December is a month full of celebrations, traditions and important events in Spain. With the arrival of the Christmas holidays, this month becomes a time of great cultural, social and economic activity. In this article, we will explore the December 2025 calendar in Spain, highlighting holidays, relevant events and typical traditions that make this month a special period.
December 2025 begins on a Monday and has 31 days. Throughout the month, we find working days, weekends and holidays that mark important milestones in the lives of Spaniards.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
| 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 |
| 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |
| 29 | 30 | 31 |
National holidays
Spain has a rich tradition of public holidays celebrating both historical and religious events. In December 2025, the national holidays are:
December 6: Spanish Constitution Day
This day commemorates the approval of the Constitution in 1978, a key moment in the transition to democracy after Franco's dictatorship. It is celebrated with official events, parades and cultural activities throughout Spain. It is a day of reflection on the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.
December 8: Immaculate Conception
The Immaculate Conception is a religious holiday that honors the Virgin Mary. Many autonomous communities celebrate this holiday with masses, processions and other religious activities. In some localities, it is the official start of Christmas decorations and markets.
December 25th: Christmas
Christmas Day is perhaps the most anticipated day of the month. It is a day dedicated to the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and is a family holiday par excellence. Families gather to share special meals, such as roast lamb, seafood and nougat, and exchange gifts.
December 31: New Year's Eve
Although it is not an official holiday, New Year's Eve is one of the most celebrated dates of the year. At midnight, it is traditional to eat 12 grapes to the rhythm of the bells, one for each month of the year, as a symbol of good luck for the coming year.
Regional festivities and traditions
In addition to national holidays, some autonomous communities have unique celebrations in December:
Catalonia : The tradition of the "Caga Tió" is one of the most peculiar and beloved. This decorated log "defecates" gifts for children after being hit with a stick while they sing traditional songs.
Andalusia : Christmas flamenco takes center stage, with carols accompanied by guitars and clapping that liven up the celebrations.
Galicia : The "Apalpador" is a traditional figure who visits children to make sure they have enough food during the winter.
Basque Country : Here the figure of "Olentzero" stands out, a charcoal burner who brings gifts to children on December 24.
Christmas markets
Throughout the month, Christmas markets adorn the squares and streets of Spain's main cities. Some of the highlights include:
Christmas Market in Plaza Mayor, Madrid : This is one of the most emblematic markets in Spain, where you can find nativity figures, decorations and Christmas sweets.
Santa Llúcia Fair in Barcelona : Held in front of Barcelona Cathedral, this fair features craft stalls, Christmas trees and decorations.
Plaza del Pilar Market in Zaragoza : This market combines Christmas shopping with an ice rink and a life-size nativity scene.
Cultural events and shows
December is a month packed with cultural activities including concerts, plays and special exhibitions:
Christmas concerts : Orchestras and choirs from all over Spain offer recitals of classical music and Christmas carols. Venues such as the Teatro Real in Madrid or the Palau de la Música Catalana in Barcelona are prime venues.
Living Nativity Scenes : In towns such as Arcos de la Frontera (Cádiz) or Buitrago del Lozoya (Madrid), residents recreate scenes of the birth of Jesus with great realism.
Cabalgata de Reyes (rehearsals) : Although the grand parade is celebrated on January 5, many towns begin preparing for this event in December.
December Gastronomy
Food is a central element of December celebrations in Spain. Some of the most characteristic dishes and sweets are:
Turrones and marzipans : These sweets made with almonds, honey and sugar are essential on Christmas tables.
Polvorones : Crumbly cookies that usually accompany coffee after festive meals.
Cava : This sparkling wine, originally from Catalonia, is the preferred drink for toasts.
Seafood and fish : Shrimp, prawns and sea bream are the stars of Christmas dinners.
Preparations for the New Year
The last week of December is marked by planning for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Some popular traditions include:
Eating the 12 lucky grapes : According to tradition, each grape represents a month of the year, and eating them to the rhythm of the bells brings good fortune.
Wearing red underwear : This detail is considered a charm of luck and love for the coming year.
Parties in squares and nightclubs : Cities like Madrid and Barcelona organize mass events in their main squares, while nightclubs offer special celebrations.
Weather in December
The weather in December varies significantly depending on the region. In the north, temperatures are usually cold, with the possibility of snow in mountainous areas such as the Pyrenees. In the south and on the Canary Islands, the climate is milder, attracting tourists looking for a mild winter.
December as an economic engine
The last month of the year is crucial for the Spanish economy. Christmas shopping boosts sectors such as commerce, hospitality and tourism. Street markets, advertising campaigns and special offers make December a month of great commercial activity.
December 2025 in Spain promises to be a vibrant and lively month. With its public holidays, regional traditions, cultural events and the magic of Christmas, this month brings families and communities together in a spirit of celebration. Whether enjoying a Christmas market, tasting a turrón or celebrating New Year's Eve, December offers something special for everyone.