What to do in Barcelona in December

If you're visiting Barcelona in December, you absolutely can't miss the opportunity to walk around and check out the city's gorgeous displays of Christmas lights.

This blog post was originally posted on November 26, 2014 and was updated on November 6, 2019. The holiday season has officially arrived here in Barcelona, and we can’t wait to share our favorite winter traditions with you. The festive fun brings a new sense of magic to the streets of the Catalan capital. If […]

Where to Eat on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day in San Sebastian

Hotel Maria Cristina

Make your winter holidays unforgettable with these options for delicious Christmas Day and Christmas Eve dinners in San Sebastian. The town slows down during the Christmas holidays when local shops and restaurants close up and donostiarras get ready to spend the holidays with their families. But no worries––there are still plenty of excellent restaurants for […]

A Guide to The Most Delicious Portuguese Christmas Foods & Desserts

nativity scene presepio portuguese

Portugal might not be the most Christmassy country, but what it lacks in wintery weather, it makes up for in colorful street decorations and delicious Portuguese Christmas foods.  You know Christmas is around the corner when the local cafés change their sweets display. Suddenly, the whole counter is full of Christmas cakes and fried-dough pastries […]

The 6 Best Christmas Markets in Paris You Should Visit This Winter

assorted plush toys at Christmas market stand

A tradition that originated in France’s Alsace region to the east of Paris in the 16th century, Christmas markets have grown in popularity in recent years. Each year, France’s dozens of markets—with their quaint wooden stalls, flowing mulled wine and overpriced nativity scene figurines—bring in an estimated 27 million visitors, including two million at the […]

A Complete Guide to the Best Christmas Markets in San Sebastian

Convent Garden hosts one of the best Christmas markets in San Sebastian for holiday decor and mementos, like ornaments

At Christmas time, San Sebastian turns into a fairytale land full of beautiful lights and magical Christmas markets. If you’re planning a trip to this northern Basque city around Christmastime, you can’t avoid the contagious holiday atmosphere that takes over the town in December. San Sebastian is known for the many local Christmas markets where […]

Get in the Holiday Spirit at the 5 Best Christmas Markets in Lisbon

The best Christmas markets in Lisbon bring all the classic holiday cheer despite the warmer-than-usual weather.

Want to avoid the cold, gray winters of other holiday destinations? Portugal presents the perfect alternative, with warmer weather and all kinds of festive attractions. Here’s where to find the best Christmas markets in Lisbon! Lisbon is known for its colorful buildings, sunny skies and proximity to the sea, painting a picture of the ideal […]

All About El Gordo: The Spanish Christmas Lottery Explained

With billions of euros handed out in prize money every year, the Spanish Christmas lottery is the biggest in the world. Walk through the center of Madrid—or any Spanish city or town—this time of year, and you’ll already start to see this beloved tradition come to life. Lines spill out of lottery booths and wind […]

Madrid In Winter: Best Things to Do In The Spanish Capital

Winter in Madrid is magical. Just look at those holiday lights!

Forget the mental image you may have of warm, summer days in Spain—it’s time to embrace the holiday spirit and winter festivities! Yes, you’ll need a winter coat, but no worries—temperatures here are quite mild compared to northern Europe, and there’s still plenty of sunshine. Plus, December through March is tourist low season, meaning you’ll […]

Five Alternative Christmas Markets in Barcelona

If you'll be in Barcelona in December, keep your eyes open for unique Catalan Christmas decorations at the holiday markets!

This blog post was originally posted on December 11, 2014 and was updated on October 16, 2018. With tasty seasonal treats, beautiful handcrafted goods and a sense of holiday spirit permeating the air, it’s hard not to love Christmas markets. As Spain’s second-largest city and one of Europe’s most popular destinations, Barcelona itself has several […]

How To Celebrate Three Kings Day In Seville: From Floats to Food

People watching a parade from a balcony as a large float full of people dressed in white costumes passes by

This blog post was originally posted on January 2, 2016, and was updated on October 25, 2022. Christmas may be over for most of us, but with Three Kings Day in Seville still to come, the festive fun is just beginning! Classic cream-filled Roscón de Reyes. Photo credit: Blog Crossover What is Three Kings Day? […]