10 Things to Do in Cádiz in December

Cadiz is one of the gems of the Andalusian coast, especially for its beaches, summer attractions, and boat trips around the bay to watch the sunset during the summer months. However, it is also an ideal place to discover during the winter months, especially in December when the streets of Cadiz are decked out in Christmas decorations.

Among the best things to see and do in Cádiz in December are the Christmas markets in the old town, the living nativity scene in Prado del Rey, the zambombas in Jerez, guided tours of the Catacombs of Beaterio, and the ice rink in Plaza de San Antonio, which delights young and old alike.

In December, Cádiz gets ready to welcome Christmas, and one of the typical attractions is the picturesque Christmas market in Plaza de San Antonio, in the old town. There you can visit the stalls and buy gifts and presents, as well as food and Christmas decorations made of ceramic, resin, and other materials.

On Christmas Eve, the market is the centerpiece of Plaza de San Antonio, which also opens an ice rink for adults and children every December, along with a giant Christmas tree and a playroom with activities for children, where they can stay while the adults do their shopping.

The market also offers one of the best activities to do in Cadiz during the winter, consisting of Christmas carol performances and Christmas story readings. Another market in the city that you can visit is the Casa Aramburu market, and in Chiclana, the Besugo Market.

Useful information

• Price**...** Admission to the market is free.
• When... The market is open throughout December.
• Where... In the Plaza de San Antonio, in the old town.

The Christmas zambomba is part of the traditional folklore of Jerez de la Frontera and is a custom of the festive days leading up to Christmas Eve that has remained unchanged since the 18th century. These celebrations take place in the courtyards of local residents' homes, where tradition dictates that ham sandwiches and wine are shared while a group of people sing flamenco carols accompanied by zambombas and tambourines.

Attending a zambomba is like going to one of the best flamenco shows in Cadiz, and every year in Jerez there are guided tours through the streets of the city, the brotherhoods, the clubs, and the bars, where visitors can join in the festivities.

Charity zambombas are also common in Jerez. To enter, you must bring a food item, or you can attend the patios of neighbors who allow tourists to enter and usually charge an entrance fee equivalent to the price of a typical local dish.

Plaza de San Antonio is the Christmas epicenter in the historic center of Cadiz. In addition to the Christmas Market and the giant tree, you can also visit the ice rink for adults and children that the City Council sets up in the center of the square. It is open from the first days of December until the weekend of Three Kings Day.

Admission to the ice rink is free, and you can bring your own skates or rent a pair at the Christmas market stalls. Visiting the rink is one of the best options to consider if you plan to visit Cadiz with children, but also if you are a fan of ice skating. What's more, easy access to the historic center by public transport or Cadiz tourist buses will make your plans even simpler.

Other children's attractions are also set up in the square in December , such as the Christmas train, the storytelling stop where Christmas stories are read, and the Cadiz Professional Craft Fair, which offers decorations and toys for children.

Useful information

• Price**...** Admission to the rink is free.
• When... From the first week of December until the weekend of Three Kings Day.
• Where**...** Plaza de San Antonio, Cadiz.

Prado del Rey is a picturesque village in the interior of the province of Cádiz which, during December, attracts the attention of the people of Cádiz with a living nativity scene that takes place in the Plaza de la Constitución and opens on December 8 each year, coinciding with the date of the Immaculate Conception.

The living nativity scene in Prado del Rey became famous for its realism and the number of actors involved in the dramatization, including the Three Wise Men, shepherds, bakers, farmers, Saint Joseph, the Virgin Mary, and many other characters in the different scenes of the nativity.

Initially, the living nativity scene was only held once a year, but due to the number of people who attend each Christmas in recent years, in addition to the presentation on December 8, the Prado del Rey City Council also schedules other dates so that no one misses out. Without a doubt, visiting the living nativity scene is one of the best activities to do in Cádiz.

Details of interest

• Price**...** Attending the living nativity scene is free.
• When... The first performance is on December 8 each year.
• Where**...** In the Plaza de la Constitución, Prado del Rey.

If you are planning to visit Cadiz with children in December , don't miss the Playmobil Expoclick exhibition in Chiclana, which has become a Christmas Eve tradition. At this event for the whole family, you'll find dioramas and recreations made with plastic figures.

The theme of each edition varies and not only covers Christmas but also includes recreations of famous series such as The Walking Dead or Disney movies and real scenes from wars and battles or sports stadiums, so there's something for everyone at the exhibition.

The exhibition opens every year in late November and remains open until the weekend of Three Kings Day, but the main activities take place in December.

Details of interest

• Price... General admission costs approximately €2.
• When... From the last days of November until the weekend of Three Kings Day.
• Where... Avenida del Comercio 27, Chiclana.

One of the great sources of pride for Sanlúcar de Barrameda is that in 1519 , the expedition led by Sebastián Elcano and Fernando de Magallanes set sail from its port on the first voyage around the world As a result , the town now offers an excursion to visit the route taken by the expedition members during their stay in the city.

