Spain is full of Christmas traditions, flavors and special events that make these dates magical and meaningful for the whole family. Every corner of the country celebrates in its own way, with customs ranging from the lighting of lights and the preparation of the nativity scene to delicious Christmas dinners and the exciting parades of the Three Kings. Join us to discover ten typical traditions of this season, and surprise your little ones with traditions and curiosities by region!
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Christmas in Spain and its traditions
Christmas decorations and lights
Christmas in Spain begins with the lighting of lights in late November or early December. Major cities, such as Madrid, Barcelona and Vigo, organize lighting ceremonies that attract thousands of families and visitors. In Vigo, it has even become an international event, as the city competes every year to be the best illuminated city in Europe, with more than 11 million LED lights. For children, walking through the decorated streets is a magical experience, and in some cities, there are special tours in Christmas buses decorated with garlands and lights.
Madrid transforms its city center into an authentic Christmas paradise, with lights scattered along its main avenues, squares and emblematic corners. In Gran Vía, Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol, the lights are turned on at the end of November and remain on until January 6. In addition, the Plaza Mayor Christmas Market returns and for those looking for a more interactive experience, the Naviluz – a panoramic bus that travels through the decorated streets – is a perfect activity for families. Giant Christmas trees will also be installed at strategic points, such as Plaza de España and Paseo de Recoletos, where the festive atmosphere will be accompanied by music and activities.
In Barcelona, you can enjoy the Christmas lights in the city center, especially in Paseo de Gracia, Plaza Cataluña and La Rambla, reflecting a modern and elegant style. The Christmas Lights Switch-On is one of the most anticipated events and usually attracts families from all over. Neighborhoods also bring their own personal touch, and places like Gràcia and Poblenou have unique decorations that blend art and tradition. The Santa Llúcia Fair, next to the Cathedral, becomes the Christmas epicenter for buying decorations and nativity scene figures, where the famous “Caganer” stands out as one of the most curious and fun elements. For children, it is a tradition to look for unique and colorful figures in the market. As every Christmas, Casa Batlló offers a special illumination of its facade, from 5:30 pm until 10 pm, every 30 minutes, light and music will be the protagonists for 3 minutes.
Christmas carols and music
Christmas carols are Christmas songs that in Spain have a very particular touch. Children often learn them at school and sing them with their families. In Andalusia, Christmas carols are accompanied by instruments such as the zambomba and tambourine, and in many villages “zambombas” are organized, gatherings where neighbors get together to sing and dance. Some carols are especially fun, such as “Campana sobre campana” or “Los peces en el río”. In some homes, children can even make their own instruments from recycled objects, creating their own tambourines or maracas to accompany the music.
Setting up the Nativity Scene
The crib, or nativity scene, is an essential tradition in Spain, and represents a scene of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem, including figures such as Mary, Joseph, the baby Jesus, the Three Wise Men, the shepherds, and animals in the manger. This montage is not only a decorative activity, but also a way to tell the Christmas story in a visual and accessible way for everyone, especially children.
Every home has its own version, and some nativity scenes are authentic works of art with landscapes, mountains, and even small rivers. In Catalonia and Valencia, in addition to the traditional figures of the Virgin, St. Joseph and Baby Jesus, it is common to see the Caganer, a character that represents the fertility of the earth and good luck. Many museums and squares organize living nativity scenes, where children can see people dressed as shepherds and angels. The nativity scene assembly becomes a family and educational activity, allowing the little ones to learn about the meaning of each character and even invent stories about them.
Christmas bonus
The aguinaldo is a tradition in which money, sweets, or small gifts are given as a token of thanks and good wishes during Christmas. This custom has several versions and meanings in different parts of Spain and the United States. has its roots in the Roman Saturnalia. Nowadays, children go out to sing Christmas carols in the homes of friends and relatives and receive candy or coins in exchange. It is also common for some professionals to receive a small allowance for their services. This tradition allows children to learn about the value of sharing and giving thanks to others, and families take the opportunity to teach them how to thank those who help us throughout the year.
Special meals and dinners
Food is one of the most anticipated moments at Christmas, and in Spain there are typical dishes for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. On Christmas Eve, roast lamb, turkey and a variety of seafood are common, while New Year’s Eve dinners include dishes such as sopa de galets in Catalonia and seafood in Galicia. In addition, the table is filled with desserts such as nougat, polvorones and peladillas. The after-dinner conversation is extended with family games and chats, while the children usually enjoy a day of sweets and delicious food, a tradition with a Christmas flavor!
Christmas lottery
On December 22nd, all of Spain is attentive to the Christmas Lottery, popularly known as “El Gordo”. This draw is one of the biggest and oldest in the world, and the event is so important that many children are excited to see the draw on television or to hear the numbers sung by the children at the San Ildefonso school. Many families buy “décimos” or “participaciones” in the hope of winning, and some schools organize small raffles among the students. For the children, the raffle is a fun way to get their hopes up and imagine what they would do if they won the prize.
Christmas sweets
At Christmas, Spanish tables are filled with sweets that are only seen at this time of the year. Among children’s favorites are turrón (soft from Jijona and hard from Alicante), polvorones and marzipan. In some areas, it is common for families to get together to prepare these sweets at home, which becomes a fun and educational activity for the little ones, who can learn family recipes and traditions that pass from generation to generation and feel proud of their creations.
Eating 12 grapes on New Year’s Eve
One of the most anticipated and fun traditions is the 12 grapes on New Year’s Eve. Each grape symbolizes a month of the year and one must be eaten for each stroke of midnight to attract good luck. At the Puerta del Sol in Madrid, thousands of people gather to welcome the year and follow the tradition live. At home, children practice with smaller grapes or even with candy, and some even try to chew them all at once – a moment full of laughter and wishes for the new year!
