December brings with it the magic of Christmas, and what better way to get into the Christmas spirit than by travelling to destinations where lights, markets and traditions fill the streets with joy. If you're one of those who can't wait to experience Christmas in all its splendour, here are four places in Spain where the festive atmosphere is already in full swing.

From the famous Vigo to the dazzling Malaga, we offer you a range of destinations where you can soak up the Christmas spirit.

Malaga is one of the ideal destinations to experience the magic of Christmas, where tradition, lights and the Mediterranean climate combine to offer a unique atmosphere during the festive season. The city is transformed into an authentic Christmas setting with events, markets and activities for all the family, making it the perfect place to enjoy this season.

One of the main attractions of Christmas in Malaga is the Calle Larios light show, which has been held since 26 November. This show, which includes a perfect synchronisation with music, is one of the most eagerly awaited traditions by locals and tourists alike. In addition, the Mercadillo del Paseo del Parque open-air market, with more than 90 stalls, is an ideal place to buy traditional Christmas products. It will be open until 7 January, along with the Pier 1 Market, which this year features an elf village and an igloo with polar bears, open until 10 January.

If you like magical experiences, you mustn’t miss the Botanical Garden of Malaga, which for the third consecutive year is illuminated to create a fantasy atmosphere. The route, entitled "Stella, the journey of the star of the East", offers more than 2 kilometres of illuminated gardens, recreating scenes from the Nativity Scene and other magical corners. This show will be available until 8 January.

Another of the most impressive shows is the video mapping on Malaga Cathedral. During the festive season, the façade of this emblematic monument is transformed into a giant screen featuring moving lights with Christmas motifs and elements of local culture. This show will also have three daily performances, as well as the show in the Plaza de la Constitución, where a large 20-metre high Christmas tree surrounded by sparkling lights is placed, making it one of the most photogenic spots in the city.

Gastronomy also plays an important role in the celebrations, with pestiños and borrachuelos, traditional Malaga sweets made with sweet wine and aniseed, which are essential to complete the Christmas experience.

The historic centre of Malaga becomes a real postcard, with its streets decorated with lights. In addition, this year there is a spectacular new feature, a drone show, which illuminates the city's sky with Christmas shapes and colours from various points such as the Palmeral de las Sorpresas and Gibralfaro Castle.

If you plan to visit Malaga this Christmas, we suggest you stay in one of the city's charming Paradores: Málaga Golf or Málaga Gibralfaro. These Paradores offer the perfect retreat to relax and enjoy the warmth of the season. Each of them combines comfort, history and spectacular views, making your stay an unforgettable experience. Come and experience the magic of Christmas in the heart of Malaga!

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE MÁLAGA GOLF

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE MÁLAGA GIBRALFARO

Vigo has established itself as one of Galicia's most special destinations to enjoy Christmas. This year, the city began to experience its Christmas spirit on 16 November, when its famous lights were turned on, transforming the streets into a true spectacle of colour and joy. During the holidays, Vigo shines like never before, and strolling through the centre is to immerse yourself in a setting full of magic and charm. Whether with children, as a couple or with friends, the city becomes a unique place that envelops you in its festive atmosphere.

One of the main attractions of Christmas in Vigo is the ice-skating rink located in the Plaza del Centro Comercial Vialia. This space has separate areas for adults and children, as well as a gigantic, illuminated snowman, a classic merry-go-round for the little ones and several themed booths where you can enjoy a delicious hot chocolate while shopping for Christmas products.

Another of the most magical experiences the city has to offer is the boat trip, which takes you along the estuary decorated with festive lights and decorations. As you sail, you can enjoy Christmas carols and perhaps meet Father Christmas or one of his royal pages. Without a doubt, a special way to see the city from the water.

The little ones will also enjoy the Casa de Papá Noel (Santa’s grotto) and the Casa del Carteiro Real, located in Rúa Policarpo Sanz. From 23 November to 4 January, they will be able to hand in their letters to Father Christmas and receive the answer to their Christmas wishes.

If you’re a music lover, you can't miss Candlelight, a candle-lit carol concert to be held at Pazo Los Escudos. These concerts create a unique atmosphere and allow you to enjoy Christmas music in a very special way.

For a relaxed way to see the Christmas lights, the Christmas sightseeing train is an excellent option. It runs through the main streets of the city centre allowing you to enjoy the decorations without rushing. It is ideal for families or those who want to see the city from a different perspective. Also, if you like panoramic views, the giant Ferris wheel next to the Alameda de la Plaza de Compostela is a must-see.

This year, Vigo presents an exciting new feature for magic fans: the Harry Potter exhibition in the dockside area. With more than 100 unique pieces from the Hogwarts universe, such as figures, life-size dioramas and an extensive collection of wands and objects, it will be open until 12 January.

