A heart warming Christmas in a Mediterranean climate
Visit Valencia this Christmas as the city streets and gardens are transformed into a landscape of reds and greens, lit up at night by trees wrapped in twinkling lights. The highlight of the festive season is on the 5th and 6th of January as children's gifts and sweets are freely distributed during the Three Kings Parade through the city centre. Escape the cold winter and look forward to the city's lively and welcoming atmosphere combined with a mild Mediterranean climate that never sees temperatures drop lower than 14 degrees centigrade.
From high street boutiques to medieval markets, holiday shopping is already underway beneath the winter sunshine as shops roll out the red carpet to welcome customers. Among the Christmas trees and decorations at the central markets are a traditional selection of handcrafted products and local delicacies that make for the perfect unique gift.
Family attractions such as the aquarium at the City of Arts and Science, the Bioparc and the city's many museums are popular year-round. The festive season brings even more events, circuses and fairgrounds throughout the city to the delight of children big and small. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day the Valencia's restaurants will be serving up a tempting selection of traditional Spanish Christmas meals.
The message of Christmas is of course not forgotten as Valencia's wondrous Cathedral and Patriarch church display Nativity scenes and host carol services and the Christmas Concert is held at the Palau de la Musica.
A Family Christmas in Valencia
Valencia Tourism has just launched the Family Card Tourist Card, in which visitors travelling with children receive a discount on the price of their card. The Valencia Tourist Card allows free use of public transport and also provides discounts at museums, shops and restaurants.
Family card for 72 hours - 2 Adults + 2 Children (From 6 to 12): €88.00 (save an extra 10% when you book online)
For more pricings, visit turisvalencia.es/ofertas.
For a listing of all activities for children over Christmas, visit deceroadoce.es.
For Last Minute Christmas Shopping:
Valencia has plenty of stylish boutiques for those hard-to-buy Christmas gifts. Try:
Sendra - This Spanish brand is the daddy of cowboy boots and has cult following all around the world. Sendra is known, not only for their stylish designs but also for the intricate stitch work applied to each boot, ensuring durability and the perfect finish. Visit the Sendra store in Valencia on: Carrer de Sueca, 17, 46006 Valencia
Dolores Cortes - With 360 days of sunshine, Valencia will no doubt inspire fashion conscious travellers to stock up their bikini collection. Dolores Cortes designs urban, fun and colourful beachwear which challenges even the most stylish beach babe's wardrobe. Check out her store on: Calle del Conde de Salvatierra de Alava, 5, 46004 Valencia
La Vispateresa - Be sure to visit this gorgeous little boutique with its white brick interiors and mix of independent designers with better known brands such as T-Box and Barberella. Find it on: the street Sorní, 23 corner Recorder Esteve, Valencia
Direct flights to and from Valencia are available Ryanair and EasyJet fly to Valencia from various UK Airports.
Special accommodation offers from 3*-5* are available on the Valencia Tourism website, turisvalencia.es/ofertas.
