When we decided to spend Christmas in Barcelona, Spain, we had so many questions.
Are there fun things to do in Barcelona in December? Do they have Christmas trees in Spain? How is the winter weather in Barcelona? The answers are: Yes, yes and pretty spectacular!
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We arrived a few days before the holiday so that we could experience all the magic of the season – and we reveled in the merriment.
From visiting historic churches to shopping at Christmas markets to learning about odd Barcelona Christmas traditions, we jumped right in and celebrated Catalan style!
It was our first trip to the city – so in addition to experiencing all of the best things to do in Barcelona at Christmas, we carved out time for exploring top sights on foot and devouring a plethora of tasty tapas.
If – like us – it’s your first time to the city, be sure to read our 3-Day Barcelona Itinerary for trip planning tips!
Why Spend Christmas in Barcelona, Spain
When planning our trip to Barcelona over Christmas, we wanted to make sure we got a full dose of holiday cheer – and we most certainly did!
We believe it’s one of the Best Places in Europe for Christmas due to the mild climate, festive corners and quirky regional customs. That said, it’s a good idea to set expectations.
Barcelona Christmas celebrations are full of holly jolly festiveness, but they are far from the extravagant Xmas markets that you will find in Frankfurt, Germany or Vienna, Austria.
Our Barcelona Christmas trip was a relaxed affair that was highlighted by the sights and the sounds of the season.
12 Unmissable Barcelona Christmas Experiences
We ushered in the holiday spirit with all the best Christmassy things to do in Barcelona in December. Now, we have compiled a list of the experiences that are not to be missed!
As we were actually there on the 25th of December, we have a few tips on what to do on Christmas Day, too.
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Barcelona Christmas Guide for your Spain trip!
#1 See the Best Barcelona Christmas Lights & Decorations
We were dazzled by the Barcelona Christmas decorations that hung over wide boulevards and illuminated narrow lanes. They immediately got us in the spirit!
Without a doubt, strolling the streets under the glow of holiday lights is one of the best things to do in Barcelona in December.
Although shimmering lights brighten nearly the entire city center, we found our favorite light displays on La Rambla and in the Gothic Quarter.
As the sun sets at about 5:30pm, we had plenty of time to roam and find the best decorations both before and after dinner.
If you would rather a local guide lead the way, you can join this popular guided walking tour that weaves through the city to the prime twinkling displays.
You can also enjoy the Christmas season in Barcelona on an evening Xmas Lights Bus Tour. The 1.5-hour ride on the double-decker, open-air bus features a magical ambiance along with top sights.
Private Christmas Light Tours are also available by Tuk Tuk, which can be romantic for couples visiting Barcelona.
The Christmas lights in Barcelona are switched on at the end of November and stay lit through the first week of January.
#2 Marvel at Barcelona Nativity Scenes
With strong religious ties, it’s not surprising that one of the prominent Barcelona holiday symbols is the Nativity scene.
Called Pessebre in Catalan, the manger scenes are displayed in all of the churches in Barcelona. You will also find them on vibrant squares and placed in cheerful holiday markets.
It’s one of the most recognizable and best Barcelona, Spain Christmas decorations – and we feel it’s worth getting an up-close look.
The city’s most elaborate manger is the Nativity scene in Placa Sant Jaume Square by the Barcelona Town Hall. It was, by far, our favorite.
The unique floating crib scene at the Port Velle Fair is worth checking out, too.
#3 Look for the Best Barcelona Christmas Tree
Like in destinations around the world, Christmas trees are prevalent in Barcelona during December. In fact, they are pretty difficult to miss!
That said, when you visit Barcelona at Christmas time, there are a few trees you should make a point to see.
The evergreen at Town Hall in Sant Jaume Square is often touted as one of the best Barcelona Christmas trees.
The Port Velle Market Fair is known for hosting the biggest Christmas Tree in Barcelona. However, our favorite is the one on Place Catalunya on Portal del Angel Street!
#4 Visit La Sagrada Familia at Xmas
Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia is one of the top attractions in Barcelona – and it’s even more magnificent during the holidays.
