Map
7 ideas, picked for these days
A getaway to Besalú and the volcanic Garrotxa, with a balloon flight
Olot, twenty minutes from Besalú, holds its Fira del Pessebre in early December, with a Christmas market and a figures market in the centre. The date moves with the calendar and does not always reach the 8th: check the council's programme before booking.
Vic: square, cured meats and inn
On the Immaculate Conception long weekend the Medieval Market takes over the Plaça Major and the streets of Vic's old town with hundreds of stalls, taverns and tournaments. Do the plan in reverse: Sert's cathedral first thing and the market afterwards.
Caldes de Montbui: Roman baths and a thermal soak
On the days of the Mercat de Nadal, which Caldes sets up on the December long weekend, broth made with thermal water is served in the square. But on those days there is no guided visit to the Roman baths: the plan swaps that stop for the market and the bath.
Ripoll: two monasteries and a greenway
In winter the Ripoll monastery opens on Sundays and some holidays only from 10:00 to 14:00, and needs confirming by phone: on 6 and 8 December, start with the portal. The greenway is flat and, if it freezes, remains passable.
Montserrat: flat path and mató
On 6 and 8 December the Escolania sings at the eleven o'clock Mass and at vespers; on the 7th only the midday Salve, which requires booking. Go up on the first rack railway and leave the Sant Miquel viewpoint until after the singing.
A ski weekend in the Cerdanya, an hour and three quarters from Barcelona
Masella and La Molina open the season when the snow allows, and on the long weekend they may be in full swing or have few pistes. Masella discounts the lift pass bought on its website; the night piste only runs with the resort open.
Two nights at the Parador de Cardona, inside the castle, with the Salt Mountain and Solsona
From 5 December Cardona castle runs a guided Medieval Christmas visit, with booking and a set time. The castle and the Salt Mountain close on non-holiday Mondays, so on a long weekend put the mine on the 6th or 8th.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the Olot Fira del Pessebre?
In early December, around the long weekend. The dates change each year with the calendar: Olot Town Hall publishes them.
Can you ski from Girona on the December long weekend?
If it has snowed. The Cerdanya is about two hours away; Masella and La Molina open depending on the snow. Check the report the night before.
What is there to do near Girona on 8 December?
Vic has the Medieval Market, Caldes its Christmas market and Montserrat the Escolania at Mass and vespers.