Spain is the perfect destination for a December holiday, offering a delightful blend of diverse climates, rich cultural activities and enchanting Christmas traditions.
From bustling cities decked with festive lights and vibrant markets to picturesque snowy escapes, there’s something for everyone. Discover the best places to visit in December and kick off the yuletide in unforgettable style.
The best cities in Spain to visit at Christmas
For those who want to get into the Christmas spirit, Spain's major cities offer an unforgettable experience with lights, markets and special events.
What to do this Christmas in Madrid?
Visiting Madrid in December is enchanting, as the city comes alive with the magic of Christmas. Iconic streets like Gran Vía and Plaza Mayor sparkle with festive lights and host charming Christmas markets. The crisp winter air is the perfect excuse to indulge in hot chocolate and churros at one of the city's legendary churrerías.
Madrid also offers unique seasonal activities, such as the Naviluz bus, which tours the beautifully illuminated streets and traditional nativity scene displays. Key landmarks like Plaza de Cibeles and Puerta del Sol become hubs of celebration, featuring the grand Christmas tree and the iconic New Year’s Eve strikes of the clock.
For accommodation, there is a wide variety of holiday rentals in Madrid. You can also opt for a longer stay in the Spanish capital by searching for homes for sale or rental properties.
Christmas in Barcelona
In December, Barcelona transforms into a vibrant display of lights and colours, with Plaça Catalunya and Passeig de Gràcia at the heart of the festive magic. Traditional Christmas markets, such as the beloved Fira de Santa Llúcia, offer handcrafted goods and unique decorations.
Barcelona’s cultural scene also comes alive during the season, featuring classical music concerts and theatre shows. Be sure to wander through the Gothic Quarter, where you can shop for Christmas gifts, savour a hot chocolate or simply soak in the festive atmosphere. For some winter fun, don’t miss the opportunity to go ice skating in the city’s squares.
Christmas in the city of Barcelona begins by finding holiday rentals in Barcelona and some of its many neighbourhoods. You can also find homes for sale or rental properties for a longer period.
Vigo's Christmas lights
Vigo has become renowned for its dazzling Christmas decorations, with the Galician city illuminated by an astounding 11 million LED lights, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle. The city centre boasts a charming Christmas market, complemented by festive attractions like a giant Ferris wheel and ice-skating rinks.
The Christmas experience in Vigo would not be complete without exploring its nearby beaches, where winter sunshine is often a welcome companion. To top off your experience, indulge in the region’s exquisite cuisine, featuring fresh seafood and renowned Galician wines.
To plan your getaway, you can start by taking a look at the many holiday rentals in Vigo. In the Galician city, you can also find a good number of homes for sale or rental properties.
Christmas in Córdoba
Córdoba offers a Christmas full of Andalusian charm. Its cobbled streets and courtyards are decorated with lights and festive decorations, creating a welcoming and warm atmosphere. Don't miss the Christmas Market in Plaza de las Tendillas, where you can sample delicious local products.
The city is also known for its historical heritage, so you can combine your Christmas experience with visits to emblematic monuments such as the Mosque-Cathedral.
Most holiday rentals in Córdoba are located very close to the centre. If you are looking for another type of more permanent accommodation, you can find houses for sale or rental properties in the capital of the Caliphate.
Winter sports destinations in Spain
Spain's geographical diversity never ceases to amaze and winter sports are no exception. In December, snow blankets the mountains, drawing the season’s first adventurers eager to enjoy its allure.
What to do at Christmas in the Aragonese Pyrenees?
Renowned for its ski resorts, including Formigal and Panticosa, this region boasts slopes perfect for all skill levels. Its stunning landscape, with snow-capped peaks and deep valleys, creates an idyllic backdrop for a winter getaway.
Beyond skiing, visitors can enjoy activities like snowshoeing and dog sledging. The area is also rich in charming traditions, with cosy villages offering the chance to savour delicious local cuisine and experience authentic hospitality.
