8 Things To Do at Christmas in Barcelona

There are many things that make Christmas in Barcelona spectacular. From the historic churches to fabulous Barcelona Christmas Markets to extremely odd Barcelona Christmas traditions, we jumped right in and celebrated the holiday Catalan style. Bon Nadal, which is Merry Christmas in Catalan!

 

Christmas in Barcelona, Spain

When we decided to spend Christmas in Barcelona we had so many questions. Are there things to do in Barcelona in December? Do they have Christmas trees in Spain? How is the weather in Barcelona in December? (The answers are: Yes, yes and pretty spectacular!)

What we discovered is that there is so much to do in Barcelona at Christmas time. To help other holiday travelers planning to visit Barcelona over Christmas, we put together this useful guide of all things festive, Barca-style!

---

 

8 Christmassy Barcelona Things To Do in December

Although many people wonder if it’s worth traveling to Europe in the winter season, there are many things to do in Barcelona in December. Especially if you enjoy Christmas festivities! Visiting Barcelona over Christmas is an excellent time to see the top sights and celebrate the holidays.

Save, Pin or Bookmark our Barcelona Christmas Guide to plan your vacation to Spain!

 

#1 See Barcelona Christmas Lights and Decorations

We were dazzled by the Barcelona Christmas decorations that hung over the wide boulevards and down the narrow lanes, which immediately got us in the holiday spirit. You don’t have to look very hard for them; Barcelona Christmas lights can be found everywhere in the city! That said, we particularly enjoyed the Barcelona Xmas lights on the La Rambla and in the Gothic Quarter.

Strolling the streets under the glow of holiday lights is one of the best things to do in Barcelona in December. The Christmas lights in Barcelona are turned on at the end of November and stay on through the first week of January. 

Before you set out in the evening, spend the day seeing the top Barcelona sights. We detail an excellent route through the city in our free Self-Guided Barcelona Walking Tour.

 

#2 Seek out Barcelona Nativity Scenes

In addition to twinkling lights and glowing decorations, visitors will find symbols of the holiday and decorative scenes throughout Barcelona.

One of the most prominent religious Barcelona holiday symbols is the Nativity scene. Called Pessebre in Barcelona, Nativity scenes are one of the traditional Christmas decorations in Spain and they are found all over the city.

All of the churches in Barcelona boast a Nativity scene – but they are also found in vibrant squares and at the cheerful holiday markets (which we cover later on our list of Things To Do in Barcelona at Christmas). 

We think the Nativity scene in Placa Sant Jaume Square by the Barcelona Town Hall is one of the best, but the unique floating Nativity scene at the Port Velle Fair is not to be missed! 

 

#3 Look for the Best Barcelona Christmas Tree

Christmas trees are found all around Barcelona City Center – but there are a few in particular that are well worth seeking out. 

One of the best Barcelona Christmas trees stands near Town Hall in Sant Jaume Square. However, our favorite was the large Christmas Tree in Barcelona near Placa Catalunya on Portal del Angel Street.

The Port Velle Market Fair is known for hosting the biggest Christmas Tree in Barcelona – so we recommend checking it out as well! 

 

#4 Visit Barcelona Churches at Christmas

It wouldn’t be a Barcelona, Spain Christmas without visiting the two most famous churches: La Catedral and La Sagrada Familia. These incredible structures (like so much of Barcelona) have two distinct styles of architecture: European Gothic (La Catedral) and Modernism (La Sagrada Familia, by Antoni Gaudi). 

 

La Catedral

La Catedral, or Barcelona Cathedral, is wedged into the crowded Barri Gotic district and features soaring spires and menacing gargoyles on the heavily decorated facade.

The spacious, wide interior is lit by grand chandeliers, with two main aisles on the sides along the chapels, rather than one down the middle of the church. Stairs lead down, beneath the altar, to a crypt, which is the final resting place for Santa Eulalia, one of Barcelona’s patron saints.

 

La Sagrada Familia

La Sagrada Familia, the still unfinished work of Gaudi started in 1883, looks more like a scene from Candyland than most churches found in Europe. We marveled at the mishmash of classic religious symbols mixed with a Modernism flair.

