Travel Tips

10 traditional Spanish Christmas foods you need to try this holiday season

Explore the flavors of Spain this Christmas! Discover 10 traditional Spanish Christmas foods, regional specialties, and festive drinks that bring warmth, family, and holiday cheer to the table.

Picture a long festive table full of golden roasted lamb and sparkling seafood platters, with the sounds of laughter, chatter, and “Feliz Navidad” playing in the background…

That’s Christmas in Spain!

But what makes traditional Spanish Christmas food so special is the regional variety. In Galicia, families might enjoy tender octopus, while in Andalucía, a succulent roasted leg of lamb takes center stage.

If you’re looking to explore new festive flavors this holiday season, read on. We’re sharing 10 authentic Spanish dishes that truly capture the spirit of Navidad.

But be warned: these festive favorites won’t just inspire you to refresh your own holiday menu—they’ll also tempt you to book a trip and experience Spanish Navidad firsthand!

In this article

10 traditional Spanish Christmas dishes to try

Here are the 10 most popular traditional Spanish Christmas foods to inspire your festive dining table this year:

1. Jamón ibérico y manchego cheese

As two of the best foods in Spain, Jamón Ibérico and Manchego cheese are THE classic Christmas appetiser. You can expect to be served this perfect pairing at the start of any holiday gathering.

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Jamón Ibérico is a dry-cured ham made from the rear leg of acorn-fed Iberian pigs, and it’s known for its rich, nutty flavour and delicate marbling.
Manchego is a firm sheep’s milk cheese from Castilla-La Mancha, with a buttery, slightly tangy taste.

Occasion: Typically served on platters as an appetizer during Nochebuena and Navidad.

2. Entremeses fríos (cold starters)

Entremeses fríos consist of a platter of various cold appetisers, including cured meats (such as jamón serrano or chorizo), cheeses, olives, anchovies, pâtés, and stuffed piquillo peppers.

Entremeses fríos are commonly served across Spain during Christmas family gatherings, but each region adds its own specialties, such as Cantabrian anchovies or Andalusian olives.

Occasion: Common as first courses on Nochebuena, Navidad, and Año Nuevo.

3. Sopas de Navidad (Christmas soups)

Sopas de Navidad are comforting holiday soups that vary by region.

In Catalonia, you’ll find “escudella i carn d’olla”, a broth with meats, vegetables, and large shell-shaped pasta called galets.
In the north, they enjoy “crema de mariscos,” a creamy seafood soup, which is eaten throughout the holidays, including Christmas Eve.
In Andalucía, there is “sopa de picadillo,” a clear broth with ham, hard-boiled eggs, and vermicelli.

Occasion: Traditionally served during Nochebuena or Navidad dinner.

4. Mariscos (seafood platters)

Tasting seafood platters is a culinary experience you’ll find recommended in any Spain travel guide. So it’s no surprise that seafood is among the most traditional Spanish Christmas foods too, especially in coastal regions like Galicia, Asturias, and Andalusia.

Families prepare lavish marisco platters featuring shrimp, lobster, crab, mussels, scallops, and more. The seafood is steamed, boiled, or grilled, then served with lemon, sea salt, and alioli — simple but delicious.

Like other traditional Spanish Christmas foods, Mariscos vary by region. In Galicia, they often include percebes (goose barnacles) and centollo (spider crab), which are specialities of this region.

Occasion: A centerpiece of Nochebuena meals and popular again on Año Nuevo.

5. Cordero asado (roast lamb)

Cordero asado is one of the centerpieces on the Navidad dining table. Originating from Castilla y León and Castilla–La Mancha, this slow-roasted lamb is known for its tender texture and deep flavour.

Source: Shutterstock

The young lamb is seasoned with salt, garlic, olive oil, and sometimes white wine, then roasted in a clay dish.

Occasion: A beloved main dish for Navidad lunch or Nochebuena dinner.

