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From a Christmas movie session inside a log cabin to a snack with gospel music playing in the background. These are just some of the original plans designed to make the most of these days.

ALPINE SPIRIT IN BARCELONA

Until 5 January, the terrace of the Palace Hotel in Barcelona has become a Christmas icon that goes beyond the now classic decoration of the façade, the hall or the lounges, the exclusive gala menus (including those of the gastronomic restaurant Amar Barcelona, by chef Rafa Zafra) or the charity concert of the Escolania de Montserrat. Thus, its Rooftop Garden becomes an authentic alpine garden that recreates the atmosphere of the markets of northern Europe, with original gift stalls made by local suppliers. In addition, there is a Swiss chalet adorned with checkered tablecloths and sheep's fur, ideal for sheltering from the cold by tasting dishes such as onion soup, eggs meurette or fondue. Christmas cinema sessions also return to the city's first five-star show (it opened in 1919) with titles such as Love actually, Home Alone, A Christmas Carol, The Holiday and Elf. They can be seen inside four cozy wooden cabins in which there is no shortage of popcorn, sweets characteristic of this season, chocolate and mulled wine. And anyone who wants to chat one-on-one with Santa Claus can do so in the lobby, which is also the setting for a tea room every day from 16:00 p.m. to 19:00 p.m. All that would remain would be to get the coveted roscón de reyes from the hotel's master pastry chef. Learn more at www.hotelpalacebarcelona.com

The Swiss chalet at the Palace Hotel in Barcelona.

Snack with gospel choir

Live music and an exquisite snack designed by Javier and Sergio, the famous Torres brothers. This is the plan proposed by the Dos Cielos Madrid restaurant, run by the couple of chefs at the Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá hotel in the centre of the capital. Until December 22 there is time to enjoy this experience on Thursdays and Fridays at different times. The first session is at 18:00 p.m., while the second is at 19:30 p.m. (price: 20 euros). In this way, the dome room of the legendary establishment, dressed with floral decorations typical of these dates, will be the scene of a musical and gastronomic show at Christmas in the Palace. The so-called Merienda de los Duques captures the essence of these holidays through the flavors that everyone loves, starting with a hot drink and continuing with a delicious creation based on carob and fluffy cream. The sweet adds a creamy texture that intertwines with the caramelized walnuts, while the exotic touch is provided by the cocoa ice cream from Brazil. And in the background, the voices of the choir, made up of three tenors, three mezzos, three sopranos, a soloist and a pianist, who perform great soul classics as well as Christmas carols in each pass. Learn more at www.melia.com

Gospel choir at the afternoon tea of the Palacio de los Duques Gran Meliá.

Floral Wreath Workshop

The following proposal allows you to make your own floral wreath with fresh seasonal fruits and foliage, along with other decorative accessories. The place to hold this original workshop is the Avani Alonso Martínez hotel in Madrid, belonging to the Minor Hotels group, which also includes the NH. The experience, available on request, is designed for groups and families and in it, participants are guided step by step by an expert to make the Advent wreath to wear on the door of the house these days. The session ends with a Spanish winetasting. In addition, during the holidays, guests can start the day at The Christmas Pantry, a themed breakfast room with roscón de reyes, hot chocolate, assorted nougat... Learn more at www.avanihotels.com

Floral workshop at the Avani Alonso Martínez.

Show and gastronomy

Spectacles are inherent to Christmas. And if they combine show and gastronomy, even more. This is the case of quintoelemento, the 800-square-metre design space located on the seventh floor of Madrid's Kapital nightclub with a mutant 3D vault that allows you to immerse yourself in the sea or fly over the city's sky. The Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve dinners, led by chef Juan Suárez de Lezo with Asian, Latin and Mediterranean flavors, are joined by live performances and DJs that can be enjoyed from the table. WAH Madrid, at Ifema, also offers a gastro and musical plan both in its morning sessions, designed for families, and in the evening. Thus, you can taste Mexican, Japanese or Spanish cuisine at the stalls in the food court or sign up for the tasting menu at the gourmet space El Cielo. Then, comes the journey through the history of music by the hand of more than 40 artists to end in an aftershow with dj's and more live proposals. Learn more at www.quintoelementorestaurante.com and www.wahshow.com

Interior of the fifth element in Madrid.

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