Vigo is also famous for its Circo de Nadal, which this year celebrates the 50th anniversary of the TV Clowns. The circus returns to the neighbourhood of Coia with a new theme, offering fun for the whole family.

Finally, the Christmas markets are another of the city's great attractions, where you can buy traditional products, crafts and enjoy the festive atmosphere. The Cíes Market is the largest and most famous, with more than 90 stalls. You can also visit the O Calvario Market and the Bouzas Market.

If you're planning to visit Vigo this Christmas, we recommend staying at the stunning Parador de Baiona and Parador de Tui. These places offer an idyllic retreat. Whether taking in the views of the Atlantic Ocean from the Parador de Baiona or exploring the historic charm of the Parador de Tui, both destinations provide a unique and unforgettable experience.

*The Parador de Tui will be closed from 01/01/2025 to 26/02/2025.

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE BAIONA

Cordoba is a city that is filled with magic and tradition during Christmas, offering an endless number of activities that transform the atmosphere and turn the city into a unique destination to enjoy the festivities. This year, Cordoba is preparing to experience a Christmas full of culture, light and special events that will surprise both locals and tourists. From the lighting of the lights to the drone and video mapping shows, the city offers an unparalleled Christmas experience.

Christmas in Cordoba officially begins on 4 December, with the eagerly awaited switching on of the Christmas lights in Cruz Conde Street. This event is not just a switch-on, but a veritable spectacle of light and sound with 487,000 LED points that will light up the most emblematic streets of the city, welcoming Christmas with an explosion of colour and energy.

One of the most traditional and eagerly awaited events is the celebration in the Patios Cordobeses. These beautiful internal courtyards, which are an icon of the city, are filled with flowers and pots with red raisins, creating a special atmosphere for the festivities. For several days in December the patios will open their doors to the public, allowing them to enjoy the beauty of these corners full of history and tradition.

Another highlight of Christmas in Cordoba is the video mapping show in the Plaza de la Corredera. In this event, the façades of the buildings in the square will be transformed into giant screens that will project images and animations with Christmas motifs, creating a magical and unique atmosphere.

Cordoba is also joining the trend of drone shows, and the Paseo de la Ribera will be the stage for this innovative aerial show. An army of drones will light up the city's sky with lights and movements that will delight all those attending.

In addition to these shows, the city offers a variety of activities to enjoy during the festive season. Passacaglias and choirs will be performing in the streets of the historic centre, filling the atmosphere with Christmas music. The traditional zambombas - with traditional instruments and carols - will also take centre stage, filling the squares and streets of the city with rhythm and joy.

Of course, there is no shortage of Christmas markets, where you can find handmade products, original gifts and delicious seasonal sweets.

If you’re planning to visit Cordoba this Christmas, we suggest you stay at the charming Parador de Córdoba. With its blend of comfort and historical beauty, the Parador de Córdoba offers you an unforgettable experience. Discover the magic of Christmas while exploring the rich culture and stunning architecture of Cordoba.

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE CÓRDOBA

Vitoria is preparing to experience a magical Christmas in 2024, offering a wide variety of activities that combine tradition, culture and entertainment.

The city becomes a unique Christmas destination, where magic and joy fill every corner. Christmas in Vitoria begins on 22 November, when the city is dressed in lights with the traditional switch-on that marks the start of the Christmas season.

Vitoria becomes the first Basque provincial capital to light up its streets, creating a festive atmosphere in the main avenues and squares such as Calle Independencia and Plaza de los Celedones de Oro. During the festive season, Christmas markets are an unmissable tradition, and Vitoria offers a wide variety. The Christmas Market, which runs from 15 December to 6 January, has 35 stalls selling local and out-of-town crafts, a perfect place to find original gifts. In addition, the Christmas Farmers' Market and the Tree Market offer traditional products and trees perfect for decorating the home. Another highlight is the 'Lan ta lan' Craft Fair, from 16 December to 6 January, organised by the Alava Craft Association, where you can find unique handmade pieces.

Fun is guaranteed with the ice rink in the Parque de la Florida. With more than 700 m² of surface area, this rink offers a children's area and a rink for the more daring, as well as a Christmas slide for the whole family.

In the same park you will find a monumental Nativity Scene with a representation of life-size figures created by local artists, a tradition that thrills locals and visitors alike.

One of the most eagerly awaited moments is the Meeting with Olentzero and Mari Domingi, which takes place on 24th December in the Main Hall of the Town Hall, where children can hand in their letters to these endearing Basque characters before the traditional parade begins.

If you are planning a trip to Vitoria this Christmas, we invite you to stay at the charming Parador de Argómaniz. This Parador is the ideal place to rest after a long day of Christmas visits. Immerse yourself in the magic of Christmas and discover all that Argómaniz and the Parador have to offer; we are waiting for you with open arms!

RESERVAR EN EL PARADOR DE ARGÓMANIZ