The still unfinished church boasts a mishmash of classic religious symbols mixed with a Modernism flair. And that’s just how they celebrate Christmas, too!
Their December schedule is brimming with themed kids’ activities, concerts and choirs. (Note that a ticket is required and there are separate tickets for events, so be sure to book in advance!).
A favorite wintertime activity at La Sagrada Familia is the Nativity Façade Light Show. The narrated story plays out on the church’s west wall in the days just before Christmas – and it’s free to watch.
Of course, services are free to attend, as well. They host a special evening mass on Christmas Eve that is fun for children. Find all the event and mass times on the official website.
#5 Check Off Your Christmas List at Fira de Nadal
Officially called “Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Familia”, the winter market has been an annual event since 1962.
With nearly 100 stalls positioned on the west side of the famous church, we think it’s one of the best Christmas markets in Barcelona.
The festive bazaar is the perfect place to pick up one-of-a-kind presents – like ornaments, children’s toys and classic treats.
The La Sagrada Familia Christmas Market is also a prime place to purchase a build-your-own Nativity set.
Vendors sell everything from miniature manager pieces to elaborate scenes complete with running water and flickering lights.
#6 Buy a Figurine at Fira de Santa Llucia Christmas Market
The La Catedral Christmas Market in Barcelona is the city’s oldest holiday fair.
It occupies Cathedral Square, sitting under the soaring spires and menacing gargoyles that decorate the Barcelona Cathedral façade.
The market is, without a doubt, the place to purchase one of the iconic and bewildering Barcelona Christmas figurines: The Caganer.
One of the peculiar Barcelona Christmas traditions, the Caganer is rooted in fertility, but somewhere along the way it has taken on an odd twist.
The first time we saw the Barcelona Caganer, we didn’t believe the figurines were seriously supposed to be included in Holy Nativity sets.
Literally meaning, ‘The Crapper,’ the squatting, dropped-drawers, defecating fellow is most often depicted smoking a pipe.
As Christmas traditions in Barcelona keep twisting, now there are modern variations of the Nativity crapper. This includes famous people, like US Presidents, rock stars 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!
#7 Celebrate with Caga Tio
The Caga Tio de Nadal – or Uncle Christmas – is another one of the mind-bending Barcelona traditions at Christmas that had us shaking our heads.
Originating as gifts of light and heat from burning wood, today Caga Tio Christmas logs have become an unusual custom for kids.
The logs are adorned with smiley faces and given legs and a Santa hat – but that is not the strange part.
What makes the Caga Tio a quirky Barcelona holiday tradition is what happens after they are brought home.
In the days leading up to December 25, the children of the household take care of the smiling log, by ‘feeding’ it.
Then for Christmas, they beat it with a stick so that it will poo out presents. Kids even sing a little jingle to encourage the log to bear gifts.
Although we are far from comprehending this tradition (ok, we didn’t try very hard), we couldn’t resist buying a small Caga Tio as a souvenir.
We, however, refrained from burning or beating it, so alas, no presents for us!
#8 Have Fun at Port Vell Christmas Market
The Fira de Nadal del Port Vell is one of the fun and modern Barcelona, Spain Christmas Markets. More of a winter fair than a Xmas market, it’s a vibrant December event.
Located right on the water at Moll de la Fusta near the Christopher Columbus Statue, the brightly lit fair features amusement park rides, a Ferris Wheel and a gigantic LED-lit holiday tree.
There are also plenty of food stalls cooking up festive dishes and pop-up bars mixing delicious drinks. This festival typically runs from late November through the first week of January.
#9 Shop at Pop Up Barcelona Christmas Markets
One of the things we liked best about visiting Barcelona in December was the unexpected pop-up markets that we stumbled onto while sightseeing.
Wandering the streets, we would stumble upon quaint squares and city parks hosting a cluster of holiday huts selling artisan goods. We found handmade scarves, cured meat, local cheeses and homemade breads.
At some markets, vendors sold piping hot churros and chocolate, alongside festive beverages – making it all the merrier!
