The excitement of the holiday season in Granada can nearly raise the winter temperatures of December. The Christmas spirit creates a lively atmosphere in the restaurants and bars, which offer a warming escape from the cooler weather outside. Christmas in Granada can be truly magical, and there is even a chance it will snow, no matter how unlikely.
An average temperature of 7°C (45°F) means even the sunny days are cool, but far from frigid. Compared with the winter weather of northern Europe and North America, Granada feels mild. With a couple layers, visitors can still comfortably visit the Alhambra, and better yet, do so without the summer crowds.
The average high temperature is 11°C (52°F), and the average low temperature is 2°C (36°F). The average high and low temperatures of December are colder than in November, but similar to those experienced in Granada throughout the other winter months of January and February.
However, there is slightly more precipitation expected in December than predicated for the months following. According to historical data, December receives approximately 61 mm of rain, compared to January's 53 mm and February's average of 55 mm.
Although, relatively precipitation is more likely in December, it is still uncommon to have multiple days of rain. The month of December only has an average of 10 days in the month that are rainy. There is a 50% chance that a day in December will be cloudy.
On average December only has 5 hours of daylight per day. The length of days grows shorter and shorter throughout the month until the winter solstice on 21st of December, Each year the 21st of December is the shortest day of the year, and marked in Granada by not to be missed celebrations. After the winter solstice, the days finally begin to become longer.
The Hotel Casa Morisca strikes the right chord of comfort and sophistication. This boutique hotel is set in a 15th century palace with a great location near the Alhambra. Although it can be tricky to locate at first, it is worth the effort. Guests appreciate the laid-back atmosphere and helpful staff at Hotel Casa Morsica. Hotel Casa Morisca is also near restaurants, bars and nightlife for those so inclined. However, the guest rooms are comfortable and clean, enticing guests to just stay indoors. While each guest room is different, both in size and décor, all have one feature perfect for cold December mornings, under floor heaters.
Location is always an important factor in choosing a hotel, and in Granada that means proximity to the Alhambra. Hotel Guadalupe is a short 8-minute walk from this most popular tourist attraction in Granada. Hotel Guadalupe was recently renovated and provides comfortable, cosy guest rooms, but its most important features are environment and setting. Sitting on the same hillside as the Alhambra, Hotel Guadalupe is amongst the trees and offers views of the nearby Alhambra from its onsite restaurant.
Guests who want a look into the Moorish past that once ruled culture and taste in Granada, should spend a few nights at Casa Horno del Oro. The hotel features updated amenities and cosy furniture, while retaining many tributes to the Arab history of Granada.
Understated elegance is effortlessly executed at Casa Horno del Oro. The hotel property was once a 16th century Moorish home, and while the interior décor showcases soothing colors, there are hints of the Arab influence throughout the property. A tapestry of bright red or a tile mosaic of cream and green remind visitors that this hotel was once a home, and the hotel staff is just as welcoming. A traditional Arab tearoom completes the scene at this lovely hotel. The hotel does not have a website but can be booked via phone at +34 958 20 49 62.
With the Christmas decorations sparkling on every street corner and holiday lights twinkling in every window, not to mention the constant atmosphere of excitement throughout the city, visitors can forget to experience other parts of the Spanish culture. A visit to the authentic Spainish restaurant Meson el Cordobes is a great way to remedy this.
The food at Meson el Cordobes is excellent and the atmosphere is as intoxicating as the wine. The wait staff makes every effort to provide prompt service, even on the crowded Saturday nights, and a meal in this welcoming restaurant can warm up the coldest customer.
December is also the ideal time to visit a traditional Granada tapas restaurant. One of the best, Taberna la Tana keeps the winter cold outside and the welcoming atmosphere inside. Taberna la Tana is a family owned and operated joint with a number of amazing wines on offer and great tapas to wash it down. The sweet aroma, and buzz, of red wine will keep you warm the entire walk home.
The Christmas holiday is celebrated with enthusiasm in Granada. On the evening of the holiday of St. Nicholas, always on 5th of December, nativity scenes are constructed around the city. Large and small, simple and majestic, these wooden and plastic models represent the scene at the birth of Jesus. There is a competition for the best display each year. Frequently adorned with twinkling lights and holly, these month-long displays are only the start of Granada's decoration for the holiday season.
One of the unique parts of Spain's Christmas celebrations are the Christmas bonfires held to mark the winter solstice, the shortest day of the calendar year. Referred to as Hogueras de Navidad in Spainsh, the history of the bonfires is based in pagan religion and can only be seen in Spain. Granada has some of the largest celebrations.
Like many places in Europe, most family and friends in Granada celebrate the Christmas holiday on the evening of the 24th of December. If you are visiting, a midnight service at one of Granada's beautiful churches is recommended. While each service is held at different times, all will include Christmas hymns and carols.
