Our guide on Where to Go for Christmas in Spain and what to do for your next trip.
Spain is a magical destination during the Christmas season, blending vibrant traditions, festive markets, and unique cultural experiences. From bustling cities adorned with lights to quiet mountain villages with ancient customs, Spain offers a diverse range of Christmas experiences.
Spain is a diverse and festive destination for Christmas, offering everything from bustling cities like Madrid and Barcelona to the peaceful charm of Salamanca and the warm beaches of Tenerife. Whether you’re drawn to traditional Christmas markets, elaborate nativity scenes, or exciting holiday parades, Spain has something for everyone during the holiday season. From magical light displays to skiing in the Sierra Nevada, Christmas in Spain is a blend of rich traditions and modern festivities that will make your holiday unforgettable.
Here’s a guide to the best places to visit for Christmas in Spain, along with top things to do during your holiday trip.
Read here best things to know before visiting Spain, Planning an Itinerary in Spain: 3 Days Madrid Itinerary and 4 Days Barcelona Itinerary
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Where to Go for Christmas in Spain
1. Madrid

Why Visit:
Madrid transforms into a winter wonderland during Christmas, with festive lights, markets, and plenty of cultural events. The capital city offers a perfect mix of traditional celebrations and modern attractions, making it a top destination for holiday travelers.
What to Do:
Explore Plaza Mayor Christmas Market: One of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Spain, filled with stalls selling nativity figurines, ornaments, and gifts.
See the Christmas Lights: Madrid’s streets, especially Gran Vía, Puerta del Sol, and Serrano, are adorned with dazzling Christmas lights. Hop on the Naviluz Christmas bus for a night tour of the city’s light displays.
Visit Cortylandia: A beloved animated show at El Corte Inglés department store that’s a favorite among families and children.
Ice Skating: Enjoy ice skating at various locations around the city, such as Plaza de Colón and Matadero Madrid.
Attend Midnight Mass: Visit one of Madrid’s iconic churches, like Almudena Cathedral, for a traditional Christmas Eve mass.
2. Barcelona
Why Visit:
Barcelona blends Catalan traditions with festive flair, offering a lively Christmas atmosphere. The city’s modernist architecture, vibrant culture, and Christmas markets make it a popular holiday destination.
What to Do:
Fira de Santa Llúcia: This Christmas market in front of Barcelona Cathedral is one of the oldest in Spain, dating back to 1786. Browse through stalls selling handmade crafts, decorations, and the traditional Caga Tió (the Catalan Christmas log).
See the Nativity Scene at Plaça Sant Jaume: Barcelona’s main square features a large, unique nativity scene that changes its theme every year.
Attend Midnight Mass at Sagrada Família: The Christmas Eve mass at Sagrada Família is a stunning and spiritual experience in one of the world’s most famous churches.
Watch the Tió de Nadal Tradition: On Christmas Eve, children take part in the Caga Tió tradition, where they “feed” and then “beat” a wooden log with a stick until it “poops” out presents and candy.
New Year’s Celebrations at Montjuïc: If you’re staying through New Year’s, enjoy the spectacular fireworks and music show at Montjuïc.
3. Seville
Why Visit:
Seville’s blend of flamenco, Moorish architecture, and Andalusian traditions creates a warm and festive Christmas atmosphere. The city is known for its unique nativity displays and lively holiday events.
What to Do:
Visit Seville’s Nativity Scenes (Belenes): Seville is famous for its elaborate nativity scenes, known as belenes, displayed in churches, shops, and homes. The Feria del Belén, a market dedicated to nativity figures, is also a must-visit.
Christmas Lights in the Old Town: The city’s historic streets are beautifully illuminated, especially around the Cathedral of Seville and Avenida de la Constitución.
Flamenco Shows: Enjoy a Christmas-themed flamenco show at one of Seville’s iconic tablaos, such as La Carbonería.
Calle Sierpes Shopping: Stroll along Calle Sierpes, a famous shopping street filled with festive decorations, perfect for finding Christmas gifts.
