Nov 11, 2025
The autumn festivities are now a thing of the past, and Spanish cities have begun to actively decorate themselves in preparation for the winter festivities.
Winter in Spain is a season of lights, the scent of almonds, bells and hope. From the day of Saint Nicholas in early December to the Feast of the Three Kings in January, Spanish cities are filled with a unique atmosphere where faith, history and family joy intertwine...
St. Nicholas Day — the protector of children and good deeds
On 6 December, Spain celebrates the feast day of Saint Nicholas of Bari, a bishop known for his generosity and compassion.
According to legend, he helped the poor and gave gifts to children. This tradition gave rise to the custom of gift-giving during the winter holidays, which later gave rise to the figure of Father Christmas.
Although the holiday is not as popular in Spain as it is in other European countries, the spirit of Saint Nicholas left its mark. In some ancient regions, it was customary to give sweets or small gifts to children, and thus began the Christmas season.
Christmas — home, family and the night of miracles
In Spain, Christmas Eve (24 December) is one of the most special times of the year. Families gather for dinner, share laughter and enjoy traditional dishes, surrounded by the warmth of home and the excitement of children.
Christmas presents are a more recent custom. Father Christmas arrived in Spain in the 20th century, and although some children receive presents on that night, the true Spanish tradition is to wait for the Three Kings on 6 January.
In almost every home, a nativity scene is set up, representing the birth of Jesus with figures of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and the Three Wise Men. This nativity scene is the most deeply rooted symbol of Christmas in Spain.
Three Kings Day — excitement, sweets and smiles
The culmination of the festivities is Three Kings Day (6 January). According to the Bible, Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazarbrought gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus, and since then they have been the ones who bring gifts to Spanish children.
The day before, 5 January, the famous Cabalgatas de Reyes (Three Kings Parade) takes place: colourful parades filled with music where the Three Kings throw sweets to the children. The oldest parade has been held in Alcoy (Alicante) since 1866.
That night, children place their shoes by the window or balcony for the Three Kings to leave their gifts, and they prepare sweets and water for the camels. Sometimes, those who have not behaved well find a piece of "sweet coal", a symbol of mischief.
Other Spanish Christmas traditions
The festivities run from late November to early January. Christmas markets are set up in streets and squares, selling nativity scene figures and traditional sweets.
New Year's Eve (31 December) is celebrated with a family dinner and the famous tradition of the 12 lucky grapes: eating a grape with each stroke of midnight to bring good fortune. It is also said that wearing red underwear on that night brings love and prosperity.
Each autonomous community adds its own touch: in Galicia there is the Apalpador, in Catalonia the Caga Tió, and on the Costa Blanca the nativity scenes by the sea stand out.
The Christmas table
The festive menu reflects the country's rich cuisine. The coast abounds in seafood and fish: prawns, oysters, mussels. Among the meats, the most notable are roast lamb (suckling lamb) and lamb.
There is no shortage of desserts:
Turrón from Jijona or Alicante (made with almonds and honey);
Marzipan, shortbread biscuits and polvorones typical of Andalusia and Castile;
And Valencian sweets: thin toñas, almendraos, mantecás.
The Roscón de Reyes, decorated with candied fruit, is served on 6 January. Hidden inside are a small figurine and a bean: whoever finds the figurine is 'king for the day', and whoever finds the bean must prepare the roscón the following year..
A time to believe
Christmas in Spain is more than just a holiday: it is a bond between generations, a blend of history, faith and hope.
From Saint Nicholas to the Three Wise Men, from nativity scenes and lights to sweets and grapes, every gesture conveys a message of unity, kindness and family.
Beyond the bright lights, what makes Spanish Christmas special is the warmth of the hearts that celebrate it.