Spain’s 2026 Christmas Lottery will distribute €2.87 billion in prizes, up €98 million from last year. All prize balls and numbers will be new. The draw features more tickets and higher chances for major wins.
The 2026 edition of Spain’s Lotería de Navidad will see a record €2.87 billion in prizes distributed on December 22, marking an increase of €98 million compared to the previous year. Loterías y Apuestas del Estado (LAE) has already released 205 million tickets for sale, reflecting a notable expansion in both the number of series and the total prize pool. This year, the lottery will feature 205 series—seven more than in 2025—each containing 100,000 numbers, with 70% of the total €4.1 billion ticket sales allocated to prizes.
Announced by Jesús Huerta, president of Loterías y Apuestas del Estado, during the summer campaign launch, the 2026 draw will introduce entirely new prize balls and numbers. The first prize, known as the ‘Gordo’, will award €4 million per series, translating to €400,000 per décimo. The second prize stands at €1.25 million per series (€125,000 per décimo), while the third prize offers €500,000 per series (€50,000 per décimo). These figures underscore the enduring appeal and scale of the Christmas Lottery, which this year celebrates its 214th anniversary.
Huerta emphasized the tradition’s deep roots in Spanish society, highlighting the importance of preserving the lottery’s legacy for future generations. He noted that the event not only unites the country around shared values but also supports over a million vulnerable people annually through its proceeds. The 2026 ticket design features the central panel of the triptych ‘La Anunciación, la Natividad y la Presentación en el Templo’ by Maestro de las Medias Figuras, a work from the Museo Nacional del Prado.
Interest in the Christmas Lottery remains high, with many Spaniards viewing it as a key part of the festive season. The increased number of tickets and higher prize fund are expected to drive even greater participation. For context, the Spanish retail sector is also experiencing significant activity this summer, as major chains launch seasonal sales and new EU tariffs impact online shopping, as detailed in this recent report on summer discounts and import changes.
The Lotería de Navidad is recognized as one of the world’s oldest and largest lotteries, with its annual draw broadcast live and watched by millions. The event’s unique format, including the singing of winning numbers by schoolchildren, has become a hallmark of Spanish Christmas celebrations. With the 2026 edition offering more prizes and a refreshed presentation, anticipation is already building across the country.
