THE BEST CITIES TO VISIT FOR
CHRISTMAS IN SPAIN IN 2024
Christmas in Spain is nothing short of magical - a season where ancient traditions and modern festivities blend to create an unforgettable holiday atmosphere. The dazzling glow of millions of Christmas lights, the warmth of festive feasts, and the joy of exploring bustling markets all come together to transform Spain’s cities into enchanting winter wonderlands. In this guide, we’ll take you through five of the best cities to visit for Christmas in Spain in 2024, where you can fully experience the charm and joy of the season. Plus, we’ll recommend the best places to stay so you’ll be right in the heart of the action.
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MADRID - THE HEART OF SPANISH CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
Madrid pulls out all the stops for Christmas, making it one of the best cities to visit for Christmas in Spain in 2024. The atmosphere is electric with twinkling lights, Christmas markets, and bustling streets filled with holiday cheer. In addition to its grand Christmas displays, Madrid offers rich traditions that visitors can experience throughout the city.
Highlights:
Plaza Mayor Christmas Market: One of Spain's oldest Christmas markets, perfect for picking up traditional holiday items like handmade decorations, nativity figurines, and locally made gifts. Make sure to try the candied almonds and turrón from local vendors - November 24 – December 31, 2024.
El Corte Inglés’ Cortylandia Show: A fun, animated holiday show that has entertained generations of children and families in Madrid. It’s located just outside the El Corte Inglés shopping center on Calle del Maestro Victoria, and it’s a must-see for anyone traveling with kids.
Christmas Lights Bus Tour: The Naviluz bus offers a guided Christmas lights tour through Madrid’s most iconic streets. You’ll travel down Gran Vía, Calle de Alcalá, and Puerta del Sol, where the holiday lights and decorations are at their most spectacular - Early December – January 6, 2025
Ice Skating in Plaza de Colón: If you love outdoor ice skating, head to Plaza de Colón, where a large rink is set up during the festive season. It’s a beautiful way to soak in the holiday spirit while skating under the festive lights - Early December 2024 – Mid-January 2025.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Preciados – Located near Gran Vía and within walking distance of the Plaza Mayor Christmas Market, this hotel is perfect for exploring Madrid’s main attractions. You’ll be close to the heart of the city’s festive action.
The Principal Madrid Hotel – For a more luxurious experience, this hotel offers stylish rooms and a rooftop terrace with views of the holiday lights. It's an ideal spot if you want to stay close to Madrid’s bustling Gran Vía and holiday events.
Christmas Food to Try:
Christmas Sweets: Be sure to indulge in local Christmas sweets like turrón (a nougat treat) and polvorones (crumbly shortbread cookies). You'll find these traditional treats at almost every Christmas market.
Festive Dining: For Christmas Eve, many restaurants in Madrid offer a special Nochebuena menu, often featuring dishes like cordero asado (roast lamb) or besugo al horno (baked sea bream), accompanied by seasonal sides and traditional desserts.
Insider Tip: If you’re planning to attend the Three Kings Parade on January 5th, 2025, arrive early to secure a good spot. The parade winds through the main streets of Madrid, and it’s a fun event for families, complete with floats, music, and candy thrown into the crowd.
For a detailed itinerary, check out our ultimate Madrid guide, featuring top activities, hotels, and day trips.
BARCELONA - A FUSION OF TRADITION AND CREATIVITY
Barcelona is known for its unique blend of Christmas traditions and artistic flair. During the holiday season, the city transforms into a festive wonderland, combining centuries-old Catalan customs with modern holiday events. As one of the best cities to visit for Christmas in Spain in 2024, Barcelona’s Christmas markets and quirky traditions make it a captivating place to spend the holidays.
Highlights:
Fira de Santa Llúcia: This market, located in front of the Barcelona Cathedral, dates back to 1786. It’s one of the most picturesque Christmas markets in Spain, offering everything from handmade nativity scene figures to festive wreaths and decorations. It’s the perfect place to pick up Catalan Christmas gifts - November 29 – December 23, 2024.
Caga Tió Tradition: A distinctly Catalan tradition, Caga Tió is a wooden log decorated with a face and red hat. Children “feed” the log throughout December, and on Christmas Eve, they beat it with sticks while singing a traditional song, after which the log “poops” presents and sweets.
