On Christmas Eve, Spain takes on a special atmosphere: streets glow with festive lights and families gather around the holiday table. For the royal family, this evening is not only a chance to be together but also an opportunity to preserve cherished traditions passed down through generations. At their residence in Zarzuela, where King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and their daughters live, the festive dinner is held in a close family circle, without excessive formality or protocol.
On this night, preparations for dinner begin right after the monarch’s address to the nation. While most details of these gatherings remain behind closed doors, some highlights of the royal Christmas menu have come to light through stories from relatives and long-standing family traditions. The menu rarely changes from year to year, as it is meticulously overseen by Queen Letizia, renowned for her attention to nutrition and healthy living.
Festive appetizers
The evening opens with sophisticated appetizers that capture the Spanish spirit of the celebration. These include thinly sliced jamón ibérico, fresh oysters, delicate angulas, and duck liver pâté. Toasts with salmon—served both smoked and marinated—are also a staple. Occasionally, a seafood pudding is added to the starters, a particular favorite among the youngest family members.
These dishes not only delight the palate but also create a warm, cozy atmosphere, so essential for a family celebration. Every year, the queen personally ensures that only the freshest, highest quality ingredients are used, and that each dish is presented in keeping with the festive spirit.
Main courses
After the appetizers, it’s time for the main courses. Traditionally, the meal begins with almond soup—a light, fragrant dish especially favored by Queen Letizia. This soup has long been an indispensable part of the royal family’s Christmas dinner. For the main course, stuffed turkey is usually prepared and served without the help of palace staff—on this night, every family member does their part so that the palace employees can celebrate with their loved ones.
Fresh fish is also often served, such as baked lubina or delicate sole. These dishes are particular favorites of King Felipe and his mother, Queen Sofía. Side dishes are chosen to suit the tastes of all present, ensuring everyone finds something to their liking.
Desserts and the close of the evening
The festive dinner concludes with traditional Spanish sweets. The table features Christmas desserts, fresh fruit, and even coffee-flavored ice cream, which is especially loved by Queen Letizia’s mother—Paloma Rocasolano. At this moment, the atmosphere grows especially warm: toasts are made, family stories are shared, and children eagerly await their gifts.
In recent years, the dinner has become an intimate gathering. Apart from the King, Queen, and their daughters, the table usually welcomes Paloma Rocasolano with her husband, as well as Letizia’s sister Telma and her children. Queen Sofía prefers to celebrate the holiday separately, in her own part of the residence together with her sister Irene.
Family traditions
Family dinners at Zarzuela are known for their unique atmosphere. There is no room for formality—just close relatives, heartfelt conversations, and dishes that evoke childhood memories. Every year, family members try to keep these traditions alive despite changes in their lives and schedules. Even if someone can’t make it, their place at the table is always left open.
The royal family’s holiday table is not just about food—it’s a symbol of unity, respect for the past, and care for the future. These evenings bring a special sense of generational connection and the importance of family values.
King Felipe VI has been on the throne since 2014 and is known for his dedication to family traditions. Queen Letizia, a former journalist, pays great attention to health and nutrition, which is reflected in the holiday menu. Their daughters, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, study in different cities but always return home for major holidays. The Zarzuela residence remains not just the official residence but also a family stronghold where comfort and simple joys are treasured.
