12 Unforgettable Hispanic Christmas Traditions

A Hispanic Christmas tradition cheat sheet for Spanish teachers and bilingual families.

It’s December, which means it’s officially the holiday season. Nativity scenes have started popping up on every corner in our city in Spain, and my daughter’s daycare has asked for a tambourine (to get the kids started early singing villancicos or Christmas carols) and a DIY homemade nativity figurine to add to the school’s non-traditional nativity scene. (We’re thinking of going with a mini-hockey player in honor of my husband’s favorite sport.)

All of that got me thinking about the different Hispanic Christmas traditions and how we, as Spanish teachers and bilingual families, can keep up with what’s happening in Spain and Latin America.

There’s a lot packed into the month of December, and most of these Hispanic Christmas traditions are pretty cool and well-near unforgettable. 

While most Hispanic Christmas traditions come from a religious (i.e. Catholic) background, it’s interesting to see which ones have stayed religious and which have veered into social celebrations. 

Below you’ll find twelve Hispanic Christmas traditions to help you -as a Spanish teacher or bilingual family- learn, teach, and celebrate the holiday season with your young ones. 

Hispanic Christmas Traditions

#1 Día de la Inmaculada Concepción

December 8th

El Día de la Inmaculada Concepción celebrates two things. Religiously speaking, it honors the Virgin Mary and is a celebration of the fact that she was conceived, born, and lived until her death without sin.

The date, December 8th, was chosen because it’s exactly nine months before she was born on September 8th. 

Beyond that however, this holiday is the official start to the Christmas season in many Spanish-speaking countries. Once December 8th rolls around you can expect to see Christmas decorations, nativity scenes, and hear villancicos straight on until Three Kings’ Day on January 6th.

#2 Día de las Velitas

December 7th & 8th

El Día de las Velitas is how Colombia celebrates el Día de la Inmaculada Concepción. At dusk, people light candles and lanterns that are placed on sidewalks, in the streets, in windowsills, and in parks.

The Colombian tradition goes back to 1854, shortly before Pope Pius IX announced that the church would reafffirm their belief that the Virgen Mary was born without sin. Many people throughout the world showed their support for the idea by lighing candles. 

Now, candles are lit every year. However, the tradition has become less religious. Many Colombians believe that you make a wish for every candle lit. 

#3 Villancicos

Christmas Carols

No holiday celebration is complete without music, and Christmas in Spain and Latin America is no different. 

Without a doubt, one of the most popular villancicos is El Burrito Sabanero, about a donkey on its way to Bethlehem. You can trust me when I say it’s extremely catchy. Check out the lyrics and music in the video above. 

#4 Pesebres

Nativity Scenes

Come December, pesebres or belenes are out in full force. These nativity scenes range from simple and nontraditional (like the one at my daughter’s daycare that has giraffes and snowmen) to intricate and extremely religious. 

And they really are everywhere. Just today I walked past a traditional belén in the trunk of a car at a local dealership. 

Depending on the country and family, the Three Wise Men may be moved closer every day as they “approach” Bethlehem, while el Niño Jesus might be hidden away until Christmas Day.

#5 Las Posadas

December 16th – 24th

Las Posadas are mainly celebrated in Mexico and Central America during the nine days leading up to Christmas. Why nine? Because that’s how long it took Mary and Joseph to make it to Bethlehem (or Belén). 

Starting December 16th, people reenact the trip. Some dress up in costume and have a pregnant Mary ride a donkey, while asking for a place to stay (pedir posada) at various houses.

Again, depending on the family or region, friends and family pray, get together, hit a piñata, and share food and drink.

#6 Pedir el Aguinaldo

This tradition involves groups of kids going house to house singing Christmas carols in return for money and sweets. While its popularity has waned recently, I can assure you from experience, that while uncommon, the tradition still exists.

Keep in mind that while aguinaldo refers to gifts given at Christmas, it can also refer to a Christmas bonus that businesses pay their employees.

#7 La Novena

December 16th – 24th

Similar to Las Posadas, La Novena is also a nine-day celebration leading up to Christmas. The importance here is placed on reciting a prayer in front of the pesebre with friends and family. Then, of course, celebrating with drinks, food, and villancicos. 

La Novena is celebrated in Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela.

#8 Parranda 

Want to combine Christmas carols, musical instruments, and waking up your fellow friends and family late at night? Then Puerto Rico has your number. 

Parrandas are groups of people who go from house to house late at night singing Christmas carols, are invited in for some food, and then move to the next house as the group gets bigger and bigger. 

#9 Tamaladas

For many Spanish-speaking Christmas lovers, Christmas isn’t complete without tamales. 

Mexico and many other tamale-making countries have tamaladas around Christmas time. Tamaladas are a full-day affair where friends and family gather together to (socialize and…) make tamales. Yum.

#10 Nochebuena

Christmas Eve 

Where English-speaking countries typically place the importance on Christmas Day, many Hispanic countries place the focus on Christmas Eve. That’s the day for large family gatherings and opening presents, while Christmas Day is calm and lowkey.

#11 Misa del Gallo

Midnight Mass

La Misa del Gallo is a Christmas Eve midnight mass. It’s named Rooster Mass because some people believe a rooster crowed the night Jesus was born. There’s that and the idea that a rooster crows to start a new day -as in Christmas Day.

#12 Dia de los Reyes Magos

Three Kings’ Day

Lastly, January 6th is Three Kings’ Day, also called Epiphany in English. It celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men -Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar- and the gifts they gave to el Niño Jesus. 

This is another gift-giving occasion for kids and the close to the holiday season. 

Which Hispanic Christmas tradition is your favorite?

That’s a lot packed into one month! 

Hopefully, this holiday cheat sheet will make teaching these traditions a breeze. 

¡Felices Fiestas!

Need more holiday fun? Check out 5 Thanksgiving Virtual Field Trips Your Kids Will Love and Must-Have Spanish Thanksgiving Books to Read With Your Kids.