What are the Christmas traditions in Spain?

Have you ever felt that, when December arrives, everything changes almost without you realising, as if the streets were speaking a different language? In Spain, Christmas has that ability to transform everyday life and bring people together around moments that feel more authentic, because beyond the lights or the shopping, these weeks are filled with stories, memories and traditions that remain very much alive.

In this article we look at some of the most famous traditions in our country, both nationwide and regional, so that you can understand what Christmas in Spain is really like, and why it becomes even more special with Vincci Hoteles.

Christmas customs found throughout Spain

Below, we go over some of the most recognisable Christmas traditions in Spain:

The Christmas Lottery (22 December)

The Extraordinary Christmas Draw is one of the most deeply rooted traditions in Spain and also one of the oldest, as it has been held uninterruptedly since 1812. Its origin dates back to the besieged city of Cádiz, during the Peninsular War, as a way of raising funds for the State without creating a new tax.

Every 22 December, millions of people follow the draw live, led by the children of the San Ildefonso School. It is very common to share a ticket between family members, friends or work colleagues, as it symbolises a shared wish for the people you care about to start the year well.

The nativity scene and Christmas decorations

For many families, setting up the nativity scene is the gesture that announces that Christmas has begun. This tradition dates back to the 18th century, when Charles III promoted the nativity scenes he had seen during his time in Naples at the Spanish court. From that moment on, the custom spread quickly and moved from palaces to homes, parishes and public spaces all over the country.

In contrast to the nativity scene, which maintains its artisanal origin and family value, urban lighting has gradually gained more and more prominence. The switching on of the Christmas lights has become a highly anticipated event, in which each city develops its own style, turning the illumination into a cultural attraction.

Family meals and dinners

Christmas gastronomy reflects the country’s cultural and geographic diversity. Although there is no single menu, many families share certain elements that are common at this time of year, such as seafood or roast lamb or suckling pig, although the latter are more typical of the inland areas. Traditional sweets such as turrones, polvorones or marzipan are the final touch to a special after-dinner conversation and form part of a repertoire closely linked to these celebrations.

These meals tend to bring families together around the table and turn that moment into one of the most eagerly awaited of the month. Some people keep recipes that have been passed down from generation to generation, while others prefer to innovate every year. In any case, the purpose is the same: to share unhurried time and turn the table into a space where bonds are strengthened.

Celebrate those moments you want to hold onto forever with Vincci Hoteles and let us surprise you with our Gala Menus, lovingly created for this special occasion. You simply choose the date; we take care of making sure everything lives up to what you imagine.

The New Year’s Eve chimes and the 12 grapes

One of the best-known New Year’s Eve traditions is eating 12 grapes in time with the midnight chimes every 31 December, as it is believed to bring good luck for the year ahead.

The exact origin of this custom is not fully defined, although several documented theories exist. The most likely places its beginning at the end of the 19th century, when in Madrid some groups began to gather in Puerta del Sol to eat grapes as the bells rang, in an ironic nod to the celebrations of the upper classes, who saw in the year with grapes and champagne. Another widely recognised hypothesis points to a surplus grape harvest in Alicante in 1909, which led farmers to promote their consumption on this date.

The arrival of the Three Wise Men

Although in many countries gifts are given on 25 December, in Spain the night of 5 January has a magical meaning. That is when Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar take centre stage in the parades that pass through cities and towns. Along the route, the Wise Men travel on elaborately decorated floats and, accompanied by their pages, hand out sweets to the crowd.

At dawn on the 6th, homes wake up to the presents the Three Wise Men have left during the night, marking the start of the most eagerly awaited morning for children.

The Roscón de Reyes: a tradition that brings the whole family together

Its origin is associated with ancient winter solstice festivities and, over time, it became part of the festive calendar. Today it is hard to imagine that morning without a box on the table and the curiosity to discover what is hidden inside and who will get the bean (and have to pay for the roscón).

Christmas traditions across Spain’s regions

Although we share a set of common traditions, each region adds its own customs, creating a very particular way of experiencing Christmas. Travelling around the country in December shows how a single celebration can be lived in very different ways depending on the destination.

