Things to Do in Spain in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Spain
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Genuinely mild weather for exploring - you'll actually walk 10-12 km (6-7 miles) daily without melting, unlike summer when most tourists give up by noon. Afternoons reach 15°C (59°F), perfect for outdoor sightseeing without the punishing heat.
- Dramatically fewer crowds at major sites - the Alhambra, Sagrada Familia, and Prado see roughly 40% fewer visitors than peak summer months. You'll spend more time looking at art and less time looking at the back of someone's head.
- Christmas markets and seasonal atmosphere transform cities - Madrid's Plaza Mayor market (late November through early January) and Barcelona's Fira de Santa Llúcia (late November to December 23) add genuine local flavor you won't find other months. Locals actually participate in these, not just tourists.
- Significantly lower accommodation costs outside the Christmas week itself - hotel prices in Barcelona and Madrid drop 30-45% compared to summer peaks. A decent three-star in Barcelona's Eixample that costs €180 in July runs €95-110 in early December.
Considerations
- Northern Spain gets genuinely cold and wet - San Sebastian, Bilbao, and Santiago de Compostela see temperatures around 8-13°C (46-55°F) with frequent drizzle. If you're planning a Basque Country or Galicia trip, you'll need proper rain gear and might spend more time indoors than planned.
- Shorter daylight hours limit your sightseeing window - sunset hits around 5:45pm in Madrid, 6pm in Seville. You'll lose 3-4 hours of usable daylight compared to summer, which matters when you're trying to pack in multiple sites.
- Beach destinations like Costa del Sol feel somewhat dormant - while temperatures reach 17°C (63°F), the water sits at 16°C (61°F) and most beach clubs, chiringuitos, and seasonal restaurants close until March. Marbella and Málaga still function but lack the energy you'd expect.
Best Activities in December
Madrid Museum Circuit Walking Tours
December weather is actually ideal for the Golden Triangle museums - Prado, Reina Sofía, and Thyssen-Bornemisza. The cool temperatures mean you'll comfortably walk the 2 km (1.2 miles) between them, and December crowds are manageable enough that you can actually pause in front of Velázquez's Las Meninas without being shoved aside. The low UV index means you won't need constant sunscreen reapplication between museums. Morning slots (10am-12pm) see the lightest crowds.
Andalusian City Walking and Tapas Routes
Seville, Granada, and Córdoba are perfect in December - daytime temperatures around 15°C (59°F) make the 6-8 km (3.7-5 miles) of daily walking comfortable, and the low tourist numbers mean you'll actually get seats at popular tapas bars. The Albaicín neighborhood in Granada and Judería in Córdoba are best explored 2pm-5pm when temperatures peak. Evening tapas crawls start around 8pm when locals emerge, and you'll find authentic spots rather than tourist traps.
Alhambra and Generalife Garden Tours
December might be the single best month for the Alhambra. The gardens maintain their structure even without summer blooms, temperatures stay comfortable for the 3-4 km (1.9-2.5 miles) of walking through the complex, and you'll avoid the oppressive summer heat that makes the exposed palace sections brutal. Morning slots (9am-11am) offer the best light for photography. The 70% humidity keeps everything feeling fresh rather than parched.
Barcelona Gothic Quarter and Modernisme Architecture Routes
The Gothic Quarter's narrow streets stay pleasant in December's mild weather, and you can comfortably walk the 4-5 km (2.5-3 miles) from Barri Gòtic through El Born to Sagrada Familia. December's softer light is actually better for photographing Gaudí's buildings than harsh summer sun. The reduced crowds mean you can properly examine Casa Batlló's details without being rushed. Best timing is 11am-3pm when temperatures peak at 15°C (59°F).
Rioja and Ribera del Duero Winery Visits
December is harvest aftermath season - the work is done, winemakers have time to talk, and you'll see the fermentation process in action. Temperatures around 8-12°C (46-54°F) in wine regions mean you'll appreciate the warm tasting rooms. Many wineries offer December-specific tastings of new wines alongside aged reserves. The bare vineyard landscapes have their own stark beauty, and you'll avoid the summer tour bus crowds entirely.
Camino de Santiago Short Section Walks
Walking the final 100 km (62 miles) from Sarria to Santiago is manageable in December if you're prepared for 8-13°C (46-55°F) and occasional rain. The trails are nearly empty - you'll see maybe 10-15 other pilgrims daily versus 200+ in summer. Albergues stay open year-round on this section. The misty, moody atmosphere actually suits the contemplative nature of the walk better than summer's party atmosphere. Plan 5-6 days for the full section, or do 2-3 day segments.
December Events & Festivals
Christmas Markets across major cities
Madrid's Plaza Mayor market runs late November through early January with over 100 stalls selling traditional figurines for nativity scenes, decorations, and seasonal treats. Barcelona's Fira de Santa Llúcia near the Cathedral (late November to December 23) is the oldest Christmas market in Spain, dating to 1786. These are genuinely local events where Spanish families shop for holiday decorations, not just tourist photo opportunities. Expect crowds on weekends but manageable weekday visits.
New Year's Eve Puerta del Sol Grape Tradition
Madrid's Puerta del Sol hosts Spain's main New Year's celebration where locals eat 12 grapes at midnight, one with each bell chime. The plaza fills with 20,000+ people, and the tradition is broadcast nationally. If you're in Madrid for New Year's, arrive by 10pm to secure a spot, though honestly the atmosphere in neighborhood plazas is more authentic and less chaotic. Seville, Barcelona, and other cities have their own versions with local variations.
Three Kings Day Preparations and Parades
While Three Kings Day itself is January 6, late December sees cities preparing with window displays and early parades. Barcelona's Three Kings arrival parade happens January 5 evening, but you'll see the buildup throughout late December. Spanish children receive gifts on Three Kings Day rather than Christmas, so late December has a different energy than other Western countries - Christmas Day is relatively quiet, with the big celebrations happening New Year's and Three Kings.