Spain is loved by Brits for its sunshine, food and friendly locals, but have you ever thought about spending Christmas there? Between the Christmas lights, nativity scenes, markets and a festive season that runs all the way to 6 January, Spain feels like a different country in December. Below are the 12 best places to spend Christmas in Spain in 2026, from big-city favourites like Madrid and Barcelona to smaller gems like Toledo and Salamanca, plus what to expect from the weather, the food and Spain's Christmas traditions.
Jump straight to your Christmas destination in Spain:
- Christmas in Madrid
- Christmas in Barcelona
- Christmas in Seville
- Christmas in Granada
- Christmas in Valencia
- Christmas in Málaga
- Christmas in Córdoba
- Christmas in Zaragoza
- Christmas in Salamanca
- Christmas in Palma de Mallorca
- Christmas in San Sebastián
- Christmas in Toledo
- Christmas in Spain: FAQs
What Happens at Christmas in Spain
What's the weather like in Spain at Christmas?
It depends a lot on where you go. The south coast, like Andalusia's Costa del Sol, and the Canary Islands are mild and often sunny, with daytime temperatures of around 15°C to 20°C. Inland and in the north, including Madrid and the Pyrenees, it's much cooler at around 5°C to 10°C, and it can sometimes even snow. Pack layers for the cities and a jacket for the evenings wherever you are.
When is Christmas Day in Spain?
Christmas Day in Spain is on 25 December, but the big family meal usually happens the night before, on Christmas Eve, known as Nochebuena. The festive season doesn't end on Boxing Day either: it carries on until 6 January, when Spain celebrates the Epiphany, or Día de los Reyes (Three Kings' Day).
Key Christmas dates in Spain
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| 8th December | Inmaculada Concepción, a public holiday that for many Spaniards marks the start of the Christmas season |
| 22nd December | El Gordo, the Christmas lottery draw, broadcast live and followed by almost the whole country |
| 24th December | Nochebuena (Christmas Eve): the main family dinner, followed by midnight mass |
| 25th December | Navidad (Christmas Day): a public holiday, usually a relaxed day of long lunches |
| 28th December | Día de los Santos Inocentes, Spain's answer to April Fools' Day |
| 31st December | Nochevieja (New Year's Eve): twelve grapes eaten on the twelve chimes of midnight |
| 5th January | Cabalgata de Reyes: the Three Kings parade through towns and cities in the evening |
| 6th January | Día de los Reyes: a public holiday, and the day children open their presents |
What are the holiday traditions in Spain for Christmas?
One of the best things about spending Christmas in Spain is seeing traditions you won't find at home. Some of the best known are:
- Nativity scenes (belenes), from tiny handmade figures to huge displays in town halls and churches
- Midnight mass (La Misa del Gallo) on Christmas Eve
- The Christmas lottery, El Gordo, which has the whole country checking tickets on 22 December
- Twelve grapes at midnight on New Year's Eve, one for each chime, for good luck in the year ahead
- A whole lot of food with family, from Christmas Eve right through to Three Kings' Day
In much of Spain, children receive their main presents from the Three Kings on 6 January rather than from Father Christmas, and the evening before, colourful parades called Cabalgatas wind through towns and cities, with sweets thrown to the crowds. If you'd like to see in the New Year in Spain too, have a look at our guide to where to spend New Year's Eve.
Are there Christmas markets in Spain?
Yes! Spain's Christmas markets, known as mercadillos de Navidad, are smaller and less central to the season than the famous Christmas markets in Europe further north, but they have a character of their own. Many focus on figures and decorations for nativity scenes. Some of the most popular are in:
- Madrid
- Barcelona
- Seville
- Málaga
Expect handmade crafts, Christmas decorations, local food and plenty of ideas for Christmas gifts for friends. If markets are the main reason for your trip, the Christmas markets in Austria, Germany's Christmas markets and our guide to Christmas in Germany are worth a look too.
What is a traditional Spanish Christmas dinner?
A traditional Spanish Christmas dinner is usually eaten on Christmas Eve and often features seafood such as prawns, followed by roast lamb or turkey. You'll also find plenty of jamón (Spanish ham) and other Iberian cured meats, with turrón (nougat) and polvorones or mantecados (crumbly almond biscuits) for dessert.
What do they drink in Spain at Christmas?
Cava (Spanish sparkling wine) is the classic Christmas drink, along with cider in the north and wines from local vineyards. In the colder months, warming dishes like cocido stew are popular too, and if you have a sweet tooth, look out for a traditional chocolatería serving thick hot chocolate with churros.
