What’s in demand, and when

The year’s biggest spending period in many countries: gifts, food, parties, decorations and travel, building to 24–25 December.

The biggest discount weekend: shoppers buy holiday gifts and big-ticket items, online and in store. Customers compare prices hard.

Parties, dinners and countdown events push one night of very high demand for venues, food, drinks and entertainment.

People start the year with goals — fitness, money, learning — so sign-ups and first purchases cluster in January.

Three Kings’ Day: children get gifts and families share the rosca/roscón cake — in Spain it’s often the main gift day.

Spain’s winter sales start right after Reyes (7 January), with summer sales from 1 July.

Gifts and evenings out for partners: flowers, jewellery, chocolate and restaurant tables peak in the days before 14 February.

Gifts and outings for fathers: grilling, tools, electronics, grooming and meals out.

Holy Week processions and a major travel week across Spain: hotels, restaurants and traditional sweets (torrijas) peak.

Most weddings happen in a few months: venues, catering, photography, attire, flowers, cakes and rentals book up months ahead.

Gifts, flowers and meals out for mothers — one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants and florists.

Holidays and good weather: travel, outdoor activities, ice cream, drinks and events rise; some office services slow down.

Families buy uniforms, shoes, bags, stationery and devices, and sign up for tutoring, transport and after-school care.