Spanish Festivals in December

6 festivals take place across Spain in December, spread over Valencia, Catalonia, Madrid. Each entry below has exact dates, the nearest city, and what to expect.

December

Cultural

Nochevieja en la Puerta del Sol

Madrid, Madrid

Every December 31st, tens of thousands gather at Madrid's Puerta del Sol to eat 12 grapes — one with each chime of the clock at midnight. This uniquely Spanish tradition, broadcast live to 12 million TV viewers, is the country's most iconic New Year's Eve celebration.

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December

Cultural

El Gordo — Spanish Christmas Lottery

Madrid, Madrid

Every December 22nd, Spain stops to watch 'El Gordo' — the world's biggest lottery draw, a 200+ year tradition where children sing out winning numbers in the Teatro Real.

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December

Cultural

Medieval Market of Vic

Vic, Catalonia

The Mercat Medieval de Vic is Catalonia's premier medieval event and one of the largest medieval markets in southern Europe. Every December, the elegant market town of Vic transforms its historic centre into a medieval world with over 500 stalls, theatrical performances, workshops and tens of thousands of visitors. Combined with the atmospheric winter setting and Vic's rich architectural heritage, it's a unique pre-Christmas medieval experience.

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December

Traditional

Mercado de Navidad de Plaza Mayor

Madrid, Madrid

Madrid's iconic Plaza Mayor hosts Spain's most famous Christmas market since 1860, with over 100 stalls selling nativity figures, ornaments, costumes and traditional joke items.

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December

Traditional

Fira de Santa Llúcia

Barcelona, Catalonia

Barcelona's oldest Christmas market (since 1786) fills the square in front of the Cathedral with nativity scene figures, caganers, Christmas trees and traditional Catalan holiday crafts.

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December

Traditional

Els Enfarinats

Ibi, Valencia

Every December 28th (Holy Innocents' Day), the town of Ibi erupts into a massive flour, egg and firecracker battle as mock revolutionaries 'seize power' in this 200-year-old tradition.

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