Christmas sweets in Spain: Tradition and flavour in every bite

Christmas is much more than just a time of year: it is a journey through flavours, aromas and emotions that awaken our most festive essence. In Spain, the richness of Christmas pastries reflects the cultural and geographical diversity of a country that celebrates these dates with passion and creativity. From the pestiños of the south to the marzipan of the centre, each sweet contains stories, traditions and family secrets passed down from generation to generation. Vincci Hotels, we would like to invite you to discover this delicious tour of some of the most emblematic Christmas sweets in Spain.

Malaga: Pestiños and Roscón de Reyes

Our first stop takes us to the heart of Andalusia, where los pestiños are synonymous with Christmas. This simple but flavourful sweet is made with a dough made of flour, anise and sesame seeds, fried and dipped in honey or sugar. Its origins date back to Andalusian cuisine, where the mixture of spices and honey were the stars of the confectionery.

Pestiños are not only a dessert, but also a symbol of family unity during the holidays, as many families gather to make them together. Did you know that in some regions, touches of sweet wine are added to the dough to give it a more intense flavor? Also, the shape of pestiños can vary: some are rectangular, while others are folded into a bow shape, depending on local tradition.

Pestiños - Málaga

The Roscón de Reyes also has a special place in Christmas celebrations. This crown-shaped cake, decorated with candied fruit and filled with whipped cream, is much more than just a dessert: it is a tradition that brings families together on Three Kings' Day. The search for the hidden figurine and bean inside the roscón adds a touch of fun to the after-dinner conversation. Did you know that this tradition has Roman origins? During Saturnalia, similar cakes containing a bean were made, and whoever found it was named "king" for a day.

Vincci Larios Diez 4*

In the heart of Malaga, Vincci Larios Diez 4* will envelop you in the Christmas spirit. Its prime location on the famous Larios Street allows you to enjoy the magic of the Christmas lights and markets, as well as offering the comfort and style characteristic of Vincci. Its terrace with views of the city is the ideal place to end the day enjoying a hot drink. At the Taller de Larios 10 restaurant we offer a special Roscón de Reyes making workshop, where you can learn all the secrets of this traditional sweet.

Vincci Selección Posada del Patio 5*

Located next to the historic city centre, our five-star hotel combines exclusivity with tradition. It is ideal for those who wish to explore Malaga's history in a warm and refined setting. It also has archaeological remains of the city wall inside, which adds a unique cultural touch.

Vincci Selección Aleysa 5*

Located on the seafront, our exclusive boutique hotel combines luxury and serenity. Enjoy Christmas surrounded by stunning views, high-quality cuisine and unrivalled service on the Costa del Sol. Its spa facilities and personalised approach ensure an unforgettable stay.

Madrid: Nougat and Marzipan

We continue towards the center of Spain, where nougat is the undisputed king of the Christmas table in the capital. This sweet, with centuries of history, is made with almonds, honey and sugar, and offers a variety of textures and flavours. From the hard Alicante nougat, crunchy and full of flavour, to the soft Jijona nougat, creamy and delicate, each variety has its charm. In addition, other versions such as chocolate nougat or toasted egg yolk nougat bring modernity to this centuries-old tradition. Did you know that nougat is an Arab legacy that arrived in Spain during the Middle Ages? The Jijona region is known as the birthplace of this sweet for its artisan tradition and the use of high-quality almonds.

Turrones y Mazapanes - Madrid

The marzipan has medieval roots and is first mentioned in documents from the 8th century. It is a sweet that finds its greatest expression in Toledo, and is also the protagonist of Madrid's festivities. This delicate delicacy, made from almonds and sugar, takes on fun shapes of fruits, animals or Christmas motifs. Its soft texture and sweet taste make it a favourite with both children and adults. In Toledo, its production is protected by a designation of origin that guarantees its authenticity.

Vincci Capitol 4*

With a prime location on Gran Via, our 4-star hotel combines art deco style and modernity. It is perfect for enjoying the festive atmosphere of Madrid, with its Christmas markets and bright decorations just steps away.

Vincci The Mint 4*

Its avant-garde design and terrace with spectacular views make this hotel a unique option for experiencing Christmas in Madrid. Located in the heart of the city, it offers easy access to its main attractions. On the rooftop is The Mint Roof which, with its cozy atmosphere, is ideal for enjoying a Christmas drink.

Vincci Soho 4*

Located in the Barrio de las Letras, this hotel combines art, culture and modernity. It is ideal for those who want to explore Madrid during the holidays while enjoying an exclusive and welcoming atmosphere. Its interior courtyards, decorated with lights and ornaments, create a magical space to unwind.

Vincci Soma 4*

Located in the elegant Salamanca district, Vincci Soma offers a contemporary space with access to the best shops and Christmas activities in the city. Its restaurant offers an unbeatable menu after the renovation of its space, making it the perfect place for celebrations of any kind.

