Christmas in Spain

Iberian traditions in the spotlight
Christmas is important in Spain, where the festivities begin on 1st of December as lights and nativity scenes are installed in every home. This country with a Catholic heritage continues to celebrate Christmas through the lens of its religious traditions. So, don't be surprised if you see kids in the streets late on Christmas Eve. Traditionally, they sing to neighbours and ask for treats like almond sweets.
In Spain, the Christmas Eve meal starts with some tapas: jamón ibérico, a selection of cheeses and seafood. The next course is broth, then comes a meat or fish dish. Keep the party going with a whole variety of sweet treats, each more exquisite than the last. Shortbread, marzipan and nougat will have everyone's mouth watering.
The Spanish don't receive gifts during the night of 24 December. Rather than Santa Claus, in Spain, they look to the Three Kings who give out presents to children on 6 January. So everyone has to wait until after Christmas for the Reyes Magos processions through streets all over Spain.

Head to Andalusia's Christmas markets
How about spending Christmas in the sunshine this year? If this sounds appealing, visit Andalusia and the Costa del Sol for a surprising winter holiday at our Magna Marbella Resort.

• Walk Málaga's pretty streets in search of a boutique for last-minute gifts and enjoy the twinkling lights. Famous Calle Larios puts on a unique sound and light show each year that will take your breath away.
• Dine at a traditional little restaurant by the sea on grilled octopus or fried squid as you listen to traditional Christmas songs and the sound of the waves.
• Having explored the Christmas market and the live nativity scene in the city centre, head to the Jardín Botánico-Histórico La Concepción for a beautiful light show that will leave you amazed.
• It would be a shame to leave Andalusia without seeing Puerto Banús Marina in Marbella and its fantastic Christmas market under 15 minutes from Club Med Magna Marbella. Here you can wander among the wooden chalets on the beach, gourmet stalls and artisan products.
  The Christmas period is a real celebration in Spain! The streets are decked out in lights and look as good as ever throughout December to celebrate the arrival of the Three Kings.

Head to Madrid for the festive season!
Madrid, its art museums, its flamenco shows, its historic streets and its winter sun are also available to you at Christmas on a Club Med getaway.
After some shopping in the city centre, visit the Christmas market in famous Plaza Mayor and enjoy some fresh churros con chocolate.
The best way to see the Christmas lights and decorations in Madrid is to book the Navibus, which is a special festive bus.
It would be impossible to leave the city without entering the Christmas lottery on 22 December, which the locals love.

If you're still in Madrid in early January, make sure you see the Three Kings parade through the city: a wildly exciting evening.

A traditional ski holiday in Spain for Christmas!
Do you love a traditional ski holiday? Then gather up your family and celebrate the festive season in the snowy Sierra Nevada mountains
Bring out your inner winter sports enthusiast. At the many ski slopes and the snowpark, you can whizz along the snow and enjoy the sunny climate of the Mediterranean coast.
Prefer to journey through nature? Take advantage of the sun and discover the snowy paths snaking across the mountains. Kids will love hurtling down the slopes on a toboggan between traditional chalets. And what could be a better way to end the day than with a lovely comforting meal by the fire?
Book your Spanish holiday with Club Med today and enjoy an unforgettable Christmas rooted in tradition. ¡Feliz Navidad!