The Christmas Lottery: Why the Whole Country Stops on 22 December
Spain's Christmas draw is a shared ritual as much as a lottery. Newcomers are often invited to chip in before they understand how it works.
The basics
The Spanish Christmas Lottery is run by the state-owned operator Loterías y Apuestas del Estado. The draw takes place every year on 22 December, and the first one was held in 1812.
Tickets and shares
Each number is printed many times and sold in tenths, called décimos. Most people buy a décimo, and it is common to split one further among family, friends or colleagues. Offices, bars and clubs each tend to have "their" number.
The draw
Pupils of the San Ildefonso school in Madrid draw the numbers and prizes and sing the results aloud. The draw has been held at the Teatro Real since 2012 and is broadcast live for several hours.
If someone offers you a share
- It is a social gesture. Accepting is normal; so is politely declining.
- If you share a décimo, write down who holds the ticket and who has paid what. A photo and a message in the group chat is the usual method.
- Buy only from official outlets or the operator's own channels.
Keeping it in proportion
The chance of the top prize on any one number is small. Treat the cost as part of the season, not as an investment. The legal background is in gambling rules in Spain for newcomers.
Reviewed 2026-10-13. Details change; confirm with the bodies named.