In Spain, Christmas isn’t a lead-up to a particular day, it’s more a long, glowing season that stretches from the last days of November to the first week of January. It all begins with illuminating the streets with the grand “switching-on” event of the Christmas lights, and culminates with the magnificent Three King’s Day parades on January 6th the following year.
Here on the Costa del Sol, cities like Málaga and Marbella are perfect examples of how Spanish traditions blend the old with the new, from the culturally significant zambombas that occur throughout Southern Spain, and the King’s Day celebrations that are held nation-wide, to relatively newer traditions, such as the appearance of Papá Noel (Father Christmas) and his grottos that pop up in main squares and shopping malls.
A season that runs from late November to early January
Spanish Christmas kicks off in earnest when the lights are switched on in each town or city at the end of November, and only really finishes after Three Kings’ Day on 6 January.
Key dates most Spanish families mark include:
Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) - 24 December The main family gathering. Many Spaniards see this as the most important night of the season, with a long evening meal at home and, in many places, midnight mass.
Navidad (Christmas Day) - 25 December A quieter family day. Increasingly, children wake up to presents from Papá Noel, although in many households the main gift-giving still happens in January.
Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve) - 31 December Celebrated with parties and the famous “twelve grapes” at midnight, one with each chime of the clock.
Cabalgata de Reyes and Día de Reyes (Three Kings) - 5 and 6 January The spectacular Three Kings parades and the morning when many children open their main presents.
1.Zambombas: The sound of an Andalusian Christmas
The Zambomba is one of the most cherished Andalucian traditions
In southern Spain, Christmas has a soundtrack. The zambomba is one of the most cherished Andalusian traditions, especially in towns like Jerez. Communities gather in patios or small squares to sing flamenco-style carols accompanied by guitars, tambourines, handclaps and the resonant rhythm of the zambomba instrument, a traditional Spanish friction drum.These gatherings feel spontaneous, lively and inclusive, bringing neighbours and visitors together under the winter sky.
Marbella has embraced this tradition too. Throughout December, flamenco-based zambombas appear across the town, adding authentic Andalusian character to the season.
The Belén, or Nativity scene, has always been at the centre of Spanish Christmas decorations
While Christmas trees are now everywhere in Spain, it is the Belén, or Nativity scene, that has long been the heart of Spanish Christmas decor.
Families often build intricate displays at home, sometimes entire miniature villages with rivers, shepherds and working water wheels. Town halls, churches and cultural groups also create large public belenes. In many towns, touring the belenes becomes a festive ritual in its own right.
In Marbella, several public Nativity scenes are installed each year around the Old Town, including in Plaza de los Naranjos, Parque de la Alameda, and the old town’s civic buildings.
3.Papá Noel | Father Christmas: A modern addition to the Spanish festive season
Although Santa Claus feels universal today, Papá Noel is a relatively new arrival in Spanish tradition. For most of the twentieth century, children received gifts only on January 6th from the Three Kings.
Santa began to gain visibility in Spain through cinema and international advertising in the late twentieth century. By the 1990s he had become a familiar figure in shopping centres, complete with photo booths and children’s wish lists. Today he is firmly part of the season. Many families enjoy a small round of gifts on 25 December, while still keeping the Three Kings as the main gift-givers in January.
One of the most anticipated moments of the season is the switching on of the Christmas lights, usually during the last days of November. Málaga is known for its impressive display along Calle Larios, where over 2.5 million LEDs create a glowing passageway through the historic centre. Marbella marks the beginning of its festivities the same weekend with a lively evening of music, parades and its first lighting ceremony.
These switch-on events set the tone for the weeks ahead. From small fishing ports to major boulevards, Spain decorates its streets, lampposts, trees and plazas with lights that turn each town into an open-air celebration.
5.Christmas trees in every square
The Christmas tree in Plaza de la Constitución in Málaga
Although the Christmas tree is common across Spain today, it is surprisingly modern. For many decades, the Nativity scene was considered the central symbol of Christmas and still holds a special place in most households. Public Christmas trees began appearing widely only in the late twentieth century.
