Have you decided to spend this Christmas in Valencia but you don’t have any plans yet? In this case, we invite you to read this blog. Our Spanish school El Rincón del Tándem tells you how the city of Turia use to celebrate Christmas 😉
Christmas is fast approaching … some of our students of the Spanish course go back home for holidays while others will spend this Christmas in Valencia.
To help everyone enjoy the Christmas atmosphere and get to know Valencian traditions, we suggest some events that will make you see the city in a new light.
Are you ready to fill your agenda with nice Christmas plans? So, let’s start!
Christmas Markets
Like many other cities that celebrate Christmas, Valencia also has its own Christmas markets.
If you haven’t bought yet all the Christmas presents or if you lack original ideas, a walk through the markets will surely leave you very inspired. Let’s see some of them:
• XIX Craft exhibition – Christmas Market in Colón
In this charming space, local artisans and creators await us with original articles and unique items. Are you looking for a made in Valencia gift? Well, here you will find it …
The craft market will be open until January 5th. Opening hours: from 11.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m.
• Christmas Craft Fair – Plaza de la Reina
This fair celebrates this year its XVIII edition and is located in the heart of the city, in front of the Cathedral. The Fair is made up of 27 craft products stalls and is promoted by Arteval, the Association of Valencian Artisans.
If you are passionate about crafts and handmade products, here you will have a lot of choice 😉
The fair will be open until the 6th of January. Opening hours: 10.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
• Market next to La Lonja
This market is ideal for those who are looking for decoration and typically Christmas items. If your home is missing Christmas spirit, you are still on time 😉
It is possible to visit the Market until January 5th from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Ho ho ho Mercat de Nadal in Tapinería
We cannot miss this Christmas market in our list. An unique opportunity for artistic creations and design lovers.
Until January 5th. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. In the weekend the opening hour is from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
If at the end of this tour, you still have presents to buy, take a stroll through the Christmas Market in the City of Art and Science or to the Kings Market in the Cabañal from the 3rd to the 5th of January.
Ice rinks
Valencia is famous for its Mediterranean climate and warm temperatures throughout the year. Even so, Valencians do not want to give up one of the most typical Christmas fun: ice skating.
If you are passionate about this sport or simply want to learn something new, you can go to the ice rinks at Plaza del Ayuntamiento, or the one at Nuevo Centro , or to the “Fu non Ice” Ice Rink near Bonaire.
A fun plan for adults and children 🙂
Christmas circuses
Another nice local Christmas custom is to spend an afternoon at the circus in the company of family or friends. During this period of the year, Valencia presents a varied offer of circus shows.
Let’s see which ones have got our attention 😉
• “Ante de Magnificent” at Teatro La Plazeta, from December 23rd to January 4th. An amazing show for both children and adults that offers us a kaleidoscope of characters. Each of them with a wonderful story to tell…
• Circus Gran Fele in La Rambleta, until January 6th. With this show entitled “Cachivache” we will live the touching story of the owner of an appliance repair shop and its fight against pillaging and speculation. A magical journey full of acrobatics, music and much more.
• Raluy Legacy Circus in Marina of Valencia, until February 2nd. This circus company has a long history and own old caravans from 1900. With its show “The Magical Formula” we will enter the 30s circus worlds and attend incredible skating shows, fixed bars and other disciplines.
• Great Alaska Circus, until January 12th on the Avenue of Tres Cruces. This company offers us a nice show combo: the musical “The Lion King” and a show with 3D animal holograms.
Visits to the Nativity scenes
There are many nativity scenes throughout the city. If you appreciate this art, we suggest a small tour to some of the Nativity scenes both in Valencia and in other towns of the Valencian Community.
Here below, we mention the ones that stand out for their originality and uniqueness.
• Crochet Belén made by the falla Avda. Valladolid-Ing. Pichó You can visit this unique work in the passage of Av. Valladolid n.35.
• Monumental Nativity Scene in Xátiva. It is the largest real size nativity scene in Spain and has 1,600 square meters of extension. In it we will find life-size figures and real animals, such as sheep, donkeys, ducks, etc.
In addition to its size, it is worth mentioning that it is a solidarity nativity scene. In fact, it is built with recycled materials and incorporates solidarity initiatives in support of associations for people with limited resources. The nativity scene is located in the Alameda Jaime I and can be visited until January 6th.
• Playmobil Nativity Scene in Yatova. In this countryside village you will appreciate an original and alternative version of the nativity scene. From December 21st to January 3rd. Do not miss the opportunity!
• Vertical nativity scene of the Church of San Nicolás de Bari and San Pedro Mártir. It is the largest vertical nativity scene in Europe. It will open on December 22nd and can be visited during the cultural visits opening hours.
Finally, if you like traditional things, we suggest you visit the Neapolitan nativity scene on the ground floor of the National Museum of Ceramics – Marqués de dos Aguas Palace, until February 2nd.
It is an 18th century nativity scene with figures of various sizes and meticulously made with different materials (wire, terracotta, wood, glass, ivory, various types of fabrics, etc.)
We hope this blog helps you plan this Christmas in Valencia.
Finally, we wish all our students of the Spanish course a pleasant Christmas experience in our city.
In addition, we invite you to learn about local traditions and choose the plans you like best.
From our Spanish school El Rincón del Tándem we wish everyone happy holidays 🙂
