Christmas in Spain

If El Gordo is the warm‑up act for Spain’s festive gambling season, the El Niño lottery is the quieter but very welcome encore.

The Three Kings Parade is always one of the most eagerly awaited moments of the Christmas season in cities such as Barcelona, where the celebrations to welcome Their Majesties are truly captivating.

The Madrid Three Kings Parade 2026 will once again fill the city with magic, tradition and excitement. Thousands of families are expected to line the streets to welcome Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar during one of the most iconic celebrations of the Spanish Christmas season.

In 2026, don’t forget to make time for the ones who mean the most to you. All of us at idealista wish you a very Merry Christmas and a fantastic New Year.

Ferrero Rocher’s annual Christmas lights competition returns to showcase the breadth of traditions, landscapes and local talent across Spain.

During the Christmas holidays, many towns in Spain transform into enchanting fairytale settings, where lights, nativity scenes and local traditions create a truly magical atmosphere.In this guide, compiled from sources including National Geographic Travel, Time Out Madrid and Condé Nast Traveler Esp

Christmas is just around the corner, bringing with it the traditional lottery draws and the dream of becoming a millionaire overnight – though that requires a great deal of luck. Meanwhile, the Spanish Tax Agency can be certain that, draw after draw, its coffers will benefit from the winners’ good fortune. Lottery winnings are subject to a flat 20% tax, except for the first €40,000.

Barcelona being named European Capital of Christmas 2026 is a proper badge of honour.

Valencia has officially welcomed the festive season, and one of its biggest attractions each year is its warm and welcoming Christmas markets.

Málaga at Christmas shines brighter than ever, with artistic illuminations, immersive shows, seaside markets, and seasonal events suitable for families, couples, and solo travellers alike.

How is Christmas celebrated in Spain? Spanish Christmas traditions are full of colour, culture, and quirky customs. From unique decorations to festive foods and New Year rituals, Spain’s celebrations are both traditional and delightfully unusual.

New Year’s Eve traditions in Spain feel both homely and theatrical, with families glued to the same clock and strangers hugging in the street two minutes later. What is the Spanish tradition for New Year’s Eve?How to eat the 12 grapes at midnightWhy Spain eats 12 grapes on New Year’s EveWhere t

Valencia becomes a spectacular festive stage every December: sparkling Christmas lights, traditional markets, family-friendly plans and atmospheric streets perfect for strolling.

Spain’s festive season doesn’t end on Christmas Day.

When Christmas arrives, Madrid transforms into a sparkling wonderland, offering something for everyone. Streets and squares are illuminated with thousands of lights, while the city brims with Christmas markets, seasonal shows, ice skating rinks, and more.

Christmas in Spain is a long, food‑centred season running from Nochebuena through Christmas Day to Reyes. Families linger over traditional Christmas food in Spain with long lunches and generous starters, roasts and shellfish.

The Christmas lights in Vigo 2025 are a full‑blown national talking point, the kind people travel for just to see the city glow. A lot of that fame rests on the mayor's showman streak, turning the switch‑on into a headline moment.

Barcelona’s planning a full-on glow this year for its Christmas lights display.

Madrid is going big with its Christmas lights display for 2025.

This festive season, Torrejón de Ardoz transforms into the ultimate Christmas destination with Mágicas Navidades (Magical Christmas), the largest Christmas park in Spain.

If you’re hunting for the best Christmas market in Spain 2025, think twinkly plazas, proper regional treats like turrón, and stalls stacked with handmade gifts.

The 10 places to celebrate Christmas in Spain span giant illuminations, edible Christmas displays, life-size nativity scenes, and sweet‑tooth pilgrimages.

Christmas in Málaga has become a real highlight in the calendar, thanks to the city's impressive light display that floods the streets with twinkling festive colours.Málaga Christmas lights 2025: switch‑on, season, and what’s newCalle Larios light show 2025: times and viewing tipsWhen are the Christ

Spain does the festive season properly, with big city switch‑ons in late November and early December, light‑and‑sound shows on iconic streets, projection mapping on landmark buildings and sweet, low‑key neighbourhood displays. Where to see the best Christmas lights in Spain 2025 Málaga Chr

Early December can reshape work and travel plans across Spain, with closures and altered schedules felt nationwide for the December bank holiday weekend.