Madrid to....?
 

Hello,
Looking for suggestions for a three day trip out of Madrid. I'll be visiting a friend there (who is a grad student studying in Madrid for a semester) for the last two weeks of December, and we'd like to do a long weekend to a city we've never been to. We've both traveled Italy and Spain extensively, and have been to Paris, so would love recommendations for exploring some place new. Only criteria is that is easily accessible via Madrid...whether it's plane or train, we just don't want to spend an entire day traveling. Our budget is moderate—willing to splurge here and there, but do not expect to stay in five star hotels. We both love food, wine, museums, and exploring cities. Welcoming any and all suggestions!
Many thanks!

'We've both traveled Italy and Spain extensively' - without you volunteering where you have been - less than two hours by train, Cordoba and about two and a half hours, Seville.

Sounds like you want to go out of Spain? Madrid has flights to pretty much all major cities in Europe so take your pick.

Yes, thinking somewhere outside of Spain. I hear the markets in Vienna are great this time of year. Would also love to go somewhere in Germany, but a little nervous of how cold it may be.

Where ever you end up, be sure to check out a Christmas market-
http://www.christmasmarkets.com/

As for being nervous of how cold it may be, you're only going for 3-4 days. Suck it up! Lol.

Last January we took an Easyjet cheap flight from Madrid to Marrakech and stayed for 3 days. It was cheap and fascinating, with warm weather.
You might consider that for something different.