While it is a truly unique building, the fact that it remains unfinished is perplexing and slightly incomprehensible. That is, perhaps, part of the draw. Get a better understanding of Gaudi’s gawdy creation on one of the La Sagrada Familia tours – find out more.

 

Barcelona Christmas Mass

Both these popular Barcelona churches offer Christmas Day Mass. Christmas Eve in Barcelona often culminates with the Midnight Mass at the Cathedral. Santa Maria del Mar, another one of the beautiful churches in Barcelona (La Ribera Quarter), also offers a Christmas Midnight Mass. 

 

#5 Shop at a Barcelona Christmas Market

We were ecstatic to find Barcelona Christmas Markets set up throughout the city. As we wandered the streets, we would stumble into quaint squares or city parks filled with huts selling holiday goods. For travelers who want to do a little Christmas shopping in Barcelona, markets are a great place to start!

 

The Best Christmas Markets Barcelona

We thought the best Christmas Markets in Barcelona were at the same two churches featured above: La Catedral and La Sagrada Familia. Both markets feature multiple booths and a festive atmosphere. That said, the Port Vell Christmas Fair is said to be absolutely spectacular! It’s certainly on our list for the next trip to Barcelona for the holidays.

 

Fira de Santa Llucia Christmas Market

The Barcelona Christmas Market at La Catedral is the Fira de Santa Llucia, the city’s oldest Christmas fair. The Fira de Santa Llucia Barcelona Christmas Market location is in the Avinguda de la Catedral Square. 

The vendors at Fira de Santa Llucia mostly sell pieces for create-your-own Nativity sets. Offerings range from small, simple moss-covered sets to more elaborate scenes with running water and flickering lights. Hundreds – maybe thousands – of different figurines are also for sale.

And, almost every vendor sells a version of the most famous and peculiar Barcelona Christmas traditions: Caganer and Caga Tio (which we explain further in the next section).

 

Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Familia Church

The La Sagrada Familia Christmas Market is officially called “Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Familia”. At this festive market, visitors will find an array of holiday items. The most popular goods for sale are Christmas trees, children’s toys and Barcelona, Spain Christmas ornaments (although, we didn’t see a specific Sagrada Familia Christmas Ornament…perhaps we just missed them, but they can be ordered online!). 

 

Port Vell Christmas Market Barcelona

The Fira de Nadal del Port Vell is one of the new, fun and modern Barcelona, Spain Christmas Markets. Located right on the water, the brightly lit market features a giant Christmas Ball and amusement park rides – like a Ferris Wheel – along with other games for kids. There are also plenty of food stalls cooking up festive dishes and pop-up bars mixing delicious drinks.

Find 2023 Barcelona Christmas Market Dates & Info on the official tourism calendar.

 

Barcelona Christmas Shopping

The Christmas Markets in Barcelona are not just limited to the elaborate events spaces. Smaller holiday markets pop up in squares around the city – and each district has one. The neighborhood Barcelona Christmas Markets are an ideal place to pick up handmade goods, scarfs and the traditional staples of cured meat, cheese and bread.

We also saw many different ornaments – and we think a Barcelona Christmas Ornament makes a perfect holiday gift or trip keepsake!

Additionally, the markets are a meeting place for friends and families to enjoy sweet treats and drinks. 

 

#6 Learn Barcelona Christmas Traditions

One of the best things about traveling is learning about other culture’s unique traditions. What we discovered is that Barcelona Christmas traditions are strongly connected with the history of the city and it’s people…and unlike anywhere else.

The two notable Christmas traditions in Barcelona that most baffled us the most were the Caganer and El Caga Tio. Both these Barcelona holiday figures are rooted in fertility, heat and light, but somewhere along the way have taken on an odd twist.

 

Barcelona Caganer

The first time we saw the Caganer, we didn’t believe the figurines were seriously supposed to be included in Holy Nativity sets…but we were so totally wrong. Literally meaning, ‘The Crapper,’ the squatting, dropped-drawers, defecating fellow is most often depicted as a pipe-smoking Barcelonian and, supposedly, symbolizes fertility.

