We are two families travelling to Spain from around December 18 through the 29th. Family #1 is meeting their college student in Barcelona and this is their first trip to Spain. Family #2 has recently travelled to parts of Spain.

We would like to explore the regions between Barcelona and Granada or Malaga. We are seeking advice in regards to which city or town would offer the best for the Christmas holiday in terms of sights, spirit, festivals and maybe even shops or attractions that would be open. (the last one might be a long shot).

We are considering flying in to Barcelona and out of Malaga or vice- versa.

Looking forward to all replies!

Will not attempt to compare cities, as I have lived only in Madrid (15 years ago) so did not spend time over the holidays in other cities (other than skiing at Baiquera Beret over New Years). Would note, however, that the holiday celebrations (with LOADS of holiday decorations and lights throughout the cities) focus on the time between just before Christmas (say Dec. 20th or later) through King's Day/Epiphany (January 6th). Most gift giving is done on Three Kings' Day.

Thanks skibumette. We will definitely be in Spain during those dates so won't miss out on the holiday celebrations. Now, still seeking advice of where to stay over which city to stay in over the Christmas holiday. ANYONE?

IMO, the most interesting and unique event when you compare Christmas celebrations would be the parades on the eve of Three Kings Day. Which are outside your timeframe.
Besides that, and besides illuminated streets and stores, I found Christmas time (roughly Dec 24-Jan6) more a private/family event. There will be masses at church, probably some concerts with Christmas-related music, expositions of nativity scenes.. but nothing on such a grand scale that required your attendance in, say, Madrid over Barcelona.

Weatherwise, Madrid will probably be the coldest. It's Europe's highest capital, and you can feel that in winter.
Barcelona can be a bit miserable with rain or mild.
Sevilla or Málaga would be my first choice, but mostly due to the fact that your chances or spring-like weather are best (given all caveats about forecasting weather months in advance).

Thanks for the reply Cowboy. Is Madrid really Europes highest capital? Really?! I am astonished as I was there last spring and did not note that fact. But since I learn something new everyday you are probably correct.

I am leaning toward heading South too and will see how that works with my extended family. I missed Sevilla over Easter and think we need to visit that city.

About Málaga in Christmas: http://www.malagaturismo.com/opencms...68&id_idioma=2

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

Kimhe, Love the flamenco inspired song. We are really on a flamenco roll!

If you are on the flamenco roll, here are some clips from the history book:

The legendary cantaor (male singer), Camarón de la Isla (1950-1992) in Carlos Sauras movie "Sevillanas" shortly before he died: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Odf26L9Vpe8

Diego del Gastor (1908-1973), the embodyment of the down-to-earth guitar (toque) tradition from Morón de la Frontera:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W74IVr_90CQ

Carmen Amaya (1913-1963), arguably the world's greatest bailaora (female flamenco dancer) ever: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDRPgr5c4qM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Odf26L9Vpe8

And from today's scene:
The young, up and coming cantaora (female flamenco singer) Rosario Guerrero "La Tremendita":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaqhBKAhraY

The most successful cantaor these days, Miguel Poveda:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPA-ThRg-PU

Living legend Paco de Lucía: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oyhlad64-s

The bailaora Eva Yerbabuena in what is probably my favourite flamenco video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IW3mZNprq0

The innovative and brilliant bailaor Israel Galván: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfmCd-caWUU

And, of course, Rocío Molina: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eO2OsiN0pxI

I would recommend these two websites for history, artists, events, performances, videos etc..

http://www.flamenco-world.com/flamenco.htm
http://www.deflamenco.com/indexi.jsp