Many of us associate Spain with lazy days on the beach and eating paella in the sun. And, while the summer months are a great time to visit, there’s something truly magical about Spain at Christmas.
Cities come alive with excited children, bright lights, and late-night shopping and families start preparing Christmas feasts way in advance. Everyone indulges in sweet treats and wrestling with wrapping paper and there’s a joyous buzz in the air.
All that sounds quite familiar, right? Well, a lot of Christmas traditions in Spain are the same as in other countries. But there are a couple of pretty big differences that you should be aware of if you’re thinking of spending the most magical time of the year there.
9 Christmas Traditions in Spain
Some traditions span the entire country, while others are specific to a region in Spain. Where there are regional differences, we will share those fun local facts.
1. Traditionally There’s No Santa Claus
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas in many parts of the world without Santa or Father Christmas. But, traditionally, Spaniards don’t celebrate Santa Claus (Papa Noel).
Most families in Spain celebrate Christmas with the Reyes Magos, the Three Wise Men, who come on the 6th of January. They bring kids presents and families enjoy a large meal together.
While the Reyes Magos are most common in Spain, children these days have more access to TV shows and Tik Toks from around the world showing them a Christmas that is perhaps less traditional. This has meant more and more, families are welcoming Santa into their homes at this time of year.
In different regions of Spain, they also have their own version of him – or something similar that brings gifts for the kids.
Catalonia
In Catalonia they have el Tió de Nadal. He’s a hollow log that kids paint a face on and add arms and legs.
He’s quite often wearing the red hat of Catalonia too. On the 8th of December, kids in Catalonia put the Tió de Nadal to bed by covering him with a warm blanket and start to feed him in the run-up to Christmas.
He’s fed with sweets, nuts, and chocolate and, on Christmas day, kids beat him with a stick until all the sweets fall out! At this point, he’s also called Caga Tio or, the pooping log!
Galicia
In Galicia they have their own version of Santa Claus called El Apalpador. He’s a coal miner who comes down the chimney on Christmas Eve (or sometimes New Year’s Eve, depending on the region) to check that the kids have been eating enough and leave them presents.
Basque Country
Olentzero is a kind and jolly man with a mustache and a pipe, who, according to Basque legend, was originally a giant! He’s tasked with bringing happiness and light during the darkest and coldest months of the year. He also brings gifts on the 24th in the evening.
Christmas around Spain is such a beautiful time to see decorations, especially around Madrid. You might even get a bit of snow.
2. Celebrations Happen on Different Days
For many of us around the world, it’s all about Christmas morning. In some parts of Europe, however, Christmas dinner and the exchanging of gifts happen on the evening of the 24th, which is the case in Spain.
Christmas Day in Spain is usually another family affair. There will be a shared lunch, perhaps smaller than the day before, perhaps not. It’s common for more extended family to get together too on Christmas Day as well. Usually this is for a drink or something sweet after lunch.
But for many families, Christmas in Spain doesn’t happen until the 6th of January. Or at least presents aren’t exchanged until the Three Kings make an appearance.
3. Food at Christmas in Spain
Unlike in some countries, food is one of the more relaxed Christmas traditions in Spain – although you can always expect a lot of it. There isn’t one dish that everyone eats on Christmas, not like roast turkey or a cooked ham.
Instead, families tend to create their own traditions and even change them every year. It’s common for many families to eat roast chicken, fish, seafood, turkey, or roasted meat. These are usually accompanied by various tapas, soups, cured meats, and cheeses.
Cava is a popular drink during the Christmas period, as well as white and red wine. For dessert, it’s common for people to eat Turrón, a kind of almond nougat, or Polvorones, a crumbly, nutty cookie. Marzipan and chocolates are also popular on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve in Spain.
On the 6th of January, Spaniards almost always tuck into a Roscón de Reyes. This is a circular sponge cake, almost like a doughnut, that’s decorated with nuts and glazed fruit and filled with cream.
But be careful! If you bite down on a bean, you have to buy next year’s Roscon de Reyes but if your piece has the little king figure in it, you’ll have luck all year.
4. Christmas Eve Mass is Highly Attended
Spain is a very religious country and many people attend Christmas Eve Mass. La Misa del Gallo, or the Rooster Mass as it’s translated to, is an important social event. People go to listen to the service, exchange gifts, and greet one another.
