NEWS FROM D&P YOUR DMC FOR SPAIN AND MORE…
Unique Moments:
If you have chosen the winter to travel to Spain, we want to give you some ideas to inspire you and make you live unforgettable experiences. Winter, which officially starts around 22 December and ends around 21 March, is a great time to travel to Spain for many reasons. For one thing, you can enjoy everything you love about winter, but it’s usually sunny, with milder temperatures than most of Europe and not much rain. In many places cold weather means snow and winter sports, and everywhere there are traditional seasonal dishes to warm you up. Spain has famous resorts such as Baqueira Beret, Formigal (in the Pyrenees) or Sierra Nevada, which is the southernmost part of Europe and just over an hour’s drive from the beach.
And if you would really rather skip winter and go straight to spring, you can visit the Canary Islands to enjoy a perpetual gentle 24 degrees centigrade and spend some pleasant days on the beach.
This season is also full of traditions you will love, from the fun of Carnival to Christmas or Easter, which is often celebrated in late winter or early spring. We are going to tell you about some of the travel plans that make Spain a fantastic winter destination !!!
Highlights of the season in Spain
Experiencing our Merry Christmas
From the end of November, you can already feel the Christmas atmosphere in Spain. The streets are adorned with lots of lights and decorated Christmas trees, and the squares in many cities are full of markets selling all types of traditional foods and crafts, fairs and ice-skating rinks. If you decide to spend Christmas here, you can have some truly Spanish experiences: seeing enormous nativity scenes, running the famous San Silvestre Vallecana race, eating 12 grapes during the 12 strokes of midnight on 31 December to see out the year (we call New Year’s Eve “Nochevieja”), receiving gifts from the Three Kings on 6 January…and why do we call it “sweet Christmas”? Because sweet treats, such as “turrón”, “polvorones” and marzipan, are an essential part of the festivities.
Fly to the Canary Islands: An average of 24°C in winter
These islands off the south-eastern cost of the Iberian Peninsula (less than three hours by plane from Madrid) boast what many describe as one of the best climates in the world. The average temperature is around 24 degrees centigrade, so even in winter most people wear summer clothes. Thanks to the mild climate, winter is as good a time as any to explore the landscapes of their four National Parks or to have special experiences like seeing out the year with a swim and sunbathing on 31 December on one of their beautiful beaches.
Ideal destinations for active tourism in winter in Spain, Valle del Tena (Aragonese Pyrenees)
Spain stands out for offering you the chance to plan fantastic active tourism activities all year round. In addition to sports in spring and summer, you can choose from many other adventures in nature if you travel in the fall and winter months.
Across more than 400 square kilometres and 16 villages, in the province of Huesca (Aragon), the Tena Valley offers a myriad of activities for all ages. The natural beauty of the Aragonese Pyrenees is the common denominator.
For a challenge in height, go to Hoz de Jaca. There you will find the longest and highest double zip line in Europe. It is one kilometre long, more than 1,200 metres high and reaches a speed of 90 kilometres per hour. And remember that this is a double zip line, so you can experience the adventure with a friend!
One of the most exclusive plans in the area consists of sleeping in the snow in a bivouac, tent or in an igloo built with your own hands. The excursions organised from Piedrafita de Jaca include 4×4 snowmobile routes (both in the day and at night, under the light of the moon and stars), snowshoeing, and meals based on local products.
Still in Piedrafita de Jaca, you can watch up close the life of the native fauna by touring a wonderful forest. The Lacuniacha Faunistic Park brings together around 15 species of animals in a state of semi-freedom, has a picnic area and a privileged location for fantastic panoramic views of the Tena Valley.
Since it is one of the main destinations for skiing in Spain, with its famous Formigal-Panticosa ski resort, the Tena Valley has a wide offer of accommodation of all types and varied restaurants to savour the best of Aragon’s gastronomy.
Enjoy two of the most traditional fiestas
These traditional events are as old as they are fascinating. In February, the whole country celebrates Carnival. This is a time for fancy dress costumes and partying in the streets. The most popular Carnivals are in Santa Cruz de Tenerife (on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands), Cádiz (in Andalusia), Águilas (in the Murcia region) and Xinzo de Limia (in Ourense, Galicia). After Carnival, in late March or April, Holy Week, is one of the most traditional and deeply felt events on Spain’s calendar, filling the streets with passion, religious processions and the sound of drums. The Easter traditions in Andalusia, Aragon, Castilla y Leon, Castilla-La Mancha, Cantabria, the Community of Valencia and the Region of Murcia are especially well-known.
