From Madrid to Gran Canaria, plans to experience the holidays with culture, shopping, and the sea

Traveling at Christmas has established itself as a different way of celebrating the holidays in Spain, combining the charm of local traditions with unique cultural, gastronomic, and natural experiences. Top destinations such as Gran Canaria, Madrid, Seville, Málaga, Vigo, and Córdoba prepare to dazzle in their millions of lights, with artisanal markets, live nativity scenes, and even surfers dressed as Santa Claus right on the beach. Climates for every taste Spain offers the chance to enjoy a Christmas both under the snow and by the seaside. Gran Canaria stands out for its average annual temperature of 75ºF, inviting you to swap your coat for a swimsuit on key dates like Christmas Eve or New Year’s. There, the Las Canteras Sand Nativity—an island icon sculpted by international artists—marks the start of the festivities, celebrated outdoors amid concerts, craft fairs, and parades alongside the Atlantic. Madrid, a destination of indulgence In Madrid, Christmas is synonymous with lights, as more than 11 million bulbs illuminate the city, as well as its high-level gastronomic experiences. From rooftop dinners with panoramic views to special menus in hundred-year-old restaurants, the capital has positioned itself as an ideal city for those looking for an unforgettable gift. On the program, tourists will find everything from flamenco and circus shows to gospel concerts and immersive activities like the Nutcracker in exhibition format.

With Christmas just round the corner, Madrid’s Plaza Mayor transforms into a vast market filled with colorful stalls where residents and tourists will find all kinds of nativity figures, toys, novelty items, and Christmas musical instruments © Shutterstock

Lights, history, and tradition Andalusia brings together some of the most unique destinations in the country for this season. In Seville, a 130-foot Christmas tree dominates the holiday scene, while traditional nativity scenes and markets can be found spread out across the city. Málaga hosts more than 80 nativity scenes distributed among churches, squares, and cultural centers. In Córdoba, Christmas truly steps into the spotlight in public courtyards, meticulously decorated to showcase the city’s popular soul within a unique architectural setting, while Jerez comes to life to the rhythm of the zambomba. Vitoria impresses with its life-size nativity scene, composed of more than 80 figures and over 100 elements set up in La Florida park, while Alicante presents a monumental nativity recognized by the Guinness World Records since 2019, made up of some colossal figures: a 56-foot Saint Joseph, 33-foot Virgin Mary and an 11-foot Baby Jesus. Not forgetting Vigo, which stands out as a tourist phenomenon thanks to its impressive light displays and attractions. All these destinations round off the experience with unique hotels and cultural offerings that turn every getaway into a true Christmas-postcard scene.