The approach of Christmas in Spain can be felt not only through the decorated streets and the scent of holiday pastries but also in the growing excitement around one of the year’s most anticipated events—the National Christmas Lottery. More than just a chance to win a large sum, it is a true tradition that unites millions in a shared spirit of hope and anticipation. Every year, people across Spain watch the broadcast with bated breath, marking the unofficial start of the winter holidays.
In 2025, this exciting event will be no exception, and already many are wondering about the key dates and times. Knowing all the details in advance will help you plan your ticket purchase and make sure you don’t miss the moment when luck might strike. The entire country, young and old, will be glued to their screens, watching the children from the San Ildefonso school, whose voices have become a hallmark of the Christmas miracle.
Key dates and times
The main day for all lottery participants this year is Monday, December 22, 2025. That’s when the long-awaited drawing will take place. The broadcast will begin promptly at 9:00 am Madrid time. As tradition dictates, the event will be held on the stage of the renowned Teatro Real in Madrid, adding an extra touch of festivity to the occasion.
There is no exact end time for the draw, as it is held live and depends on many factors, including the speed at which the balls are drawn. However, based on previous years, the process usually takes about three and a half hours. Therefore, all winning numbers, including the grand prize, are typically announced by around 12:30 p.m.
The Drawing Process
The uniqueness of the Spanish Christmas Lottery lies in its format. The draw uses two massive spherical drums called “bombos.” One drum contains 100,000 small wooden balls, each marked with a unique five-digit ticket number. The second drum holds balls corresponding to various cash prizes. This year, the total prize pool will exceed €2.772 billion.
The most moving part of the ceremony is the participation of students from the San Ildefonso boarding school in Madrid. Working in pairs, the children approach the drums—one draws a numbered ball, while the other draws a prize amount. They then sing out the results, a tradition that has become the lottery’s hallmark. Their preparation for this important day begins in October, including diction, singing, and speed-reading training.
Buying the All-Important Ticket
While peak sales traditionally occur in the weeks leading up to the draw, lottery tickets have been available for purchase well before winter arrives. The official sales campaign kicked off in the summer, on June 30, 2025. Tickets can be purchased both at physical points of sale across the country and through online platforms.
For those who like to leave things to the last minute, it’s important to know the deadline. The opportunity to buy a ticket for the Christmas Lottery closes on the evening before the draw. The last ‘décimos’ will be available until 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 21. After that point, sales officially end, and all that remains is to hope that your number becomes one of the lucky winners.
It’s worth noting that the Christmas Lottery in Spain is more than just a game of chance—it’s a deeply rooted national tradition dating back over two centuries. The first draw was held in 1812. The main prize is known throughout the country by the nickname ‘El Gordo,’ which translates as ‘The Fat One.’ Participation is widespread: tickets are bought by families, groups of colleagues, and friends, making the collective viewing of the broadcast and anticipation of the results an important social ritual that unofficially marks the start of the Christmas holidays.
