Spain often conjures up images of sun-kissed beaches, vibrant coastal cities and flamenco, but there is much more to this incredibly rich and varied country than just sunshine and peppy fiestas.
Here are 5 terrific reasons to visit the country during Christmas time.
1. Wonderful Christmas Traditions and Festivals
One of the most fascinating things about Spaniards is the particular way they celebrate their holidays, and Christmas is no exception. From peculiar local customs and intricate nativity scenes adorning the churches to medieval squares brought to life by lively Christmas markets, Spain has something for everyone during this wonderful time of the year. Moreover, the country feels like it was taken back by the locals, which means excellent authentic experiences for a better price. Don’t get fooled, though, the Spanish festive season is as thrilling as their summertime treats, only with a different flavor.
Christmas holiday season begins on December 8th, when Catholics around the country celebrate the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary (Dia de la Inmaculada Concepcion), and cities nationwide are brighten up with twinkling lights and colorful decorations.
Another exciting tradition is the Hogueras de Navidad (Christmas Bonfires) - an ancient pagan ritual observed especially in the provinces of Granada and Jaen. This celebration coincides with the winter solstice (December 21st) and is unique to Spain.
Locally known as La Nochebuena, Christmas Eve is a family affair, usually centered around a nativity scene and a pompous dinner, but also an excuse to party till dawn. Many families start the evening by attending the Christmas Mass (Misa del Gallo) at the local churches.
A very interesting aspect of Christmas in Spain is the absence of Santa Claus. Although children may receive little gifts for Christmas, here, Papa Noel doesn’t play such a major role as he does in most parts of the world. According to the local tradition, it’s the Three Kings (Los Reyes Magos) that bring kids their presents on January 6th.
In Catalonia, there are two peculiar characters associated with Christmas: Tio de Nadal and the Caganer. The latter is a small figurine depicted in the act of defecation, usually hidden in all nativity scenes. On the other side, Tio de Nadal comes in the shape of a wooden log with a cute face and a red beret. He usually appears on the Day of the Immaculate Conception, and children must cover him with a blanket and feed him. If the ritual is followed correctly, on Christmas Eve, Tio de Nadal will start giving back all the sweets he ate.
2. Excellent Skiing in the Pyrenees
It’s hard to believe, but Spain is not all beaches and scorching sun, it is one of Europe’s most mountainous countries, which means there’s no shortage of winter activities either.
The Spanish Pyrenees offer a tremendous combination of culture, stunning natural beauty and surprisingly great skiing. Among the best and most fashionable winter resorts are Formigal in Aragon, and the sprawling Baqueira-Beret in the Aran Valley, Lleida. Equipped with 137km of marked pistes, a modern lift system and a pretty good variety of restaurants and hotels, lively Formigal is an excellent option for beginners and experts alike.
A favorite of the royal family, Baqueira-Beret is Spain’s most exclusive ski resort, welcoming visitors with a vibrant après-ski scene and over 4,700 acres of skiable terrain suitable for all levels of ability.
Equally appealing, but far more unique, is the Sierra Nevada, Europe’s most southerly ski resort and the setting of 1996 Alpine World Ski Championships. Perched high in the Panibetic mountain range of Andalusia, yet only 100 km from the golden beaches of Costa Tropical, Sierra Nevada is one of the few places where you can ski and swim in the Mediterranean Sea in the same day. In addition to its enviable location shared between the sea, the mountains and the astonishing cultural offerings of Granada (27 km), the sunny winter resort with its state-of-the-art artificial snowmaking system and fantastic variety of Green, Blue, Red and Black ski runs is an ideal destination when looking for a cheaper alternative to skiing in the Alps.
Other notable Spanish winter resorts comprise Navacerrada, Valdesqui and La Pinilla - near Madrid; Candanchu and Cerler in the Aragonese Pyrenees, as well as La Molina, Port del Comte and Vallter 2000 in the Catalan Pyrenees.
3. Winter Sun in the Canary Islands
Enjoying warm temperatures and year-round sunshine, it’s no wonder Spain’s Canary Islands has emerged as an ideal destination for British travelers willing to beat the winter blues with a blissful beach escape. And who can blame them, these spectacular volcanic islands off the coast of Africa are the best you can get in terms of exotic getaways in Europe.
Whether you choose to party till dawn in Tenerife’s lively resorts, explore the breathtaking volcanic landscapes of Lanzarote, soak-up the laid-back charm of Fuerteventura or maybe go off the beaten track to discover the remote villages on the smaller and less developed islands of La Gomera, La Palma and El Hierro, the Canary Islands are an ideal destination to combine winter sun and relaxation with culture, sightseeing and tremendous nature activities. Add to all these lures an excellent value for money and you have the blueprint for the perfect winter-sun destination in Europe.
4. Loteria de Navidad
More than a simple lottery draw, Spain’s world-renowned Loteria de Navidad is a deep-rooted Christmas tradition that dates back as far as 1812. This makes it not only one of the longest continuously running lotteries in the world, but also a global event followed by millions across the world.
The Christmas Lottery drawings take place each year, on December 22nd , in central Madrid, and are viewed as a spectacle in its own right, being celebrated with much fanfare in various locations across the city.
Often confused for “El Gordo” (The Fat One), which is actually the name given to the first prize, the famous Spanish lottery stands out for offering players a total of £2 billion in prizes and an outstanding 15% chance of winning. The huge, lively event is broadcasted live by the Spanish National Television, keeping nearly 90% of the population and many others from across the world in front of the TV screen for almost three hours.
If you don’t have the opportunity to experience the lottery-crazed Spain for yourself and buy a ticket straight from the source, don’t panic, you still have plenty of chances to win by playing online. One of the most trusted online lotto providers (according to Trust Pilot) that allow players who are not residents of Spain to take part in this global phenomenon is Lottoland. So, what are you waiting for, take your chances and buy a ticket. Who knows, it could be life changing!
5. Sightseeing Without the Crowds
Everyone knows that traveling off-season is the best way to avoid the crowds and immerse yourself in the local culture. Well, except for the coasts, Spain is not particularly a summer destination, but even so, winter finds the country, not at its sleepiest, but at its most evocative. The rooms are pleasantly cheaper, the food more traditional and the bars animated by cheerful Spaniards that usually know each other for years. However, what really makes Spain so appealing during this time of the year is the lack of tourists.
Thinner crowds means you’ll have the opportunity to see the most remarkable monuments in their full splendor, visit the most famous museums without staying in line for hours, attending various shows without breaking the bank, and have some genuine, unique and high-quality experiences, generally at a fraction of the price.