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What's on in Spain: December 2015

The Local Spain
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What's on in Spain: December 2015
Valencia city hall. Photo: Alberto Ceballos / Flickr Creative Commons."

Spain is full of holiday magic in December - ice skating rinks, Christmas markets and a "polar bear" swim.

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Christmas markets

Madrid (November 27th - December 31st) 

Photo: Manuel/Flickr Creative Commons.

Madrid's Plaza Mayor is home to a bustling Christmas market in December with lovely lights, food and crafts that might just be the perfect Spanish-style gifts you've been looking for. And there are also markets at the Plaza de Opera, Plaza de España, and more.

Barcelona (November 27th - December 23rd)

Photo: Santa Llúcia website.

The Catalan capital is also home to Christmas markets, like the Fira de Santa Llúcia, which has been celebrated for more than 200 years. The fest includes parades, an exhibition of Nativity scenes and traditional music.

But there are also other holiday fairs, like the one held outside Antoni Gaudi's famous Sagrada Familia church (Fira de Nadal) or the Fira de Reis, held between December 18th and January 6th.

National

General elections (December 20th)

 Photo: Cesar Manso/AFP.

Even if you can't vote in Spain, this day could get interesting. Will Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's conservative Popular Party keep its power? How well will the new centrist party Ciudadanos do? And what about Podemos? Soon enough, Spain could see some changes.

Film

Cartagena International Film Festival (November 29th - December 5th)

Established in 1972 in Murcia's Cartagena, this film fest features up-and-coming film makers from Spain with short films, animation and other local productions.

Almería En Corto: International Short Film Festival (December 1st – 6th)

The Andalucian city of Almeria hopes to establish itself as a "worldwide reference" for short films with this annual fest. 

Sport

Canary Islands Olympic Sailing Week, Bay of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (December 4th - 8th)

If the cold winter waters are calling your name, check out this week of regattas in the Canary Islands for some exciting races in the Atlantic.

Buff Epic Run, Barcelona (December 19th)

Exercise with a bit of a twist - this annual event is part marathon, part obstacle course and part costume party. Tumble through mud, over tires and into pools of foam in this fitness fest.

Polar Bear Swim, Gibraltar (December 26th)

Join dozens of others for this chilly tradition of diving into the sea on Boxing Day. At least there is the promise of mince pies and hot brandy after the freezing dip is over.

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