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Since 2012, the Teatro Real opera house has played host to one of the highlights of the Christmas season in Spain: the Special Christmas Lottery. On 22 December in the morning, those who’ve bought their lottery tickets (that is to say, most Spaniards, for almost every family, group of friends or workplace in the country buys at least one) will harbour hopes of winning the Big Prize and making all their dreams come true.

The Christmas Lottery began in the nineteenth century, when the Cortes of Cádiz were in session (1812). In those days, the authorities thought it could be a good idea to add money to the public treasury without collecting new taxes. The name itself (Sorteo de Navidad, in Spanish) was made official in 1892.

Since December 18, 1812, the Christmas Lottery drawings are held according to exactly the same procedure each year. Pupils of the San Ildefonso school draw the numbers and corresponding prizes, delivering the results in song to the public. In the early days of the lottery, the numbers and prizes were printed on paper. Now, two spherical vessels containing small wooden balls are used.

For over 40 years, the draw took place in the Lotería Nacional hall on Calle de Guzmán el Bueno, in Madrid. In 2010 and 2011, it was held at the Palacio de Congresos. Finally, in 2012, it moved to the Teatro Real. This year, the lottery will give out 2240 million euro in cash prizes.

The draw at the opera house is a real show. Visitors can attend the event at the theatre for free. The theatre opens at 8am and gets filled on a first-come, first-served basis, until all seats (600) are taken.