Spain at Christmas? Pure magic! I absolutely love visiting during the holidays—every town sparkles with twinkling lights and festive decorations, turning the whole country into one big holiday wonderland.
From the big cities like Madrid to the small towns you probably have never heard of, each town glows with Christmas decorations.
One of my favorite destinations in Spain is Ronda, nestled in the south of Spain. This picturesque town transforms into a winter wonderland, and I’ve captured some of its magical moments in the video below.
Trust me, Ronda is stunning any time of year, but during Christmas, it truly shines!
Amazing Things You’ll Enjoy in Spain During The Christmas Holiday Season
Nativity Scenes (Belenes)
A beloved tradition in Spain is the elaborate nativity scenes, or belenes, that can be found in homes, churches, and public squares. Each region has its own unique style, with intricate details that often depict local customs and characters.
I love going from town square to town square to see the different nativity scenes.
Christmas Markets in Spain
Every village and city in Spain has their own Christmas Market. These markets are filled with charming stalls offering handmade crafts, delicious treats, and warm beverages. You’ll find an array of nativity scene decorations and you can shop for miniature versions that you can fit in your luggage to take home.
One of my favorite Christmas markets was in Granada, Spain, where I stumbled upon some incredibly unique nativity scenes and decorations. One stall, in particular, had a great collection of nativity scenes from all over the world. I took some snaps of my favorites.
Three Kings Day Parade
If you are in Spain around Kings Day on January 5th, go to the local parade and Kings Day celebrations. It’s a blast! Learn more about the experience in this video below.
Is Spain Worth Visiting In December?
Spain is truly a lively place to visit in December for the Christmas holidays. Squeeze in a nap during the day so you’re fully charged to head out after 8pm and experience the festive vibe! Unlike the U.S., where things start winding down by 8pm, Spain truly comes to life after dark—it’s when the fun really begins!
Never want Christmas to end?
The celebrations don’t stop with Christmas day; they carry on into January with the spectacular Kings Day, a holiday that often overshadows Christmas itself in Spain. This day is filled with parades, special treats, and a joyful atmosphere that makes it a highlight of the season.
I spent Kings Day in Ronda in 2023 and it was a blast! Watch this video about the experience here: https://youtu.be/hDuEaHXCIUg
What’s the best big city to visit in Spain for the Christmas season?
Madrid’s decorations are by far the best and elaborate! Watch this quick short of Madrid from Christmas 2022.
I’ve also been to Barcelona and Malaga for Christmas. Barcelona was my least favorite for Christmas and the decorations were not nearly as amazing as Madrid.
Malaga During Christmas
