Spain Christmas Holidays

Every year, Spain comes alive to celebrate Christmas (or Navidad in Spanish). With carol concerts, midnight masses and excited children awaiting gifts from Papá Noel in every corner of the country, Christmas holidays in Spain are guaranteed to leave you feeling full of festive spirit. If Christmas lights are your thing, head to Madrid which becomes a glittering disco ball in the run up to the big day, with twinkling lights strung across the main streets and plazas. Or perhaps you fancy a spot of skiing or snowboarding? Make a beeline for Granada where you can reach Europe’s southernmost ski resort in just 50 minutes from the city centre. And if you want to stock up on souvenirs during your Christmas in Spain? Barcelona is the place, with bustling Christmas markets at every turn where you can purchase the city’s rather bizarre Christmas mascot Caga Tió de Nadal: a hollow log with a smiling face, a red barretina (a Catalan hat) and a small blanket thrown over him.

Spain christmas holiday ideas

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Spain Christmas Holidays Guide

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When it comes to travelling during the festive season, there is nowhere more magical to celebrate the Christmas period than on one of our Spain Christmas holidays. The country is filled with an exciting mixture of traditional celebrations and everything you may already know and love about Spanish culture. At this time of year, buildings throughout Madrid are adorned with glistening Christmas lights and there are nativity scenes in every nook and cranny of the city. As darkness falls, wander through the Royal Botanical Gardens which plays host to Naturaleza Encendida, a magical light experience. If Christmas markets are more your thing, head to Barcelona where every square will be filled with festive knick-knacks and sweet treats. To experience something special, get yourself in the Christmas spirit at the Sagrada Familia Christmas Market which is held at the base of the incredible church.


Spain Christmas holidays are all about experiencing the country’s many traditions and rituals. Take part in the pre-Christmas lottery which kicks off the festive celebrations, or head to a misa de gallo for a midnight carol service with locals. On Christmas day, the streets fill up with children playing with new toys and games, as the smell of freshly-cooked seafood wafts by. The end-of-year festivities continue to Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve), where you can take part in eating the 12 uvas de la suerte (12 lucky grapes) as the clock strikes midnight, granting you luck for the rest of the year.



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All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges