For many people in Spain, the real Christmas season doesn’t begin on December 24 but on December 22, when the drawing of the world-famous lottery El Gordo takes place. On this day, practically the entire country holds its breath. In homes, bars, and restaurants, you can hear the characteristic singing of the children from Madrid’s San Ildefonso school, who have been chanting the winning numbers for more than two centuries.
The excitement is immense, because the stakes are high—tens of millions of euros are up for grabs. It’s hard to find a Spaniard who hasn’t tried their luck at least once in this unique Christmas lottery. For many families, it’s a moment filled with emotion, shared anticipation, and hope for a better year.
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Christmas in Spain – customs, traditions and a unique festive atmosphere
Christmas in Spain – customs, traditions and a unique festive atmosphere
Written by Anita Orłowska on 16.12.2025 - 7m reading
Written by Anita Orłowska on 16.12.2025 - 7m reading
Written by Anita Orłowska on 16.12.2025 - 7m reading
Christmas in Spain is more than just one evening around the table. It’s a long, colorful season full of lights, gatherings, family dinners, and unique traditions that surprise visitors from all over Europe. What is Christmas in Spain really like?
Contents:
Christmas in Spain is a special time filled with light, family gatherings, and local traditions that differ from those known in Northern Europe. From mid-November until the end of December, cities pulse with a festive rhythm, and the streets fill with illuminations, music, and the scent of sweet baked treats. What exactly does Christmas look like in Spain, and which customs surprise foreigners the most? In this article, we step inside Spanish homes, wander through city streets, and explore family traditions to reveal the true atmosphere of Navidad.
When does the Christmas season begin in Spain?
When does the Christmas season begin in Spain?
Christmas in Spain is not just a single day on the calendar, but an entire season that begins as early as the second half of November. City streets slowly fill with festive illuminations, squares and roundabouts glow with thousands of lights, and shop windows catch the eye with decorations in red and gold. A sense of anticipation appears—something the Spanish simply call Navidad. In many cities, Christmas markets open, and town squares fill with stalls selling hot chocolate, churros, and local sweet treats.
However, the official Christmas period in Spain lasts much longer than in Poland. It is commonly accepted that the celebration of Christmas runs from December 22 all the way until January 6. This means Spaniards celebrate longer and more intensely than we do—embracing not only Christmas Eve (Nochebuena), but also New Year’s Eve (Fin de Año) and, most importantly for children, the Feast of the Three Kings (Reyes Magos). It is a long, beautiful season that weaves together family traditions, local customs, and the distinctly Spanish joy of life.
Although the weather in many regions still feels more like late autumn than winter, the festive atmosphere spreads quickly. A walk among palm trees under twinkling lights, with a cup of hot chocolate in hand, is one of the most characteristic Christmas experiences in Spain. Altogether, it creates a holiday atmosphere that is hard to find anywhere else in Europe.
Bethlehem nativity scene and Christmas decorations in Spain
Bethlehem nativity scene and Christmas decorations in Spain
In Spanish homes, for generations the most important symbol of Christmas has not been the Christmas tree, but the Nativity scene, known as belén or nacimiento. It is the Nativity that takes pride of place in the living room. Often it grows to impressive sizes, filling half the room with figures of the Holy Family, shepherds, animals, and even entire little villages.
Christmas trees are, of course, also present—more and more often, especially in modern homes and apartments—but the Nativity scene remains the true heart of Christmas tradition. Among the classic figurines, one can sometimes find a rather surprising character: the famous El Caganer. This small figure depicts a person squatting and symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and good luck for the coming year. Although it can be quite a shock for many foreigners, in Spain this character is treated with a great deal of humor and good-natured distance.
Loteria El Gordo – świąteczna tradycja Hiszpanów
Loteria El Gordo – świąteczna tradycja Hiszpanów
Christmas Eve and Christmas in Spanish – what do Spaniards eat?
Christmas Eve and Christmas in Spanish – what do Spaniards eat?
Christmas Eve, known as Nochebuena, has a strong family character in Spain, although it is celebrated somewhat differently than in Poland. There is no strict fasting, and the festive dinner often begins late in the evening. Seafood, fish, and poultry dominate the tables, and an essential highlight is freshly sliced jamón. In many homes, mandarins and oranges also appear—exceptionally sweet and aromatic in December.
For dessert, people serve turrón—a sweet almond nougat—along with marzipan and various honey- and almond-based sweets. After dinner, many practicing Catholics attend the midnight Mass known as Misa del Gallo.
For children, Christmas Eve can be especially magical. Although, according to tradition, gifts are brought by the Three Kings on January 6, in some regions Papa Noel, Olentzero, or Tió de Nadal also appear on December 24. As a result, some lucky children in Spain get to receive presents twice.
Christmas Day itself, December 25, is much calmer. It is usually spent enjoying a family lunch, long conversations, and rest. It’s a time of quiet after the emotions of Christmas Eve.
Día de los Inocentes – the Spanish equivalent of April Fools' Day
Día de los Inocentes – the Spanish equivalent of April Fools' Day
A few days later, on December 28, Spaniards celebrate Día de los Inocentes, a day of jokes and pranks—the Spanish equivalent of April Fools’ Day. On this day, the media publish fake news stories, and people play small tricks on one another.
In many towns, children go from house to house, singing and collecting sweets. It is one of the most joyful days of the entire holiday season, full of laughter, lightheartedness, and a cheerful distance from everyday life.
Why is Christmas in Spain so special?
Why is Christmas in Spain so special?
Christmas in Spain has a light and cheerful quality. Instead of frost and snow, it is often accompanied by sunshine, seaside walks, café gatherings, and lively streets full of people. Spaniards celebrate the holidays together—on plazas, in restaurants, and among bright illuminations and music.
For many people from Northern Europe, Christmas in Spain becomes a discovery that changes the way they think about winter. It’s this very atmosphere that makes more and more people see Spain not only as a summer destination, but as a place to live—even in the winter months.
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