Which cities in Spain and Portugal are best to visit in December?

The winter charm of Madrid and Barcelona shines through their festive markets and wealth of indoor cultural spaces. The Prado Museum and Sagrada Familia provide warmth and artistic refuge. Further south Seville and Granada's gentle winter temperatures make exploring the Alcazar and Alhambra comfortable. In Portugal Porto beckons with its intimate port wine cellars while Lisbon's TimeOut Market serves as a central gathering spot during cool days. A TourRadar review notes: "The Lutecia Hotel in Lisbon was perfectly located for December sightseeing close to indoor attractions and Christmas markets."

What is the weather like in Portugal and Spain during December?

The Iberian Peninsula sees distinct regional patterns in December. Andalusia in southern Spain stays mild with daytime temperatures of 15-18°C (59-64°F). Northern regions of both countries cool down to 10-13°C (50-55°F). Barcelona and Valencia benefit from Mediterranean conditions while Madrid's continental climate brings colder spells near 5°C (41°F). Portugal's Atlantic coast including Porto and Lisbon tends toward rain. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The weather in southern Spain was perfect for sightseeing in December - not too hot or cold though we needed layers for morning and evening."

What special Christmas events or festivities can I experience in Portugal and Spain during December?

December transforms city centers into winter celebrations. Madrid's Plaza Mayor fills with traditional market stalls while Barcelona's Gothic Quarter comes alive with local crafts and food. Lisbon's Wonderland Lisboa adds ice skating to the mix. In Cordoba the Mosque-Cathedral resonates with holiday concerts and Seville's Plaza San Francisco glows with evening lights. As one TourRadar traveler notes: "The Christmas atmosphere in Madrid was incredible with the whole city decorated in lights and the smell of roasted chestnuts everywhere."

Are major attractions and sites open during December holidays?

Visitors will find most key sites operating on regular schedules through December with limited hours on December 24-25. This includes the Alhambra Granada's Sagrada Familia and major institutions like Madrid's Prado Museum. Many locations add special holiday programming and evening light displays. A TourRadar traveler noted: "Most attractions were open but we stayed at the excellent AC Hotel Forum Oviedo which helped us plan around holiday closures."

What unique winter culinary experiences are available in December?

Winter brings out distinctive holiday foods across the region. Spain offers turrón (nougat) and polvorones (shortbread) while Portugal celebrates with bolo rei (king cake) and rabanadas (Portuguese French toast). Restaurants showcase seasonal specialties like Portuguese bacalhau and Spanish cochinillo. Madrid's historic cafes serve steaming cups of chocolate with churros. A TourRadar reviewer shared: "The Christmas markets in Barcelona offered amazing seasonal treats and the Hampton by Hilton Barcelona Fira Gran Via recommended great local restaurants."

Are there any significant festivals or cultural events in December?

The month fills with cultural celebrations starting with Spain's Constitution Day on December 6 followed by the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8. Cities host Christmas Eve processions while Portugal honors Nossa Senhora da Conceição with festivals in Porto and Lisbon. As shared by TourRadar travelers: "The December festivals and processions in Seville were spectacular with traditional music and dancing in the streets."

