Christmas in Spain: An Expat's Guide
How Spain celebrates Christmas differently. From Three Kings to turron, what expats need to know about the festive season.
Christmas Spanish Style
Spanish Christmas is magical but different from what British and American expats expect. Here's how to navigate the festive season.
The Spanish Christmas Calendar
December 22: El Gordo Lottery
The world's biggest lottery draw. Offices, bars, and homes tune in. Buying tickets is a national tradition.
December 24: Nochebuena (Christmas Eve)
The main event. Families gather for a late, elaborate dinner (10pm onwards). Traditional foods include seafood, lamb, and turron. Midnight mass (Misa del Gallo) follows for the religious.
December 25: Navidad
Quieter than you're used to. Family lunch continues the gathering. Most shops and restaurants closed. Not the main gift-giving day.
December 28: Día de los Inocentes
Spain's April Fools' Day. Expect pranks and jokes.
December 31: Nochevieja (New Year's Eve)
Eat 12 grapes at midnight—one per bell chime. Wear red underwear for luck. Big celebrations in town centres.
January 5: Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos
The Three Kings parade! Huge processions through every town. Sweets thrown to crowds. Children's highlight of the season.
January 6: Día de los Reyes (Three Kings Day)
THE gift-giving day in Spain. Children wake to presents from the Three Kings. Special cake (Roscón de Reyes). Many shops closed.
What's Open and Closed
December 24: Shops close early (2pm typically). Restaurants mostly closed. December 25: Almost everything closed. December 31: Normal until evening, then restaurants open for celebrations. January 1: Everything closed. January 6: Almost everything closed. The week between: Variable. Many Spanish businesses close entirely. Supermarkets and essentials open.Expat Tips
Shopping
- Stock up before December 24
- British goods (for Christmas dinner) at Iceland/overseas shops
- Order turkey in advance from butchers
Restaurants
Book well ahead for:
- Christmas Eve (limited openings)
- New Year's Eve (set menus, fixed prices)
- Three Kings lunch
Weather
Marbella in December is mild (15-18°C daytime) but can be rainy. Pack layers.
Flights
Expensive and busy around December 23 and January 6. Book early or travel on off-days.
Blending Traditions
Many expat families combine:
- British/American Christmas Day traditions
- Spanish Nochebuena dinner with local friends
- Three Kings for children (they won't miss out at school)
- Roscón de Reyes on January 6
Local Events
- Christmas markets (smaller than northern Europe)
- Nativity scenes (belénes) in churches and public spaces
- Carol concerts at international churches
- Town Christmas lights (switched on late November)
- Three Kings parade (don't miss it!)
The Food
Traditional Spanish:- Mariscos (seafood platter)
- Cordero (lamb)
- Turron (nougat—everywhere)
- Polvorones (crumbly biscuits)
- Roscón de Reyes (ring-shaped cake with cream)
- Iceland for mince pies, Christmas pudding
- English butchers for turkey, gammon
- Marks & Spencer food hall in Málaga
Enjoyed this article?
Get more tips and updates delivered to your inbox.