We happened on these markets by chance, but there is one regularly scheduled food artisan market that we missed: Fira del Col·lectiu d’Artesans de l’Alimentació in Plaça Santa Maria del Pi.
Taking place on the first and third weekends of the month, we think this market would be a wonderful place to do a little Christmas shopping in Barcelona!
#10 Savor Holiday Meals and Xmas Treats
One of the best things about a Barcelona Christmas break is the holiday fare! Visitors can snack on roasted chestnuts, unique sweets and various chocolate creations.
We highly recommend sampling escudella, the beloved Catalan Christmas stew (which is typically consumed on Xmas Day) and cannelloni stuffed with meat (which is popular on December 26th).
For something sweet, be sure to try Turron; it’s a specialty in Barcelona during the holidays.
The best place to buy the delicious almond-and-honey nougat is at Torrons i Dolcos La Campana (map), where they have been creating the confections since 1890.
#11 Sing Along with the Magic Fountain
The Magic Fountain in Barcelona is a must-see, year-round attraction. Located on Placa de Carles Buigas in Montjuic, it puts on a show with dancing water synchronized to music.
It’s quite the spectacle – and it is even better during the month of December when the light and music show features classic Christmas carols and festive holiday tunes.
The water show takes place on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 8pm until 9pm. You can check the official chorography schedule for the latest updates.
#12 Experience the Best Christmas Activities
Barcelona vacations are enhanced with a full line up of activities in December. It’s best to plan ahead, as ticketed events often sell out.
From Christmas carols to Flamenco dancing, Barcelona is alive and buzzing with music throughout the holiday season.
The Els Llums de Sant Pau Christmas Garden Light Show is a relatively new December event, so we haven’t actually been ourselves. It’s said to be an incredible sensory experience that truly shines. More details.
In the past, ice skating rinks have popped up around the city, inviting visitors to glide, twirl and whirl in the festive atmosphere. Unfortunately, we have not been able to confirm any outdoor rinks for this year.
What To Expect in Barcelona on Christmas Day
If you are spending the holidays in Barcelona, we wish you a Bon Nadal (that’s Merry Christmas in Catalan).
Christmas Day in Barcelona is usually celebrated with mass and a big lunch at home with family. Many attractions are closed, as are most restaurants, cafes and bars.
Barcelona Christmas Mass
Attending Christmas mass at one of the famous Barcelona churches is an epic way to celebrate the holiday.
Christmas Eve in Barcelona often culminates with Midnight Mass at the Cathedral – and we feel it is a must-do! The special service is called the Missa del Gall – or Mass of the Rooster.
The Christmas Eve Mass at La Sagrada Familia is usually earlier in the evening – but they have Christmas Day services, as well.
Midnight Mass at Santa Maria del Mar is said to be absolutely superb. With exquisite acoustics and a special choir performance of the medieval ‘Cant de la Sibil-la’, we think it would be incredibly memorable!
What To Do in Barcelona on Christmas Day
As most attractions are closed, we planned an outdoor adventure. We also stocked up on plenty of food (and wine!) ahead of time.
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 streets under the glow of the lights.
Barcelona Christmas Swim
One of the fun Christmas in Barcelona traditions is watching (or participating) in the 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 for the Xmas Day event!
Christmas Lunch in Barcelona
Eating a hearty Christmas lunch is must! While most restaurants are closed, a few select eateries stay open. Just be sure to make reservations far in advance!
We think Flaherty’s Pub would be a fun place to enjoy a traditional Irish holiday meal. The feast comes with all the fixings – including roasted turkey, potatoes and Christmas pudding.
Christmas Dinner
A few more restaurants are open for dinner than for lunch – but booking is still essential if you want to ensure you get a seat. You can see some of the establishments that will be open here.
We waited until just a few days before Christmas to make holiday dinner plans – so naturally, there was nothing available.
Instead, we pre-ordered special Christmas meals prepared by Mas Gourmets at the famous La Boqueria Market and celebrated our feast with friends in our Airbnb!