Portugal and Spain Tours in December 2026

May '26
Dec '26

10 best Portugal and Spain trips in December 2026

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Explorer
Best of Spain and Portugal (Classic, Winter, End Barcelona) (including Gibraltar)
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Spain Portugal Gibraltar
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Insight Vacations
10% Off
From $4,925
US$4,433per person
Price based on Private Double Room
16 Dec, 2026
1 space left
23 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Spain and Portugal Uncovered (Classic - Winter)
Duration
19 days
Destinations
Madrid, Burgos, Pamplona, Bilbao, San Sebastian, Zaragoza,Barcelona,Valencia,Granada,Toledo,Cordoba,Seville,Lisbon,Sintra,Cascais,Porto,Ciudad Rodrigo,Salamanca,Avila+13 more
Age Range
Ages 18-35
Operated in
English
Operator
Contiki
10% Off
From
US$3,075per person
Price based on Private Double Room
13 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Andalucia, Lisbon & Morocco Explorer - 14 days
4.0 (2 traveler reviews)
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Spain Portugal Morocco
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
20% Off
From $3,215
US$2,572per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
8 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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Active
18-Day Tour to Portugal, Andalusia and Morocco from Madrid
3.0 (2 traveler reviews)
"Fascinating places made more fascinating by the excellent multilingual guides."
Margaret, traveled in July
Duration
18 days
Destinations
Spain Portugal Morocco
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Remaz Tours GmbH
20% Off
From
US$5,200per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
8 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Spain, Portugal & Morocco Encompassed - 23 days
Duration
23 days
Destinations
Spain Portugal Gibraltar Morocco
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
35% Off
From $11,385
US$7,400per person
Price based on Private Double Room
11 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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Explorer
Madrid to Marrakech
4.5 (37 traveler reviews)
"The trip from Madrid to Marrakech was fabulous, despite the challenges of packing lightly."
Nan, traveled in June
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Spain Portugal Morocco
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Northern Morocco
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
35% Off
From $4,845
US$3,149per person
Price based on Private Double Room
12 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
15 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
23D Spain Portugal Morocco Premium Small Grp Tour (26 destinations)
Duration
23 days
Destinations
Spain Portugal Morocco
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Julia Travel
10% Off
From $8,261
US$7,435per person
Price based on Private Double Room
11 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
14-Day Portugal, Andalucia & Morocco
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Spain Portugal Morocco
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
VPT Tours
10% Off
From
US$2,521per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
8 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Active
10-Day Tour to Northern Spain and Galicia
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Spain France Portugal
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
Remaz Tours GmbH
10% Off
From
US$3,311per person
Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
8 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Lisbon to Morocco, Madrid & Porto - 13 days
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Portugal Spain Morocco
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
30% Off
From $3,470
US$2,429per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
12 Dec, 2026
4 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Spain, Portugal and Morocco (Small Group)
4.8 (64 traveler reviews)
"I met really nice people. The lodgings and transportation were handled, allowing me to concentrate solely on exploring."
Digant, traveled in April
Duration
21 days
Destinations
Spain Portugal Gibraltar Morocco
Age Range
Ages 6+
Operated in
English
Operator
Eskapas
7% Off
From $8,000
US$7,440per person
Price based on Private Double Room
13 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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Explorer
Spain & Portugal highlights W/Optional Moroccan Day Trip
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The Wonderful team put together an awesome itinerary. Highly recommend!!"
Nancy, traveled in March
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Spain Morocco Portugal
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Wanderful Holidays LLC
5% Off
From $4,499
US$4,274per person
Price based on Private Double Room
3 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
5 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
From Lisbon 10-Day Andalucia & Morocco
4.1 (11 traveler reviews)
"Morocco tour was highlight, we were super relaxed and well informed throughout... I could easily give 6 out of 5 to them."
Mayur, traveled in January
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Portugal Spain Morocco
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
VPT Tours
5% Off
From
US$2,028per person
Price based on Private Double Room
5 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
12 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Portugal, Andalusia and Morocco (Multi country)
3.0 (3 traveler reviews)
"The actual tour itself was good. Guides were great, accommodation was excellent."
Louise, traveled in February
Duration
18 days
Destinations
Spain Portugal Morocco
Age Range
Ages 10+
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Destination Services Spain
10% Off
From $4,602
US$4,142per person
Price based on Private Double Room
15 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
22 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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In-depth Cultural
Iberian Explorer
4.3 (54 traveler reviews)
"Well packed with lots to see during the 13 days."
Nestor, traveled in September
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Spain Gibraltar Portugal
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Costsaver
10% Off
From $2,425
US$2,183per person
Price based on Private Double Room
14 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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