Spanish Navidad in Granada

The festive month is almost upon us and many people will be planning where they will be and what to do at Christmas and Spanish Navidad. Granada is a stunning place to visit at any time of year but at Christmas it is magical. Granada Christmas festivities begin around the 1st of December and end on the 6th of January. According to Spanish tradition, the big celebration is actually Epiphany with the three kings bringing gifts on January the 6th and the Spanish Navidad has plenty to offer with a whole month of activities.

Granada Christmas Lights
On Friday 29th November 2019 in Bib Rambla Square the city Christmas lights will be switched on at 9.00pm and Puerta Real, Gran Via, Reyes Catolicos and the main commercial streets in the city centre are where you get the best view of the decorations and lights.

Nativity Scenes in Granada
In the UK and Nordic countries, the switching on of Christmas tree lights is usually an important event. In Granada, the Nativity Scene is the main feature in most shop windows and offices. Christmas trees are not quite as abundant as in other countries. In the official Belen competition run by the local town hall around 40 organisations compete and there are actually many more unofficial displays around the city. Every year in Granada has a Ruta de Belenes so you can visit all the nativity scenes. All the scenes on the route are open from 11th December until the 5th January. (with their own timetables).

Christmas Concerts
There are lots of Flamenco concerts and typical Rociero choirs on over Chrismas time. At the Teatro Isabela la Catolica they have shows throughout December and a few in January.
Tickets can be purchased at the theatre kiosk. (Puerta Real/Fuente de las Batallas) The Palacio de Congresos de Granada have lots of concerts and activities on over Christmas. This year they have a typical Flamenco Zambomba on 18th December, the Nutcracker Ballet on 19th December or the Beauty and Beast Musical on 22nd December.

Granada Christmas Markets
In Plaza Bib Rambla and Puerta Real the Christmas Markets start on Saturday 30th November 2019 and open from 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 9.30pm daily. Expect to find typical sweets, handmade toys and jewellery although the stalls are closed on 25th December and 1st January.

Ice Skating
What is more festive than taking to the ice with your loved ones and enjoying a lovely hot chocolate afterwards. Don Patin has public sessions for just 5 euros.
Tuesday & Thursday: 7.30pm to 8.30pm
Fridays: 4pm to 5.15pm / 5.45pm to 7pm / 7.30pm to 8.45pm
Saturdays & Sundays 12:45h a 1:45pm / 4pm to 5.15pm / 5.45pm to 7pm / 7.30pm to 8.45pm
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Visit the Alhambra Palace over Christmas
This stunning historic site is really somewhere to visit on any trip to Spain. There is something magical about this time of year and the history and culture there. Opening times in wintertime are Monday to Sunday from 8.30am to 2pm and 2pm to 6pm. It is best to book tickets ahead of time.

Ski in Spain
From November until Mid April 2019 Sierra Nevada Ski Station is open and this season it benefits from some updates. You could stay there or just head up on a day trip from the city. If you choose to drive up always check road conditions as some parts of the mountain road may need Snow Chains when you reach altitude depending on the weather.

A typical Granada Christmas in the mountains can be quite cosy and festive being surrounded by snow, history and culture, so why not book your festive break in Granada and enjoy some of the best scenery in Spain.