There are Christmases for all tastes. Some are fascinated by cozying up in a cabin watching the snowfall outside. Others prefer to enjoy relaxation immersed in the thermal waters of a spa. Or in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, contemplating a sand nativity scene, as ephemeral as it is original. For any type of audience, here are several proposals to not stay at home during these holidays.
Between skates and hot wines
One of the classic visits when these dates arrive is to the Christmas markets scattered throughout Europe. From Prague to Berlin, Vienna, Tallinn, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Montpellier, Budapest, or Warsaw, the main squares of the Old Continent fill up with stalls of local souvenirs, handmade winter garments, tree decorations, gigantic sausages, and hot wines to warm up the chilly stroll. Churros with chocolate are also a must. As well as Ferris wheels, ice skating rinks, or meetings with Santa Claus to deliver the letter. Although the tradition started in Germany in the Middle Ages, few countries have not succumbed to it. Starting with Spain, which competes for the biggest, most original, or illuminated. The one in Plaza Mayor in Madrid is inevitably linked to a calamari sandwich, while in Barcelona, those at the Santa Lucía fair, next to the cathedral, the Sagrada Familia or the modernist complex of Sant Pau take the lead. The list continues in Vigo, the Christmas capital of Spain (where else?), Valencia, Seville, Malaga, Bilbao, Santander, or Zaragoza.
Christmas market in Budapest.
Many people these days prefer to recharge their batteries rather than release adrenaline. This chapter of wellness getaways is dedicated to some of the most outstanding spas in our geography, those that make up the Castilla Termal Hotels network, consisting of five historic establishments where the unique properties of the waters of each one are combined with unique architecture and surroundings. From the latest addition, the one in Brihuega (Guadalajara), a town known as the Spanish Provence, to the already iconic ones in Olmedo and Valbuena de Duero (former convent and monastery respectively, both in Valladolid), Burgo de Osma (built in what was the University of Santa Catalina, from the 16th century, in the homonymous town in Soria) and Solares (a building inspired by the nineteenth-century Belle Époque just a few minutes from Santander). All of them have designed special programs for these holidays that combine accommodation, festive dinners —with delights such as scallop tartare on tapioca crisp with carabinero aioli, beef sirloin with foie gras escalope on sweet potato mousseline and aged wine reduction with raisins or the hake stuffed with spider crab; for dessert, they will serve a converted wine sorbet—, buffet-style breakfast, and access to their thermal pools. And beware, the chain will continue its expansion with two more offspring in Peñaranda de Duero (Burgos) and in Cotalba (Valencia). More information at www.castillatermal.com
The Mudejar Courtyard experience at Castilla Termal Olmedo.
Now in its 19th edition, so success is guaranteed once again. We are talking about the original Las Canteras sand nativity scene (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria), with free access, which attracts more than 170,000 people every year. Its goal is to enjoy Christmas in a different way, as well as to position the island as the world capital of sand art. Thus, until January 7th, you can walk through this beach where 10 scenes of the nativity have been shaped from huge pressed sand blocks of 2,000 m2. The figures reach 90 tons, as well as 13 meters high and 12 meters long, and have been created by 11 artists, some local and others from countries like New Zealand or Canada. The theme this year is Tribute to the city's neighborhoods, so the life of some of them such as San Nicolás, San Juan, and San Roque has been recreated, highlighting their history and the value of their community. Also noteworthy are pieces such as the Annunciation, the Three Wise Men, the fishermen, the Good Samaritan, or the nativity itself. More information at https://belendearena.es
The last plan takes place against the backdrop of the vineyards of some of the national wineries considered among the best in the world according to The World's Best Vineyards, an annual reference ranking in the sector. It includes Herederos de Marqués de Riscal, Ysios, Muga, or Marqués de Murrieta. The latter, for example, organizes all kinds of guided tours (including one of its museum) with tastings and experiences like The Melody of Wine, which combines the pairing of some of its finest wines (Capellanía 2019, Marqués de Murrieta 2019, and Marqués de Murrieta Limited Edition 2014) with opera pieces. The setting is the main hall of the Castle of Ygay, from the 19th century, whose namesake wine is the most admired Spanish wine in the world and one of the top 10 internationally. The winery located in Logroño also celebrates these holidays with its Christmas announcement titled The Perfect Gift Always Arrives on Time, inviting to share good moments with loved ones. Marqués de Murrieta is part of the Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin (which includes a total of 567, among which are also CVNE, Campo Viejo, Vivanco, or Faustino Rivero Ulecia. All of them have scheduled wine tourism activities for these holidays, many of which include children's workshops for kids to learn about wine culture. On the other hand, Bodegas Emilio Moro, a family business with over 100 years of history in the heart of the Ribera del Duero and El Bierzo, celebrates the holidays with Customs with Soul, a guide to being the perfect host at a table with tips such as good planning, choosing wine carefully, or creating a cozy atmosphere. It also provides a selection of pairings of its main wines. For example, Patricia Sánchez Moro, general director, suggests pairing Alba with salmon tartare or El Zarzal with grilled prawns.