Numerous versions of the Nativity crapper are available – including ones that resemble famous people, like the President of the United States and even the Pope. At the holiday markets in Barcelona, entire booths are dedicated to the Caganer. We still don’t exactly get the bizarre tradition, but that didn’t keep us from buying one as a keepsake!

 

Caga Tio Barcelona

The Caga Tio de Nadal – or Uncle Christmas – is another bizarre Barcelona Christmas tradition that has had us shaking our heads. Originating as gifts of light and heat from burning wood, today Caga Tio Christmas logs are adorned with smiley faces and given legs and a Santa hat. But wait, that’s not actually the strange part. 

What makes the Caga Tio a mind-bending Barcelona holiday tradition is what happens to them in the days leading up to December 25. The children of the household take care of the smiling log, by ‘feeding’ it. Then on Christmas Eve or Day, they place it in a fireplace or beat it with a stick so that it will…crap out presents for them. Kids even sing a little jingle to encourage the log to bear them gifts. 

Although we are far from comprehending this tradition (ok, we didn’t try very hard), a small Caga Tio made it’s way into our Barcelona apartment to sit next to our small Christmas tree. We, however, refrained from burning or beating it, so alas, no presents!

Pro Tip: Both the Cagner and the Caga Tio make very odd Barcelona Christmas gifts and can be purchased at any of the markets. Looking for travel-focused gifts? Check out our complete list of Unique Travel Gifts. 

 

#7 Enhance Barcelona Christmas Holidays with Festive Activities

Fortunately, there are many fun ways to enhance the holiday spirit in Barcelona that don’t include discussing poo – and we are sharing a few of the best!

During the month of December in Barcelona, the city hosts a dazzling number of musical concerts. From Christmas carols to Flamenco performances, Barcelona is alive and buzzing with music throughout the holiday season. 

Ice skating is a fun Barcelona wintertime activity for families, friends and couples. Ice rinks pop up across the city during the holidays, inviting visitors to glide, twirl and whirl in the festive atmosphere. Typically, there have been ice skating rinks in Placa de Catalunya and L’illa Mall. 

The Magic Fountain in Barcelona (located in Placa de Carles Buigas in Montjuic) is a year-round attraction, but is even better during the holidays, when the light and music show is set to Christmas carols. 

Visitors can also enjoy the Christmas season in Barcelona on a relaxing evening Christmas Lights Bus Tour. The 1.5-hour ride on the double-decker, open-air bus features a magical ambiance along with top sights. More info.

 

#8 Enjoy Barcelona Sweet Treats and Regional Catalan Specialties

One of the best things about a Barcelona Christmas break is the holiday fare! Visitors can snack on roasted chestnuts, taste assorted sweets and nibble on churros dipped in hot chocolate sauce. 

We highly recommend sampling escudella, the beloved Catalan Christmas stew (which is typically consumed on Xmas Day) and cannelloni stuffed with meat (which is most popular the day after Christmas). 

A must-eat sweet treat to eat during Christmas in Barcelona is Turron – a delicious nougat made of almond, honey and eggs. 

---

 

What To Expect in Barcelona On Christmas Day

Christmas Day in Barcelona is usually celebrated with a big lunch at home with family. Many attractions are closed, as are most restaurants, cafes and bars. 

 

What To Do in Barcelona on Christmas Day

We worried that everything would be closed on Christmas Day in Barcelona, so we planned outdoor activities that are always open…and made sure we had enough food (and wine!) for the day.

Rather than staying indoors, we took advantage of the nice Barcelona weather and spent the day hiking Montjuic. We enjoyed the exercise and loved the fresh air, quiet trails and scenic viewpoints. 

In the early evening, we wandered the L’Eixample neighborhood – and found quite a few bars and cafes open. After dark, we strolled the quiet Barcelona streets under the glow of Christmas lights.  

 

Barcelona Christmas Swim – Copa Nadal

Another one of the fun Christmas in Barcelona traditions is watching (or participating) in the Barcelona Christmas Day Swim event, called Copa Nadal. Established in 1907, the Christmas Day swim takes place in the harbor off Rambla de Mar (near the Columbus Monument). Nearly 500 swimmers – many decked out in Santa costumes – brave the chilly waters in the event. 

