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 […]
Christmas
Where to Eat on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day in San Sebastian
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
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
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
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
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 […]
How To Make The Most Of Winter in Madrid
This blog post was originally posted on November 7, 2013 and was updated on October 25, 2018. 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, […]
Five Alternative Christmas Markets in Barcelona
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 […]
The Best Christmas Markets in Madrid: Plaza Mayor & Beyond
It’s the most wonderful time of the year here in Madrid! It goes without saying that Christmastime in Madrid brings an unforgettable sensation of holiday magic, and nowhere does that feel more present than at one of the many Christmas markets scattered throughout the city. Whether you’re looking for traditional goods, artisanal handcrafted gifts, or […]