Spanish Christmas Lottery or El Niño: Differences and Which to Play
Quick answer: Both cost €20 per tenth and use five-digit numbers, but the Christmas Lottery (22 December) has bigger prizes—€400,000 per tenth for El Gordo—while El Niño (6 January) pays out more small prizes: almost 4 in 10 tenths win something at El Niño, compared with 1 in 6.5 at Christmas.
By the Serviloto team, Lottery Office no. 40 in Málaga (Spain).
What they have in common
Both are special National Lottery draws, with €20 tenths, €200 full tickets and numbers from 00000 to 99999. In both, prizes over €40,000 per tenth are taxed at 20% on the excess.
The key differences
The main difference is how the money is shared: Christmas concentrates more in the big prizes, while El Niño spreads it across many more numbers through ending draws and three refunds.
| Christmas Lottery 2026 | El Niño 2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Date | 22 December 2026 | 6 January 2027 |
| Price per tenth | €20 | €20 |
| 1st prize per tenth | €400,000 | €200,000 |
| 1st prize net | €328,000 | €168,000 |
| Prizes per series | 15,304 | 37,812 |
| Refunds | 1 (last digit of El Gordo) | 3 |
| Odds of any prize | 1 in 6.5 | 1 in 2.6 |
Which suits you?
- If you want the highest possible prize, the Christmas Lottery 2026.
- If you prefer better chances of winning something or getting your money back, El Niño 2027.
- If you did not win at Christmas, El Niño is the traditional “second chance” of the holidays.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Christmas Lottery and El Niño?
Christmas has bigger prizes (€400,000 for El Gordo) while El Niño pays out more small prizes and three refunds.
Which wins more often, Christmas or El Niño?
El Niño: about 1 in 2.6 tenths wins something, versus 1 in 6.5 at Christmas.
How much is an El Niño tenth?
€20, the same as a Christmas tenth.
When is the 2027 El Niño draw?
Wednesday 6 January 2027.
Are Christmas and El Niño prizes taxed the same way?
Yes: €40,000 exempt per tenth and 20% on the rest.
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.
