We know that spending winter break away from home can be a little daunting. Youāve wrapped up your first semester of classes and youāre wondering what on earth youāre going to do with yourself for the next few weeks.
Sure, you may be a little jealous of classmates heading home to enjoy time with family and friends, and youāre probably craving a home cooked meal. But staying on campus this winter doesnāt have to be all doom and gloom.
Thereās no need to waste precious time scouring the Internet for interesting ways to fill up your precious free time. Check out our list of suggestions for how to make this winter break your most memorable yet.
Take a ride on the Naviluz bus
Been locked away in the library for the last few weeks? Then youāve probably not had a chance to check out the cityās holiday lights.
The Naviluz open-top bus tour takes you on a spectacular route through the lights of Madridās central streets. Itās seventh heaven for the budding architects and photographers amongst you. Plus, youāre guaranteed great snaps without having to push your way through the crowds.
We recommend getting your hands on a ticket sooner rather than later though (thereās a 10% discount if you buy online). The bus tends to be a big hit with both tourists and locals. And wrap up warm ā things can get a little chilly up top!
Head to the mountains
You havenāt left home in a few days and youāve broken a new record in binge-watching Netflix shows. Basically, you need to get out!
As magical as Madrid may be at this time of the year, sometimes thereās nothing better than breaking away from the cityās hustle and bustle. And with great public transportation connections to nearby towns and villages, taking a day trip couldnāt be easier.
At just an hour from Madrid, Cercedilla has something for everyone. Tucked away in the mountains, this picture-perfect Segovian town is great place for hiking enthusiasts, with several marked trails setting off from the train station itself. But be prepared for snow-covered paths in December ā basic sneakers wonāt cut it.
If you fancy sampling some local dishes, then head to La Maya ā a Cercedilla favorite. This rustic restaurant serves up some of the best meat in town. Just remember to save room for a slice of ponche segoviano ā a traditional marzipan layer cake.
Check out a carol concert
Sick of being stuck indoors? If youāre studying at our Segovia campus, the winter break is a great chance to get out and explore this beautiful city.
At this time of year, youāre likely to come across a tuna on your early evening stroll. These local music groups bring the cobbled streets to life with traditional carols. You may not be able to sing along with the locals, but the magical combination of horns, guitars, and tambourines is guaranteed to make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
It may be a little chilly, but if youāre well wrapped up, we recommend sitting yourself down on a nearby bench with a packet of freshly roasted chestnuts and taking it all in. Because who said something so healthy couldnāt taste this good, right?
Indulge in some traditional desserts
Pretty much spent up after a long semester? No need to panic. Thereās plenty of fun to be had over winter break without hurting your wallet.
Why not share a roscĆ³n de reyes with friends? This twisted pastry roll, which dates back to Roman times, can be found in most local supermarkets and bakeries at this time of year. According to Spanish tradition, the person who gets the slice with the figurine baked into it, is said to have good luck for the entire year ā provided they donāt choke to death that is!
If that doesnāt tickle your fancy, then we recommend trying turrĆ³n, a Spanish almond nougat treat. Casa Mira (Carrera de San JerĆ³nimo, 40) has some of the best in the city.