El Pessebre in Plaça Sant Jaume: Visit the city’s most famous nativity scene, which is set up every year in Plaça Sant Jaume. Each year brings a new design and theme, making it a must-see for visitors.
Christmas Concerts at Palau de la Música Catalana: The festive season is also a great time to catch a concert at this stunning Modernist concert hall. The Christmas performances often feature traditional Catalan music and holiday-themed pieces - Throughout December 2024.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Colón – A perfect choice for visitors who want to stay near the Gothic Quarter and have easy access to the Fira de Santa Llúcia market. You’ll be surrounded by Barcelona’s festive lights and just steps away from the action.
H10 Metropolitan – A stylish hotel located just off Plaça de Catalunya, making it a great base for holiday shopping on Passeig de Gràcia and for experiencing Barcelona’s main Christmas attractions.
Christmas Food to Try:
Escudella i carn d’olla: This traditional Catalan soup, made with meatballs, sausage, and vegetables, is a Christmas Day staple in Barcelona.
Neules and Turrón: Pair your Christmas meal with neules (crispy wafers) and turrón (nougat), both of which are traditional Catalan Christmas desserts.
Insider Tip: Barcelona’s festive lights are concentrated in key shopping areas like Passeig de Gràcia and La Rambla. Take an evening stroll to experience the holiday atmosphere while shopping for last-minute gifts.
For a detailed itinerary, check out our ultimate Barcelona guide, featuring top activities, hotels, and day trips.
SEVILLE - A FESTIVE CELEBRATION WITH FLAMENCO FLAIR
Seville is a city full of life and culture, and during Christmas, its Andalusian charm truly shines. Considered one of the best cities to visit for Christmas in Spain in 2024, Seville captivates with its vibrant flamenco performances, stunning Christmas lights, and festive traditions that bring both locals and visitors together.
Highlights:
Christmas Lights in Barrio Santa Cruz: The narrow streets of Seville’s historic district are filled with glowing Christmas lights, creating an enchanting atmosphere as you wander through the old town - November 24, 2024 – January 6, 2025.
Plaza Nueva Christmas Market: One of the best markets in Seville, offering Andalusian crafts, holiday sweets, and souvenirs. You’ll also find beautifully designed nativity figures, a popular Christmas tradition in Seville - November 27, 2024 – January 5, 2025.
Flamenco Shows: During the holiday season, Seville’s flamenco venues host special Christmas performances where flamenco dancers and musicians perform traditional villancicos (Spanish Christmas carols). Book here →
Belén Exhibits: Seville has a tradition of creating elaborate nativity scenes, known as belenes, which can be found in churches, shops, and public squares across the city.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Alfonso XIII – A luxurious and historic hotel that’s centrally located near Seville Cathedral and the Plaza Nueva Christmas market. Its opulent decor and festive atmosphere make it a top choice during the holidays.
Hotel Casa 1800 Seville – This charming boutique hotel in the Santa Cruz district is perfect if you want to experience Seville’s historic heart and be surrounded by Christmas lights and festivities.
Christmas Food to Try:
Pestiños: A popular Andalusian Christmas treat, these are fried pastries flavored with anise and coated in honey. They’re a must-try while wandering through Seville’s holiday markets.
Polvorones: A classic holiday dessert in southern Spain, these crumbly shortbread cookies are made with flour, sugar, and often flavored with cinnamon or lemon, making them a perfect festive treat.
Insider Tip: For a truly magical experience, visit Seville’s belén exhibits, many of which feature detailed, life-size nativity scenes with incredible craftsmanship. It’s a beautiful way to immerse yourself in the city’s holiday spirit.
For a detailed itinerary, check out our ultimate Seville guide, with activities, accommodations, and day trip recommendations.
MALAGA - A COASTAL CHRISTMAS WITH SPECTACULAR LIGHTS
Málaga is one of the best cities to visit for Christmas in Spain in 2024, offering the perfect combination of festive fun and sunny, mild weather. Known for its world-famous Christmas lights on Calle Larios, Málaga provides a magical holiday experience on the southern coast of Spain.
