Christmas in Spain 2026 – How Andalusia Celebrates
- Nico
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
Once again, the time has come: the year is drawing to a close. It’s getting colder, even here in sunny Andalusia and the Christmas atmosphere is already in the air. If you’ve always wanted to know how Christmas in Spain is celebrated , you’ve come to exactly the right place.
So let the bells ring: it’s time to get started! 🎄
The Most Popular Christmas Traditions in Spain
Christmas is a deeply family-oriented celebration in Spain, and most Spaniards prefer to spend it surrounded by their loved ones. Grandparents, parents, children, grandchildren, and often even great-grandchildren. All come together. It’s also very common for the wider family to join in: uncles, aunts, cousins, close friends, and sometimes even neighbors.
Just like elsewhere, Christmas in Spain 2026 is a time for eating well, drinking, and sharing plenty of laughter. But beyond the familiar festive atmosphere, Spain has a few unique Christmas traditions that set it apart from what many visitors may be used to.
The Christmas Lottery – El Gordo
Months before Christmas, lottery shops across Spain are already crowded. Everyone wants a ticket - or at least a share - of the famous Christmas lottery known as El Gordo. With a top prize of €4 million, El Gordo (“The Fat One”) is one of the largest lottery draws in the world and a cornerstone of Spanish Christmas culture .
Because a full ticket costs €200, most people buy a décimo - one tenth of a ticket - or join lottery pools with friends, colleagues, or even their local bar. In many cafés and restaurants, you can buy shares of a ticket alongside your morning coffee.
The big day is December 22, one of the most important dates of the festive season. Families gather around the TV to watch the live draw, where the winning numbers are sung aloud by schoolchildren. Traditionally, these singers were orphans - and legend has it that some newly crowned millionaires even adopted the child who sang their winning number.
The Nativity Scene – A Key Christmas Decoration
The birth of Jesus Christ is central to Christmas celebrations in Spain, and this is reflected in one of the most important decorations: the Nativity scene (Belén).
Spanish families don’t just set up nativity scenes at home. Almost every town and village creates its own, often large and highly detailed display. These can be visited throughout the whole Christmas period and even during the weeks leading up to Christmas.
The famous Caganer, a cheeky figurine with lowered trousers, is far less common in Andalusia, as it originates from Catalonia. However, this quirky tradition has slowly started to make appearances in southern Spain as well.
Spanish Christmas Markets and Festive Lights
The baby Jesus isn’t the only thing proudly on display at Christmas in Spain. During the festive season, streets across Spanish cities are beautifully decorated, creating a warm and lively atmosphere. Colorful Christmas lights don’t just adorn private homes — they also illuminate main streets, squares, and historic city centers.
In larger cities, Spanish Christmas markets invite visitors to stroll, browse, and soak up the festive mood. While this tradition may feel familiar to travelers from Germany and other parts of Europe, Spanish Christmas markets have their own character. The focus is often less on mulled wine and more on local crafts, seasonal sweets, nativity figures, and traditional holiday treats.
For travelers, these markets and illuminated streets are one of the highlights of visiting Spain during the Christmas season, offering a festive experience with a distinctly Spanish flair.
Christmas Songs in Spain – Music for the Festive Season
Christmas celebrations in Spain are always accompanied by music. From family gatherings to public festivities, Christmas songs are an essential part of the season. While supermarkets and shopping centers tend to keep the background music fairly low-key, you’ll often hear people singing at home — and sometimes even out in the streets.
Many classic Christmas carols are familiar across Europe, just with Spanish lyrics. For example, the Spanish version of “Silent Night” is called “Noche de paz, noche de amor”, which translates to “Night of peace, night of love.”
If you want to wish someone Merry Christmas in Spain, simply say “Feliz Navidad” — which also happens to be the title of one of the most famous Spanish Christmas songs. You’ll hear it everywhere during the festive season, making it almost impossible not to hum along.
Traditional Christmas Food in Spain
So, what do people eat at Christmas in Spain? Just like elsewhere, chocolate and sweets play an essential role in the festive season. One of the most iconic Christmas treats is turrón - a type of nougat similar to honey nougat, traditionally sold only during the Christmas period. There are many different varieties, from soft almond turrón to harder versions and modern chocolate-based styles, so there’s something to suit every taste.
Spain’s regions each add their own culinary touches to the festive table. In Andalusia, for example, polvorones are especially popular. These crumbly Christmas biscuits are made from flour, sugar, milk, and nuts, most commonly almonds, and are a classic seasonal treat you’ll find in homes and bakeries alike.
