Grab on to your sled, rev up the reindeer and get ready for an amazing festive season in Valencia this December! We've selected 6 essential festive things to do if you're here for Crimbo.
The city will be dressed up for navidad and full of attractions, flea markets and special seasonal activities. Here are our ho-ho-hottest picks:
1) Lovely Bubbly Cava Tasting
What better way to be joyful than with a glass or four of bubbly!? Conducted by industry professionals whose enthusiasm for local fizz is sure to rub off, you'll have a private tasting just for your group.
2) Winter Market Visit and Paella Class
Perhaps not the most traditional Christmas meal, but no visit to Valencia is complete without learning about paella and it's a fantastic winter-time activity, especially when you include a chef-guided tour of the Central Market too.
3) Private VIP Guided Christmas Tour
See all the main attractions in the Old Town and City of Arts, with special attention paid to the city's Christmas customs, food and drink, not to mention the most outstanding decorations and nativity scenes. To really get you in the festive mood the tour will include a visit to a market with a stop to taste some Christmas goodies.
4) Vineyard Visit and Wine Gift Shopping
Learn about wine at local vineyards and buy some of the best direct from the makers to wrap up and take home as Christmas gifts. The Valencia Wine Bus Tour takes you to two wineries every Saturday during December and includes a scrummy lunch too.
5) The Lake Escape
No turkeys, but there's plenty of other bird-life and amazing nature to be found at Albufera lake, just a 20 minute drive south of the city. Our budget tour includes a scenic bus ride through the city then on to a village by the lake, where you have a relaxed boat trip out on its tranquil waters.
6) Seasonal Wine and Tapas Tasting
Try delicious wines that could accompany your roast turkey, mince pies and more, and nibble some yummy tapas while you're at it. Of course, you'll also get to try Valencian bubbly - cava - and in between the two tastings you'll have a guided walk through one of the most Christmassy parts of the city.