We packed our bags without knowing where we would go to spend the days of the end of the year. The children were so excited by the surprise that they took all kinds of clothes, including swimsuits. We told them that they had to take winter clothes, since, although we did not know where we would travel, we wanted to experience the Christmas spirit in a nearby destination.

A surprise destination.

After work we went to look for them at school and headed to the Atocha station, in search of the destination. Determined and excited, we got on the train and headed north. In just over an hour we got off the train. We were in Zaragoza. When we left we found ourselves in a place as large and impressive as it was cold. That station was huge, the biggest I've ever seen.

We headed outside and the cold of the Ebro Valley put us in a situation. We boarded bus number 34 to get to the center of Zaragoza and during the tour we enjoyed the night landscape of the city. As we entered the streets of the historic center, the Christmas lighting flooded the interior of the bus with light.

Where Christmas is eternal.

On foot, we walk along a beautiful pedestrian street where it seems that Christmas lasts forever. His name is Alfonso and his walkers are the entire city: children, families, young people, street musicians, seniors, tourists. From Calle del Coso and as far as the eye can see (I thought I saw the Basilica in the background) a beautiful blanket of lights covered the layout of Calle Alfonso, illuminating the beautiful facades of the historic center.

That street was the spirit of the entire city: the joy and closeness of the people of Zaragoza. The warmth of its atmosphere was accompanied by bright and varied shop windows, charming café terraces, Christmas carols and floral arrangements on the street lamps and different languages on the street.

The Christmas spirit.

We reached the end of the street and dazzledly admired the great Plaza del Pilar. The children were looking forward to seeing the Zaragoza Nativity Scene. Our surprise when we arrived was to find ourselves inside a real Christmas story. The entire square had been flooded with the Christmas spirit. We walked among the wooden houses of the Christmas display market. Among the stalls we find delicious nougat, crafts and specialties. The artisan chocolate was a delight for us, while the children enjoyed Santa's village.

We write our wish for the next year on the wishing tree and head to the giant Nativity scene, located in the center of the square. The children were fascinated by the figures and the realism of the assembly. The animals, the landscapes, the buildings, etc. everything was so realistic!

At the exit, we were tired, but we still had the courage to continue and the children were grateful, since they had not yet ridden on the sledding rink and they did not want to miss the music and the atmosphere of the ice skating rink.

Finish with a sweet.

We finished our day in Zaragoza with a sweet. Those who want to have dinner can enjoy chocolate and artisan cookies! We returned to the houses in search of hot chocolate, a waffle and a Christmas souvenir from this special day.