Where to Spend Christmas in Spain 2026
1. Christmas in Madrid
Nearest airport: Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD)
Average temperature in Madrid in December: 7°C
Madrid goes all in on Christmas, with dazzling lights, festive markets and a buzzing atmosphere. The obvious first stop is the Plaza Mayor Christmas Market, where you'll find everything from nativity figures to quirky gifts. We also recommend a ride on the Naviluz Christmas bus, which tours the city's best Christmas lights, or a walk along Calle Gran Vía, lined with twinkling decorations. For something more spiritual, head to Almudena Cathedral for midnight mass on Christmas Eve, or take a peaceful winter stroll through El Retiro Park.
For Christmas shopping, the streets around Puerta del Sol and the Salamanca district near Goya are the places to go.
What to eat in Madrid at Christmas
As the capital, Madrid brings together food from all over Spain, but in winter you can't miss the traditional cocido madrileño, a hearty chickpea and meat stew, or a plate of patatas bravas. Forget paella, which is really a summer dish, and try these instead. For something sweet, look for buñuelos, puffy deep-fried pastries filled with cream, chocolate, pistachio or almond. The most famous festive dessert of all is the Roscón de Reyes, a ring-shaped sweet bread eaten around Three Kings' Day, sometimes filled with whipped cream.
Where to stay in Madrid for Christmas
JW Marriott Madrid: a luxury hotel in the heart of the old town, just a short walk from Puerta del Sol.
2. Christmas in Barcelona
Nearest airport: Barcelona-El Prat Airport (BCN)
Average temperature in Barcelona in December: 11°C
Barcelona's Fira de Santa Llúcia, beside the cathedral, is the city's oldest and most famous Christmas market, dating back to 1786. You'll find hundreds of stalls selling handmade gifts, Christmas trees and traditional Catalan decorations like the caga tió, a smiling log that "poops" out presents. For the best Christmas lights, head to Plaça de Catalunya and Passeig de Gràcia.
Where to stay in Barcelona for Christmas
Hotel Casa Fuster: a stunning modernist hotel on Passeig de Gràcia, right on the route of the city's Christmas lights.
3. Christmas in Seville
Nearest airport: Seville Airport (SVQ)
Average temperature in Seville in December: 14°C
In Seville, Christmas has a wonderfully traditional feel, with flamenco, horse-drawn carriages and the city's Christmas market on the Avenida de la Constitución, close to the cathedral. Afterwards, visit the Cathedral of Seville, attend a Christmas mass, or take a trip to the nearby town of Carmona for a truly Andalusian festive day out.
Where to stay in Seville for Christmas
Hotel Alfonso XIII: one of Seville's most luxurious hotels, in the heart of the city.
4. Christmas in Granada
Nearest airport: Federico García Lorca Granada-Jaén Airport (GRX)
Average temperature in Granada in December: 8°C
With the Alhambra as its backdrop, Granada is a magical place to spend Christmas. Visit the palace in the crisp winter light, then head into the city centre for the Christmas market in Plaza Bib-Rambla, where you can pick up local crafts and warm up with churros con chocolate.
Where to stay in Granada for Christmas
Hotel Alhambra Palace: a grand hotel right by the Alhambra, with sweeping views over the city.
5. Christmas in Valencia
Nearest airport: Valencia Airport (VLC)
Average temperature in Valencia in December: 12°C
Valencia shines at Christmas with its lights and markets. Get your gift shopping done at the Mercado de Colón, where you'll find artisan products and delicious local treats, and don't miss the ice rink in Plaza del Ayuntamiento for a skate under the lights. For a taste of tradition, pick up some turrón, the festive nougat the Valencia region is famous for, from a local sweet shop.
Where to stay in Valencia for Christmas
The Westin Valencia: a stylish hotel close to the city centre, perfect for enjoying Valencia's festive attractions.
6. Christmas in Málaga
Nearest airport: Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP)
Average temperature in Málaga in December: 15°C
If you want Christmas with a good chance of sunshine, Málaga is hard to beat. Its Calle Larios Christmas lights are among the most famous in Spain and draw crowds from far and wide, and the city's Christmas market offers seasonal food and crafts. Be sure to try the local mantecados, a crumbly festive biscuit, while you soak up the atmosphere.
Where to stay in Málaga for Christmas
Hotel Molina Lario: a central hotel with easy access to Málaga's festive celebrations.
7. Christmas in Córdoba
Nearest airports: Seville (SVQ) or Málaga (AGP), then the train; Córdoba Airport (ODB) has very few commercial flights
Average temperature in Córdoba in December: 10°C
Córdoba is magical at Christmas, with its stunning historic sites dressed in festive decorations. The Christmas market in Plaza de las Tendillas is a lovely place to find unique gifts and try local specialities, and the Mezquita-Catedral is even more breathtaking during the festive season.
Where to stay in Córdoba for Christmas
Hotel Córdoba Center: a modern hotel within walking distance of the city's main sights.
