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Christmas in Spain feels different from what we are used to in Northern Europe. Traditionally, there is less emphasis on gifts and Christmas trees, and more on togetherness, long meals and traditions that have often been passed down through generations. The Christmas days themselves are surprisingly quiet; the real festive feeling slowly builds towards New Year’s Eve – and even beyond.

In many villages and towns you will find a Christmas tree and festive street lighting, but far more important are the belénes: elaborate nativity scenes that can be seen everywhere – in town halls, churches, shops and sometimes even across entire squares. Some are true works of art, featuring complete villages, little rivers and moving figures.

In the run-up to Christmas and New Year, zambombas are also organised on squares and at Christmas markets. People gather together, sometimes around a fire, to sing and play flamenco-style Christmas songs (villancicos). The singing is accompanied by the traditional zambomba instrument (a clay pot with a stretched skin) and other percussion such as tambourines and hand clapping, creating a unique blend of flamenco and local Christmas traditions.

Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) is traditionally spent with family, usually seated around a long table filled with food and drinks. Turkey, fish, seafood, jamón, cheeses and sweet treats such as turrón and polvorones are all part of the celebration. Gifts are often not exchanged yet; those come later.

In the past, living nativity scenes could often be found on town squares. Since 2023, however, Spain’s national animal welfare law (Ley de Bienestar Animal) has explicitly prohibited the use of animals in living nativity scenes. The law bans the use of animals in processions, parades, mechanical attractions and fairground rides, as well as the use of wild animals in circus performances. This also applies to the traditional belénes vivientes, which previously often included sheep, donkeys and other farm animals.

Christmas Day (Navidad) is mainly a quiet family day. Many restaurants are closed and everyday life seems to come to a temporary standstill. Boxing Day plays little to no role in Spain.

For children – and secretly for adults too – the real highlight is 6 January: Día de los Reyes Magos. On this day, the Three Kings bring the gifts, preceded by colourful parades (cabalgatas) through the streets, filled with music, sweets and a sense of magic, and attended in large numbers by people of all ages.

Christmas in Spain is warm, simple and social. Less rush, fewer obligations – and above all: eating together, talking and enjoying each other’s company. Just the way it should be.