Christmas in Spain is one of our favorite times. The atmosphere can be electric. Unlike many other places in Europe, Christmas lights do not usually go up in Spain until late November. Every town and city will decorate the streets with millions of lights. Christmas markets also begin to appear. Christmas trees are on sale everywhere and gypsies begin to sell Christmas trees in the streets.
The first major sign of Christmas is the state-run lottery which is drawn on December 22nd. The 'El Gordo' (the Fat One) is one of the largest lotteries in the world and thousands of people win each year. Everyone wants to buy a ticket.
In general, Christmas in Spain is based more on a religious theme than in many other places. Churches are packed to capacity, day and night. Most churches have several services each day as Christmas approaches.