Category Archives: Kids

Seville | Christmas Markets 2013

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Christmas Book Market in Plaza Nueva

Love it or loathe it, the Christmas shopping season is now upon us. In Seville that means not only the usual high street shops and stores, but also a good number of street markets, which add some individuality and colour to the proceedings, and are actually good fun to browse in search of those elusive bargains and special gifts.

For the bookworm in your life the annual Christmas antique and second-hand book fair (Feria del Libro Antigua y de Ocasión), on in the Plaza Nueva until December 9, is the place to go for an unusual or specialist book (though they’re mostly in Spanish, of course).

christmas market saludFrom December 14 the square will be home to the annual Christmas Artisan Market, where you can find all kinds of hand-crafted items, from clothes and art to jewellery and accessories, in wood, leather, ceramic, and even ironwork. This is the market to go to for quality or one-of-a-kind gifts.

belenesIf you’re looking for some new pieces for your model nativity scene, you’ll find them at the Fería de Belen (literally Bethlehem) in the street between the cathedral and the Archivos de India. Nativity scenes are big here, and there’s an implausible variety of mangers, stables, Marys, Josephs, sheep, wise men and Roman centurions on offer. Conveniently located for a look round in between your normal sightseeing obligations.

As well as these more specialist markets, there are Christmas Markets in several places around the city from December 5 to January 6 (Three Kings day). The Prado San Sebastian, the Alameda de Hercules, and the Plaza Encarnación and Plaza Mayor (under the Setas will all have a traditional array of market and fairground food stalls, together with ice rinks, camel rides a tent where you can visit the Kings, and other attractions. This year the city will light up for Christmas on November 29th, with a special vertical lights feature in Plaza Salvador that will imitate the famous one in Covent Garden, and once again the “3D mapping” will take place in Plaza San Francisco every evening from December 19 to January 5.

Seville | Keeping the Kids Amused

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If you’re an adult, finding something to enjoy in Seville is like shooting fish in a barrel. Whether you like monuments and museums, picturesque balconied streets and plazas, parks and gardens, shopping, or just sitting out at pavement cafes or in cosy tapas bars watching the world go by, there seems to be an almost endless supply.

Your kids, however, may have more exacting (or at least different) standards. Another magnificent palace? Yawn. But never fear, help is at hand.

Depending on the age of the child, a little distraction may be all that’s necessary. Have them hunt for the crocodile in the Cathedral, for example (yes, there is, but it’s not alive). Climb the tower, too, looking out of the windows at each turn of the winding ramp. They may also like the model boats in the naval museum in the Torre del Oro. Try the maze in the gardens of the Alcázar Palace.

plaza espana rowboats

Buy a football and have a kick around in the park, or stop off at one of the children’s play areas – there are quite a few of these, including those in the Murillo Gardens,  If they like horses, take a carriage ride. You’ll probably enjoy it, too, and if you go out to the Plaza de España, you can have a go on the boating lake or rent a 4-wheel pedal bike cart in the Maria Luisa Park.

For something a little different visit the Casa de la Ciencia, in the Peru pavilion alongside Maria Luisa Park, which has exhibitions for children and has just opened a planetarium (shows Tuesday to Friday at 6.30pm, and Sats and Suns at 11.00,12.00 and 1.00).

Another alternative is a day at the beach. There are lots of good beaches along the Cádiz and Huelva coasts, the closest being Matalascañas, less than an hour’s drive away.

If all else fails you may have to bring out the big guns. Isla Magica is Seville’s pirate and adventure theme park in the Cartuja neighbourhood. All the fun of the fair for children (and grown-ups) of every age, and lots of shows and entertainments. A bit pricey, but you can take the edge off by going after 4.00pm with a half-day ticket. The season runs from the end of March to the beginning of November.

Still on the pirate theme, the pirate boat cruise on the river is lots of fun, as well as being a pleasant way to see the city from a different point of view.

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay with a family we have some great two and three bedroom holiday apartments at a variety of prices in the centre of Seville, some, like the Teodosio, with their own private rooftop pool. Don’t forget that we have an airport to apartment transfer service that includes provision of a child safety seat.