S Europe Travel

» franfolsom - Christmas Markets in Spain

If I go to Spain before Christmas, what are the good things to bring back as Christmas presents? What are the good deals and local products?

-- posted by franfolsom

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» Mike Gerrard - Christmas in Spain

Sounds nice, but what is the weather like in December?

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» Barbara Rogers - Christmas Markets in Spain

In response to Christmas Markets in Spain posted by franfolsom:

Spain is a good place to shop for interesting foods and utensils (if you have enthusuastic cooks on your list) and for leather goods. Terra cotta tapas dishes, which are handy as side dishes or for serving condiments, are available everywhere, are cheap and sturdy enough that breakage isn't likely if you pack them among your clothes. Look also for adorable terra cotta pigs that are designed for grilling sausages at the table, but make excellent holders for sponges and scrubbers at the kitchen sink.

For the cooks on your list, shop in grocery stores for good Spanish paprika, saffron, olives packed in sherry and olives stuffed with almonds. Markets will sell paella pans and flat pans for making Spaniah tortilla, an egg dish similar to the Italian fritata. Take a solid plastic food storage container with you to bring back marzipan fruits, vegetables and animals without crushing them.

Castanets make good gifts for kids (you'll need to show them how to use them)

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» Barbara Rogers - Christmas in Spain

In response to Christmas in Spain posted by mgerrard:

In Madrid the temperatures can go below freezing at night, and may be quite chilly in the daytime, but it is not bitter cold and rain is not especially frequent in December. You might get some snow, but it doesn't amount to much - just makes the city's Christmas markets look even merrier.

In Barcelona the December temperatures are higher - in the 50s (11-16C) and you have a sporting chance of sunny days. In either city, be prepared for some rainy weather and take waterproof footgear. In Gallicia (northwest), it always rains; in December the rain is just a little colder. Expect temperatures in the 50s.

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