The best way to see Christmas lights is always at night. Be sure to stroll through the destination you are visiting close to Christmas time.
5. Admire the Spanish Nativity Scenes (And the Guy Pooping!)
Spanish nativity scenes, or beléns, are much bigger than you may be used to. Like a traditional nativity, they still show Mary, Joseph, Jesus, the shepherds, animals, and the Three Wise Men, but they also build an entire village around them.
Some of them are huge and extremely detailed. They use a lot of cork and moss and have rivers, buildings, and plenty of characters – one of which is the Caganer. The man pooping.
The Caganer is most popular in Catalonia, Valencia, and the Balearic Islands, although he’s making his way to other parts of Spain too. He’s often a famous figure and is used as a way to equalize everyone.
6. Play the Fat Lottery
Nearly everyone in Spain takes part in the Fat Lottery, known as El Gordo. It’s not like any other lottery. Rather than selecting your numbers, you can buy a full ticket for US$220 which consists of ten tickets, each with the same five numbers. It’s common, however, for people to buy a tenth of a ticket, called a décimo.
The calling of the numbers is quite an event. On the morning of the 22nd of December, the winning numbers are announced by singing school children and it can take hours! Lots of people win a lot of money in El Gordo, which is why almost everyone plays. Nearly 2.5 billion dollars are given out!
Many cities have multiple trees and Christmas decorations in different plazas, so be sure to visit different areas to see the best decorations.
7. It’s April Fools – But in December!
Something else you should know about Christmas in Spain is that their equivalent of April Fools Day happens on the 28th of December!
It’s called Día de los Santos Inocentes and it’s possible that anyone, from your neighbor to the news broadcaster, will play a trick on you!
8. New Year’s Eve is All About the Grapes
There are lots of great New Year’s Eve traditions in Spain, but the most famous one is eating 12 grapes in the 12 chimes up to midnight. It’s surprisingly harder than it seems!
Everyone watches the TV to know when the chimes are and, supposedly, if you don’t manage it you won’t have good luck for that year!
9. Parade for the Three Kings
On the 5th of January, the afternoon before the Reyes Magos arrive to deliver presents, there’s a big procession through the center of most towns and cities as the kings arrive.
They’re usually on a float and toss candy and treats to the excited children lining the streets. This procession is called the Cabalgata and is one of the most unique Christmas traditions in Spain.
Christmas in Spain – Frequently Asked Questions
Where’s The Best Place to Visit in Spain at Christmas?
The weather in Spain in December varies from region to region. The Sierra Nevada, close to Granada, is a great place to visit if you want snow and to go skiing.
Rural villages may give you a more authentic feel of Christmas traditions in Spain but the cities are vibrant and exciting too. In some cities, the weather can be amazing! Madrid is generally quite cold, but the likes of Valencia and Barcelona can reach 70°F on Christmas Day.
Are Shops and Supermarkets Open in Spain Around Christmas?
Almost every shop and supermarket in Spain will be closed on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and the 6th of January. These are days that are spent at home, enjoying the time with family.
A lot of supermarkets and shops may open on the 24th and 31st with reduced hours. They will usually post a sign on the door of the store a few days in advance with the holiday opening hours so that you can plan ahead.
Are Restaurants Open in Spain Around Christmas?
It’s unlikely you’ll find a restaurant open on Christmas Eve in Spain as most people celebrate this with family.
On Christmas Day, however, you might find a couple of restaurants open catering to lunch orders. Some local bars will also be open in the morning but are likely to close before lunch.
What Should You Bring to Someone’s House at Christmas in Spain?
It’s customary to bring a gift to someone’s house if they’ve invited you for lunch or dinner at Christmas. This may include a bottle of cava or wine, sweet treats such as Turrón, or a seasonal gift such as Poinsettias.
Follow the Christmas lights lighting the way around Spain at Christmas.
Should You Spend Christmas in Spain?
Christmas is an amazing time of the year to go to Spain. It’s completely different from the sunny days in Summer but it’s full of beauty and charm. You’ll get to experience different traditions and food and see the cities and towns lit up with Christmas lights.
It’s a great way to get to know the culture better and the perfect place to escape the colder weather of Northern Europe and the USA!