Thinking of getting away for a few days at Christmas

[lenac]

I have recently put my house on Airbnb and a family from Milan say they are interested in renting it for the Xmas period. This gave me the idea that perhaps I could escape the usual Xmas visit to my in-laws and my family (which is ok, but year in year, is just a little dull). I have three young sons. Any ideas where I could escape to for the festive season?

We went to Barcelona just before Christmas and it was fantastic.

As they celebrate it on Jan 6th, all the lights and decorations were up but there was none of the queues or panic buying like here. The markets were full of lovely fresh fruit and veg, there were Christmas markets (with some character throwing sweets for the kids) and all the churches and Cathedrals were twinkly and beautiful.

And you have the bizarre "pooing man figure" that we never figured out why was linked to Christmas.

Sounds great. Where did you stay?

The pooing man is the Caganer (literally 'shitter'), you put him in your nativity and he's supposed to fertilise the soil and thus ensure a good year's harvest. There's also the pooing log which you hit with sticks and he poos presents: Caga Tio. Creepy wee thing but lots of fun!

I don't know any specific hotles but can recommend Gracia as an area to stay (zone at he top of Passeig de Gracia) as it's lovely, full.of safe little squares for dc to run around, nice places to eat etc, slightly hippy feel. It's not the centre per se (like Gothic quarter) but close enough and not a dodgy are (like... er, Gothic quarter!). Two metro stops to centre (Placa Catalunya) or a nice walk downhill to town.

There is a zoo, little old fashioned amusement park overlooking Barcelona on a hill: Tibidabo. Beach. Cathedral square with Christmas market. Chocolate museum! What's not to love?

Hth.

Well I've been a few times so stayed in a number of places -Hotel Duquesa du Cardonna being my fave. However I think an apartment is better if only because get more space and can do what you like in terms of eating/sleeping etc.
I'd say look at some where over looking Port Vell. It's a movie location looks wise but has the Gothic area close by for cool shops and places to eat. Stay city rather than beach side (Barceloneta) for ease of walking otherwise you add on 10 minutes.
Weather is cool but no where near as crap/depressing as here. All the Spanish are fully kitted out in gloves and padded jackets so it feels seasonal whilst not being so freezing to be miserable.
Ahhh must go back this Christmas!!!