Post-Christmas Barcelona Festivities
Here’s one of the best things about Xmas in Barcelona: The fun continues until January 6! If you are lucky enough to be staying in the city during the 12 days of Christmas, take note of these dates.
Dia de Sant Esteve – December 26
This is the Day of Saint Steve, which is observed in Catalonia as a bank holiday. That means many places will be closed, so keep this in mind if you are staying in Barcelona between Christmas and New Year.
The day is usually spent hanging out with family and eating cannelloni (typically made from leftovers).
Home dels Nassos – December 31 (Daytime)
Another crazy Catalan tradition, Home dels Nassos, occurs during the day on December 31.
According to legend, there is a man who has 365 noses – and he loses one each day of the year. At the end of the year, he can finally be seen and children are sent out into the streets in search of him.
A competitive 10K race – called Cursa del Nassos – is a spin-off event and an energetic way to end the year!
Barcelona New Year’s Eve (Night)
The Barcelona New Year celebration occurs in Placa d’Espanya and along Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina.
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.
Night clubs will then open their doors to ring in the New Year with a celebration that continues until dawn.
Three Kings Parade – 5 and 6 January
January 6 is the Day of the Epiphany – or the 12th Day of Christmas. This is when many children receive their presents, rather than on December 25th.
The Three Kings (or Reyes Magos) traditionally bring the gifts. They make the journey the night before, reaching the port on the 5th of January. Children excitedly await their presents the following afternoon.
On the eve of the Epiphany (at about 6pm), there is a Three Kings Parade, which is primarily for children. It is also called the 12th Night Procession (La Cabalgata de Reyes Magos in Spanish or La Cavalcada de Reis Mags d’Orient in Catalan).
Travel Tips for Christmas: Barcelona, Spain
We have highlighted the top things to do, but there is so much more to planning a Christmas Barcelona trip.
If this is your first trip to Europe (or first in awhile), start with our Top Tips For Planning a European Vacation.
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 nothing falls through the cracks!
Which is Better at Christmas: Barcelona or Madrid?
Trying to decide whether to spend Christmas in Barcelona or Madrid? We’ve grappled with this choice, too. Both are full of holiday cheer – so we can’t really pick one over the other.
We do believe that Madrid at Christmastime is excellent for shopping and museums. Plus, Madrid for NYE can be legendary (but only if you avoid our mistakes!).
How To Get to Barcelona
During the Barcelona Xmas season, the city welcomes flights from all major European destinations, as well as select US cities.
Read our Tips for Finding Flight Deals, then start your search for the best flights with the lowest fares to BCN on Skyscanner.
Where To Stay in Barcelona for Christmas
During our trip to Barcelona for Xmas, we stayed in an Airbnb Apartment in the beautiful L’Eixample district. We loved how the wide, tree-lined streets were lit with holiday lights.
On another trip, we stayed at the Hotel Concordia Barcelona in El Poble-sec. The location of the 4-star hotel is ideal – plus it features modern rooms and an on-site restaurant and bar.
Looking for something else? Use our money-saving Hotel Hacks to find your ideal place to stay!
What To Pack For Your Trip to Barcelona
Our final tips cover what to pack for your Christmas trip to Barcelona. So grab our FREE Checklist and then let’s get you to Spain!
Versatile Shoes: Pack a pair of lightweight and comfortable walking shoes for travel.
Weather Gear: Winters in Barcelona are generally mild, but you will still want to pack a winter coat – plus gloves and a hat.
Travel Camera: We shoot with a Canon Rebel, which takes amazing photos and is an excellent budget camera.
Anti-Theft Day Pack: Use a zippered day bag to avoid the city’s problematic pickpockets.
Trip Insurance: This can be useful for all kinds of travel mishaps – from lost luggage to cancelled flights to getting sick abroad. Check rates 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 additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Spain Itinerary Ideas
Need help planning your vacation to Spain? Check out our One-Week Spain Itinerary, that also includes stops in Madrid and Seville!
Visiting Northern Spain, too? Great! Get started with our Basque Country Itinerary and our guide to San Sebastian Pintxos. If you want to check out an underrated gem, head for Santander!
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