Attend the Christmas Eve Mass at Seville Cathedral: Experience a traditional Misa del Gallo in one of Spain’s largest and most impressive cathedrals.
4. Granada
Why Visit:
Granada is known for its Moorish history and the majestic Alhambra Palace, but during Christmas, the city comes alive with markets, lights, and Andalusian traditions. Its proximity to the Sierra Nevada mountains also offers a chance to experience a white Christmas.
What to Do:
Explore Plaza Bib-Rambla Christmas Market: This charming Christmas market offers local crafts, nativity figurines, and holiday treats like turrón (nougat) and polvorones (Spanish shortbread cookies).
Visit the Alhambra: The Alhambra Palace is especially beautiful in winter, with fewer tourists and occasional snow-capped views of the Sierra Nevada in the background.
Go Skiing in Sierra Nevada: Just a short drive from Granada, the Sierra Nevada ski resort offers skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.
Attend Christmas Mass at Granada Cathedral: Granada’s stunning cathedral hosts a beautiful Christmas Eve mass.
Walk Through Albaicín: The historic Albaicín district is magical during Christmas, with its narrow streets and picturesque views of the Alhambra.
5. Malaga
Why Visit:
Malaga, with its mild weather and coastal charm, offers a festive atmosphere with spectacular Christmas lights, cultural events, and traditional Andalusian celebrations.
What to Do:
See Calle Larios’ Christmas Lights: Calle Larios, the main shopping street in Malaga, is famous for its incredible Christmas light displays. Every evening, the lights are synchronized with music, creating a festive show.
Visit the Christmas Markets: Explore Paseo del Parque Christmas Market, offering local crafts, Christmas gifts, and Andalusian delicacies.
Watch the Verdiales Festival: On December 28, the Verdiales Festival takes place, celebrating a unique form of traditional music and dance from the Malaga region.
Attend the Three Kings Parade (Cabalgata de Reyes): On January 5, witness the spectacular Three Kings Parade, where the kings throw candies and gifts to children from elaborately decorated floats.
Walk Along the Port: Enjoy a festive stroll along Muelle Uno, the city’s port area, beautifully decorated for Christmas with lights, shops, and restaurants.
6. Salamanca
Why Visit:
Salamanca, with its golden sandstone buildings and rich history, offers a more peaceful and traditional Christmas atmosphere. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town and festive markets make it an ideal destination for those looking to experience authentic Spanish holiday traditions.
What to Do:
Plaza Mayor Lights: Salamanca’s Plaza Mayor is stunning during Christmas, illuminated with thousands of lights, creating a magical setting.
Nativity Scenes: Visit the various nativity scenes displayed in churches and public spaces around Salamanca.
Christmas Market: Explore the Plaza de Anaya Christmas market, where you can shop for artisanal crafts, decorations, and local foods.
Traditional Christmas Dishes: Enjoy traditional Spanish Christmas food in Salamanca’s restaurants, such as lechazo asado (roast lamb) and turrón.
Attend Midnight Mass: Salamanca’s beautiful cathedral is the perfect place to attend a traditional Christmas Eve mass.
7. Canary Islands (Tenerife)
Why Visit:
If you’re looking for warm weather during the Christmas season, the Canary Islands offer a subtropical escape. Tenerife, in particular, has a festive atmosphere with lights, markets, and holiday events, combined with beach weather.
What to Do:
Visit Puerto de la Cruz Christmas Market: Explore Tenerife’s charming markets with handmade gifts, local produce, and festive decorations.
Climb Mount Teide: Enjoy outdoor adventures during the day by hiking or taking a cable car up Mount Teide, Spain’s highest peak, and enjoy panoramic views.
Attend Christmas Mass: Experience a Christmas Eve mass in one of Tenerife’s historic churches, such as La Laguna Cathedral.
Three Kings Parade: On January 5, watch the spectacular Three Kings Parade in Santa Cruz, featuring floats, music, and costumed performers.
Beach Day: Enjoy a warm and sunny Christmas Day at one of Tenerife’s beautiful beaches, such as Playa de Las Teresitas.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.