To help you discover these traditions, at Vincci Hoteles we offer well-located accommodation that makes it easy to get around and experience Christmas in all these regions.

Christmas in Madrid

Madrid kicks off the season with the switching on of the Christmas lights, an event that brings thousands of people together every year along the city’s main streets. During December, Plaza Mayor once again hosts its Christmas market, a classic for those looking for nativity figures, crafts or traditional decorations. Very close by, the queues outside Doña Manolita are a reminder of another deeply rooted Madrid custom: buying a lottery ticket at one of the country’s most iconic and most frequently winning lottery offices.

But alongside these time-honoured traditions, Madrid also incorporates proposals such as Naviluz, the bus that tours the illuminated areas and has become a staple experience for both tourists and locals. And at the end of the month, the San Silvestre Vallecana fills the streets with thousands of runners who see out the year with one of December’s most iconic sporting events.

New Year’s Eve culminates in Puerta del Sol, where the chimes bring together those who want to follow the tradition of the twelve grapes. And in January, the parade on the 5th passes along some of the most emblematic avenues, putting the finishing touch to the celebrations with a procession that combines floats and activities for all ages.

If you visit the city at this time of year, Vincci Hoteles offers you our hotels in Madrid, strategically located and ideal for getting around the key areas of the country’s capital. Our relaxing spaces, rooftops, gastronomy and the service of our team will make your stay even more comforting and special.

Room at the Vincci Soho 4* hotel

Christmas in Bilbao

In the Basque Country, the central figure of the season is Olentzero, a character originating from ancient winter tales that, over time, became part of the Christmas calendar. He has a special meaning for children, who see him as the one who brings presents and who appears in many of the activities organised for them at this time of year.

If you plan to enjoy Bilbao during the festive season, staying at our hotel in Bilbao will make your experience much more complete. There you will find quiet spaces to rest after a busy day, gastronomic offerings in tune with the season, and you will be able to move easily around the city.

Kondutxo Restaurant, at the Vincci Consulado de Bilbao 4* hotel

Christmas in Catalonia

In Catalonia, one of the most recognisable elements of this season is the Caga Tió, a tradition that is also eagerly awaited by children. In the days leading up to Christmas, the log “eats” small symbolic foods that the little ones give it with excitement and, when the time comes, it gives out presents amid songs and laughter.

If you choose the Catalan capital for your Christmas break, stay at one of our hotels in Barcelona. From there, you can easily explore the city and reach the neighbourhoods with the most Christmas atmosphere. And don’t forget to visit the Santa Llúcia Fair in the cathedral square, where you will find decorations typical of Catalan tradition.

Room at the Vincci Marítimo 4* hotel

Christmas in Andalusia

Christmas in Andalusia has a very special way of being experienced: music in the streets, spontaneous gatherings and an atmosphere that invites you to join in and enjoy. In many Andalusian cities, traditional zambombas and musical get-togethers blend with popular carols and the region’s naturally warm way of celebrating this time of year. No big stage is needed for the celebration to begin: all it takes are the instruments, the clapping and the desire to take part.

If you want to travel and enjoy Christmas in this part of the country, at Vincci Hoteles we offer accommodation in Málaga, Cádiz, Seville and Granada, four destinations where December is experienced with particular intensity. Málaga stands out for its lights, which attract thousands of visitors every year; Cádiz combines its coastal character with deeply rooted celebrations; Seville shares its atmosphere in neighbourhoods where there is always music and life; and Granada mixes tradition, culture and the chance to head up to Sierra Nevada to ski in the middle of the Christmas season.

Reception area at the Vincci Selección Posada del Patio 5* hotel

Christmas is experienced in many different ways in Spain, but they all share something in common: that desire to pause for a moment, enjoy what is happening around us and create memories that last. At Vincci Hoteles we want to accompany you on that journey, offering you spaces where you can take in each destination at your own pace. Because the magic of this season is not only in the traditions themselves, but in how we live them. And here, every stay can become part of that story you will remember with a smile.

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