Christmas in the sun might feel a little bit different – no snow, mild temperatures… But enthusiasm for the festive season is just as strong in Spain and Portugal as further north. Christmas magic is taking over across our various locations – let us take you on a sun-kissed tour of our favourite festive activities!

Barcelona
Barcelona embraces the holiday season with its signature flair, as historic streets and modern promenades light up with festive charm. The ancient alleys of the Gothic Quarter shimmer with colourful decorations, while Passeig de Gràcia transforms into an avenue of twinkling lights. Don’t miss the enchanting evening light show projected onto Gaudí’s iconic Casa Batlló, an unforgettable blend of tradition and spectacle.
Christmas Special
Keep an eye out for the cheeky caganer figurine cleverly tucked into nativity scenes – a playful Catalan custom!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canaries
Each island has its own unique celebration; Tenerife celebrates Christmas with open-air concerts in Santa Cruz, stargazing as a starlight destination, and tropical cocktails on Las Teresitas beach. In Lanzarote, you will find Navidad Isleña, featuring traditional music from December to January, and a memorable Christmas meal inside a volcanic tube at Jameos del Agua. Gran Canaria impresses with winter sun activities and a stunning sand nativity scene on Las Canteras beach. Fuerteventura’s Christmas market in Corralejo showcases traditional foods and gifts – don’t miss queso con almendras (cheese with almonds), a real festive treat.
Christmas Special
Look up to the sky for some of the most beautiful star gazing, regardless of which island has captured your heart for Christmas.

Lisbon
As Christmas approaches, Lisbon glows with festive lights, transforming spots like Marques de Pombal Square, Praça do Comércio, Eduardo VII Park, and Baixa into magical displays. This is also your chance to witness the Vasco da Gama shopping centre’s spectacular light show on Dom João II Avenue. Concerts and performances add to the city’s charm, making it the perfect time to explore the city!
Christmas Special
Every Christmas, Lisbon hosts the tallest Christmas tree in Europe, at an impressive 76 metres high. And of course, draped in shining and mesmerising lights!

Madrid
Madrid comes alive with the magic of the holiday season, its streets aglow with dazzling lights, and festive markets brimming with seasonal charm. The iconic Plaza Mayor transforms into the city’s largest Christmas market, where you’ll find everything from traditional nativity decorations to quirky hats – a beloved local tradition. For handcrafted treasures like olive-wood boards and artisanal jewellery, take a stroll along the Paseo de Recoletos.
Christmas Special
What if you got lucky this Christmas? Christmas in Madrid is the perfect time to try your luck with el gordo—the Spanish Christmas lottery, the world’s largest, with prizes in the millions. While holiday shopping, grab a ticket—it’s a festive tradition open to all! Results are out on 22nd December…

Mallorca
Experience Mallorca at its most magical, as the island transforms into a festive haven, blending local traditions with Nordic-inspired Christmas markets. Puerto Portals and Palma’s Plaza Mayor come alive with twinkling lights and charming stalls, offering mulled wine, festive treats, and unique gifts. From the end of November, Palma is glistening with street lights, shiny installations, and other luminous wonders, draping the city a dazzling and shimmering coat.
Christmas Special
For something truly special, visit Port Adriano’s central square, which turns into Mallorca’s only ice-themed park.