Christmas is one of the most magical times of the year, when thousands of people gather with their families to celebrate the holidays, and hundreds of children eagerly and joyfully wait for Santa's gifts. At RRAT's, we want to be part of your Christmas, whether nestled under the tree or at your feet, as you visit Christmas markets and nativity scenes.
In this blog, you will find five plans to make the most of Christmas 2023, whether you're in Spain or exploring different places in Europe. These plans are suitable for families, couples, and friends and are also kid-friendly. They include everything you need to mark on your calendar!
Christmas on Ice in Madrid
Have a great time enjoying an ice show featuring the stories of the most popular classic tales. Enter a magical world with characters like the Nutcracker, The Little Mermaid, The Snow Queen, and Aladdin and the Magic Lamp.
From December 15, 2023, to January 7, 2024, you can experience one of the most enchanting shows at the Madrid Arena, one of the most important pavilions in Madrid. It is conveniently located in the Casa de Campo fairgrounds, just a few minutes from the city center.
Following the success of last year's Peter Pan On Ice show, the same creators have chosen a completely different story. In this new production, characters from various classic tales unite to assist the protagonist, Marie, to overcome obstacles to defeat the evil Mouse King. It's a perfect adventure to enjoy with the family!
Even though we're aware that it can get quite chilly at this time of year, consider donning some RRAT's Y-Gravel sandals or RRAT's Y-Minimal sandals for a comfortable experience at the ice skating show. And, of course, don't forget to pair them with Vibram socks to keep warm!
A route through Catalonia: the Vallès Oriental
This activity is perfect for those who prefer to spend a few days disconnecting with a short getaway, suitable for both car and foot travel. At RRAT's, we've crafted a small route through Vallés Oriental that can be completed in one to two days.
You can begin from the point of your choice, but we recommend embarking on the journey on foot, starting with a visit to the Monastery of Sant Miquel del Fai. Perched atop the San Miguel valley, this construction stands as a splendid example of Catalan Gothic architecture.
Once you arrive at the Monastery, the fantastic views that the place offers will leave you speechless. Likewise, you can visit the Romanesque hermitage of Sant Miquel from the 10th century, built entirely in the rock and the only one with these characteristics in all of Catalonia. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Tenes River, which will give you one of the most beautiful landscapes you have ever seen.
The next destination is the Cim d'Àligues. An aviary center where you can attend 30-minute guided tours, where they will explain the behavior of birds, their diet, their habitats and much more! In addition, you will attend a flight session and see different species fly up close.
To conclude this short route, we will head to Caldes de Montbui. Here, you'll decide whether the journey will last for 1 or 2 days. In this charming location, you have the option to visit a local spa and unwind for a while.
Since most of the route is on asphalt, we recommend that you consider RRAT's Y-Gravel or RRAT's Y-Minimal sandals, accompanied by Vibram socks, as your ideal travel companions.
An immersive experience in nature
The most anticipated event of the Christmas season arrives in Spain, France and Italy!
Naturaleza Encendida is an immersive experience in a natural space where you take a night walk full of fascinating lighting and surprises. This 2023, they have editions in Barcelona, Tenerife, Madrid, Bilbao, Paris and Rome. You can choose the destination you like the most!
The most special thing about Naturaleza Encendida is that each location has a different theme, so you can go and discover the experience in different places that will be totally different.
The Bilbao experience focuses on the sea, its marine species and its connection with the stars. The one in Paris recalls the works of Salvador Dalí so you can immerse yourself in a world full of the artist's surrealist art. In Nature Encendida of Italy, you can find an illuminated world full of life, where you will walk through natural landscapes enjoying with the little ones in the house.
Don't miss the opportunity to spend unique moments and feel like you live in a magical world with the whole family!
Strasbourg and Les Vosges, more Christmassy than ever
Strasbourg, a city that embraces the Christmas holidays every year, will leave you speechless with its festive lights and decorations—ideal if you're a fan of Christmas markets!
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people come to visit the Christmas capital. For an entire month, the market is showcased in all its splendor at night, when the wonderful lights illuminate the entire city. Of course, we must not forget its majestic thirty-meter fir tree in Kléber Square, a sight worth seeing. In addition to the market and the lighting, you should explore one of the most historical places—the Christkindelsmärik. Here, you can find the best decorations and, of course, savor their famous and traditional mulled wine!
While Strasbourg celebrates Christmas in grand style, many other nearby places also join in the festive spirit, including the charming towns and cities of Les Vosges. Nestled in this picturesque French mountain range, which offers excellent skiing opportunities, is its historical capital, Épinal.
Visiting Épinal during Christmas is a delight, thanks to its festive activities and enchanting landscapes. Picture the stalls of the 'Marché et Village de Saint-Nicolas' lightly dusted with snow, an ice skating rink, merry-go-rounds, the Saint Nicholas procession, and spectacular fireworks—a truly unforgettable experience!
As mentioned earlier, you can take advantage of the opportunity to go skiing, and don't forget to make a stop in the spa town of Plombières-les-Bains. It's a destination where you can comfortably enjoy your favorite RRAT's—whether for strolling through the cities (don't forget the Vibram socks) or leisurely exploring the spa.
Baviera, una región llena de ilusión
While Germany boasts hundreds of Christmas markets, Bavaria is renowned for having some of the most beautiful ones. At RRAT's, we'd like to recommend the most enchanting markets in the region.
First on the list, and among the most well-known, is Munich, the capital of Bavaria. Set in Marienplatz, this market features numerous stalls, a nativity market, and a wide array of activities and gastronomic offerings.
One of the most significant and intriguing moments during Christmas in Munich (and all of Germany) is the Krampuses parade— an event not to be missed! You might be wondering about Krampuses. Let us briefly explain: Krampus is the Christmas demon that emerges around December 6, snatching away children who haven't been good enough during the year.
Now that you know what the Krampus parade and the activities of the Munich Christmas market are, we will continue through the market in the medieval city of Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
The market in this city is known as Reiterlesmarkt (Horseman's Christmas Market) due to a legend of a horseman who cared for the souls of the dead. One day, he turned benevolent and started distributing gifts to children. In his honor, the market was named after him.
While strolling through the Christmas market is a delightful experience, there are also various activities to engage in. Consider taking a guided tour of the entire market, visiting Santa Claus, or even enjoying a Christmas concert every day.
Don't miss the chance to visit one of the oldest Christmas markets!
So, are you up for one of these plans with your RRAT's sandals as your companions?