All those who carry an inner grinch and reject any hint of Christmas spirit should refrain from continuing to read. Today we fully immerse ourselves in this festive atmosphere by visiting some of the city's main hotels which, for these dates, dress up in their finest attire and most evocative proposals. Beyond the lights that adorn our main commercial arteries, hotels invite us to enter, to let ourselves be enchanted and enjoy with all five senses their particular Christmas magic during these days.
Closer to the stars and on the skyline of Barcelona, the Kimpton Vividora hotel started December with a lively Christmas market, where visitors could purchase everything from gourmet products to locally-sourced gift items last weekend. All this in an evocative setting, in the heart of the Gothic Quarter, enlivened with live music and gastronomic experiences designed for the occasion, along with mulled wine or hot cocktails, such as the Apple Hot Ponch or the Hot Margarita, which can be enjoyed throughout the winter season. Thus, while the hotel's rooftop is dressed in white, with snow-covered fir trees and lights; Fauna, the establishment's warm restaurant, emphasizes its homely nature with a traditional and cozy gastronomic proposal.
If there is a place in the city where the Christmas spirit overflows with more force, that is the Palace Barcelona, becoming a must for these dates. It is worth going up to its rooftop, converted into a Christmas Village, in the purest alpine garden style, and enjoying a Christmas movie session in one of its four chalets which, like a refuge, invite you to enjoy the moment, with popcorn and a hot drink in hand. In addition, the hotel includes during these dates the Christmas Arts and Drinks, based on the sensory union of illustration and cocktails that fuses artistic creation with the preparation of two cocktails. An activity that joins its varied Christmas agenda along with the charity concert, a Christmas market, the Christmas Afternoon Tea and other gastronomic creations of the highest level.
Anyone who walks along Paseo de Gràcia on an afternoon or weekend and is looking for an extra touch of luxury and uniqueness can cross the lobby of the sophisticated Mandarin Oriental and stroll through its Christmas market (from December 15 to January 5, by reservation). Stalls full of artisanal and gastronomic items will be set up in the Mimosa Garden, where the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread cookies or hot chocolate will perfume the atmosphere. In addition, it will feature the presence of the Royal Pages and Santa Claus, who will collect letters from families visiting the market, as well as messages and requests adorning the Wishing Tree, made by children from foster homes. A solidarity initiative created in favor of the Soñar Despierto and Llar Nova Esperança Foundations, to help make their dreams come true and contribute to the true spirit of Christmas.
Shopping with added value, workshops and well-being
The agenda of the Cotton House Hotel for the weekend of December 16 and 17 is full of activities open to locals and visitors, with a festive background. The Market La Algodonera, a Christmas classic, returns with proposals that will revolve around gastronomy, and will also feature raffles, live music, tastings and other surprises. Along with this, the hotel has prepared several workshops that emphasize the value of craftsmanship —making espardenyes, floral art and decorating ginger man cookies—, in a clear commitment to playful yet educational experiences. All of this enlivened with the genuine soundtrack of these dates: carols, performed by the Musicals' Choir. In a commitment by the Cotton House to culture, youth and music, the choir, made up of more than 60 young musicians, will perform on Sunday afternoon, December 17, to the sound of Christmas classics.
That same day, in another enclave of the city, the exclusive InterContinental Barcelona hotel will celebrate its first Brunch and Xmas Market, where the opportunity will be offered to immerse oneself in a unique experience that will fuse the hotel's brunch, to the rhythm of live Catalan rumba, with a vibrant Christmas market. A selection of 15 artisan brands ranging from accessories, fashion, and decoration will participate in this initiative, which will feature different charitable associations. The day will also be enlivened with children's activities, storytelling, visits from animated characters (Micky and Minnie Mouse), and musical performances. Without a doubt, a Sunday to enjoy the experience.
When the remaining holiday days are rushed, between Christmas shopping, meals, and reunions, it can be good to treat oneself to some time and immerse oneself in a well-deserved rest in the form of a massage. Isn't Christmas also a time for peace and relaxation? Following this trend, the Hotel Arts Barcelona proposes to let oneself be pampered with the wellness experiences of its wellness temple 43 The Spa. And it exclusively presents for these dates The Penthouse Wellness Experience by ALQVIMIA, a treatment performed inside one of the luxurious accommodations of the iconic hotel, full of light, exclusivity, and spectacular panoramic views. Christmas well-being for body and mind? Yes, absolutely.
Gastronomic pleasures
When thinking about these dates, the first thing that comes to mind are gatherings around a table. Barcelona's most exclusive hotels, aware of this, turn their reference restaurants into the best settings for these days. From Christmas Eve to New Year's Eve, passing through Christmas or Saint Stephen's Day, gastronomic events are concentrated and creative ingenuity emanates to make food a family gathering, yes, and a gastronomic experience at the highest level, too. Such is the case of the Holiday Seafood Extravaganza proposal from the Mr Porter Steakhouse, Bar & Lounge at the Sir Victor hotel, based on a large seafood tower, which lacks neither detail nor pure taste of the sea. The original and fresh creation will be available from December 24 to 26, preferably with prior reservation, to ensure that the experience based on oysters, prawns, octopus, lobster and more, becomes a reality. As a grand finale, the Holiday Chocolate Explosion becomes a true burst of Christmas flavor and adds a sweet and magical touch to the evening.
Haute cuisine and a gastrobotanical proposal is what the Almanac hotel offers through the Virens restaurant. From December 24 to 31, a unique variety of group menus and individual suggestions will be offered with a staging that will bear the quality seal of Michelin-starred chef Rodrigo de la Calle. His gastronomic innovation with vegetables as a base results in revolutionary and quality dishes such as "the cruciferous risotto with truffle and herbs" or the "financier of almonds with date soup and chocolate ice cream", present along with other individual options that delve into the essence of enjoying 'A Green Christmas' in bites.
The Majestic Hotel & Spa Barcelona is a must on Paseo de Gracia —and in all of Barcelona—. And eating or dining at its SOLC restaurant is a guarantee of success. Hence, it becomes a gastronomic reference also during these holidays, with culinary creations to share around a table. With the advice of Michelin-starred chef Nandu Jubany and under the direction of chef David Romero, the combination of tradition and avant-garde merges under its unique concept From farm to table. Special mention to the Christmas meal, transformed into a luxury brunch where nothing will be missing: Christmas canapés, seafood, escudella y carn d'olla, cannelloni, meats and fish… all topped off with its diversity of desserts that are impossible to resist —word from a non-sweet tooth—.
Along with the more traditional proposals for Sant Esteve and New Year's Eve, this year, as a novelty, an oyster pop-up paired with champagne is included on the La Dolce Vitae terrace. This Christmas, in addition, the Majestic can also be enjoyed from outside, not only with its spectacular decoration, but with the live performances that take place from its balconies. The next dates are December 8 and 22, coinciding with the lighting of the lights, several singers will cover Christmas songs and legendary tunes.
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