The December long weekend is one of the most anticipated times of the year to take short getaways with family or friends and discover new destinations. This year, 2023, the long weekend falls between Wednesday the 6th and Friday the 8th, so it is ideal for a five-day trip, and there is nothing better than taking the RRAT'S as an adventure companion, right?
In this blog you will find the best destinations to spend the December 2023 long weekend. Are you more of a beach person? Mountain? Or maybe city? Find the best proposals to travel this bridge according to your needs. Let's go with the ideas!
A Christmas getaway through Madrid
A city brimming with Christmas spirit during this season is Madrid. Since the beginning of December, the city has adorned itself with special Christmas lighting, and this year, there are some new additions. Notable among them are the new luminous fir trees in the Plaza Mayor and another between Montera and Gran Vía. The famous sphere of light can be found between Plaza España and the Sabatini Gardens, featuring a captivating visual spectacle starting at 6 p.m.
Nevertheless, we mustn't overlook the plethora of Christmas lights adorning every street in Madrid. You can enjoy them as you leisurely stroll through the city with your favorite Vibram socks and either your Y-Gravel or Y-Minimal sandals. Alternatively, for a unique experience, you can hop on one of the three Christmas buses and tour through the most festively decorated streets of the city.
Another activity we highly recommend is visiting the Christmas Market in Plaza Mayor. This market offers a variety of nativity scenes, Christmas decorations, and other festive items to ensure a joyous Christmas. It is open for visitors from November 24 to December 31, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sounds good?
If you are searching for a delightful show for the little ones, "Cortylanida" is your best option! This 15-minute performance features animated dolls as the protagonists, engaging in movement and song. You can enjoy this show from the end of November until January 5, 2024.
Escape the cold in the white towns of Andalusia
Winter is not always pleasant for many people, so here we leave you an option to spend a few days warmer than usual. The White Towns have this name because of the pristine white paint on the facades of the houses.
Situated in Cádiz and declared a Historic-Artistic Site, the first town we recommend visiting is Zahara de la Sierra. While you can explore this small town in just a few hours, don't miss the opportunity to visit some of its most important monuments and squares.
Zahara is located in the Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park, so if you head to the Alameda de Lepanto square, you can enjoy dreamlike views of the park and the reservoir. To rest for a while and have a quiet drink, the Plaza de San Juan is the perfect place for it.
The next white town that we recommend visiting is Ubrique, which, although on the outside it may seem very similar to other white towns, it has its famous craftsmanship of leather goods manufacturing. Thanks to the fact that it maintains a large part of the buildings and essence of previous periods, its historic center was declared an Asset of Cultural Interest.
In addition to the historic center, it is also very interesting to visit the 17th-century Capuchin Convent, where the Capuchin Order was established. Currently, the convent hosts the Permanent Exhibition 'Hands and Magic in the Skin,' covering the entire history of leather goods in Ubrique and, consequently, Andalusia.
All the White Towns of Andalusia are worth seeing, and we recommend exploring them with RRAT's Y-Minimal or Y-Gravel for greater comfort as you stroll through the small and magical streets. Just don't forget your 5-finger socks!
The Aragonese Pyrenees with a theatrical touch for children
If you are going to spend this long December weekend with small children, the adventure 'The Secret of the Dragon' in the Aragonese Pyrenees is ideal for you.
This activity invites its audience to participate in solving a mystery surrounding one of the last dragons (the emblem of Aragon) to restore friendship between these mythical creatures and humans. To accomplish this, participants must engage in various activities, such as ice skating, sledding, snow games, and exploring the nature of the Pyrenees Natural Park. It's a fantastic opportunity to have a unique and enjoyable getaway with the little ones at home. You're sure to have a great time!
For 4 days you will be living at the Collaradeta Hostel in Villanúa, a small town located a few minutes from Jaca, which you can visit if you have time.
Jaca is home to the Castillo de San Pedro (or Ciudadela), a site of tourist interest. Its pentagonal shape resembles a five-pointed star, giving it a truly distinctive appearance! Additionally, you can explore the Diocesan Museum of Jaca. This museum houses some of the finest Romanesque wall paintings globally, including the Bagües paintings, often referred to as "the Sistine Chapel of Spanish Romanesque".
At home, like nowhere else
Although many people take advantage of the December long weekend to take a short trip, there are many other people who prefer to stay home to make plans nearby or simply rest for a few days.
So taking your favorite RRAT's, going to a mountain near your town or city and enjoying a short route with views of the horizon with your family or friends is a more than valid option to disconnect and relax for a few days. Also, if you want to spend some extra time surrounded by nature, you can always organize a small picnic while enjoying the scenery and the warm winter sun.
Tell us, are you going to go on a getaway? Post your best photos using the RRAT's on the December long weekend, and let us see your adventures!