INDUSTRY FLASH NEWS
Madrid, best MICE destination, and Portugal, best destination, at the World Travel Awards Europe
Madrid, awarded for the eighth year as the best European destination for meetings and congresses, and Portugal, chosen as the best European destination in the 32nd edition of the World Travel Awards Europe. They are awarded by professionals and experts in the sector.
Madrid has been awarded Europe’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination 2025, the best European meeting and congress destination, at the 32nd edition of the World Travel Awards Europe, which was held in Sardinia (Italy). The capital has been achieving this recognition for eight consecutive years in the prestigious international awards that distinguish the excellence of the tourism industry worldwide since 1993.
Madrid has once again been chosen as the leader in business tourism thanks to the votes of professionals and experts in the sector, who appreciate the quality and values of its offer in this segment. Along with the capital, nine other European cities were nominated very well positioned in this field, such as Paris, London, Vienna and Berlin.
The Councillor for Tourism, Almudena Maíllo, pointed out that “this award confirms Madrid’s leadership in the meetings and congresses industry and positions us as a destination with added value”. For Maíllo, behind this recognition “there is a job well done by the sector and a real confidence in Madrid by those who decide where to hold their meetings”, stating that “we will continue to work with the Madrid Convention Bureau and with the sector to consolidate this trajectory and attract congresses that generate a positive impact for the capital”.
Portugal has been voted “Best Destination in Europe” at this year’s World Travel Awards. The country thus regains the honour it had lost to Greece last year and had won six other times since 2017. This year, Portugal stood out among a list of nominees that included 12 other European territories: Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Turkey.
At the World Travel Awards 2025, several Portuguese regions were recognized. This is the case of Madeira, which won the title of “best island destination in Europe”, but also Porto, which topped the category of best urban destinations on the continent, and Lisbon, designated as a place to take into account for city breaks.
Venues
The Roig Arena opens its doors: Valencia opens the largest indoor venue in Spain
With a maximum capacity of 20,000 people, the Roig Arena is positioned as the largest indoor venue in the country and one of the most technologically advanced in Europe. The figure is impressive, but what really impacts is the ambition behind the project: an investment of 400 million euros, financed entirely by Juan Roig, president of Mercadona, who has opted to create in his hometown a benchmark space for sporting, cultural and corporate events 365 days a year.
Designed by the studios HOK (USA) and ERRE (Valencia), the venue combines functionality, sustainability and visual spectacularity. Its façade, made up of 8,600 ceramic slats, can be illuminated and synchronised with video sequences, turning the building into a huge living screen. Inside, the numbers continue to surprise: more than 1,700 m² of LED screens, the highest resolution scoreboard in Europe, and a 76-metre-long indoor video wall, the largest on the continent.
But the Roig Arena does not want to be just a space to look, but to live. Inside we find a varied and local gastronomic offer, with proposals such as Poble Nou (specialising in wood-fired paellas), Ultramarinos Roig or El Mercat del Roig Arena, with six food establishments for all tastes.
The venue kicked off its program with “Bravo, Nino”, a massive tribute to Nino Bravo in which 20 artists participated and which hung the “sold out” sign. He was not the only one: 75% of the tickets for the annual programme were already sold before its opening, with 15 sold-out concerts (including one by the composer Hans Zimmer) and names such as Anuel AA, Roxette or The Waterboys on its line-up.
More than a million people are expected to pass through the site in its first year. In addition, it will be the new headquarters of Valencia Basket Club, both in the national league and in the Euroleague.
Bernabéu Market
On 4 November, the Bernabéu stadium unveiled its brand new food hall, which can be reached through Gate 54. Run by Grupo Amicalia, this indoor food hall houses close to twenty restaurants and hospitality operators, offering a wide variety of delicious dishes to suit all tastes and budgets.
This new space stretches over three thousand square meters and can accommodate up to 1000 people, with several restaurants offering different types of cuisine. With a contemporary look, each restaurant has its own counter and stools as well as communal eating areas, in the style of the food halls and markets that have emerged in recent years.