Today they stand proudly in plazas of every size. In Marbella, the Forum complex displays one of the area’s most recognisable trees, complete with a mini ice rink. Nearby, hotels such as the Puente Romano and Marbella Club decorate their gardens and terraces with lights, workshops, dinners and full festive itineraries. Even small neighbourhoods join in, hanging lights from balconies and creating their own street displays, creating small pockets of Christmas charm around every corner.
6.Nochebuena | Christmas Eve: and the flavours of Spanish Christmas
A festive piñata
In Spain, the most important family gathering takes place on Nochebuena, Christmas Eve. Families come together for a long evening meal that often includes seafood, roasted meats and traditional Andalusian dishes.
Afterwards comes a spread of seasonal sweets. Tables fill with turrón, polvorones, mantecados, marzipan and citrus-scented pastries. Most homes keep a box of assorted Christmas sweets out throughout the season, ready for guests.
In many Spanish homes with young children, the evening ends with a festive piñata, a modern addition to Nochebuena celebrations. Although not originally a Spanish Christmas custom, the piñata has become a popular way for families to add a moment of fun and excitement after the meal. Filled with sweets and small surprises, it keeps the children entertained while the adults continue chatting, and it brings an extra touch of joy to an already special night.
7.El Gordode Navidad: The lottery that signals Christmas has begun
A ticket for the El Gordo lottery
On 22 December, the country turns its attention to the annual Christmas lottery known as El Gordo. It is one of the world’s oldest and largest lotteries and a uniquely Spanish tradition. Families, friends and co-workers often share tickets, so when someone wins, entire groups celebrate together.
The draw is televised live, with schoolchildren singing the winning numbers in a chant that everyone in Spain recognises as the unofficial start of Christmas.
8.Día de los Santos Inocentes: 28 December – Day of the Holy Innocents
Man wearing a black jacket in a city street with a paper stick figure taped to his back as a playful prank
In the middle of the festivities comes Día de los Santos Inocentes, Spain’s version of April Fools’ Day. On December 28th, people play lighthearted jokes on each other, newspapers run playful stories and laughter becomes part of the seasonal spirit. Though the date originates from a solemn biblical event (the massacre of the innocents ordered by King Herod), the modern Spanish tradition has become entirely humorous and festive.
The classic prank for kids is putting paper dolls called “monigotes” on the backs of unsuspecting adults. You might well hear “¡Inocente, inocente!” said to anyone who falls for a trick.
9.Nochevieja | New Year’s Eve: Twelve grapes for good luck
It’s virtually impossible not to laugh when trying to eat the 12 grapes as the bells chime at midnight
New Year’s Eve in Spain comes with a charming ritual. At midnight, it is tradition to eat twelve grapes, one for each chime of the clock. The custom is believed to bring good luck for the year ahead. Most of the country watches the countdown broadcast from Madrid’s Puerta del Sol, grapes in hand, hoping not to miss a beat.
10. Los Reyes Magos | The Three Kings: The most magical night of all
Three Kings parades, Cabalgata de Reyes, fill Spain’s streets on January 5th
Although Papá Noel visits many homes now, the Three Kings remain the stars of Spanish Christmas. On January 5th, grand parades called Calbagata de Reyes fill the streets with floats, dancers, musicians and the three regal figures who throw sweets to the crowds.
The following morning, children wake to gifts left by Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar. Families share slices of the traditional cake, el roscón de Reyes, filled with cream or custard and hiding small figurines inside.
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A festive season built by the whole community
Across Spain, Christmas is a time when communities come alive. From zambombas and belenes to the laughter of Santos Inocentes and the majesty of the Three Kings, the season blends tradition, celebration and togetherness. Whether you are experiencing it as a visitor or as a long-time resident, Spanish Christmas invites you to slow down, gather with others and enjoy one of the most joyful times of the year.
