As you’ve already seen with the Christmas lights, markets, and decorations, the holiday season in Valencia is a time of vibrant celebrations, rich in tradition, culture, and, of course, delicious food and drink. While many regions in Spain have their own unique Christmas customs, Valencia offers a distinctive blend of dishes and traditions that reflect its Mediterranean roots, agricultural heritage, and festive spirit.

In today’s blog, we’ll explore some of Valencia’s most traditional Christmas dishes and drinks, along with the special occasions when they are typically enjoyed throughout the holiday season.

Christmas Eve

Of course, not every household follows the same menu, and traditions can vary, but there are a few key dishes that many Valencians enjoy on Nochebuena (Christmas Eve). Most families gather around the table on Christmas Eve to enjoy a special meal and spend some quality time together but in recent years, some traditions have changed and become more modern!

Seafood Platters: Valencia’s proximity to the sea ensures that seafood plays a big role on the table. Some options include prawns (gambas), clams (almejas), and mejillones (mussels) which are commonly served. They are often grilled or baked with garlic and parsley. A dish like gambas al ajillo (prawns in garlic) is a favorite appetizer, along with grilled octopus.

Embutidos: Embutidos (cured meats) are also quite common in Valencia on Christmas Eve. In many Valencian households, a selection of embutidos is served as an appetizer or first course before the main meal. These typically include a variety of cured sausages, such as chorizo, salchichón, and jamón serrano, as well as other cured meats like lomo embuchado (cured pork loin) and fuet.

Huevos rellenos: A popular dish in many Spanish households and, huevos rellenos (stuffed eggs) can definitely make an appearance on Christmas Eve. This dish typically involves hard-boiled eggs that are halved and filled with a savory mixture, often made from the egg yolks, tuna, mayonnaise, and other ingredients like olives, shrimp, or even crab. The filling can vary depending on regional tastes and personal preferences.

*Recently, many people have embraced a festive tradition known as a «Tardebuena,» a lively social gathering with friends and family on Christmas Eve afternoon. During this time, Spaniards often enjoy cañas—small, chilled glasses of beer that are the perfect size for casual sipping. This tradition has become a beloved way to kick off the Christmas celebrations, offering a chance to relax and enjoy good company.

Christmas Day

On Christmas Day (El Día de Navidad), families come together again for a big lunch. While roasted meats like lamb and chicken are still enjoyed, many Valencian households stay true to their roots by incorporating some regional specialties, including rice dishes.

Cassola: Cassola is a traditional Valencian dish, typically prepared and enjoyed during the Christmas season, especially on Christmas Day. It is a hearty seafood and rice stew, often considered a symbol of Valencian culinary heritage. The dish includes a variety of seafood such as monkfish, squid, prawns, and shellfish, combined with vegetables like tomatoes, garlic, and onions, all simmered together with rice. The stew is seasoned with saffron and other spices, giving it a rich and aromatic flavor.

Pescado al horno: This dish is a staple of Christmas Day dishes, and also offers a light alternative to meat-heavy dishes. This dish, which translates to oven-baked fish in English, typically features a whole fish, such as salmonete (red mullet), lubina (sea bass), or dorado (bream), which is seasoned with olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs (like thyme and rosemary), and sometimes a squeeze of lemon or a dash of white wine. The fish is then baked in the oven until it is perfectly tender and flavorful, often served with potatoes, vegetables, or a light sauce.

Puchero: A traditional Spanish stew, popular in many regions, including Valencia. It is a hearty dish made by slowly simmering a variety of meats (such as beef, pork, chicken, or ham) with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, cabbage, and chickpeas. Some versions also include bones, chorizo, or morcilla (blood sausage) for extra flavor. The ingredients are cooked together in a large pot until tender, creating a rich and flavorful broth. It is especially enjoyed during the winter months and around Christmas, as it is a warm and filling dish perfect for family festive meals.

Christmas desserts

Brazo del gitano: Literally translated to «Gypsy´s arm», brazo del gitano is a traditional Spanish dessert, often enjoyed during Christmas and other festive occasions. It consists of a light, spongy cake (usually made from a Genoise sponge) that is filled with various fillings such as whipped cream, chocolate, or jam, and then rolled into a log shape.

Mistela: A traditional Spanish sweet wine, which is very popular in the Valencian Community. It is made by blending grape must (freshly pressed grape juice) with alcohol, typically brandy, before fermentation. This method preserves the natural sweetness of the grapes, resulting in a rich, syrupy wine with a high sugar content and a smooth, sweet flavor.

Torta Cristina: Torta Cristina» is a traditional sweet bread enjoyed in Valencia, especially during the Christmasholidays. This pastry is a circular or oval-shaped, soft, and fluffy cake, often flavored with a touch of anise or lemon. It is made with ingredients such as flour, sugar, eggs, butter or olive oil, and sometimes enriched with almonds, raisins, or candied fruits. The dough is usually lightly sweetened and can be decorated with powdered sugar. Sounds yummy, right?

It´s safe to say that Valencia´s Christmas dishes not only offer a diverse array of flavors but they always cater to every palate and preference. With both sweet and savoury options to choose from, the rich variety of Valencia´s traditional recipes successfully caters to all tastes.