Christmas or Navidad 2024-2025 in Spain

Even though most tourists come to Spain in summer, wintertime is also a beautiful period to visit this country. Spain at Christmas time turns into a magical wonderland full of shimmering lights and nativity scenes (Belenes). This holiday is very cozy and family-oriented. The traditional Spanish Christmas dinner is called 'Pavo Trufado de Navidad,' including turkey stuffed with truffles.

Christmas Traditions in Spain

A new holiday tradition has also been brought from the popular culture of other countries—Santa Claus, known in Spain as Papá Noel, brings gifts for children to open on Christmas Eve, which means that on Christmas Day, parks and plazas are full of children playing with their friends and showing them their gifts. The atmosphere is really warm and pleasant. Spaniards also like to test their luck during the Christmas season by participating in the traditional El Gordo lottery, the results of which are announced on December 22nd.

There is another special date during the celebration: the 28th of December. This day is called the “Día de Los Santos Inocentes”, a day that originally commemorated the young victims of a massacre ordered by the biblical-age governor of Judea Herodes.

Christmas Season in Spain

Generally, the Christmas spirit resides in Spain starting from early December until early January. The festivities are extended from the Day of the Immaculate Conception (December 8th) to the Epiphany (January 6th).

Christmas Markets in Spain

From late November through early and even late January, major Spanish cities host a target="_blank" href="https://rove.me/to/spain/christmas-markets-in-spain">festive markets, offering various stocking stuffers, holiday decor, and all sorts of knick-knacks for your home. Barcelona's largest market, known as Fira de Santa Llúcia, takes place around Barcelona Cathedral, while Cordoba hosts its own Christmas market in the central Plaza de las Tendillas. If you're planning to visit the capital during the holiday season, Madrid holds holiday markets from November through late December at Plaza Mayor.