Lorraine Williamson
Every December, as winter nights draw in, one tradition captures Spain’s imagination: the search for the village that will shine brightest in the Ferrero Rocher Christmas 2025 competition. What began as a festive promotion has grown into a much-loved event that unites communities and draws visitors from across the country.
The idea behind the competition is simple yet transformative. Ferrero Rocher selects villages with strong identities, lively Christmas customs or an exceptional sense of community. The winning village receives a spectacular tailor-made lighting display, turning its streets into a radiant Christmas setting. Under the campaign theme “Juntos brillamos más” — together we shine more — the initiative celebrates local pride and the power of small places to create something magical.
A shortlist that reflects Spain’s diversity
This year’s finalists offer a glimpse into the country’s varied landscapes and traditions.
A Guarda in Galicia brings its maritime character, where festive lights shimmer against the Atlantic. In Asturias, Cudillero’s colourful houses cascade down the cliffs, creating a natural stage for the season. Bullas in Murcia channels the culture of a winemaking town with a thriving social rhythm. Fuente del Maestre in Extremadura has a vibrant cultural calendar that springs to life at Christmas. On Gran Canaria, the mountain village of Tejeda preserves island traditions that feel especially evocative at this time of year.
Each of the five contenders brings a different facet of Spain’s identity, from rugged coastlines to volcanic peaks and vineyard valleys.
How the competition unfolds
The path to the final involves three rounds. Seventeen villages — one from each autonomous community began the contest. Public voting narrowed the selection to five finalists. Support for these villages continues until 30 November, after which a decisive final phase opens in early December.
Over the years, this voting process has become an event in itself. Schools rally pupils to vote, small businesses decorate their windows and neighbourhood groups launch local campaigns. Social media plays a huge role, with heartfelt appeals and creative videos driving support.
What past winners reveal
Previous editions show the lasting effect the title can have. Ribadavia in Ourense became a winter destination in 2024, with its medieval alleys lit in gold for weeks. In 2023, La Alberca in Salamanca experienced one of its liveliest winter seasons, drawing visitors who normally only pass through in summer. Peñíscola, already known for its iconic clifftop castle, also saw a significant rise in winter tourism after securing the title.
For many communities, the glow of the spotlight continues long after the decorations come down.
Why the title matters so much
Winning Ferrero Rocher Christmas 2025 offers far more than a temporary display. It often gives a village renewed visibility, encouraging tourism beyond the traditional summer months. Local cafés stay open later, artisan shops welcome new customers, and community groups feel inspired to start fresh initiatives.
Residents also speak of a shared sense of pride. Seeing their village featured across national media and social networks strengthens the feeling that local traditions and identity still resonate deeply across Spain.
The announcement that will reveal Spain’s 2025 Christmas star
The winner of Ferrero Rocher Christmas 2025 will be revealed on 15 December. From that date, the chosen village becomes Spain’s festive focal point, attracting families, photographers and visitors who travel specifically to enjoy the illuminated streets.
Whether the crown shines over a Galician harbour, a Murcian vineyard town, an Asturian cliffside village, an Extremaduran community or a Canarian mountain settlement, the competition once again proves how much the country values the character and spirit of its small towns.
A final push for the five finalists
As the last voting phase approaches, each contender is preparing one final mobilisation. Local campaigns are intensifying, and the sense of excitement is rising. Soon, Spain will know which village will wear the golden glow of Christmas 2025 — and become the season’s brightest symbol of togetherness.
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