These tours, which take place in December to commemorate the first time the expedition set foot on land after leaving Spain, include a visit to the Equatorial Clock, the Chapel of Nuestra Señora de Guía, the model of the Nao Victoria located in the city's old ice factory, and the Church of La Trinidad.

All the sites on the tour were places where the sailors carried out some activity during their stay in the city or are tributes to the voyage, which lasted more than three years. The guided tour also includes a visit to the Capuchin Convent and the churches in the city that contributed donations to finance the expedition.

Details of interest

• Price... General admission costs approximately €15.
• When**...** Daily guided tours in December.
• Where... Tours start at the Pórtico de Bajo de Guía in Sanlúcar de Barrameda.

Medina Sidonia is a town in the interior of the province of Cádiz that lives off tourism but also off the confectionery industry. During December, thousands of people from Cádiz come to the town to visit its medieval architecture and enjoy the local pastries, which are considered some of the best in Andalusia.

Tortas pardas, amarguillos, piñonates, yemas, and pastas are the town's typical sweets, but at Christmas , mantecados and alfajores of Arab tradition are added to the mix These are made with nuts and honey, can be bought in bars weighing up to a kilo, and have become one of the founding myths of Medina Sidonia.

There are several companies in Medina Sidonia that make and sell local alfajores throughout the province, but if you walk around the town you will see that it is also possible to buy handmade sweets in the streets or squares.

Cadiz is the city of sun, the coast of light, and its beaches amaze with their golden sands, but it is also a place of mysteries and secrets. A local legend says that there is a hidden network of tunnels running under the city, and some time ago the myth became reality when the City Council opened the Catacombs of Beaterio.

These Franciscan catacombs served as a refuge for the Templars and Freemasons in the Middle Ages, and during the first half of the 20th century, they were repurposed as a hiding place for victims of the Civil War. The Beaterio Catacombs are open to the public all year round, and general admission is only €3.

Details of interest

• Price... €3 for general admission and free for children under 5. Guided tours cost €5 for adults, €3 for children aged 6 to 12, and are free for children under 5.
• Where... Valverde 3, Cádiz.

Grazalema is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain and one of the best-kept secrets of the people of Cadiz. Thousands of people spend Christmas and New Year's Eve in its medieval streets, nestled in the mountains, as it has a great atmosphere, excellent cuisine, and a wide range of festive activities.

In Grazalema, on Christmas Eve you can find a live nativity scene, spend New Year's Eve in the forest dining in rural houses, and enjoy a fireworks show with the mountains in the background. So, if you are planning to visit Cadiz in December, reserving one of the holidays to spend in this village may be a good alternative.

Keep in mind that Grazalema is located inland, about 100 kilometers from Cádiz in the Zahara de la Sierra area, so it may not be the best option if you are planning a short stay in the city. If that is the case, here is a list of things to see and do in Cádiz in two days

Juvelandia is a children's and youth leisure fair held every year in the González Hontoria Park in Jerez de la Frontera. It is notable for its activities for children, making it an ideal alternative if you are planning to visit Cádiz with children.

The fair includes workshops, playrooms, sports competition areas, inflatable games, fairground attractions, food stalls, circus performances, and children's music shows, making it the perfect recreational space for kids to have fun and interact with other children, as Juvelandia also welcomes groups from different schools.

The best time to visit the fair is when it opens at 12 noon or closer to closing time at 9 pm, as this is when there are fewer visitors. Please note that minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. The fair is open until Three Kings Day, so you can also visit it if you are planning to visit Cadiz in January.

December is one of the coldest months of the year in Cadiz, with an average temperature of 12°C, lows of 7°C and highs of 16°C, so keep in mind that if you plan to visit the city during the Christmas season, temperatures can drop dramatically.

December is also one of the rainiest months of the year, so I recommend that you bring a raincoat, umbrella, and waterproof boots during your excursions, as the rains tend to be sudden. If you plan to visit Cádiz in winter, I also advise you to bring warm clothing.

December is one of the quietest months to visit Cádiz, except during Christmas and New Year's Eve. The arrival of winter, the drop in temperature, and the rainy season deter many tourists from visiting the city during the winter,

On the other hand, if you choose to visit Cádiz in December, you can enjoy the city's attractions with fewer tourists, find affordable accommodation, and not have to worry about excursions, as they rarely sell out.

From a financial point of view, December is one of the best months to visit Cádiz, as it is the low season and a cold and rainy time of year, so prices for accommodation and excursions drop dramatically, allowing you to save money during your visit to the attractions.

In addition, if you want to get extra discounts , it is a good idea to book excursions in advance online, which will also help you put together an itinerary, especially if you plan to visit Cádiz in 3 days or during a short stay.

To combat the rain and cold during your visit, I recommend that you include the following items in your suitcase:

• Waterproof jacket
• Wool sweaters
• Wool scarf
• Wool socks
• Lightweight coat
• Cotton T-shirts
• Umbrella
• Raincoat
• Waterproof boots
• Thermal T-shirt
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Lightweight pants