In Spain the celebratory Christmas dinner, is held on Christmas Eve which is called Noche Buena or “The Good Night”. On the evening of December 24, most families will hear Mass in the evening or at midnight. Whichever service they attend, they will make sure there is time for a sumptuous Christmas feast.
In About.com’s Spanish Christmas Menu – Menú de Noche Buena, Lisa and Tony Sierra write, “In Spain it is celebrated with a large family feast, which is eaten late in the evening and can last a couple hours. Some families attend midnight mass before or after, although many families are still finishing dinner around the table at midnight! In Spain, Christmas Eve is a time for celebrating in neighborhood bars and cafes, and around the table with family and friends.” With this introduction, they introduce a delicious Spanish feast that includes everything from tapas (appetizers) to soup, main dishes, dessert, and Cava, Spanish sparkling wine.