The restaurants included in the food hall are: Casa Dani, famous for their potato omelette; Joselito, serving high quality ibérico products; Daniel Solut, a French company that sells oysters; PerretxiCo, by Josean Merino, serving Basque style pintxos; Beata Pasta, Italian cuisine devised by Neapolitan chef Ciro Cristiano; focaccias by Divorare; rice dishes by Escudellar; maker of exceptional nougat, artisanal ice creams and waffles, 1880; Chocolatería 1902, serving hot chocolate and churros; A Feira, serving traditional Galician style octopus; Toca Madera, a restaurant from the Canary islands, offering their popular croquettes; Greta La Vinagreta, with all kinds of pickles and preserves; the Japanese style bar Kogumi (Grupo Nokoribi); Olsen-Malvón, selling sandwiches and Argentinian empanada pastries; Manteca Burgers and Kebah!.
And if you fancy a tipple, check out The Wine Shop with its incredible ‘mechanical wine cellar’, a kind of Ferris wheel with two hundred different wines.
Bernabéu Market is the last stop on the Tour of the stadium, but is also open to members of the general public looking for a bite to eat.
Connections
Iberia launches routes and increases its frequencies to destinations in the American continent
Iberia launches routes and increases its frequencies to destinations on the American continent. Orlando in the United States, and Recife and Fortaleza in Brazil will be his new destinations. It will increase frequencies in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago de Chile, New York and Boston, as well as Amsterdam, Paris and Rome. Washington consolidates itself as an annual destination, with three weekly flights scheduled during the winter, and the winter destinations of Innsbruck, Tromso and Rovaniemi return.
Iberia is kicking off the winter season (26 October 2025 to 28 March 2026) with new routes, an increase in frequencies to destinations in Latin America, North America and Europe, as well as the launch of seasonal routes typical of this time of year.
One of the main novelties of the winter season is the inauguration of three new long-haul international routes: Orlando in the United States, and Recife and Fortaleza in Brazil. From 26 October, the airline will launch direct flights between Madrid and Orlando (United States), with four weekly frequencies operated with 292-seat A330 aircraft. With this new route, Iberia will now offer 9 direct destinations in the United States, consolidating its leadership between Spain and North America.
Along with the new destinations, Iberia will increase frequencies in key markets in Latin America and North America over the coming months. In the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, the airline will reach an all-time record of frequencies, with a significant increase in both destinations. The Madrid-Santo Domingo route will be increased with up to four more weekly frequencies, reaching two daily flights, and the Madrid-San Juan de Puerto Rico route will have up to seven more frequencies compared to the last winter season, reaching up to 14 per week.
In North America, Iberia’s operations will also increase. New York, one of the most popular destinations, will have two daily flights throughout the winter. The Madrid-Boston route will see its operations doubled, with up to two daily flights, operated by the A321XLR. And Washington is consolidating itself as an annual destination, with three weekly flights scheduled during the winter.
ART: Madrid and more
“The Prado in the Feminine Form III”. Artistic Patrons of the Museum’s Collections (1701-1819)
The Prado Museum is presenting the third edition of The Prado in the Feminine Form series from 1 December to 24 May 2026, focusing on the great female figures of the 18th century who inspired the institution’s art collection. Isabel de Farnesio, a key figure in this exhibition, leads this journey that reveals the strategic role of women in the cultural politics of that time.
The Prado in the Feminine Form III proposes a new way of interpreting the history of art, highlighting the women who were not just the patrons, but also true architects of the heritage that is housed in the Prado Museum today. Isabel de Farnesio stands out among them as the promoter of a large collection that would eventually bring together around a thousand paintings, many of which are now an essential part of the museum’s collection.
Through portraits, documents and selected paintings, the exhibition rescues her figure and that of other queens, such as María Luisa Gabriela de Saboya or María Luisa de Parma, revealing their influence in shaping artistic taste and promoting royal collecting.
Curated by Noelia García Pérez, the exhibition combines rigour with great contemporary sensitivity, offering visitors an experience that combines history, art and vindication.
When: until 24th May 2026
Where: Prado Museum, Madrid
Maruja Mallo. Mask and Compass
From 8 October to 16 March 2026, the Reina Sofía Museum will be hosting the largest retrospective to date on one of the most innovative avant-garde artists: Maruja Mallo (Viveiro 1902 – Madrid 1995). This exhibition will bring together 90 works, including paintings, drawings, writings, documents and videos.
Maruja Mallo is one of the leading figures of the Generation of ‘27, as well as the most important representative of the group of artists who were the first to present the female vision from a perspective that had never been seen before: that of the modern woman.
