7 Magical Places in Spain You Must Visit This December

There’s something about December in Spain that feels like stepping into a storybook. The air is crisp with the scent of roasted chestnuts, the streets twinkle with luces navideñas (Christmas lights), and the hum of holiday cheer fills every plaza. Over the years, I’ve wandered through Spain’s most enchanting corners during this season, and I’ve found that magic isn’t just in the big cities—it’s tucked into cobblestone alleys, hidden in misty mountains, and woven into the fabric of small towns. If you’re dreaming of a December getaway that feels like a fairy tale, here are seven places that will steal your heart.

1. Ronda, Andalusia: A Cliffside Christmas Wonderland

Address: Ronda, Málaga, Andalusia

Hours: Best explored during daylight, but the Christmas markets (late November to early January) are open until 9 PM.

Ronda is the kind of place that makes you gasp—literally. Perched dramatically over the El Tajo gorge, this whitewashed town looks like it’s been dusted with snow, even when it hasn’t. December here is quiet but alive with tradition. The Plaza del Socorro transforms into a Christmas market where locals sell handmade belénes (nativity scenes) and warm churros con chocolate. I’ll never forget the first time I sipped thick, velvety hot chocolate at Casa María, a tiny café with a view of the Puente Nuevo bridge glowing against the twilight.

For a truly magical experience, visit the Baños Árabes (Arab Baths) in the evening. The steam rising from the ancient pools, the flicker of candlelight, and the hush of history make it feel like stepping back in time. And if you’re lucky, you might catch a zambomba, a spontaneous flamenco Christmas gathering where locals sing and dance in the streets. It’s raw, unfiltered joy—and it’s pure Ronda.

2. Alsasua/Altsasu, Navarre: A Basque Christmas Hidden Gem

Address: Alsasua, Navarre (about 1.5 hours from San Sebastián)

Hours: Christmas lights and markets are best from 6 PM to 10 PM.

Tucked into the lush green hills of Navarre, Alsasua is a place where Basque and Spanish traditions collide in the most delightful way. The town’s Olentzero festival (a Basque Christmas figure, like Santa but with a beret and a pipe) is a riot of color, music, and dancing. I once joined a group of locals carrying a giant Olentzero puppet through the streets, laughing as we sang Olentzero joan zaigu (the traditional song).

The heart of Alsasua’s December magic is its txokos—small, private gastronomic societies where locals cook up feasts. If you’re invited (or sneak into a public one like Txoko Altsasu), you’ll find yourself eating txuleta (aged beef) and pintxos by the fire, surrounded by laughter. The town’s Christmas market is tiny but perfect, with stalls selling handmade txapelas (Basque berets) and turrón (nougat). And don’t miss the Belén Viviente (living nativity) in the Plaza de los Fueros—it’s like walking into a painting.

3. Besalú, Catalonia: A Medieval Christmas Dream

Address: Besalú, Girona, Catalonia

Hours: The Christmas market runs weekends in December, 10 AM to 8 PM.

Besalú is one of those places that feels frozen in time. Its 12th-century stone bridge, cobbled streets, and Romanesque churches make it look like a set from Game of Thrones—but with fewer dragons and more cava. December here is all about Fira del Saüc (the Elderberry Fair), a medieval Christmas market where artisans sell handmade toys, wool blankets, and panellets (sweet almond cakes).

I once spent an entire afternoon in a tiny workshop watching a luthier craft a gralla (a Catalan woodwind instrument). The smell of wood shavings and the sound of the fire crackling in the hearth made me never want to leave. At night, the town’s els Tres Tombs (Three Kings procession) is a spectacle of horses, torches, and children dressed as shepherds. And if you’re feeling adventurous, hike up to the ruins of the Jewish baths for a sunset view over the river—it’s like looking at a Christmas card come to life.

4. Albarracín, Aragon: A Fairy-Tale Village in the Snow

Address: Albarracín, Teruel, Aragon

Hours: Best visited during daylight, but the Christmas lights stay on until midnight.

Albarracín is the kind of place that makes you believe in magic. Its pink-hued stone houses, winding alleys, and ancient walls look like they’ve been plucked from a Grimm’s fairy tale. In December, a dusting of snow (if you’re lucky) turns it into a real-life gingerbread village. The Mercado Medieval (Medieval Market) is a highlight, with jugglers, minstrels, and stalls selling spiced wine and migas (a hearty bread dish).

I’ll never forget the time I got lost in Albarracín’s labyrinthine streets and stumbled upon a hidden courtyard where a group of elderly women were singing villancicos (Christmas carols) by candlelight. It was one of those moments that feels like a gift. For a cozy retreat, stay at the Hotel Albarracín, where the fireplace and views of the snow-kissed rooftops make you feel like you’re in a storybook.

5. Comillas, Cantabria: A Gothic Christmas by the Sea

Address: Comillas, Cantabria

Hours: The Christmas lights and markets are best from 5 PM to 10 PM.

Comillas is where the sea meets the mountains, and December here is a mood. The town’s star attraction is El Capricho, a whimsical Gaudí-designed villa that looks like it’s made of gingerbread. The Christmas market in the Plaza de los Tres Caños is small but charming, with stalls selling sobao pasiego (buttery cake) and quesada (cheesecake).

One of my favorite memories here is walking along the beach at dusk, the waves crashing against the rocks while the town’s lights twinkled in the distance. For a truly magical experience, visit the Sobao bakery and try their rosquillas (ring-shaped pastries) with a cup of anís (anise liqueur). And if you’re feeling brave, take a dip in the icy Atlantic—it’s invigorating, to say the least!

6. Trujillo, Extremadura: A Conquistador’s Christmas

Address: Trujillo, Cáceres, Extremadura

Hours: The Christmas market runs daily from 11 AM to 9 PM.

Trujillo is a town that wears its history proudly. Its grand Plaza Mayor, lined with Renaissance palaces, feels like stepping into the 16th century. December here is all about La Matanza (the pig slaughter festival), a tradition where families come together to make chorizo, jamón, and morcilla (blood sausage). It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s a deep dive into Extremaduran culture.

I once joined a local family for La Matanza and spent the day learning how to stuff sausages and roast pork. The warmth of the fire, the laughter, and the smell of garlic and paprika made it unforgettable. At night, the town’s Belén (nativity scene) in the Iglesia de Santa María la Mayor is a masterpiece, with tiny figurines depicting life in Trujillo centuries ago.

7. Cudillero, Asturias: A Fishing Village Christmas

Address: Cudillero, Asturias

Hours: Best visited during daylight, but the Christmas lights are on until 11 PM.

Cudillero is a postcard-perfect fishing village where houses cascade down the hillside like a colorful waterfall. December here is quiet but full of charm. The Mercado de Navidad (Christmas market) is small but delightful, with stalls selling sidra (cider) and fabada (hearty bean stew).

I once spent Christmas Eve here, watching the fishermen’s boats bob in the harbor while the town’s church bells rang out villancicos. The next morning, I hiked up to the Faro de Cudillero (lighthouse) for a sunrise view over the Atlantic—it was the perfect way to start Christmas Day.

Final Thoughts: Why Spain in December?

Spain in December isn’t just about Christmas markets and twinkling lights—it’s about the feeling of the season. It’s the warmth of a chocolate caliente in a cold plaza, the sound of laughter echoing off ancient walls, and the joy of discovering a place that feels like it’s been waiting just for you.

So pack your bags, grab a scarf, and let Spain’s magic sweep you away this December. You won’t just be visiting places—you’ll be stepping into stories.