Seville: Shortbread and Mantecados

In Seville, polvorones and mantecados are a classic Christmas pastry. Made with lard, flour and sugar, they differ in texture: polvorones melt gently in the mouth, while mantecados are more compact and crunchy. In addition, you can find varieties with flavours such as cinnamon, chocolate or lemon, which add diversity to these traditions. Did you know that the production of polvorones and mantecados in Estepa supplies almost all of Spain? This small Andalusian town produces millions of units every season.

Polvorones y Mantecados - Sevilla

Vincci La Rábida 4*

With typical Sevillian architecture and charming interior courtyards, Vincci La Rábida 4* allows you to immerse yourself in the city's Christmas spirit while enjoying its exquisite local cuisine. Its views of the Giralda are a visual treat that complements the experience.

Vincci Molviedro 4*

Located in the historic center, our hotel is perfect for exploring Seville's traditions and enjoying the lights and decorations that beautify the city during the festivities. Its design combines classic and modern for an unforgettable stay.

Vincci Selección Unuk 5*

A luxury hotel that offers a unique Christmas experience with contemporary design and exclusive services in the heart of Seville Its spacious rooms and terrace with heated pool make it a perfect retreat for these dates.

Barcelona: Neules and Egg Nougat

In Catalonia, the neules are synonymous with light and festive desserts. These thin, crispy wafers, accompanied by cava, are the perfect finishing touch to any Christmas meal. The simplicity of their preparation contrasts with the delicacy of their flavour and texture. Did you know that neules have medieval origins and that in the beginning they were only made for special occasions? Today, they remain an icon of Catalan festivities.

Neules - Barcelona

The yolk nougat, made with egg yolk and sugar, is a Catalan specialty that adds a sophisticated touch to the Christmas table. Its creamy texture and delicate flavor make it an essential sweet. This nougat, which originated as a variant of marzipan, is caramelized on top, creating a crunchy layer that contrasts with its soft interior.

Vincci Gala 4*

Vincci Gala 4* combines modern design with historic details in the heart of Barcelona. Its location close to Las Ramblas makes it ideal for exploring the city during the festivities. In addition, its gastronomic offer includes dishes that highlight local flavours, perfect for Christmas.

Vincci Bit 4*

With its contemporary style and artistic details in every corner, Vincci Bit 4* offers a unique experience. It is the perfect place for those seeking comfort and art in a Christmas setting. Its proximity to the Forum and the beach adds versatility to your visit.

Vincci Marítimo 4*

Close to the beach and the Diagonal Mar shopping centre, our 4-star hotel is ideal for those who want to enjoy tranquillity and Christmas shopping in a modern atmosphere.

Vincci Mae 4*

Located on Diagonal Avenue, Vincci Mae 4* offers spectacular views of the city and perfect access to Barcelona's main Christmas attractions. Its carefully decorated spaces create a warm and festive atmosphere.

Valencia: Pastissets and Snow Nougat

Valencia contributes to Christmas the pastissets, thin pastries filled with sweet potato or angel hair. This Valencian tradition stands out for its simplicity and flavour, making it perfect to accompany a coffee or hot chocolate. Did you know that pastissets have Arab-Andalusian roots? Originally they were made with ground almonds before the use of sweet potato in their filling became popular.

Pastissets - Valencia

The snow nougat, with its soft texture and light flavour, is another of the jewels of Valencian confectionery. Made with ground almonds and egg white, it is ideal for those looking for a less heavy, but equally delicious sweet. Its name is due to its white colour and its spongy consistency, reminiscent of freshly fallen snow. It is especially popular among those looking for lighter options to close festive meals.

Vincci Lys 4*

Located in the heart of Valencia, Vincci Lys 4* offers a welcoming atmosphere and is just a few steps from the Christmas markets, where you can enjoy the magic of the holidays. Its spacious rooms and personalized attention guarantee an unforgettable experience.

Vincci Mercat 4*

Located next to the central market, our hotel combines modernity with tradition. It is perfect for those who want to explore local cuisine and enjoy a Christmas full of flavours. Its restaurant offers special menus inspired by fresh market produce.

Vincci Palace 4*

With its elegant design and central location, Vincci Palace 4* is ideal for immersing yourself in Valencia’s Christmas traditions while enjoying all the modern comforts. Its proximity to the cathedral and the old town allows for a complete cultural experience.

Clearly, Christmas in Spain is a time full of traditions and unique flavours that are reflected in its varied confectionery. At Vincci Hotels, we want you to live an authentic Christmas experience enjoying the most emblematic sweets from each place. From the pestiños from Málaga to the pastissets from Valencia, each sweet tells a story and invites you to discover the cultural and gastronomic richness of our country. We look forward to seeing you so you can enjoy a Christmas full of flavour and tradition with Vincci Hotels!

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