Inside: Christmas in Spanish: resources and activities for learning Christmas traditions across the Hispanic world.

Christmas has deep roots across the Spanish-speaking world. With populations that largely identify as Catholic or Protestant, you’ll find it’s one the biggest holidays of the year in Spain and in Latin America. Many people put up decorations for the whole month of December (or until Epiphany), and celebrate with church services, re-enactments of the Nativity, and a family meal shared at midnight on Christmas Eve.

This post is a collection of links that explain traditions in Spanish-speaking countries, and is packed with resources for teachers or families wanting to learn more about Navidad, Noche Buena, Los Tres Reyes, and other traditions. They’re organized by country so you can find what you need! As this video shows, there are many differences in traditions and customs between countries:

(If you are a teacher or parent looking for general resources, my Spanish Christmas Activities post is also a HUGE source of videos, books, music, printables, and lesson ideas!)

Christmas in Spanish Speaking Countries

Let’s start off with our country-by-country tour!

Caga Tío, A Catalan Christmas Tradition from Mundo de Pepita

Our Christmas in Spain 2014: Traditions, Recipes, & New Ideas from Family Life in Spain

Cartas a Los Tres Reyes Magos (Free Printables) from Spanish Mama

How do the Reyes Magos Get to Spain? Via Helicopter, Skiis, Boat, Horse… from Kid World Citizen

Spanish Christmas Traditions & Spanish Christmas Vocabulary from Family Life in Spain

Video for learners about Christmas in Spain:

Christmas in Mexico: Nativity Scenes, Piñatas, Las Posadas, and More from Kid World Citizen

Las Posadas Lesson Plans, Crafts, Activities and Music from Mommy Maestra

Children’s Books about Christmas in Mexico from Kid World Citizen

Meet Pepe from Mexico from Mommy Maleta

Las Posadas Navideñas from The Other Side of the Tortilla

Christmas in Colombia from Fun for Spanish Teachers

Noche de las Velitas Lights Night from Mamá Tortuga

Christmas in Peru from Spanish Mama

Christmas in Ecuador from Hispanic Mama

Parrandas (Puerto Rican version of U.S. Caroling) from Discovering the World Through My Son’s Eyes

Celebrating “Noche Buena” (Christmas Eve) in Puerto Rico from Discovering the World Through My Son’s Eyes

Celebrating “Los Tres Reyes Magos” in the U.S.A from Discovering the World Through My Son’s Eyes

On This Beautiful Island Children’s Book and Bohío Ornament from Discovering the World Through My Son’s Eyes

Celebraciones de fin de año en Chile from La Clase de Sra. Dufault

Christmas in Costa Rica from All Done Monkey

Christmas in Spanish: Activities & Resources

Comprehensible Input infographic comparing La navidad y El día de los Reyes Magos from Mundo de Pepita

Las Posadas Countdown Calendar from Mommy Maestra

It’s a Piñata Round-up! from Mundo de Pepita

“Ojo de Dios” Craft from Bilingual Eyes

The Legend of the Poinsetta | Mexico Craft from Mommy Maleta

Bilingual Christmas Decorations from Mommy Maestra

Spanish Christmas Color by Number from Spanish Playground

Christmas Books in Spanish for Kids from Spanish Mama

Children’s Books about Christmas in Mexico from Kid World Citizen

4 Children’s Books to Celebrate Las Posadas from Mommy Maestra

Favorite Children’s Christmas Songs in Spanish

Your Essential Latin Christmas Playlist 

Spanish Christmas Cards Freebie from Spanish Mama

The Christmas Story in Spanish from Spanish Playground

Free Christmas Board Game in Spanish from Mommy Maestra

Christmas Connect Four from Mommy Maestra

Bilingual Gift Tags in Spanish from Mommy Maestra

Spanish Printables: Winter and Snowmen from Spanish Playground

A Spanglish Christmas Poem from Family Life in Spain

Spanish Christmas Traditions & Spanish Christmas Vocabulary from Family Life in Spain

Masks for Christmas Songs from Fun for Spanish Teachers

Christmas Fortune Teller from Fun for Spanish Teachers

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