January 6 in Spain is not just the Day of the Magi (Reyes Magos), but also the date when millions of people eagerly await the draw of the El Niño Lottery (Lotería del Niño). On this day, luck can smile on anyone who holds the coveted ticket. In 2026, the tradition continues: the draw begins precisely at noon, and the whole country once again plunges into a spirit of excitement and hope.
Unlike the December Christmas Lottery, the January draw follows a different format. It uses a multi-drum system, and the sheer number of tickets and prizes is staggering. There are 50 series of 100,000 tickets each, with a total prize pool reaching 700 million euros. This isn’t just a game—it’s a true national holiday that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds.
Where and how to watch
The draw is broadcast live at 12:00 local time. You can follow the event on television—on the first channel of national TV—or online. At that moment, thousands of eyes are glued to screens, and homes and bars are abuzz with talk about the chances of winning. Spaniards don’t just watch—they live and breathe this event, discuss ticket numbers, argue about odds, and, of course, dream of hitting it big.
In recent years, interest in live broadcasts has only been growing. Many people prefer to watch the drawing with family or friends, turning the event into a small celebration. Some anxiously clutch their ticket, others are already making plans for their winnings, while some simply enjoy the atmosphere of shared anticipation. On this day, even the most skeptical begin to believe in miracles.
Top Prizes
In 2026, the El Niño Lottery once again offers generous prizes. The first prize is €200,000 for each décimo purchased, equivalent to €10,000 for every euro invested. The second prize is €75,000 per décimo, and the third is €25,000. These are amounts that can change lives, and Spaniards are willing to stand in line for tickets as early as December for a chance at them.
But that’s not where the surprises end. In addition to the main prizes, there are special and extra winnings. For example, two separate four-digit series each award €3,500, and 14 three-digit series each pay €100 per décimo. Even if you miss out on a major win, everyone still has a chance to get a pleasant bonus.
Extra Features
The system of adjacent and matching numbers makes the draw even more exciting. If your number is one position above or below the grand prize winner, you’ll receive €1,200. For the second prize, that’s €610. Additionally, there are dozens and hundreds of consolation prizes for tickets that match certain digits with the winning numbers.
Special attention is given to so-called “reintegros”—refunds. If the last digit of your ticket matches certain numbers, you get back the cost of the décimo—20 euros. Nearly 30,000 such refunds are awarded, making the El Niño Lottery one of the most generous in terms of the number of winners.
Ticket verification
Once the draw is over, an equally exciting moment follows—checking your ticket. All you need to do is enter your décimo number and the wager amount on dedicated platforms. In just seconds, you’ll find out if this January day turned out to be truly lucky for you.
In Spain, checking the results is a ritual in itself. Some people do it right after the broadcast, while others wait until the evening to share the emotions with family and friends. Whatever the outcome, even if luck passed you by, the festive spirit and hope remain with every participant for a long time.
