The first major sign of Christmas is the state-run lottery which is drawn on December 22nd. The “El Gordo” (the Fat One) is one of the largest lotteries in the world and thousands of people win each year.
In general, Christmas in Spain is based more on a religious theme than in many other places. Churches are packed to capacity, day and night.
For most Spaniards, there are three main stages to Christmas, starting with Christmas Eve (Nochebuena) which is very much a family affair. The evening may start at home but often ends up with party in a hotel, club or disco with friends and family. It is likely that every generation of the family is represented. The family Christmas Eve meal is one of the most important meals of the year for a Spanish family and the housewife will be busy preparing the traditional fare. Seafood is high on the list for the meal and prices tend to go through the roof at this time of the year. After the meal the adults will then exchange presents. The children will usually only receive a small gift. At midnight, some people will go to the Midnight Mass at the church. Others may stay at home and open a bottle of champagne to celebrate the birth of Christ. Some children go Carol singing and the youngsters may go to bed whilst the adults go out and party until dawn. Every town and most churches will have a “belen” which is a nativity display. Some of them are very impressive and can cover massive areas. Some are animated and illuminated and draw huge crowds.

Christmas Day is a fiesta day so all the banks and shops are closed, probably to recover from the night before. Christmas day in Spain is one of the quietest of the year. Anyone wanting to eat out on this special day will have to book well in advance.

The next important day is the 6th January or Three Kins Day (Los Reyes) this is the day that the three Kings arrived in Bethlehem, it is also the most important day for the children as the Three Kings in effect replace Father Christmas for Spanish children (although Santa is becoming popular). They arrive overnight on the 5th January, riding horses and leave presents for the children. Parents encourage children to write to the three Kings with their gift requests.
Every town and city in Spain will have a procession on the night of 5th January where tons of sweets will be thrown from the passing floats, much to the joy of the children.
On the morning of the 6th, imagine the excitement of the children as they rip open their gifts.