This exhibition chronologically retraces the various stages of the artist’s career, in which her interest in popular art and magical realism evolved towards surrealism, passing through her relationship with the Vallecas School and the Constructivist Art Group created around Torres García from 1932 onwards.
The exhibition features 90 works, including paintings, drawings, writings, documents and videos that capture Maruja Mallo’s life and ideas. They reflect the artist’s influence among her peers in the 1930s, interrupted by war and exile.
When: until 16th March 2026
Where: Reina Sofía Museum, Madrid
Victoria Eugenia
From 3 December to 5 April 2026, the Gallery of the Royal Collections will host an exhibition exploring the fascinating life and enduring legacy of Queen Victoria Eugenia of Battenberg.
The exhibition features around 350 works, documents, books and photographs, offering a contemporary perspective on a figure who redefined the role of a Queen Consort. Victoria Eugenia combined her official duties as the King’s wife with modern, forward-thinking humanitarian work.
The second of four children born to Prince Henry of Battenberg (1858–1896) and Princess Beatrice of the United Kingdom (1857–1944), Victoria Eugenia was also the youngest granddaughter of Queen Victoria I of England (1819–1901). She was educated at the British court during the final years of her grandmother’s reign.
Affectionately known as Ena, the last of the names she received at the baptismal font, she met Alfonso XIII (1886-1941) during his State visit to England in June 1905. In January 1906, her engagement to the King was announced, and shortly before the wedding, Victoria Eugenia renounced her Anglican faith and converted to Catholicism.
Alfonso XIII and Victoria Eugenia had six children: Prince Alfonso (1907-1938) and Infante Jaime (1908-1975), who renounced their succession rights in 1933; Infanta Beatriz (1909-2002), Princess of Civitella-Cesi upon marrying the V Prince Alessandro Torlonia (1935-1986); Infanta María Cristina (1911-1996), Countess Marone as the wife of Enrico Eugenio Antonio Marone-Cinzano (1940-1968); Don Juan de Borbón (1913-1993), Count of Barcelona and successor to his father as head of the Spanish Royal Household; and Infante Gonzalo (1914-1934).
After her arrival at the Royal Palace in Madrid, Victoria Eugenia softened court protocol during the regency of María Cristina of Habsburg-Lorraine. Away from politics, the Queen devoted much of her public activity in Spain to charitable and social work, including reorganising the Spanish Red Cross and the Anti-Tuberculosis League, as well as founding a School for Nurses and the League Against Cancer.
When: until 5 de Abril, 2026
Where: Royal Collections Gallery, Madrid
SHOWS: music, theatre, dance, gastronomy, fashion…
Les Misérables
The musical that has captivated audiences worldwide is coming to the Teatro Apolo from 28 November 2025, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of its première in London. In this way, Les Misérables will be performed once more on the same stage on which it captivated Spain for the first time in 1992.
ATG Entertainment presents Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Les Misérables, the great musical phenomenon by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg. This show has captivated audiences worldwide thanks to its great staging and it has been hailed as one of the best musicals ever.
Winner of more than 180 international awards, with eight TONY Awards, including Best Musical, four OLIVIER Awards and five DRAMA DESK Awards, Les Misérables is the world’s longest running production, having exceeded 15,000 performances in London alone and having been seen by more than 130 million people in 53 countries and performed in 22 languages. The London production of the musical will celebrate its 40th anniversary in October 2025 and continues to break audience records at the Sondheim Theatre.
Through great songs, Victor Hugo’s classic tale tells a story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption, a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Its lead character, Jean Valjean, is an ex-convict seeking redemption following his release from prison. Pursued relentlessly by Inspector Javert, Valjean rebuilds his life while caring for Cosette, the daughter of Fantine, a woman exploited by poverty.
It is set in post-revolutionary France and addresses issues like justice, sacrifice and hope with Boublil and Schönberg’s score, featuring such iconic songs as I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Do You Hear The People Sing? and One Day More, among others.
When: Tuesdays to Sundays, until 8th March 2026
Where: Apolo Theatre, Madrid
Houdini, a magical musical
From 9 October to 1 December with performances from Thursday to Sunday, the Teatro Calderón hosts the Spanish première of a show full of magic and music, which is inspired by real events that trace the life of the most famous illusionist of all times. The show features a cast headed by Pablo Puyol and Julia Möller.
