Local Connections

Tour the Christmas Lights

Get into the Christmas spirit by touring the splendid Christmas lights in Malaga, Granada, Cordoba or even Antequera. Sip some sherry and enjoy some tasty tapas on the way. Look out for local Christmas concerts by checking local newspapers or posters.

Before the hustle and bustle of Christmas Day, take time out to spruce yourself up or calm yourself down with a relaxing facial or a wonderful massage. Spend a couple of hours in a spa or have a new colour or highlights for your hair. Check out your local salons and centres and book your special treat or buy it as a great gift.

Get away from it all and fly up to Barcelona for a break. Visit the famous Christmas Market near the Cathedral and tour this interesting and easy to get around city. Don’t miss Gaudi’s masterpieces such as the amazing Guell Park and the Sagrada Familia. Walk down The Ramblas and enjoy some great food.

Something not to be missed are the Belenes, the amazing Nativity scenes that are traditionally placed in churches and community centres. Forget the simplicity of those in England and marvel at whole towns and cities peopled with townsfolk, shepherds, kings and the Holy Family. Here the whole Christmas story is laid out before you. Many cities have a special ‘Ruta de Belenes’ and some villages even have live Nativity Scenes. In Antequera, you will find beautiful scenes in private homes too. Ask at Tourist Offices for details.

Every year, towns, cities and villages hold their own procession during which the Three Kings are accompanied by animals, music and a motley crowd on decorated floats. Tons of sweets are traditionally thrown to the crowds. Join in your local one or head for the nearest city for something grander. In Malaga, the three Kings usually arrive by boat. The processions are held on the evening of 5th January. The 6th is a holiday when families celebrate together and exchange gifts.

If skiing is your thing, then head for the Sierra Nevada for an early start to the season. Ski or snowboard in one of the many Sierra resorts. If you’ve never tried it before, why not take some lessons? Some resorts also have beauty therapy salons. Whatever you choose, you will be able to enjoy the clear cold mountain air and the après ski facilities.

There’s a brand new Sports Centre in Benalmadena with an ice-skating rink. The Club de Hielo is in Calle Ciudad de Melilla and is the only ice rink on the Costa del Sol. It is open for skating Mon to Fri 12 to 2, 8 to 10 and at weekends 11to 2, 4 to 10. On Friday and Saturday nights there’s an ice-skating disco from 10.30 to 12.30. That sounds like fun! Skate hire is 3.75 and entrance 6 or 9euros. They advise you to wear long trousers, socks and gloves. The centre also has a swimming pool, gym, sports shop and cafeteria, and offers classes in Tai Chi, Pilates and more. Check www.clubdehielobenalmadena.com or call 952577669. For something really traditional, go to Sevilla where they put up an ice rink in the centre during the winter and even sell scarves and gloves for those who forget to dress warmly enough.

For a totally different eating experience, visit the replica of Santisima Trinidad in Malaga Harbour. The original ship took part in the Battle of Trafalgar. Enjoy lunch or dinner in the restaurant (Tues to Sun) where the service is superb and the menu varied. Visit the Sala Churruca for the Bodega Naval Museum to learn about life at sea in those days and where you can relax and enjoy a drink and tapas (12 to 9). The Santisima Trinidad is full of authentic detail. The entrance on foot is via Paseo de los Curas and Plaza de la Marina. They are offering delicious Christmas lunches and dinners. Book on www.eltrinidad.es or call 952221346

Be one of the first to visit the renovated and reorganised Alcazaba in Antequera. Learn about the history of the settlement, enjoy a walk through the gardens and climb the Towers. The route will take you through the Christian Gate to the Patio de Armas where the troops would gather. Take a peak at the Mazmorra a tiny prison excavated out of the rock before reaching the towers. Enjoy the views from this beautiful place.

Escape from the cold and learn about the history of Cordoba city. The Museum is set in a charming, small Renaissance mansion which was built over Roman remain. There is a lovely patio. The excellent collection reveals the importance of the city´s Roman heritage. There is a wonderful sculpture of the Persian God Mithras which was found at Cabra plus Iberian and Moorish artefacts.

Wild Song Music and Dance in December

Just the thing to keep you warm! Join in one of the many Verdiales or Fiestas de Los Pandiales which are customarily held on Dec 28, the Spanish equivalent of April Fools Day. In Puerto de la Torre, in the hills above Malaga, you will find this popular, country tradition. Singers are accompanied by musicians playing lutes, violins or guitars plus percussion. Dancers dress in traditional costume with a very special straw hat adorned with ribbons, flowers, beads and eve mirrors. Enjoy sweet cakes and anis and, of course, paella.

Browse an amazing collection of religious art, gathered and preserved by the Cistercians over the centuries. It is in the Santa Ana Abbey near the Customs Palace in Calle Cister. There are paintings and sculptures as well as documents including the priceless Mudejar Book. It is open from 10.30 to 1.30 daily with a small with a small entrance fee. small entrance fee.