My wife and I are planning a trip to Madrid and Seville after Christmas into early January. I have been to both but its been a decade (been going to Barcelona more as I have friends there).

Does anyone have a strong preference regarding which city would be best for New Year's eve? We are looking for some type of outdoors gathering, less interested in just dining/drinking.

Due to airfare discounts, we might be flying out of Madrid at 6 AM making me lean toward starting in Madrid then going to Seville then staying the last night at an airport hotel in order to get to the airport by 4AM. I assume we could get a taxi but are hotel shuttles common?

Thanks

Mike

you get a taxi with advance reservation from your hotel, and there is a shuttel but not taken it in years...aerocity.
New years is great at both cities, but I always will lean towards Madrid ::)

Thanks...How much do Seville and Madrid close down between Christmas and New Years? I usually travel earlier in December and have only been in Europe a couple times during Christmas week so I know a lot of restaurants, shops etc might be closed.

Sevilla a bit more than Madrid, but in general its Dec 24th when we have the late night dinner with families and shops start closing from midday, then the 25th is close.
New years, some shops closed earlier on the 31th to allow folks to partake infestivities, and the 1st is closed.
Lately there have been more opening because of the modern times and necessary,but still most will close on those days.
Spain follow those periods a lot more traditional then many in Europe.

Hello, MikeK! How is your planning going for Seville and Madrid? Keep in mind that "Epiphany" - or "Magic Kings Day" on the 6th of January is THE BIG DAY for "Christmas" in Spain. All days leading up to it are BUZZINGLY BUSY! The 2012 New Years Day falls on a Sunday so most all shops will be closed anyway being Sunday. You won't have any trouble finding restaurants/bars open, however, in the tourist centers on New Years Day, Sunday or otherwise. As for New Years Eve, being on a Saturday night, many shops will close early as few people are out shopping - except at the markets to get last-minute food-stuffs for the big family dinner.

Saludos, MadridMan