Every Christmas, inboxes fill up with messages that go unnoticed, greetings that are read and forgotten. This year at Canela, we wanted to do something different: not just send a greeting, but invite people to experience Christmas in a real way, to walk through illuminated streets, savour traditions and discover experiences that leave a lasting impression.
That’s why we’ve created the Canela Christmas Guide 2025, a guide that connects with what’s really happening on the streets and in people’s lives, beyond the formality of Christmas. Our proposal: experience the magic of Madrid, Barcelona and Lisbon in an authentic and memorable way.
Three cities, three ways of understanding December
Christmas in Spain and Portugal is diverse and unique at the same time. That’s why at Canela we want to open the doors to these three cities full of Christmas activities and atmosphere.
Madrid showcases the power of collective celebration and bustling activity that invites you to join in the festivities, and one event not to be missed is a visit to the Christmas Market in the Plaza Mayor. What’s more, the magic is especially palpable in areas such as the city centre and Retiro-Atocha, where the streets are filled with culture, lights and tradition. At the table, Christmas tastes like roast lamb or suckling pig and, for dessert, a classic that never fails: marzipan.
Barcelona combines tradition and creativity, with surprising new ways to enjoy the festive season, such as the Port Vell Christmas Market, where you can enjoy food trucks and attractions by the sea. The Christmas spirit can also be felt in neighbourhoods such as Eixample and Poblenou, where gastronomy takes centre stage with Escudella i Carn d’Olla on Christmas Eve and traditional cannelloni on San Esteban’s day.
Lisbon combines light, nostalgia and a warmth that makes every corner a memorable experience, and what better way to spend the day than at Wonderland Lisboa in Eduardo VII Park, one of the five best Christmas markets in Europe and the perfect epicentre for soaking up the festive atmosphere. Walks through Baixa/Chiado or Belém complete the plan, amid lights, viewpoints and historic cafés. Bacalhau cozido (salt cod) reigns supreme at the table, and for dessert, typical sweets such as azevias.
A greeting card that invites you to enjoy what really matters
The Christmas Guide 2025 brings together places, plans and curiosities that invite you to explore Christmas in an authentic way: corners, flavours and customs that make Madrid, Barcelona and Lisbon unique settings for creating unforgettable memories with those who matter most.
Click here to download the guide now and start experiencing Christmas like never before.
