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Things to do at Christmas in Valencia
The following are just some of the reasons why you should come to Valencia during the Christmas break.- The weather is great, flights are cheap and you can do all your Christmas shopping at half the price whilst also enjoying a trip to Valencia.
- In Valencia, and Spain in general, there isn't the slow build up to Christmas from September onwards as there is in the UK.
- Just a month before Christmas all the streets and shops are ablaze with lights, seasonal decorations and nativity scenes (nacimientos/belénes) are on display in homes and throughout the city.
- The joy of Christmas is reflected in the friendly people in the bustling streets of Valencia and the annual nativity scene and huge Christmas tree in Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
- One of most exciting things to do at Christmas in Valencia, especially if you're a child, is to go the fair! Check out the following.
Enjoy the Fairs & Circus
La Fira de Nadal is a seasonal fair especially for children held every year in the Jardin de Turía - Great World-wide Circus. There's also a small fun-fair at Nuevo Centro and a Circus in the Bullring (next to Estación del Norte).Don't forget to check out El Circo Gran Fele which is classical circus at it's best www.circogranfele.com. You'll find it at the esplanade in front of the IVAM (Valencia's Institute of Modern Art) on Guillem de Castro.
The City of Arts & Sciences have Christmas events going on until 7 January - www.cac.es and from December 26 2008 to January 04 2009, there's EXPOJOVE (Youth Fair).
The event is at the Feria de Valencia Trade Centre and is FREE for under 5s and carnet jove-holders. For everyone else it's from 4 euros for a 1 day pass www.expojove.com.
Things to do at Christmas in Valencia - Shopping
There's a whole host of things to do at Christmas in Valencia and indulging in the seasonal foods is one of my favorites. The delicious aroma of hot chestnuts fills the air and blends well with the seasonal fayre of marzipans and the many varieties of turrón.High street shops, trendy boutiques and El Corte Inglès department stores sparkle like Aladdin's caves full of festive treats for all the family.
Shopping is of course one of the most exciting things to do at Christmas in Valencia. You can buy the latest fashions at Mango and Zara and stock up with seasonal foods and gifts.
When you feel like a break stop at one of the many delicious Places to Eat and enjoy a tasty snack or meal.
El Gordo (The Fat One) Navidad Lottery
At this time of the year excitement in Spain is at fever-pitch in expectation of the annual El Gordo (The Fat One) Navidad lottery draw.This is the most famous lottery draw in the world and you have until 21 December to play for the prize of 2,142,000 euros.
The draw takes place on 22 December 2006 and each ticket costs 40 euros. People all across Spain club together to buy a stake in this amazing draw.
Last year the Catalan town of Vic (inland from Barcelona) were the winners receiving €510m (£350m).
Christmas Eve - Nochebuena
As in many other Mediterranean countries Christmas Eve in Valencia is when all families gather together to enjoy Christmas dinner at home.During the day markets are stocked high with fresh seafoods and fish and roast lamb (sometimes turkey) are the traditional dishes for Christmas.
Shops and stores are full of turrón (nougat made of toasted sweet almonds) and little cakes called polvorones which are eaten all over Christmas.
The traditional drinks of Cava and wines such as Rioja are enjoyed by all and the celebrations go on until the early hours. Many families watch Christmas and flamenco TV shows until past mid-night and then enjoy a traditional night-cap of chocolate and churros. Others go to mid-night mass at the Cathedral.
Some children do receive gifts on Christmas Eve, however, the main presents are still given on Kings Day (Epiphany) 6 January.
Christmas Day
On Christmas morning many attend the beautiful Cathedral in the old historical quarter of Valencia and in the evening another mouth-watering meal is enjoyed at home or at one of the many restaurants, bars or clubs in Valencia. All that's left to say is, Feliz Navidad! - Happy Christmas!Tip - For those who like a joke be sure not to miss 28th December as this day is the equivalent to the UKs April Fool's day (1 April) when pranks are played on each other.
If you want to celebrate New Year in style then Valencia is a great place to do it. Also, on 5 January there are celebrations and street parades for Kings Day which is when the children of Spain receive their Christmas presents.
This is a great time of the year to visit Valencia so to avoid disappointment book early.
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