This blockbuster has been written and directed by Federico Bellone and stars the actor and singer, Pablo Puyol (Un paso adelante and Arrayán) as Houdini and Julia Möller as Bess Houdini. It all began in 1926 while Houdini was performing his last show, a catalyst that brings up episodes from his past, recalling his humble origins as Erik Weisz, a Hungarian immigrant in the United States, until he became an international figure of escapism.
The production features over 20 spectacular illusions, some of which have never been performed on stage before, including the spectacular appearance of an elephant and a revamped version of the famous “Chinese water torture”. It also offers the human side of a character marked by obsession, risk and constant defiance of physical limits.
The music has been composed by Giovanni Maria Lori and merges the Broadway style with influences from Hungarian folklore, paying tribute to the magician’s origins. The choreography is by Gillian Bruce and the stage illusions have been designed by Paolo Carta, known for his work on shows like Mary Poppins and Ghost.
When: Thursdays to Sundays
Where: Calderón Theatre, Madrid
TRADE SHOWS & CONGRESSES
Fitur 2026
The next edition of the International Tourism Trade Fair, better known as FITUR, will be held from 21 to 25 January 2026 at IFEMA MADRID. Over five days, this annual event brings together tourism professionals and enthusiasts keen to explore the latest industry trends, as well as members of the general public who can visit during the weekend to discover a wide range of travel destinations. Mexico will be the partner country in the 2026 edition.
FITUR serves as a global meeting point for tourism professionals and is the leading trade fair for inbound and outbound markets across Ibero-America. It is a world-renowned event in the tourism sector, showcasing an incredible diversity of talent and offering specialised areas dedicated to different aspects of the industry.
FITUR 2025 achieved record-breaking success with 255,000 total visitors, including 155,000 professionals in the first three days. In total it hosted more than 9,500 companies across 884 stands and brought together 156 countries from around the world, with 101 participating with official representation. The 2025 edition generated an economic impact of 445 million euros for Madrid.
In 2026, the fair will continue to expand its focus on specialised sectors, driving innovation in industries that influence tourism and have developed comprehensive strategies around their activities
When: from 212 to 25 January 2026
Where: IFEMA, Madrid
SPORTS OF THE SEASON !!!
San Silvestre Vallecana 2025
Every year since 1964, on the last day of the year Madrid has played host to the largest athletics event in Spain. One of the only four 10K races in the world to boast the IAAF Gold Race Running Label, the festive competition consists of two races, the fun run and the international race. The 2024 edition was, once again, a great success with over 42 thousand people taking part in the fun run. The international race, which featured some of the world’s best long-distance runners, was won by Ethiopian runner Berihu Aregawi in the men’s category and Spanish athlete Marta García in the women’s.
The event consists of two parts, the fun run (which anyone over 16 can take part in) and the international race, and is regarded as a fairly easy competition since 8 out of the 10 kilometres are slightly downhill. Although the fun run officially kicks off at 16.55pm from Avenida de Concha Espina it has a wave start, meaning runners start at different intervals (check times). The professional race, which is run by top international athletes, commences at 7.55pm and finishes at Vallecas Stadium. The finishing line for the fun run is near the football stadium.
A few days earlier, on 23 December, the central Paseo del Prado holds the San Silvestre Mini for kids up to and including the age of 16.
When: 31st December 2025
Where: Madrid
ABB FIA Formula E World Championship
The city of Madrid will host one of the rounds of the Formula E World Championship for the first time ever. The event will take place on 21 March 2026 at the iconic Madrid Jarama-RACE Circuit, highlighting the partnership between Formula E and RACE and consolidating the circuit as a reference in terms of sustainability and innovation.
Formula E will officially arrive in Spain following the resounding success of the official pre-season tests held at the Madrid circuit last November. The positive outcome of these tests by the teams and the organisation was decisive in securing the collaboration between Formula E and the Royal Automobile Club of Spain (RACE), enabling the Madrid circuit to be included as the venue for this historic event.
The Madrid Jarama-RACE Circuit will host the sixth round of the competition, in which Gen3 Evo vehicles will take to the track. The 12th season of Formula E is set to be the longest ever in the competition, with 18 E-Prix events held at twelve venues. Six countries will host double races, and only Mexico, Madrid and Shanghai will be permanent tracks, whereby the definitive calendar is pending finalisation.
When: 21st March, 2026
Where: Circuito de Madrid Jarama-RACE
D&P is at your disposal to offer you an attractive program together with your attendance at the events and activities mentioned for your guests and team, just inform us of your objectives and needs, we will design a proposal that matches your expectations and budgets.