A traditional, sporty and family Christmas for all

At night, a detail of the Dalinian Christmas lights that adorn the streets of Figueres. Image by Àngel Reynal.

Christmas is a time for cannelloni, wafer rolls and nougat. But beyond the five-star gastronomy of the counties of Girona, the Costa Brava and the Girona Pyrenees are full of options for everyone at Christmas. There are plenty of opportunities to live experiences and traditions, and to enjoy the festive season.

The most traditional Christmas

In Gironès, in the middle of the Llèmena valley, an emblematic open-air miniature Nativity scene awaits you. It is the Can Roseta Nativity scene, 800 m2 of reproductions of monuments and traditional trades, all made of cork. The route is adapted for people with reduced mobility. If you want to know more about this unique Nativity scene, you can take a look at the report in sign language that Webvisual TV dedicated to it.

Living Nativity scenes also have a long tradition in the counties of Girona. The Living Nativity scene of Brunyola has been going on for 40 years. The descent of the angel from the bell tower is the emblem of this Christmas event. The introductory explanation on 25 December will include sign language interpretation.

The Living Nativity scene of Brunyola, with Joseph and Mary, holding the baby Jesus in her arms. Some shepherds accompany them. Above their heads, in the air, an angel contemplates the scene. Image of the Brunyola Living Nativity Scene.

In Garrotxa, until 8 January, the Nativity Scenes in Olot, an exhibition of traditional and contemporary Nativity scenes, is being held. One of its venues is the Museu dels Sants, which is accessible to wheelchair users and has easy-to-read material and a tactile space. This Christmas it also hosts the family activity “No la caguis”, which consists of searching the museum for hidden figures of caganers, a typical character of the Catalan Nativity scene.

If we talk about Christmas traditions, we cannot forget the Pastorets, a typical Catalan Christmas play about the struggle between good and evil. In Banyoles, it can be seen at the Municipal Theatre, which has seating for wheelchair users. And in the field of sport, 31 December is the day of Saint Sylvester races. Last year, the Girona race incorporated the wheelchair modality in the 5 km competition. Registration is now open.

Shows for all tastes

Until 8 January, in Platja d’Aro, in Baix Empordà, you can enter a tunnel of light and immerse yourself in a Christmas-themed sound and light show. And the Vall de Núria resort offers a series of activities to enjoy Christmas with family and friends. Creative workshops, storytelling for the little ones and guided tours are complemented by a visit to the sanctuary of this unique valley in Ripollès.

In Girona, the Gran Circ de Nadal (the Great Christmas Circus) is back, an opportunity to enjoy 25 artists and 12 attractions of the international circus on water. The ring is located in the Girona-Fontajau Municipal Sports Pavilion. The facilities are accessible to people with reduced mobility and there are spaces reserved for wheelchair users.

*In the Gran Circ de Nadal show ring, there are several multicoloured and luminous water fountains. Image of the Gran Circ de Nadal.*

The last days of the festive season are marked by the impatient wait for the arrival of the Three Kings. In Puigcerdà, children can enjoy the page Fumera camp and the Christmas star in the Schierbeck Park, adapted for wheelchair users. And the key moment is the Three Kings’ parade. In Girona, it includes areas reserved for people with reduced mobility and wheelchair users along the route, and the one in Figueres has a low sensory intensity zone.