Can you feel it as well? It is all around us. Christmas is quickly approaching! And here in Spain, Christmas decorations are ready to welcome locals and tourists one more year.
Discover the traditional and magical Christmas markets and savour some conventional Spanish Christmas food with your family or your special one. Later, take a walk and enjoy the most beautiful Christmas lights.
But if you are wondering what is so special about Christmas in Spain, read on, and discover the 3 most charming cities in Spain during the Christmas Holidays.
1. Madrid
Madrid draws thousands of people to enjoy the Christmas Market and the display of lights throughout the city, turning Madrid into a magical place filled with music and festive spirit.
Pro Tip: It rarely snows in Madrid, but the temperatures are colder than in the southern part of Spain, so remember to bring some warm clothes.
Plaza Mayor
We will start by visiting Plaza Mayor, one of the main squares in Madrid. Here you will find the Christmas Market, where you can find ornaments and Christmas decorations. Come after sunset to enjoy the colour lights and take a walk around the area to fully appreciate the beauty and charm of the square. Once you are done, head to the “Churreria” San Ginés and enjoy the mythical and world-renowned Churros con Chocolate.
Calle Gran Via
The Gran Vía is one of the main streets in central Madrid and one of the city’s most important shopping areas. As well as numerous theatres, which is why it’s often known as the “Spanish Broadway”. Calle Gran Via is one of the best places to see Christmas lights in Madrid, the entire length of the street is lit up and looks so magical! You’ll also find a big tree next to the Gran Via Metro station.
Puerta del Sol
Puerta de Sol is one of the best-known and busiest places in the city. This square is where you’ll find the famous clock whose bells mark the traditional eating of the 12 Grapes at the beginning of a new year. At Christmas time, you’ll find decorations on the main square and several streets with bright, colourful lights.
2.Vigo
Vigo has managed to get into the spotlight in the last two years thanks to its Christmas lights decorations. With more than 11 billion lights spread through 400 streets, Vigo will surely get you in the Christmas spirit!
Cíes Market
Here is where the Christmas Market is and where you can buy some tasty traditional foods. Besides, there is an artificial snowmaking machine and a Santaclaus house where he will attend to the little ones and collect their wish lists.
Plaza Princesa
In this square, a 30m high Christmas tree will await you. The lights will change colour to the sound of different Christmas songs and other not-so-Christmassy melodies.
Pro Tip: Take the chance to take a picture under the tree. There is a small passage that goes through it.
Vigo’s Wheel
There is no better way of getting a panoramic view of the city and all the Christmas decorations than by going into one of the sealed ovoidal passenger capsules. The Vigo’s wheel is 60m high and is located in Areal. A great experience (if you don’t suffer from vertigo)
3.Málaga
The capital of costa del sol might not come to your mind as a Christmas place, but those who visit the magical city are often blown away by its charm. It is not strange that Malaga (the only Spanish city) ranked in the best Christmas lights in Europe 2021 list confectioned by Best European Destinations.
Calle Larios
Each year, hundreds of people wait excitedly in Larios Street for the turning on of the lights, marking the start of the Christmas season, a period during which local residents and visitors live with great passion.
Old Town
Explore the little streets and fall in love with the charm Málaga offers during this particular time of the year. And when you need a rest, go to Casa Aranda to get some Churros con Cholate.
Do not forget to try the traditional sweets of this time of year: mantecados (shortbread), marzipan, turrón (nougat) and borrachuelos (Málaga wine-flavoured fried pastries).
Pro Tip: Málaga offers milder temperatures. You can expect a day temperature of about 17 degrees and even more if you sit in the sun at one of the many terraces you can find downtown.
Spain is, without a doubt, a country that celebrates Christmas fully. And even though you will not find snow in most of the country, you will feel the Christmas spirit in your heart.