6. Cochinillo (roast suckling pig)

Cochinillo asado (roast pig) is a festive specialty from Segovia, famous for its incredibly tender meat and crackling golden skin.

Traditionally, the suckling pig is seasoned only with salt and water, sometimes a touch of lard. It’s roasted in a wood-fired oven until soft.

Occasion: Served during various festive gatherings, including Nochebuena, Navidad, and Año Nuevo.

7. Besugo al horno (baked sea bream)

Besugo al horno is a classic fish dish, which is especially popular during the Christmas period in Madrid and northern coastal regions.

Source: Shutterstock

Made with red sea bream for its delicate flavour, the fish is baked with olive oil, garlic, lemon, white wine, onions, and potatoes. Some regions add breadcrumbs or paprika.

Occasion: Especially popular for Nochebuena and Christmas Day feasts.

8. Pollo relleno (stuffed chicken roll)

Pollo relleno is a popular main dish for Christmas dinner across Spain. The chicken is deboned and stuffed with festive stuffing that varies by region and taste preferences.

Common fillings include minced pork, ham, dried fruits (such as prunes or apricots), cheese, or poblano peppers. It is then rolled in breadcrumbs and herbs to create a crunchy exterior, before being roasted with white wine or brandy.

Occasion: Common on Navidad and Año Nuevo dinner tables, served as a poultry option alongside or instead of lamb or seafood.

9. Turrón (nougat)

Turrón is a much-loved Christmas sweet in Spain, originating in the Valencian region, around Jijona and Alicante. Turrón comes in three main varieties:

Source: Shutterstock

Turrón blando: soft, smooth almond paste
Turrón duro: hard almond nougat
Turrón de yema: a rich, custard-like version made with toasted egg yolk

The traditional recipe combines toasted almonds, honey, sugar, and egg whites, but modern versions add chocolate, fruits, or nuts.

Occasion: Eaten throughout the holidays, and served to guests during festive gatherings as bite-sized pieces.

10. Polvorones y Mantecados (Christmas cookies)

Polvorones and mantecados are classic Andalusian Christmas cookies. Their origins date back to the 16th century in the town of Estepa.

Both cookies use the same base recipe: flour, sugar, and lard. However, Polvorones are made with ground almonds to create a crumbly texture and then dusted with icing sugar. Meanwhile, mantecados are flavored with cinnamon or lemon zest and have a more moist texture.

Occasion: Enjoyed all season long!

Traditional Spanish Christmas drinks to pair with festive foods

Festive meals in Spain are never complete without a selection of festive drinks. These are the most popular beverages to pair with traditional Spanish Christmas food:

Cava: Spain’s iconic sparkling wine, perfect for toasting during Nochebuena and New Year celebrations.
Anís del Mono: A sweet, aromatic anise liqueur often sipped after dinner.
Sidra (Cider): Popular in Asturias and the Basque Country, served chilled alongside seafood.
Spanish wines: Robust reds from Rioja and crisp whites from Rías Baixas, Rueda, or Penedès pair beautifully with Christmas roasts and seafood.

Wholesome Spanish Christmas traditions for the full Navidad experience

In Spain, the main Christmas celebratory meal is Nochebuena on Christmas Eve. The meal typically starts late (around 9–10 PM), and families gather for elaborate multi-course meals that run late into the night.

It’s tradition to toast each course with a glass of Cava or sherry. In addition, between courses, many families will sing villancicos (Christmas carols), adding music and warmth to the evening.

On Christmas Day, many households enjoy a relaxed but hearty lunch, either using leftovers from Nochebuena or preparing freshly cooked dishes (or a combination of both).

Stay Connected While Experiencing Spanish Navidad

If all this talk of festive food has you booking a flight to Spain this Christmas, be sure to stay connected throughout your trip with a Holafly eSIM.

With unlimited data and reliable coverage across the country, you can navigate your way to Nochebuena feasts, stream holiday playlists, and share every dish with friends and family in real time.

Get your Holafly eSIM for Spain and experience Spanish Christmas to the fullest!