8. Christmas in Zaragoza
Nearest airport: Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ)
Average temperature in Zaragoza in December: 7°C
Zaragoza mixes tradition and modernity at Christmas. The Plaza del Pilar becomes the city's festive hub, with a market and spectacular light displays, and the Basílica del Pilar makes a magnificent backdrop. Tuck into the local speciality migas while you soak up the atmosphere.
Where to stay in Zaragoza for Christmas
Hotel Boston: a comfortable hotel close to the city centre, perfect for exploring Zaragoza over the holidays.
9. Christmas in Salamanca
Nearest airport: Madrid-Barajas (MAD), then the train or bus; Salamanca Airport (SLM) has very few commercial flights
Average temperature in Salamanca in December: 6°C
Salamanca is a historic university city full of charm at Christmas. Its Plaza Mayor, often called one of the most beautiful squares in Spain, hosts a Christmas market selling local crafts and food, and the illuminated university buildings and Casa de las Conchas make a stunning backdrop for your festive photos.
Where to stay in Salamanca for Christmas
Hospes Palacio de San Esteban: a luxurious hotel in a former convent, in the heart of the old town.
10. Christmas in Palma de Mallorca
Nearest airport: Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI)
Average temperature in Palma in December: 11°C
Palma de Mallorca is an idyllic Christmas destination in Spain with mild weather and far fewer crowds than in summer. The Christmas market in Plaza Mayor has local crafts, delicious food and lively entertainment. Try an ensaimada, Mallorca's famous spiral pastry, then wander the lit-up streets to the Cathedral of Santa María.
Where to stay in Palma de Mallorca for Christmas
Hotel Nixe Palace: a chic seafront hotel and a luxurious base for exploring festive Palma.
11. Christmas in San Sebastián
Nearest airports: Bilbao (BIO), around an hour away by bus, or San Sebastián Airport (EAS), which mainly serves domestic flights
Average temperature in San Sebastián in December: 9°C
San Sebastián, famous for its food scene and one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, celebrates Christmas in style. The city is beautifully decorated, and the Plaza de la Constitución becomes a hub of festive activity. Try traditional Basque treats like talo (corn flatbreads) and browse the local Christmas market for handmade gifts. It's not strictly Christmassy, but we also highly recommend the Santo Tomás Fair in December, where the lively party atmosphere really gets you in the mood for celebrating.
Where to stay in San Sebastián for Christmas
Hotel de Londres y de Inglaterra: a classic hotel on the seafront, with stunning views of La Concha bay and easy access to the city's Christmas celebrations.
12. Christmas in Toledo
Nearest airport: Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD), then a high-speed train from Madrid Atocha
Average temperature in Toledo in December: 6°C
Closing our list of the best places to spend Christmas in Spain is Toledo. At Christmas, its old town is lit up with classic lights and decorations, and the Christmas market in Plaza de Zocodover offers local crafts, delicious food and ice skating. It's also an easy day trip if you're based in Madrid.
Where to stay in Toledo for Christmas
Hotel Cigarral El Bosque: a picturesque hillside hotel with breathtaking views over Toledo.
Christmas in Spain: FAQs
Where is the best place to spend Christmas in Spain?
For lights, markets and atmosphere, Madrid and Barcelona are the best-known choices. For milder weather, Málaga and Seville in Andalusia are hard to beat, while Toledo, Salamanca and Córdoba are ideal if you prefer historic towns on a smaller scale.
Is Christmas a good time to visit Spain?
Yes. December is outside the main tourist season, so cities are quieter than in summer, and you get Spain's Christmas lights, nativity scenes and festive food on top. Book flights and hotels early for the days around Christmas and New Year, when Spaniards travel home to their families.
What is the warmest part of Spain at Christmas?
The Canary Islands are the warmest part of Spain in December, followed by the Costa del Sol on the south coast around Málaga. Inland cities like Madrid, Toledo and Salamanca are much colder, especially at night.
Are shops and restaurants open on Christmas Day in Spain?
Christmas Day is a public holiday in Spain, so most shops are closed and many restaurants either close or serve a set Christmas menu. Book ahead if you want to eat out on 24 or 25 December, and check opening times locally, as they vary by city and region.
How do you get to Spain for Christmas from the UK?
Most of the cities on this list are a direct flight from the UK. Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Seville, Valencia and Palma are the easiest to reach, and Spain's high-speed trains make it simple to add places like Toledo or Córdoba to your trip.
Will You Spend Christmas in Spain this Year?
Now that we've closed our list of the best places to spend Christmas in Spain, will you swap the UK for Spain this Christmas? If you do, you can look forward to festive lights, great food, milder weather and traditions that are wonderfully different from what you're used to. Not quite sold on Spain? See how Christmas in Portugal and Christmas in Italy compare.
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