The beauty of the Alto Aragon region can be enjoyed from holiday rentals in the Aragonese Pyrenees. For lovers of the area and winter sports, the following are ideal: homes for sale or rental properties throughout the northern area of the Aragonese region.
December in Sierra Nevada
Situated in Andalusia, Sierra Nevada holds the distinction of being Europe’s southernmost ski resort. Its season runs from December to around March, offering the unique experience of skiing under nearly constant sunshine.
Beyond its excellent ski slopes, Sierra Nevada is celebrated for its lively nightlife and winter events. Its proximity to Granada makes it an ideal destination to combine thrilling sports with enriching cultural visits.
The village of Pradollano, at the foot of the slopes, is where most holiday rentals in Sierra Nevada are located. However, many also opt for the houses for sale and the rental properties in the area.
Discover the Catalan Pyrenees
The Catalan Pyrenees stand out as a premier destination for winter sports in Spain. Home to renowned resorts like La Molina, Masella and Baqueira Beret, the region provides an exceptional experience for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.
Adding to its appeal are the picturesque villages, where you can immerse yourself in local traditions and marvel at the stunning landscapes, ensuring your trip is truly unforgettable.
The large number of regions within this area (from the Aran Valley to the north of Girona) means it is not hard to find holiday rentals in the Catalan Pyrenees. There are also a good number of homes for sale and rental properties throughout the area.
The most charming villages at Christmas
Christmas in Spain is truly magical and there’s no better way to experience them than by visiting some of the country’s best Christmas villages. These destinations offer a warm, traditional atmosphere:
Bagergue: A village straight out of a Christmas tale
Nestled in the Aran Valley, Bagergue is one of Spain's most picturesque villages. During Christmas, its streets come alive with lights and decorations, creating a festive atmosphere like no other. Here, you can immerse yourself in local traditions and savour the delicious Aranese cuisine.
Bagergue provides an authentic Christmas experience, with nativity scenes, twinkling lights and celebrations on a blanket of snow. It’s the perfect retreat for those seeking a peaceful festive season surrounded by nature, away from the hustle and bustle.
Being a small town, holiday rentals in Bagergue are in high demand. Due to its popularity in the winter season, it also has really interesting homes for sale and rental properties.
Guadalupe at Christmas
Guadalupe, located in Extremadura, is renowned for its historic monastery and rich cultural heritage. During the Christmas season, the town transforms into a charming destination, brimming with cultural events and festive markets.
What truly sets Guadalupe apart is its recognition in 2017 as part of Ferrero Rocher's "Show Off Your Town" campaign. The town was adorned with over 50,000 light bulbs, 2,100 metres of garlands and a towering eight-metre Christmas tree, creating a spectacular festive atmosphere.
A great advantage of this town is that holiday rentals in Guadalupe are relatively affordable. This is also the case for the homes for sale and rental properties that exist in this charming Extremadura municipality.
Puebla de Sanabria, the most beautiful Christmas village
Puebla de Sanabria, in Castile and León, is another perfect destination for a traditional Christmas experience. This charming medieval town is illuminated with festive decorations that accentuate its architectural beauty. You can also explore its historic castle while soaking in the festive spirit.
The blend of rich history and Christmas cheer makes Puebla de Sanabria a truly unique place to spend the holidays. In 2019, it was selected for the "Luce tu pueblo" campaign, as it has one of the most stunning Christmas light displays in the region.
It's not hard to find cosy holiday rentals in Puebla de Sanabria. You also have the option to browse the homes for sale in this Zamora town, as well as rental properties.
Cheap destinations in Spain to travel to in December
December is the perfect time to explore budget-friendly destinations in Spain. Cities like Granada offer a fantastic mix of history, culture and winter landscapes. You can visit the Alhambra and take in views of the Sierra Nevada, plus explore various nativity scenes and Christmas markets for free.
Another excellent option is Zaragoza: with moderate prices, December sees its famous life-size nativity scene and a Christmas market in the Plaza del Pilar, perfect for getting into the festive mood. Here, you can savour local cuisine, visit the Basilica del Pilar and wander its historic streets without breaking the bank.
