Around the world the Christmas period is a time when food takes centre stage, and Spain is no different. With many typical Spanish dishes and sweet treats enjoyed only at Christmas time, Christmas food in Spain is the perfect excuse to bring families together around the table. During the entire Christmas period in Spain, from the main Spanish Christmas dinner on Christmas Eve (24th December), to celebrating the arrival of the Reyes Magos (Three Kings) on 6th January, families come together and enjoy traditional Spanish meals full of meat, seafood and of course, no shortage of sweet treats.
While some festive foods are common across the country, others are specific to certain regions. Though Christmas turkey is becoming more popular as an affordable option, it's time to forget mince pies and Christmas pudding and explore 10 traditional Spanish Christmas foods to indulge in. If you are in Spain or just fancy enjoying Christmas with a twist, try these Spanish Christmas dishes and celebrate like a true Spaniard in 2024.
Entremeses
Anyone who has spent even just a short amount of time in Spain will know just how much Spaniards love any sort of cured meat or charcuterie such as ham, chorizo or morcilla (black pudding), and Christmas time in Spain is no different. Entremeses, which are at the heart of Christmas food in Spain, are basically plates of cured meat that are served at the start of a Christmas dinner. Think of it as an appetiser, featuring the finest Spanish jamón along with a selection of local cheeses.
Suckling pig
In Spain's Castile and Leon region, Cochinillo (suckling pig) is a very typical Christmas dish that often takes centre stage as part of the Christmas Eve meal, although there are places where lamb is the preferred meat or even turkey in some cases. People from other parts of Spain often order their suckling pig from Segovia or Valladolid months in advance, and when the big day arrives, the meat is cooked until the skin is crispy and dark brown. This juicy meat is often served with potatoes and onions which are caramelised under the meat as it cooks.
Seafood
Eating well is a key part of life in Spain year-round, and for occasions like Christmas, Spaniards spare no expense. With this in mind, it’s very common to see large spreads of seafood at the Christmas Eve dinner, especially in coastal regions such as Galicia. Whether it's a prawn cocktail or an impressive lobster main course, seafood is bound to make an appearance at some point in most traditional Spanish Christmas dinners. In spite of this, times are tough and price increases are affecting many Spanish families, meaning that this expensive Christmas food in Spain might not be making an appearance on as many tables this year, with many in search of more afforable option.
Galets
Spanish Christmas food traditions are found across the country, and Galets is a traditional Christmas soup which is usually eaten in Catalonia during the Christmas season. This warming winter soup is prepared with a meaty broth and contains large pasta shells, called "galets", which are sometimes filled with meat.
Marzipan
Although marzipan is enjoyed year-round in Toledo, just south of Madrid, it has become a symbol of Christmas cuisine throughout Spain. The first written reference of it dates back to 1577 and it is believed to be of Arab origin, although some claim it was created by the nuns at the Convent of San Clemente in Toledo, Castile-La Mancha. Made from ground almonds, egg yolk, and sugar, marzipan is a treat that divides opinion—whether you love it or hate it, it undeniably holds a special place in Spanish Christmas celebrations. Not only is it delicious, but marzipan is often shaped into intricate designs that are almost too beautiful to eat, making it a perfect addition to both festive tables and holiday decorations.
Polvorones and Mantecados
What is a popular Christmas treat in Spain? No Spanish Christmas dinner or festive celebration is complete without a selection of sweet treats, and two staples are polvorones and mantecados. These brightly wrapped goodies can be found in nearly every supermarket across Spain during the holiday season. Polvorones are sweet, crumbly biscuits known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture. Traditionally made with lard, toasted wheat flour, ground almonds, and sugar, they get their name from the powdery flour that coats them, giving the appearance of dust. Mantecados, while similar, are slightly less crumbly and come in a variety of flavours, with cinnamon and aniseed being the most traditional. These little biscuits are a must-have during the Christmas period in Spain.
Roscos de Vino
Another of the typical Spanish sweet treats that cannot be missed after a meal during this festive season are "roscos de vino" which literally translates as "wine rolls". One of the peculiarities of these doughnut-shaped biscuits is that they contain a small amount of sweet wine and nuts, and once finished, they are covered with icing sugar which makes these delicious Spanish biscuits take on a snowy appearance. In addition to a dash of wine, a rosco de vino is made with flour, sugar, olive oil, lemon zest, ground sesame seeds and a splash of Anisette liqueur. When it comes to the best traditional Spanish Christmas food, those from Malaga and Castile La Mancha are particularly well known.
Turrón
When it comes to Spanish Christmas desserts, there's one sweet treat that stands out. This typical Christmas sweet par excellence is made from the simple ingredients of honey, sugar, almonds and egg whites. Although there are currently dozens of varieties of turrón, which is basically the Spanish version of nougat, from pistachio to truffle or coconut, the two most popular ones are still the good old hard and soft varieties.
Roscón de Reyes
Moving on, this is possibly the most traditional Spanish Christmas food. No Christmas season in Spain is complete without the star of the show, the "Roscón de Reyes". This sweet, bread-like cake is shaped like a large doughnut and topped with candied fruit slices and without a doubt is one of the most popular Christmas desserts in Spain. You'll be hard pushed to find a house in the whole country where they don't serve this Spanish Christmas cake for breakfast or an afternoon snack on 6th January to celebrate what is known in Spain as the Three Kings’ Day. All that's left to decide is if this Christmas and New Year you will choose to enjoy your roscón with or without cream, a hot debate every year across Spain.
Cava
Last but not least, Christmas and New Year's celebrations in Spain must be washed down with a glass of Cava, the Spanish equivalent of French champagne. Once you've gobbled up your 12 grapes on the stroke of midnight at the end of 2024, make sure to raise a glass of good Cava to toast in the New Year with all of Spain.
Want to find out more about Spanish Christmas traditions? Check out our guide and discover 10 fascinating facts about Spanish Christmas traditions to celebrate like a local this festive season.
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