Another must-try Christmas specialty is Roscón de Reyes, a ring-shaped cake traditionally eaten on January 6, the Day of the Three Kings. Every guest receives a slice, and hidden inside the cake are small surprises: a tiny king figurine (which earns you a paper crown) or a dried bean, meaning you’re expected to pay for the cake next year.
In some regions, a similar tradition exists after Christmas dinner with the Urna del Destino (Urn of Destiny). This container holds a mix of small gifts and “blanks,” adding an element of chance and fun to the festive celebrations.
For travelers, Christmas food in Spain is a delicious way to experience local culture. blending sweet traditions, regional specialties, and playful customs that bring families together around the table.
Unlike many of the Spanish and Andalusian Christmas sweets mentioned above, churros are available all year round. For some reason, though, they simply taste better in the run-up to Christmas - especially when enjoyed hot and fresh, often with a cup of thick hot chocolate.
The Christmas dinner itself in Spain is typically served over several courses. This special meal of the year usually starts with a soup or a traditional Andalusian stew, setting a comforting tone for the evening.
For the main course, Christmas in Spain is all about roasted dishes. Popular choices include roast turkey, lamb, or suckling pig, depending on the region and family tradition. Fish is also a common option and often finds its way onto the festive table. And of course, no Spanish Christmas feast would be complete without authentic Serrano ham, which is an essential part of almost every festive spread.
For travelers, experiencing a Spanish Christmas dinner offers a delicious insight into local traditions — generous, social, and deeply rooted in regional cuisine.
Christmas Gifts in Spain – A Different Tradition
In Spain, Christmas gifts aren’t brought by Santa Claus. Instead, presents traditionally come from the Three Wise Men (Los Reyes Magos). For this reason, gifts are not exchanged on Christmas Eve (La Nochebuena) or on Christmas Day, but on January 6, the Day of the Three Kings.
However, Christmas celebrations in Spain are not limited to just one day. December 25 is, of course, also part of the festive season. On Christmas Eve, many people attend the Misa del Gallo (Midnight Mass), which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and plays an important role in Spanish Christmas traditions.
Unlike in some other European countries, December 26 is not a public holiday in most regions of Spain.
The same applies to December 28, which is not a holiday either, but it does have a special meaning. This day is known as Día de los Santos Inocentes (often shortened to Día de los Inocentes), Spain’s equivalent of April Fools’ Day. Pranks and jokes are part of the tradition, adding a playful note to the festive period.
There are also many customs linked to the start of the New Year, which we’ll explore in more detail elsewhere.
We wish you a Merry Christmas, no matter where in the world you’re celebrating and look forward to discovering even more culture, traditions, and fascinating differences with you next year. 🎄✨
FAQ – Christmas in Spain 2026
What do Spaniards do on Christmas Eve?
On Christmas Eve (La Nochebuena), many Spaniards attend Midnight Mass (Misa del Gallo). It’s also a time to spend meaningful hours with family, sharing a long dinner and celebrating together. While Christmas Eve is important, the main gift-giving tradition in Spain takes place later, on January 6, the Day of the Three Kings.
Why do Spaniards celebrate Christmas on January 6?
Christmas is celebrated in Spain on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, but January 6 is the most important date for children. This is when gifts are traditionally exchanged, as they are brought by the Three Wise Men (Los Reyes Magos). According to tradition, baby Jesus also received his gifts from the Three Kings — not from Santa Claus or the Christ Child.
Is December 24 a public holiday in Spain?
No, December 24 is not a public holiday in Spain. In most regions, only December 25 (Christmas Day) and January 6 (Epiphany / Día de los Reyes) are official public holidays.
What is celebrated on the Day of the Holy Innocents in Spain?
On December 28, Spain celebrates Día de los Santos Inocentes. Today, this day is associated with jokes and pranks and is considered the Spanish equivalent of April Fools’ Day. Light-hearted tricks and humorous fake news — even in the media — are part of the tradition.
Who do children write their wish lists to in Spain?
Since there is no Santa Claus in traditional Spanish Christmas customs, children send their wish lists to the Three Wise Men. Melchior, Caspar, and Balthasar are believed to bring gifts on January 6, fulfilling children’s wishes on Día de los Reyes.
What do people say on the Day of the Three Kings in Spain?
A common greeting is simply “¡Felices Reyes!” (Happy Three Kings’ Day!).Another popular wish is:“¡Que los Reyes Magos te traigan muchos regalos!”(May the Three Wise Men bring you lots of gifts!)
Comments