Highlights:
Calle Larios Light Show: The highlight of Málaga’s Christmas celebrations is its light show on Calle Larios, one of Spain’s most famous shopping streets. The lights are synchronized to music and offer a spectacular nightly display that attracts visitors from all over - November 24, 2024 – January 6, 2025.
Christmas Market at Muelle Uno: Located near the port, this market offers a beautiful view of the Mediterranean while you browse stalls filled with crafts, gifts, and delicious Christmas sweets - December 2, 2024 – January 6, 2025.
Live Nativity Scenes: Málaga is famous for its live nativity scenes, which are reenacted throughout the city, especially in small neighborhoods and churches - December 24, 2024 – January 6, 2025.
New Year’s Eve Celebrations: For those staying through New Year’s, Málaga hosts lively celebrations at Plaza de la Constitución, with music, fireworks, and the traditional eating of 12 grapes at midnight for good luck.
Where to Stay:
Vincci Selección Posada del Patio – A luxury hotel that combines modern comfort with historic charm. Located in the city center, it’s just a short walk to the light show on Calle Larios and the Muelle Uno Christmas market.
AC Hotel Málaga Palacio – With stunning views of the port and the city, this hotel is ideal for experiencing Málaga’s waterfront Christmas celebrations. It’s also close to the main shopping streets and festive lights.
Christmas Food to Try:
Mantecados: A traditional Christmas sweet, these crumbly shortbread cookies are made with flour and flavored with cinnamon or lemon. They are popular at Christmas markets throughout Málaga.
Pestiños: A fried pastry coated in honey and flavored with anise, this Andalusian treat is widely enjoyed during the festive season.
Insider Tip: Málaga’s Christmas lights attract thousands of visitors, so to get the best view of the Calle Larios light show, arrive early and secure a spot for the synchronized music and lights display.
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA - A SACRED AND PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS
Santiago de Compostela, one of the best cities to visit for Christmas in Spain in 2024, is famous for its religious pilgrimage and offers a quieter, more sacred Christmas experience. The city’s medieval charm and spiritual atmosphere make it a beautiful place to celebrate Christmas in a more intimate and reflective way.
Highlights:
Midnight Mass at the Cathedral: Attending the midnight mass at the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral is a moving experience. The cathedral’s grand architecture and solemn atmosphere make it a truly special event, especially on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Market in Praza do Obradoiro: Though smaller than in other cities, Santiago’s Christmas market offers a selection of local crafts, foods, and festive gifts. The market is nestled in the heart of the old town, surrounded by centuries-old buildings - December 15, 2024 – January 5, 2025.
Christmas Lights in the Old Town: The medieval streets of Santiago are illuminated with charming Christmas lights, creating a cozy and magical holiday atmosphere. It’s perfect for evening strolls through the city’s winding alleys.
Three Kings Parade: Though smaller and more intimate than those in larger cities, Santiago’s Three Kings Parade is a beautiful tradition that brings the whole town together to celebrate - January 5, 2025.
Where to Stay:
Hotel Rua Villar – Situated in the heart of Santiago’s old town, this boutique hotel is within walking distance of the cathedral and the Christmas market, offering a charming and peaceful holiday retreat.
San Francisco Hotel Monumento – Located in a converted monastery just 150 meters from the cathedral, this hotel combines modern comfort with a rich history. Its peaceful atmosphere and proximity to key attractions make it an excellent option for those seeking a tranquil stay.
Christmas Food to Try:
Tarta de Santiago: This famous almond cake is a must-try during the holidays. Its sweet, nutty flavor makes it a perfect treat after exploring Santiago’s festive sights.
Churros con Chocolate: A warm and comforting snack that’s perfect for chilly winter evenings, churros dipped in thick hot chocolate are a favorite during the holiday season.
Insider Tip: Santiago de Compostela is quieter and more peaceful during Christmas, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a more spiritual and reflective holiday. Take time to explore the city’s ancient churches and enjoy the slower pace of life during the festive season.
READY FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS IN SPAIN?
Drawn to the bright lights of Madrid, the creative charm of Barcelona, or the peaceful atmosphere of Santiago de Compostela? Christmas in Spain offers something special for every traveler. From delicious holiday food to grand parades and intimate traditions, these cities promise an unforgettable holiday experience. Plan your trip early, and be sure to book accommodations near the festive action for the full Christmas experience in Spain.