Tis the season to be jolly for those visiting Valencia this December, and we've selected our top 10 festive must-dos to put a real twinkle in your fairy lights!
The sun may be shining and the snow lacking, but the city is still dressing up for Yuletide and full of attractions, merry activities and special fun. Here are this year's merry expert picks:
1) Christmas Markets
Fill your Christmas boots and stockings with gifts from one of the city's seasonal markets.
For unique local gifts, visit the Feria de Artesanía Craft Fair at the Plaza de la Reina (29 November – 7 January, 10:30am – 2pm and 4:30pm – 9pm, mornings only on 24 and 31 December, open until midnight on 5 Jan) or the Muestra de Artesanía at the Mercado de Colón (open now until 5 January, 9am to 9pm), stalls change weekly and offer a variety of gifts including ceramics, jewellery, wooden toys and leather goods.
For a traditional market in a most modern setting, check out the ever-popular City of Arts and Science Christmas Fair next to the Science Museum (13 December to 6 January), with unique gifts, food trucks, and traditional trade demos like glassmaking and carpentry.
For less conventional presents and pop-up surprises, don't miss the Ho, Ho, Ho market at the Mercado de Tapinería (19 December to 5 January) or if your looking for seasonal fashion, accessories and more, head on down to Coolmarket at Calle Pintor Sorolla 19 (12 December to 5 January).
2) Seasonal Tapas Tasting
Try delicious local tapas as an alternative to all that roast turkey and Christmas pud. You can also enjoy Valencian wine and have a guided walk through one of the most Christmassy parts of the city.
3) Christmas Boat Trips
Departing throughout December from Valencia Marina, the festive catamaran sailings are popular and you might even spot Father Christmas onboard on some trips too!
4) 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.
5) Sleeping Beauty Pantomime
A British seasonal tradition is back in Valencia again, this Christmas, with the Sleeping Beauty pantomime playing at the Patio de Butacas theatre close (14 and 15 December).
Producers promise an all-singing, all-dancing spectacular, filled with sparkling sets, fabulous costumes, and plenty of magical pantomime moments.
6) Candlelight Concerts
From Flamenco to ABBA to Vivaldi, enjoy a series of wonderful concerts by candlelight at the Ateneo Mercantil building on the Plaza del Ayuntamiento or the Westin hotel (24 November to 22 February).
These intimate tribute concerts by classical musicians are a truly different way to celebrate Christmas in the most beautiful settings.
7) 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 market visit too.
8) 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 private tours allow you a relaxed boat trip out on its tranquil waters.
* The lake is closed for boat trips following floods in October, but we expect them to start running again before Christmas.
9) Merry 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.
10) Ice Skating in the City Centre
Now an annual Christmas tradition, a seasonal ice rink will be set up in City Hall square - Plaza del Ayuntamiento. The exact opening date is still uncertain, but organisers hope it will be ready by 6 December and then will stay open until 6 January. Rent skates and pay the entrance at the gate.
