Spain/Madrid at Christmas

[Crungmungus]

Hi,

I don´t know if this is the right forum for this conversation but here goes!

I´m going to be in Madrid during Christmas and new years as the flights are exceptionally cheap and I have always wanted to go there to learn more Spanish. What sort of celebrations take place for the season? Can anyone also recommend a good hotel to stay at?

I´m thinking Madrid will be a very interesting place during Christmas but if there´s anywhere better to go could someone tell me? ;D

Thanks.

James

[Ben]

Hi James,

This is definitely the right place to ask! Christmas is Madrid is nice and festive, especially if you take a walk through the Plaza Mayor in the days leading up to the 25th. However, I'm not sure about specific events, apart from the big carnival like procession through the streets on Jan 5th, where the three kings are paraded through the streets on big floats. Oh, and there is New Years Eve in Sol of course, if you can deal with crowds!

One thing people often complain about though is the lack of anything open on NYE before midnight, and Christmas Eve and Day. All the Spanish are at home with their families then, and nearly nowhere is open to eat, drink etc. If your hotel has a restaurant and you don't mind wandering round a very quiet city on those days, then you'll be fine.

As for the hotel, how much are you looking to spend?