Looking for something to do over the December bank holiday with kids? The Ribera of Navarre works really well in winter: the Bardenas Reales in clear light with few visitors, Tudela close by for a stroll and a vegetable lunch, Olite for anyone who dreams of castles and, as evening falls, a warm house all to yourselves. Here's how to organise it from Fustiñana, with a three-day itinerary.
The bank holiday dates in 2026
In 2026, Constitution Day (6 December) falls on a Sunday and the Immaculate Conception (8 December) on a Tuesday. In Navarre the 8th is a public holiday, but Monday the 7th is a working day: the region's official calendar doesn't move the 6th to the Monday. Other regions may differ, so check yours. Many families make the most of it from Saturday the 5th to Tuesday the 8th, taking the Monday off.
If you live in Navarre, the long weekend can be even longer: Thursday the 3rd is a public holiday for Saint Francis Xavier, so by taking Friday the 4th and Monday the 7th off you get six days in a row, from Thursday the 3rd to Tuesday the 8th. For a long weekend, three or four nights is ideal: enough for the Bardenas, Tudela and Olite without rushing.
The Bardenas Reales in winter: what you need to know
Winter is a good time for the Bardenas if you go with two things clear: the opening hours and the mud. There's more detail season by season in when to visit the Bardenas Reales.
- It gets dark early: the park is open from 8:00 until an hour before dusk. In December that leaves a very short afternoon, so plan your visit for the morning.
- Los Aguilares Information Centre: in the winter season it's open from 9:00 to 14:00 and 15:00 to 17:00. Drop in for the map and the state of the tracks (check the opening times on its official website).
- After rain, take care: the clay turns into very sticky mud. The park recommends extreme caution when driving and advises against going in if the rain is persistent. After storms, some stretches of track are closed to traffic: check the official notices the evening before and that same morning.
- Proper warm clothes: in winter the Bardenas are cold and the wind is biting. Hats, gloves and something hot in a flask for the little ones.
- The usual rules: signposted tracks only, 40 km/h maximum, and inside there are no fountains, shade or facilities.
All the practical information, with short walks for little legs, is in our guide to the Bardenas Reales with kids.
And Sendaviva in December?
Sendaviva, about 30 minutes from the house, opens from spring to autumn, and in previous seasons it has closed in November. It hasn't yet published its calendar for December 2026, so you'll most likely find it closed over the bank holiday. If your heart is set on it, check its official calendar before counting on it.
Tudela over the bank holiday
Tudela is about 15 minutes from Fustiñana and is the plan that always works: in sunshine, fog or cold.
- Cathedral and cloister: visited from the Museo de Tudela (Palacio Decanal). Watch out for the winter opening times: on weekdays it's open morning and afternoon, on Saturdays only in the morning and on Sundays it's closed. Under-6s go free.
- Plaza de los Fueros and the old town: a stroll, an afternoon snack and winter vegetable pintxos.
- Christmas market? Tudela's Christmas programme usually starts in mid-December (in 2025, the Nativity Fair was on the 13th and 14th), so the bank holiday is too early for the market. Check the town's events listings in case there's anything new.
A 3-day itinerary
Day 1 (Saturday): arrival and sunset in Fustiñana
- Afternoon: arrive at the house (ready from 16:00), turn the heating on and unpack.
- Short walk: if you arrive in daylight, head to the fossil footprints route, an easy 1 km walk, or climb up to the hermitage of Santa Lucía to see the Ribera from above.
- Evening: dinner at the house and board games: there are a few at the house for grown-ups and little ones, and if you bring your favourites, even better.
Day 2 (Sunday): Bardena Blanca and a quiet afternoon
- Morning: set off early towards Arguedas, stop at the Information Centre and drive the perimeter track with short stops. The photo at Castildetierra in the morning light is beautiful.
- Midday: lunch in Tudela or back at the house.
- Afternoon: rest. In December the light goes early, and kids appreciate an afternoon on the sofa after a morning outdoors.
Day 3 (Monday): Olite or Tudela
- Castle option: the Royal Palace of Olite, about 40-45 minutes away. It has a lively family visit for children aged 6 to 12, usually on Saturday afternoons and with limited places: if it suits you, swap the order of the days and book on its website.
- Town option: a morning in Tudela with the cathedral and a stroll through the old town.
- If you're staying until Tuesday the 8th: a leisurely breakfast, a last walk around the village and home.
Plans at the house when night falls
With such short days, the house is part of the plan:
- Heating throughout the house and four bedrooms so everyone has their own space.
- Fully equipped kitchen to cook cardoon, borage or a good menestra with whatever you buy in the Ribera.
- Garden with barbecue: if you get a sunny lunchtime, an open-air grill in December is a real treat.
- Cot and high chair on request: just let us know when you book.
You'll find everything the house has in amenities.
FAQ
Is 7 December 2026 a public holiday in Navarre?
No. In Navarre the public holidays are 3 December (Saint Francis Xavier) and 8 December (Immaculate Conception), but Monday the 7th is a working day because Constitution Day, which falls on a Sunday, is not moved. It may be different in other regions of Spain.
Can you visit the Bardenas Reales in December?
Yes, the park is open all year round, from 8:00 until one hour before dusk. After heavy rain it's worth checking the official notices: some tracks may be closed because of mud.
Is Sendaviva open over the December long weekend?
Sendaviva opens from spring to autumn, and in previous seasons it has closed in November. Check its official calendar before planning your visit.
What to do in the Ribera with kids when the weather is bad?
Tudela is your best bet: the cathedral and its cloister, the old town and the Plaza de los Fueros are about 15 minutes from Fustiñana. The Royal Palace of Olite is also a good plan for a grey day.
Fancy spending the long weekend in the Ribera? Ask us for a no-obligation quote and we'll let you know about availability.