The Three Kings Cavalcade
On January 5, the Three Kings Cavalcade is celebrated, a celebration that fills children with illusion, who are anxiously waiting to see Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar. In cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Seville, the parade is a big parade with floats, music and the Three Kings throwing candies. In some cities, such as Granada and Pamplona, children can leave letters to the Three Kings in special mailboxes. It is a magical night in which illusion and hope fill the atmosphere.
The Three Wise Men’s cake
The roscón de Reyes is a crown-shaped sweet decorated with candied fruits. Inside, two surprises are hidden: a king figure and a bean. Whoever finds the king is crowned “king” of the day, and whoever finds the bean must pay for the next roscón. For children, cutting the roscón is exciting, and in some families a small “bean hunt” is organized, with laughter and games.
Regional Christmas traditions and curiosities
The Caga Tió in Catalonia
The Caga Tió or Tió de Nadal is one of the most curious and beloved Christmas traditions in Catalonia. Also known as simply “Tió,” this special log symbolizes generosity, magic and joy. The tradition begins in early December, when families bring a wooden log into their homes, decorated with a smiling face and a “barretina” (the traditional Catalan red hat). During the weeks leading up to Christmas, children feed the Caga Tió daily, “feeding” it fruits, bread and other foods, symbolizing the preparation for the holidays.
The most awaited moment comes on December 24 or Christmas Eve, when the children hit the trunk with sticks while singing a traditional Catalan song. This “magical” act symbolizes the reward for the love and care provided. After the banging and the song, the Caga Tió “defecates” small gifts and sweets, which usually appear under a blanket placed on the back of the trunk.
The tradition of the Caga Tió is a way to strengthen the family bond and the Christmas illusion, not only from the preparation, but also by sharing a moment of laughter and fun that same night. In addition, the Tió represents values of generosity, teaching and teamwork, as children actively participate in its “care” and enjoy the shared reward.
Olentzero in the Basque Country and Navarre
Olentzero is an endearing Christmas figure in the Basque Country and Navarre, representing a kindly charcoal-burner who comes down from the mountains on December 24 to bring gifts and sweets to children, in the style of Santa Claus or the Three Wise Men. His rustic image, with peasant clothes and beret, has captivated generations, and his arrival is celebrated with parades, traditional songs in Basque and various family activities including storytelling and workshops.
Olentzero has its roots in ancient winter solstice festivities and, over the years, has evolved in the Basque tradition as a symbol of generosity and joy. Today, its history is lived as a sign of cultural identity and tradition that every year fills Basque homes with illusion, transmitting values of community and rootedness to the new generations.
Zambombas in Andalusia
Zambombas are a Christmas tradition especially popular in southern Spain, particularly in Andalusia. They are celebrations where music, singing and dancing are the protagonists. The zambomba, a musical instrument made of clay or wood that produces a characteristic sound when played, is used in family and community gatherings. During these festivities, groups of friends and family gather in homes or public spaces to sing Christmas carols and participate in a festive and joyful atmosphere.
In cities like Jerez de la Frontera or Cadiz, the zambomba is lived intensely, becoming a symbol of the Andalusian Christmas. This tradition is not only a moment of fun, but also a way of transmitting culture and regional identity to the new generations.
Els Pastorets in Catalonia
Els Pastorets is a traditional theatrical performance that takes place during Christmas in Catalonia. It is a play that tells the story of the birth of Jesus through characters such as shepherds, angels and demons, and combines elements of comedy and drama. These performances, which are usually organized by schools, theater groups and cultural associations, take place from December until January 6.
The story usually includes a moral message and is presented in an entertaining way, making it a popular activity among families. Watching Els Pastorets has become a family tradition, where children enjoy the performances and immerse themselves in the Christmas story. In addition, this tradition not only preserves local culture, but also promotes community participation in cultural and festive activities.
Royal Page
The Royal Page is a fundamental figure in Spanish Christmas traditions, especially associated with the celebration of the arrival of the Three Kings. This character, generally represented as an assistant to the Kings, is in charge of collecting letters from children detailing their wishes for gifts for Three Kings Day. The Royal Pages appear in various cities in Spain during the holidays in December and early January, touring neighborhoods and squares or setting up in prominent places, such as cultural centers and stores, so that children can deposit their letters and, in many cases, have their pictures taken with them.
The figure of the Royal Page makes the wait until January 6 even more exciting, bringing children closer to the magic of the Three Wise Men. In addition to collecting letters, some Pajes Reales perform parades and participate in the Cabalgata de Reyes on January 5, a massive event in which the Three Wise Men arrive with their entourages and perform light and music shows, handing out candy and greetings. This role not only reinforces the tradition of the Three Wise Men in Spain, but also creates a special bond between children and the festivities, charged with illusion and expectation.
San Blas Almonds
The tradition of San Blas almonds is celebrated on February 3 in honor of San Blas, a saint highly venerated in several localities in Spain. This festivity includes the blessing of food, especially almonds, which are considered a symbol of good luck and health. In many regions, especially in the community of Castilla y León, it is common for fathers and mothers to take their children to church to receive the blessing, and then the children usually receive almonds, as well as other typical sweets, such as cookies and pasta.
Although not strictly Christmas, in certain localities such as the Valencian Community, the tradition is associated with prayers and the protection of the saint to bless crops and work. In many places, families prepare or buy caramelized or glazed almonds, which symbolize good wishes and prosperity in the coming year.
