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Christmas in Spain: Sunshine, Sweets & 12 Grapes of Chaos
If you’re picturing Christmas in Spain as all flamenco, sangria and Santa on the beach… well, you’re not wrong - but there’s a lot more going on too. Spanish Christmas is long, loud, sweet, and wonderfully different from what many visitors expect.
From mid-December right through to early January, Spain celebrates Christmas marathon-style, with traditions that range from heart-warming to slightly bizarre.
Let’s dive in.
When Does Christmas Start in Spain?
In Spain, Christmas doesn’t officially kick off with Santa - it starts with food, family, and a LOT of public holidays.
Festivities begin around 8 December (Immaculate Conception Day), when lights go up, nativity scenes appear, and supermarkets fill entire aisles with nougat. And it doesn’t end until 6 January, which means Christmas lasts almost a full month.
Yes, really
Spanish Christmas Traditions You’ll Love
1. Nativity Scenes Everywhere (Belén)
Forget one tiny nativity under the tree - Spain takes this seriously.
You’ll find elaborate Belén displays in:
- Town halls
- Shopping centres
- Churches
- And very competitive neighbours’ living rooms
Some are so detailed they include bakers, fishermen, washing lines… and occasionally a hidden figure called El Caganer(Google at your own risk).
2. Turrón, Polvorones & Sugar Overload
Christmas in Spain is basically sponsored by almonds and sugar.
The big stars:
- Turrón – a nougat made from almonds and honey (hard or soft, choose your fighter)
- Polvorones – crumbly biscuits that disintegrate the moment you bite them
- Mazapán – marzipan in every shape imaginable
Diets are officially cancelled until mid-January.
3. Christmas Eve Is the Main Event
While Christmas Day is important, Nochebuena (24 December) is the real highlight.
Families gather for:
- A huge late dinner
- Too much wine
- Singing villancicos (Christmas carols)
- And talking until 2–3am
In Spain, eating at 10pm is considered early.
Who Brings the Presents? (Hint: Not Santa)
In many Spanish households, Santa Claus plays a supporting role.
The real VIPs are:
The Three Kings (Los Reyes Magos)
On 5 January, children leave shoes out, along with snacks for the Kings and water for their camels
That night:
- Cities host Three Kings parades with floats, music, and sweets thrown into the crowd
- Children go to bed VERY early (for once)
Presents arrive on 6 January, which is also a public holiday.
Bonus Tradition: Roscón de Reyes
On 6 January, everyone eats Roscón de Reyes, a ring-shaped cake decorated with candied fruit.
Inside the cake:
- A small figurine = you’re the king/queen for the day
- A dry bean = you buy the cake next year
Choose your slice carefully.
New Year’s Eve in Spain: 12 Grapes & Pure Panic
Spanish New Year’s Eve (Nochevieja) has one of the best traditions ever.
The 12 Grapes of Luck
At midnight, as the clock strikes twelve, you must:
- Eat one grape per chime
- In perfect rhythm
- Without choking
Each grape represents good luck for one month of the year.
It sounds easy.
It is not.
Most people end up laughing, panicking, or swallowing grapes whole — but if you survive, luck is guaranteed
After Midnight: Party Until Sunrise
After the grapes:
- Champagne (cava) flows
- People head out to bars and clubs
- Dancing continues until breakfast
Spain does New Year’s Eve properly.
Christmas on the Costa Blanca Hits Different
Christmas on the Costa Blanca comes with:
- Blue skies
- Terrace lunches
- People wearing Santa hats… and sunglasses
It’s not unusual to see:
- Beach walks on Christmas Day
- BBQs instead of roasts
- Palm trees wrapped in fairy lights
And honestly? It works.
Why People Fall in Love with Spanish Christmas
Spanish Christmas isn’t about rushing or perfection.
It’s about:
- Being together
- Eating well
- Celebrating loudly
- And stretching Christmas for as long as humanly possible
Once you’ve done Christmas in Spain, it’s very hard to go back.
Feliz Navidad, Feliz Año Nuevo y Felices Reyes!
