December Festivals in Spain

 

New Years Eve

In Spain, December is a truly magical month, brimming with holiday cheer and vibrant festivities. This month is jam-packed with customary celebrations, parades, and events that highlight the nation's rich culture and history as Christmas approaches. December in Spain has something for everyone, from exuberant street parties to historic religious ceremonies.

One of the most popular events during December is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated on December 8th. This religious holiday is marked by processions, parades, and special masses throughout the country. Another important event is the Feast of Saint Lucy, which takes place on December 13th and is celebrated with traditional sweets and pastries.

Of course, the highlight of December in Spain is the Christmas season, which is marked by colourful lights, lively markets, and an array of cultural events. The streets are filled with decorations, and people gather to enjoy music, dance, and delicious food. The Three Kings Parade, held on January 5th, is a particularly special event, where thousands of people take to the streets to celebrate the arrival of the Magi with parades and fireworks.

We explore the various festivals and fiestas that take place during December in Spain, highlighting the unique traditions, customs, and celebrations that make this month so special. From the famous Caga Tio in Catalonia to the unique Christmas traditions in the Basque Country, we will take a closer look at the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Spain during this festive season.

Popular December Festivals & Fiestas

Christmas in Spain
Christmas in Spain

Christmas Day: This is a festive day that takes place on December 25th in Spain. It celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is one of the most important days of the year for Christians. The day is a national holiday and many people spend it with their family and friends. The day usually involves exchanging gifts, eating traditional food such as turkey, lamb and seafood, and singing carols. The day also coincides with other celebrations such as the Migas Festival in Torrox, a gastronomic festival that features a dish made of breadcrumbs.

Feast of the Immaculate Conception: This is a religious festival that takes place on December 8th in Spain. It celebrates the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was conceived without original sin. The day is a national holiday and many people attend mass and other religious ceremonies. The day also coincides with other celebrations such as the Fira de Santa Llúcia in Barcelona, a Christmas market that dates back to 1786.

Spanish lottery El Gordo: This is the biggest lottery draw that takes place on December 22nd. One of the oldest and biggest lotteries in the world, it is a part of the Spanish Christmas custom. Millions of viewers and listeners tune in to watch and listen to the draw live as it is broadcast on television and radio. Thousands of winning tickets are split up into rewards, with El Gordo being the ultimate award (The Fat One). Children from a nearby school sing the winning numbers during the draw as well.

Spanish New Year's Eve is the ritual good time celebration evening that occurs on December 31st. It signals the end of one year and the start of another. The evening is marked by all-night parties, live music events, dancing, and fireworks. One of the most well-known customs is to eat a grape for every chime of the clock at midnight to bring luck for the upcoming year. The Puerta del Sol in Madrid, Plaza del Ayuntamiento in Valencia, and Plaza de Catalunya in Barcelona are a few of the most well-known locations to spend New Year's Eve.

The Song of the Sibyl: This is a musical performance that takes place on Christmas Eve in Mallorca, in the Balearic Islands. It is a medieval chant that tells the prophecy of the end of the world and the coming of Christ. The performance is staged in every church on the island and involves a soloist dressed in a white robe and a sword, accompanied by a choir and an organ. The performance is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Día de Los Santos Inocentes: This is a humorous festival that takes place on December 28th in Spain. It is similar to April Fool's Day and involves playing practical jokes on unsuspecting people. The jokes are usually harmless and funny, such as sticking paper dolls on people's backs or making fake news stories. The festival also involves different events such as parades, competitions and shows.

Gospel Festival Madrid: This is a music festival that takes place from December 1st to 23rd in Madrid, the capital city of Spain. It features American gospel music and brings joy and spirit to the Christmas season. The festival includes concerts by renowned gospel artists and groups from different styles and backgrounds. The festival also includes workshops, exhibitions and talks.

Winter Solstice Bonfires: This is a folkloric festival that takes place on December 21st in Robledo de Chavela, in the province of Madrid. It celebrates the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year. The festival features bonfires, music, dancing and gastronomy. The bonfires are lit to symbolize the rebirth of the sun and the hope for a new year.

On New Year's Eve, a fun run known as Saint Silvestre Vallecana takes place in Madrid, the Spanish capital. One of the oldest and most well-known races in Spain, it draws thousands of runners from around the globe. From Plaza de Los Sagrados Corazones to Vallecas Stadium, the race is 10 km long. There is always a great atmosphere together with music, entertainment, and awards ceremonies.

Nativity Scenes At Christmas

Belens Spain

Creating a nativity scene ( Belen ) is an important part of the Christmas festivities in Spain.

You will find these nativity scenes all around Spain in all shapes and sizes.  Some are made from just a few pieces and others are extremely elaborate

Check the local tourism office and they will inform you where you can find the best local Belen's.  Many will be on display and open to the public, most offer free entrance.

Dia de Navidad – Christmas Day


Christmas Day – Dia de Navidad is where families get together en enjoy a relaxing day together of fun and food.

Gifts are not traditionally given out on Christmas day in Spain, that is reserved for the Kings Day on the 6th January, although it is quite normal to hand out a few presents to the children on the 24th and 25th.

For most Spanish people, Christmas eve is the big event, this is where families get together to enjoy lots of traditional Christmas food such as fish and seafood and a range of cakes and pastries.

The most popular Christmas sweets include Turron, Mantecados, Polverones, Alfajores, Roscos de Vino and Hojaldrinas.

» Christmas in Spain - What you need to know

Migas Festival Torrox Andalucia

The Migas festival Torrox is dedicated to a local dish made out of breadcrumbs.

Fira de Santa Lucia Christmas Market Barcelona


Starting at the end of November and ends the 23rd of December the Fira de Santa Lucia market is a great place to pick a Christmas bargain.

Stallholders set up an open-air market around the streets at the Cathedral in Barcelona.

People visit the market to buy Christmas decorations, trees, handicrafts, and other trinkets

Dia de Los Santos Inocentes

Inocentes Day Spain

This one is quite similar to April Fools’ Day and is again a cherished part of the fiestas Spain offers during December. People use it as an excuse to do some really “silly” stuff.

Best Festivals in Spain - Month by Month

National Holidays in Spain

Jan 1st -  New Years Day - Ano Nuevo
Jan 6th - 12th night, The Three Kings  - Dia de los Reyes
Mar 19th - Fathers Day - San Jose
Variable - Good Friday - Viernes Santo
May 1st - Labour Day - Dia del Trabajador
Aug 15th -  Assumption - Dia del Asuncion
Oct 12th - Spanish National Day - Dia de la Hispanidad
Nov 1st -  All Saints Day - Todos los Santos
Dec 6th -  Constitution Day - Dia de la Constitucion
Dec 8th -  Immaculate Conception - Imaculada Concepcion
Dec 25th - Christmas Day - Navidad