My husband and I will be in Barcelona until Saturday, December 22. We then have 4-5 days to spend in the Andalucian area. We need help knowing how to best spend those days. Our thoughts are to get to the area either by train or plane. Then we wanted to rent a car to drive for a few days in the area. We are most interested in staying 1 night in Granada and see the Alhambra complex, spend 1 night in Cordoba to see the Jewish Quarter and the Mezquita cathedral, and at least 2 nights in Seville. Then we plan to take the train to Madrid where we will finish our trip. That means we will be in the Andalucian area over Christmas. We are not sure what is open and what we can do or not do during that time so that we are in the correct city to accomplish all that we want to do. so if you have been there during the holidays, we would love to hear from you. If you have ever been to any of these cities, we would love your thoughts in general as to what you loved or didn't love. and if you have driven around there, that would be great to hear about as well. We have driven in Tuscany, Italy as well as Provence, France and loved it. That is why we wanted to drive a little in Spain. Can't wait to hear anyone's thoughts. Much appreciated! Places to eat, things to do, things to avoid, etc. are great to learn. Thanks!!! Katarina (my real name is Cathy but I like the sound of a more Spanish name)

About Christmas in Sevilla from a local: http://www.exploreseville.com/events/chris-holiday.htm

Look out for villancicos (flamenco inspired Christmas songs) in the streets: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ltDBAXXnqI

THe website exploreseville was fantastic and answered my questions about Seville! But I still have questions about driving between Granada and Cordoba. Any thoughts?

I would opt for bus between Granada and Córdoba if you have no plans for exploring the countryside. Frequent departures, at least ten pr. day. No need for and just hassle with a car in both cities. In December you could also have some snow in and around Granada with an altitude about 800m and by the foot of the ski resorts up in Sierra Nevada (normally skiing between Nov and April).

Córdoba - Sevilla is only 50 min with the high speed AVE train, much faster than going by car.

Go to the NYT search or Google and put in A Catalan Christmas. This article very nicely will tell you how the Christmas holidays are celebrated in Spain in general, not just in Catalunya. Christmas is a quiet, family holiday. A lot of things will be closed Christmas Eve and Day. Find out in advance when the Alhambra and Mezquita will be closed.

4-5 days for all od Andalucia during the Chrsitmas holiday?!
Personally I'd stick to Sevilla and do daytrips. You don't have enough time to reasonably visit Sevilla and Granada during this time.

I might take this trip this year. Andalucia for Christmas and New Year; I haven't been to Spain since I was a child. Appreciate the comments on this thread. I'll look up the Catalan Christmas article.

Oops, meant to add that I don't know much about Christmas in Spain at all, in any region, but I have been to Italy for the holidays--can I expect about the same amount of openings and closings of touristic sites?

Hotel Los Castanos in the little pueblo blanco of Cartajima is open for a traditional Christmas house party. All info here. www.loscastanos.com/special-offers/ We would love to have you come and stay and experience real rural Andalucia!