Spain places great importance on Christian holidays, and locals are known for their passionate love of celebrations. Christmas decorations begin appearing as early as September so that cities can be beautifully lit even before Advent begins. You will see the words “Feliz Navidad” on almost every corner, and Christmas songs start playing on the radio as early as November. Most importantly, everyone genuinely enjoys it! Join us on a festive journey through Spanish Christmas traditions.
Anyone who has experienced Christmas in Spain will likely feel the true spirit of the holidays (and if they deny it, they probably aren’t being entirely honest). People here enjoy the end of the year to the fullest, and if they wish to see snow, they simply head to the ski slopes of the Sierra Nevada. However, the absence of snow on the Costa del Sol does not diminish the festive atmosphere—in fact, the mild climate (with temperatures still occasionally exceeding 20°C in December) encourages outdoor activities such as barbecuing.“Right in front of our house we have a beautiful olive grove with public grills. Every weekend and holiday, the park is full of families and friends spending time together until late in the evening. It’s charming that, in addition to food and drinks, people bring white tablecloths, radios, and umbrellas. Living in Spain simply means enjoying life and people to the fullest,” says a Czech woman who moved to Andalusia with her family this summer thanks to Viva España.
The Christmas Lottery (Lotería de Navidad)
Spaniards approach Christmas with even greater passion, viewing it primarily as a celebration of the birth of Jesus. Unlike in the Czech Republic, Christmas in Spain is celebrated twice—on Christmas Day in December and again on January 6th during Epiphany (Three Kings Day), according to Christian tradition. However, already on the evening of December 22nd, the entire country is glued to television screens for the drawing of the Lotería de Navidad, by far the largest and possibly oldest lottery in the world. It has been held since 1763, and tickets have been sold for €20 each since July. According to El País, 185 million tickets were sold this year, with a total of €2.59 billion in prizes to be distributed. The top prize, known as “El Gordo,” is €400,000, bringing life-changing joy to many winners. Second prize winners receive €125,000, and third prize winners €50,000.
Nochebuena and the Nativity of the Lord
In Spain, Christmas officially begins on December 25th (Natividad del Señor). However, the real festive atmosphere starts on the evening of December 24th—Nochebuena—when entire families gather around a large Christmas dinner that often lasts until midnight. Unlike the traditional single-course Czech Christmas meal, the Spanish festive table features multiple dishes, including turkey, ham, fish and seafood, lamb, or pork. It is accompanied by sparkling cava and sweet pastries and desserts.
After this long and abundant dinner, some families attend the midnight mass, Misa del Gallo (Rooster’s Mass). According to tradition, the rooster was the first animal to announce the birth of Jesus. Today, however, many young people head into town to celebrate at parties that often resemble lively New Year’s Eve festivities.
The Three Kings (Reyes Magos)
On Three Kings Day, Spaniards traditionally eat Roscón de los Reyes, a ring-shaped cake similar to a sweet bread, decorated with figs, candied fruit, and almonds. Hidden inside are a small king figurine and a dried bean. Legend says that whoever finds the figurine becomes “king,” while whoever finds the bean must pay for the roscón.
For children, however, this day is even more important. Not only do festive parades (Cabalgata de los Reyes) take place, during which sweets and small gifts are thrown into the crowd, but the real Christmas presents are delivered on the night of January 5th. According to tradition, the Three Kings arrive on camels and leave gifts in children’s shoes placed outside the door. Children also leave water for the camels and, just like Czech and Slovak children, try to catch a glimpse of the magical visitors. But sleep usually wins—and the gifts appear by morning… or do they really come from the Three Kings? Spain also has its version of Santa Claus—Papá Noel—who brings presents on Christmas Eve, meaning Spanish children are among the most gifted in the world, receiving presents twice.