture, December 6th (Constitution Day) marks the unofficial start of the holiday season. Around this time, cities and towns begin decorating streets, shops and town centres with their most colourful and dazzling lights—though many regions start even earlier.

Large Spanish cities host spectacular illuminations and Christmas markets.

• Madrid, Málaga and Vigo are famous for their incredible light displays.
• Barcelona, Madrid and Sevilla offer Spain’s most iconic Christmas markets.

Unlike many European countries, Spain strongly preserves the religious meaning of Christmas. Nativity fairs (ferias de belén) are held across cities, offering figurines so families can recreate nativity scenes at home—keeping the Christian spirit alive.

Spain also celebrates unique regional Christmas traditions, found only in specific provinces:

🎶 La Fiesta de la Zambomba (Jerez de la Frontera, Andalusia)

What it is: A lively Andalusian Christmas tradition centred around the zambomba, a rustic percussion instrument.

Where: Jerez de la Frontera and other towns in Cádiz province.

How it’s celebrated:

• Locals gather in courtyards and taverns to sing villancicos (carols)
• Music is accompanied by zambombas, guitars and hand-clapping
• Festivities blend flamenco rhythms, food and wine
• Why it’s unique: Recognized as Andalusia’s intangible cultural heritage

Highlight: Feels more like a flamenco fiesta than a solemn ceremony

🎁 Olentzero (Basque Country & Navarre)

What it is: A folkloric coal worker who delivers gifts on Christmas Eve

Where: Basque Country and Navarre

How it’s celebrated:

• Parades with Olentzero, dancers and musicians
• Children sing songs welcoming him
• Symbolizes warmth, generosity and Basque roots

Why it’s unique: A distinctly Basque Christmas figure

Highlight: A rustic alternative to Santa Claus or the Three Kings

Christmas Eve in Spain (Nochebuena)

Just like elsewhere in Europe, Spanish families gather on Christmas Eve for an elaborate multi-course dinner.

Traditionally, the main dish was turkey stuffed with truffles, but nowadays families often serve:

• seafood (prawns, crab, lobster)
• roast lamb or fish
• starters such as local cheeses, jamón ibérico and soup
• Desserts often include turrón, a classic Spanish nougat made from almonds, honey and sugar.

Restaurants and hotels across Spain also prepare special Christmas Eve menus for locals and visitors.

After dinner, many people attend Midnight Mass (La Misa del Gallo).
Some regions light bonfires afterwards to welcome Christmas Day.
In the Basque Country, children wait for Olentzero, who brings gifts on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Day in Spain

Christmas Day is another opportunity for families to gather and enjoy festive meals featuring:

• seafood starters (prawns, crayfish)
• soups
• lamb or another main dish
• dried fruit, nuts or pan de higos for dessert

Unlike other European countries, Spanish children typically don’t receive their main gifts on Christmas Day.
Instead, they come on 6 January (Día de Reyes / Three Kings’ Day), honouring the biblical story of the Magi bringing gifts to baby Jesus.

What Happens in Spain After Christmas and New Year?

If you're in Catalonia or the Balearic Islands, the holidays continue with St. Stephen’s Day (December 26th) — an official holiday in these regions.
Known as San Esteban in Spanish and Sant Esteve in Catalan, it commemorates the first Christian martyr.

Is Spain a Good Place to Visit for Christmas?

Absolutely — Spain is one of Europe’s most magical winter destinations.

December and Christmas/New Year are among the busiest tourist periods in Spain. Most holiday visitors come from the UK, Germany, France and Italy. The atmosphere is lively, but still less crowded than mid-summer.

Travel advantages during Christmas in Spain:

• Mild winter weather
• Beautiful Christmas markets and lights
• Strong cultural and religious traditions
• Winter-sun destinations like Costa Blanca and Canary Islands
• Off-peak prices compared to summer
• A warm, festive atmosphere without extreme cold

You’ll definitely not regret spending Christmas in Spain — and you can take our word for it.