 

Barcelona Christmas Lunch

While most restaurants are closed for lunch on Christmas Day in Barcelona, visitors can make reservations at Flaherty’s Pub for a traditional Irish holiday meal. The feast comes with all the fixings – including roasted turkey, potatoes and Christmas pudding. 

 

Christmas Dinner Barcelona

Unsure there would be any restaurants open on Christmas night, we pre-ordered special Christmas meals. Prepared by Mas Gourmets at the famous La Boqueria Market, we celebrated with friends in our Airbnb apartment.

However, visitors who want to enjoy a Christmas dinner out will find some restaurants that are open. It is recommended to do some research and certainly book ahead of time to ensure a seating! 

---

 

Post-Christmas Barcelona Festivities

In Barcelona, the holiday celebrations don’t end on December 25, but continue until January 6. We left Barcelona the day after Christmas to continue our Spain Trip to Seville and Madrid, so we missed out on these events. Those staying through the first week of January should mark their calendars for these celebrations. 

 

Dia de Sant Esteve – December 26

December 26 is a bank holiday in Catalonia – the Day of Saint Steve (Dia de Sant Esteve) – which is spent with family. Many places will be closed (just like on the 25th), so keep this in mind if you are staying in Barcelona between Christmas and New Year. 

 

Home dels Nassos – December 31 (Daytime)

Another crazy Catalan tradition, Home dels Nassos, occurs just before the celebration for New Year on December 31. According to Catalan legend, there is a man who has 365 noses – and he loses one each day of the year. On the last day of the year, he can finally be seen and children are sent in search of him.

 

Barcelona New Year’s Eve (Night)

The Barcelona New Year celebration occurs in Placa d’Espanya and along Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina that leads south to the Magic Fountain. The event is highlighted by live performances, musical acts and a firework display.

At midnight, it is custom to eat 12 grapes and drink cava wine to celebrate. Barcelona Clubs will then fling open the doors until dawn to ring in the New Year.

We spent New Year’s Eve in Madrid…laugh with us and find out how we got it all wrong in our Madrid New Year’s Eve article!

 

Three Kings Parade – 5 and 6 January

Throughout Europe, holiday celebrations don’t end on Christmas day, but rather just begin. The Epiphany – also called the 12th Day of Christmas – falls on the 6th January. This is the day that many children receive gifts – not on Christmas Day.

One of the biggest events during the Christmas period is the appearance of the Three Kings (called the Reyes Magos) who traditionally bring the gifts. They arrive in Barcelona on the 5th of January by boat at the Port of Barcelona, where children and families excitedly await their arrival. 

On the eve of the Epiphany (January 5th), there is a Three Kings Parade, which is primarily for the children. It is also called the 12th Night Procession – or La Cabalgata de Reyes Magos in Spanish or La Cavalcada de Reis Mags d’Orient in Catalan. 

---

 

Our Tips For Your Trip to Barcelona, Spain

Before you set off to Barcelona, we have a few more travel tips. We are covering important details – from Barcelona Christmas weather to how to get there and where to stay.

 

Planning a Christmas Barcelona Trip

We have highlighted the best things to do in Barcelona at Christmas, but there is so much more to planning your trip. Travelers spending Christmas in Barcelona also need to consider essential details – like how to get there and where to stay.

Travelers arriving from overseas will want to start with these Top Tips For Planning a Europe Trip, which features our honest advice about traveling abroad. 

 

Travel Planner

As you make your plans for visiting Barcelona during Christmas, keeping track of the details is essential! We recommend using our Printable Travel Planner – so that nothing falls through the cracks! 

 

Spain Itinerary Ideas

Those who visit Barcelona at Christmas have the unique opportunity to sightsee while it is all dressed up in the best Barcelona, Spain Christmas decorations. We also have a complete guide to discovering the city in our 3-Day Barcelona Itinerary. 

Need help planning your vacation to Spain? Check out our One-Week Spain Itinerary, that also includes stops in Madrid and Seville, as well as an expanded trip that adds Lisbon, Portugal!

