Spanish Christmas Lottery 2026 Draw: Start Time and Where to Watch It Live
Quick answer: The Spanish Christmas Lottery 2026 draw takes place on Tuesday 22 December and starts at 9:00 (Spanish time) at the Teatro Real in Madrid. It lasts about four hours and is broadcast live on TV (La 1, TVE), radio (RNE) and online. El Gordo can come out at any point during the draw.
By the Serviloto team, Lottery Office no. 40 in Málaga (Spain).
What time does it start and how long does it last?
The draw starts at 9:00 in the morning and usually ends in the early afternoon, after about four hours of singing. The children of the San Ildefonso school sing out the numbers and prizes in turns, board by board.
| Fact | Christmas draw 2026 |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday 22 December 2026 |
| Start time | 9:00 (Spanish time) |
| Approximate length | 4 hours |
| Venue | Teatro Real, Madrid |
| TV | La 1 (TVE) |
| Radio | RNE |
| Online | RTVE Play and Loterías y Apuestas del Estado website |
When does El Gordo come out?
There is no fixed time. El Gordo comes out when its ball drops from the prize drum, which can happen at any moment of the draw. Some years it has come out in the first hour and others near the end.
Where to watch it live
- TV: La 1 (TVE), with a special programme.
- Radio: Radio Nacional de España (RNE).
- Online: RTVE Play and the Loterías y Apuestas del Estado website.
- In person: at the Teatro Real in Madrid, free entry until full.
Checking your tenth during the draw
During the draw you can check the numbers as they are sung against the official list, updated in real time. If you bought from Serviloto, you can also check your tenths’ results in your account.
Frequently asked questions
What time does the 2026 Christmas Lottery draw start?
At 9:00 Spanish time on Tuesday 22 December 2026.
How long does the Christmas Lottery draw last?
About four hours; it usually ends in the early afternoon.
What time does El Gordo come out?
There is no fixed time: it can come out at any point in the draw.
Where can you watch the Christmas Lottery draw?
On La 1 (TVE), RNE, RTVE Play and the Loterías y Apuestas del Estado website.
Can you attend the draw at the Teatro Real?
Yes, entry is free until the venue is full, so queues form very early.
Play responsibly
The lottery is a game of chance. Always play within your budget and only if you are 18 or over. Information and support are available at jugarbien.es.
