Spanish travellers get ahead of the holidays: key trends for the December long weekend and what to expect this festive season

Weihnachtsbeleuchtung mit Engeln und großem Weihnachtsbaum.

The December long weekend traditionally marks the start of the winter high season in Spain, acting as an early indicator of traveller behaviour heading into Christmas and New Year. In 2025, Spanish consumers approach this period with a marked appetite for travel: they seek short escapes, show a renewed interest in both domestic and European destinations, and increasingly look towards international trips. This context positions the December break as a strategic moment to anticipate how bookings may evolve as the year draws to a close.

 

 

December long weekend 2025: behaviour, evolution and market insights

With the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, many Spaniards enjoy several consecutive days ideal for switching off ahead of the Christmas rush. This extended break has fuelled demand for new experiences, culturally driven activities, and opportunities to engage with local traditions.

According to the latest GuruWalk report, around 24% of travellers plan to stay within Spain, choosing cities that combine festive atmosphere, cultural heritage and lively seasonal programming. Madrid, Toledo and Seville top the list, with demand centred around free walking tours, gastronomy experiences and activities linked to Christmas markets and local traditions that only appear at this time of year.

International breaks, however, are set to dominate. Almost 70% of Spanish travellers have opted for Europe, drawn to the winter charm and cultural appeal of major capitals and historic cities. Rome, Budapest and Amsterdam remain favourites for their illuminated cityscapes and cultural offerings, while London, Bordeaux, Strasbourg and Prague continue to attract visitors thanks to their renowned Christmas markets, festive decorations and iconic winter celebrations.

Although on a smaller scale, growing interest in Latin American destinations is also noticeable—driven partly by milder climates and shared cultural ties. Buenos Aires, Santiago de Chile and Bogotá are gaining traction among travellers looking for a different kind of December break without losing the comfort of familiar traditions or language.

 

The Black Friday Effect

Among the factors that help explain the rise in pre-Christmas travel, the influence of promotional campaigns—particularly Black Friday—stands out. According to the CEO of Destinia, approximately 43% of purchases made during the campaign were for trips taking place in the immediate months (November, December and January). This reflects a clear push towards spontaneous, short-notice escapes. These offers are particularly appealing for couples and small groups who benefit from competitive rates and modest budgets—typically €50–€60 per person per day—to organise uncomplicated short getaways. For the travel sector, such promotions also help stimulate demand in low-season periods and smooth out seasonality gaps.

 

Impact on Christmas: what the december bank holiday reveals about the Festive Season

The outlook for Christmas further reinforces Spain’s strong appetite for travel. According to Kayak’s Travel Check-In: Christmas and New Year 2025 report, flight searches among Spanish travellers have increased by 22% year-on-year. Far from being a last-minute impulse, this growth reflects a more deliberate approach to planning, shaped by budget considerations, family schedules and holiday availability.

The study highlights a clear shift in travel behaviour: long stays are losing relevance, while urban getaways and short festive escapes are gaining traction. Spanish travellers increasingly prioritise immediate experiences—Christmas markets, cultural routes, food tours and illuminated city walks—over traditional long winter holidays in the mountains or on the ski slopes.

Seasonality is also playing a decisive role in destination choice. Searches are split between iconic winter cities and sun-seeking alternatives. New York leads the ranking, while Tenerife consolidates its position as the ideal warm-weather escape within Spain. London completes the top three, reaffirming the appeal of major European capitals during this period. Destinations like Buenos Aires, Rome and Paris retain their timeless appeal, and Prague stands out with a notable 22% year-on-year drop in airfares.

The report also points to an increasing diversification in demand. Searches for Central America rise by 29%, those for Asia grow by 22%, and average fares to the region have decreased by 14%, improving competitiveness. Among the destinations experiencing the highest growth are Rome, Tokyo, Bangkok, Punta Cana and Brussels—reflecting a balance between returning to European classics and exploring long-haul options.

 

KLEBER GROUP Insights

Our team has extensive experience working with both domestic and international destinations, allowing us to gain a deep understanding of how Spanish travellers respond to seasonal products such as the December long weekend or the Christmas period. Through integrated PR strategies, strong media relationships, collaborations with content creators, training programmes and campaigns with the tourism industry, we position destinations in the traveller’s imagination in a consistent and distinctive way. This expertise also includes the promotion of some of Europe’s most iconic winter destinations in international markets, such as Hungary, renowned for its Christmas markets, festive atmosphere and rich cultural offering.

 

Conclusion

This year’s December long weekend clearly illustrates how Spanish travellers are reshaping their habits: they aim to maximise both time and budget, balancing short escapes with a growing appetite for international destinations. In this context, campaigns like Black Friday act as powerful levers for boosting low-season demand, redistributing bookings and opening the door to more spontaneous travel. While domestic tourism continues to hold strong—with cities that offer culture, gastronomy and festive atmosphere leading the way—the upward trend in European capitals and long-haul getaways reflects a desire for new experiences, cultural connections and alternative winter climates. Looking ahead to Christmas, the Spanish traveller appears increasingly intentional, informed and motivated, creating new opportunities for destinations and brands able to inspire and emotionally resonate.

 

 

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