Visiting Basque Country, Spain, too? Great! Get started by reading our San Sebastian Itinerary.  

Looking for more European holiday adventures? While the Christmas Markets in Spain are fabulous, there are plenty of places in Europe to get into the spirit. Check out our featured article on our favorite places to spend Christmas in Europe. 

Top Travel Tip: Trying to decide whether to spend Christmas in Barcelona or Madrid? We understand, we grappled with the choice, too. In the end, we though Barcelona offered more fun leading up to Christmas, while Madrid was the Best Destination for NYE. 

 

Barcelona Food and Drink

Part of experiencing Barcelona is indulging in the local fare! Visiting La Boqueria Market is a must – and tapas-hopping is highly recommended. Check out our top suggestions for the best Barcelona Tapas – or plan on joining one of the popular food tours. 

 

Xmas in Barcelona Weather

One of the biggest concerns for travelers is Barcelona weather during Christmas time. Fortunately, there isn’t much to worry about! 

Winters in Barcelona are generally mild with blue skies overhead. Barcelona temperatures in December usually peak in the high 50s Fahrenheit. But lows can dip to the low 40s overnight. It is best to check Barcelona Weather for December online before you go on your trip.

 

How To Get To Barcelona, Spain

During the Barcelona Xmas season, there are flights from all major European destinations, as well as select US cities. To find the best flights with the best fares to BCN, we recommend starting your search on Skyscanner. Feel free to check out our other recommendations for Finding Great Flight Deals.

 

Where To Stay in Barcelona for Christmas

The best places to stay in Barcelona is in – or close to – the city center. During our Barcelona Christmas Trip, we stayed in an Airbnb Apartment in L’Eixample, Barcelona’s northern neighborhood that was built as an expansion to the old city in the mid-1800s. The wide, tree-lined streets were lit up with holiday lights and Christmas displays decorated trendy shop windows. 

On subsequent Barcelona trips, we stayed at the Hotel Concordia Barcelona in the El Poble-sec district – which lies between Montjuic and the Old Town. The location is ideal for cheap transportation from the airport and within walking distance to the Old Town, Montjuic and the famous Barcelona tapas street. The 4-Star hotel features modern rooms, an outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant and bar.

There are many Barcelona hotels to choose from in. Start your search now for the best Christmas Barcelona accommodations on Booking.com or check out these top-rated hotels (based on guest reviews). Catalonia Magdalenes | Hotel The Serras | Hotel Casa Camper

Top Tip: We share more accommodation tips in our Guide To Booking The Best Hotels.

What To Pack For Your Trip to Barcelona, Spain

Our final tips cover what to pack for your Christmas trip to Barcelona. You can find more advice on our Packing Tips page – and be sure to grab your FREE Packing Checklist! 

 

The Right Shoes

Don’t forget to pack a pair of lightweight and comfortable walking shoes for travel. I (Sarah) have traveled with these shoes by Columbia. Kris prefers wearing these trail shoes by Merrell.

 

Travel Camera

We’re certain you’ll be snapping tons of photos during your Spain trip. Rather than relying on your mobile phone to capture the sights, upgrade to an actual camera for high quality photos. We travel with a Canon Rebel (which takes amazing photos) and a Canon PowerShot ELPH (which takes beautiful pictures and is a slim and lightweight budget camera).

 

Barcelona Map and Guidebook for Spain

It’s easy to get turned around or lost in any new destination! Be sure to have a good city map and/or guidebook prior to arriving in Spain.

 

Day Pack for Travel to Europe

Whether you travel with a backpack or suitcase, you will certainly want a great day pack to organize and secure all of your essential travel items.

 

European Trip Insurance

Trip insurance can be useful for all kinds of travel mishaps – from lost luggage to cancelled trips to getting sick abroad. If you haven’t already obtained insurance for your vacation to Spain, consider the policies and coverage with World Nomads.

 

Start planning your trip to Spain! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing!  Want more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!

 

We want to know: Have you spent Christmas in Barcelona? What would you add to our list of things to do in Barcelona at Christmas? Tell us in the comments!

 

 

Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board.