Christmas Lotteries 2026: El Gordo Date, Prizes & Trivia
Christmas is not just a time for gifts and family, but also for some of the world's biggest lottery draws. While snow falls outside (or doesn't), millions of people dream of the ultimate holiday present: a life-changing jackpot. Let's explore the most famous Christmas lotteries and some festive trivia.
El Gordo 2026: Spain's Christmas Lottery
When it comes to Christmas lotteries, all roads lead to Spain. The Sorteo Extraordinario de Navidad, better known as El Gordo (The Fat One), is the world's biggest lottery by total prize money.
It is drawn on 22 December as every year, which is a Tuesday in 2026. Pupils from the San Ildefonso school sing the winning numbers live on TV. For 2026 the state lottery has issued 205 series, seven more than last year, and will pay out €2.87 billion in prizes.
A tenth-share ticket (décimo) costs €20. If it carries El Gordo it pays €400,000, and the second prize €125,000. Spain withholds 20% of everything above €40,000, which leaves €328,000 of El Gordo.
Christmas Lottery Trivia
Lottery Tickets as Gifts?
In many countries, especially the USA and UK, scratch cards and lottery tickets are popular stocking stuffers. But be careful: don't gift gambling products to minors!
Forgotten Prizes
Every year after Christmas, millions in prizes go unclaimed. Many people receive tickets as gifts, forget to check them, or accidentally throw them away with the wrapping paper.
Other Traditions Worldwide
Germany
Germany's lottery companies focus on New Year's Eve rather than Christmas, which is when their special lotteries run. Christmas Eve 2026 falls on a Thursday, so the last LOTTO 6aus49 draw before the holiday is on Wednesday, 23 December. See the New Year's Eve lotteries
USA
Powerball delivered the biggest Christmas miracle of 2025: on 24 December, a single ticket from Cabot, Arkansas won $1.817 billion, the second-largest lottery prize in US history. Taken as a lump sum, it was worth $834.9 million.
Your Christmas Luck?
Whether you're participating in El Gordo or just checking your lucky numbers for the next draw – we wish you good luck and happy holidays!
Disclaimer: Gambling can be addictive. Play responsibly. Participation from 18 years. This article is for informational purposes only.