Christmas is a very special time to visit Barcelona. The city transforms into a sea of lights, and you’ll see beautiful Christmas decorations everywhere. Add some Christmas carols, and the festive atmosphere in the streets of Barcelona is complete!
As a born-and-raised Barceloneta, I have celebrated Christmas in Barcelona many times. That’s why I’ve gathered all my tips about Christmas in Barcelona in this guide, so you’ll know exactly how Christmas is celebrated in the city and all the wonderful things to do during the holiday season.
First published: 09/12/2015 – Last update: 21/11/2024
Experience Christmas in Barcelona
Barcelona is a popular destination for those who want to celebrate Christmas under the sun. The city offers entertainment and fun for everyone and is, especially during Christmas, a magical place. In addition to the Christmas decorations and street lights, there are numerous events, such as Christmas markets and ice skating rinks, to choose from, and you can fully immerse yourself in Spanish Christmas traditions during your visit.
Preparations for a Christmas Trip to Barcelona
If you’re thinking of visiting Barcelona for Christmas, it’s advisable to book your flights and accommodation well in advance, as this is a popular travel time.
Additionally, it’s wise to plan your holiday well: you should take into account different opening hours and that shops, museums, and attractions will be closed during the official holidays.
If you want to dine out, for example, during Christmas Day or Boxing Day, you should also make a reservation, as not all restaurants will be open during the holidays, and if they are open, they are often fully booked.
And to avoid losing time in the queues at various attractions, I finally recommend always getting tickets in advance for your favorite activities. During the holidays, it’s always extra busy at the famous attractions and all Christmas events.
How is Christmas in Barcelona?
Christmas is celebrated exuberantly in Spain, and so in Barcelona. During the Christmas period, Spaniards go all out to celebrate Christmas, with the most beautiful clothes and decorations, the nicest gifts, and the best food. Everywhere there are Christmas lights, nativity scenes, and Christmas trees, children write letters to Santa and the Three Kings, and the Christmas markets and ice skating rinks open their doors. In short, in Barcelona, they know how to celebrate Christmas!
Are you visiting Barcelona for the first time this Christmas season and curious about how the city celebrates the holidays and what fun activities are in store? Keep reading to find out!
Is Barcelona fun at Christmas?
Absolutely! Barcelona is a vibrant city full of interesting and fun places, and especially at Christmas, with all the Christmas decorations, Christmas lights, and Christmas events, it is very much worth the visit.
Although there is no white Christmas in Barcelona, the Christmas spirit is everywhere. Wherever you go, you will see Christmas decorations and lights, shopkeepers will greet you with “felices fiestas” (happy holidays), there is cheerful Christmas music everywhere, and it is great fun to visit the Christmas market or admire the nativity scenes.
Especially with the kids, there is a lot to experience these days: from cozy Christmas markets to real family events. Barcelona is also a very attractive city for shopping and eating well.
Because the winters here are very mild and sunny, you can also enjoy being outdoors and the winter sun to the fullest.
When does Christmas start in Barcelona?
The Christmas season in Barcelona begins with the festive lighting of the Christmas lights and the opening of the Fira de Santa Llúcia Christmas market at the end of November. Many stores also reveal their Christmas window displays around these days.
In most Spanish households, the Christmas tree and nativity scene are set up on December 8, during the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. That’s when the Christmas period really begins!
Spaniards also count the celebrations of New Year’s Eve and Three Kings’ Day as part of the Christmas period, extending Christmas until January 6.
How many Christmas days does Barcelona have?
The Christmas holiday in Spain usually lasts for two weeks, from the last week of December to the first week of January. Only December 25th, December 26th, January 1st, and January 6th are official public holidays.
On official holidays, shops, museums, and attractions are closed. Keep this in mind when planning your visit to Barcelona, and don’t forget to make reservations at restaurants in advance, as not all of them will be open.
When do they turn on the Christmas lights in Barcelona?
Where and when the Christmas lights are turned on in Barcelona varies each year, but it usually happens in the last week of November, often during a special event where the lights are ceremoniously switched on.
This year, the festive lighting event will take place on November 28th at 18:00 on Passeig de Gràcia. From this moment on, all the Christmas lights in the streets of Barcelona will be switched on.
The lights will then be on every day from 17:30 until 22:00-23:00, and this will continue until January 6th.
Where should you be in Barcelona at Christmas?
You can experience the Christmas atmosphere all over the city, but the biggest events, the most beautiful shop windows, and the most enchanting Christmas lights can be found in the center of Barcelona.
One of the highlights is the Fira de Santa Llúcia Christmas market, which takes place annually in front of the Cathedral. The illuminated facade of the El Corte Inglés department store in Plaça de Catalunya is also a must-see, as well as the stunning Christmas lights at Passeig de Gràcia and Portal de l’Àngel. Don’t forget the large Christmas tree and nativity scene at Plaça de Sant Jaume!
Additionally, there are numerous Christmas events and activities for all ages in Barcelona. Popular places to visit during the holidays include Tibidabo Amusement Park, the Poble Espanyol open-air museum, the Old Port where the Nadal al Port Christmas market takes place, and the spectacular light show at the modernist Hospital de Sant Pau complex.
What are the opening hours during Christmas in Barcelona?
Most shops extend their opening hours during Christmas. Especially in the center of Barcelona, you will find shops that are open from 09:00 to 21:00. Even on Sundays, most shops in the center are open during the holidays.
On December 25 and 26 and January 1, the shops are closed.
How warm is it during Christmas in Barcelona?
Barcelonians do not know a white Christmas. Winters in Barcelona are very mild, with temperatures fluctuating between 10 and 15 degrees during the day and almost never falling below freezing.
A thick winter coat is generally unnecessary, but you should bring sunglasses.
What are the Christmas traditions in Spain?
Spaniards have their own Christmas traditions: from placing a nativity scene in their living room to eating turrón and toasting with cava or buying a Christmas lottery ticket.
Most Christmas gifts in Spain, for example, come from the Three Kings, and on New Year’s Eve at exactly 12 o’clock at night, everyone eats 12 grapes, as this is believed to bring luck for the new year.
In Catalonia, we also have a number of – very funny – traditions, such as the pooping figurine in the stable (the caganer) and the laughing log that poops presents (the Tió de Nadal). 🤪
What is eaten at Christmas in Barcelona?
In Barcelona and the wider Catalan region, various traditional dishes are enjoyed during the Christmas season, such as canelons (stuffed cannelloni with béchamel sauce) and escudella i carn d’olla (a hearty soup with shell-shaped pasta).
Of course, typical Spanish treats like turrón (Spanish nougat) and polvorones (Christmas cookies) are a must on the menu during Christmas.
👉 Discover here what Catalans eat at Christmas.
Where can you have a Christmas dinner in Barcelona?
Are you in Barcelona during Christmas or New Year’s Eve and want to dine out? Make sure to reserve a restaurant in advance. Many restaurants are closed during the holidays or get fully booked quickly.
During the Christmas season, many dining establishments offer special Christmas menus, known as menú de Navidad. If you’re traveling with a group, it’s definitely worth asking about group menus (menú para grupos). These menus are specially designed for groups and often offer excellent value for money.
Additionally, there are several restaurants in Barcelona that shine extra bright during the holidays with their festive Christmas decorations. A great recommendation is El Nacional, where you can enjoy not only a delicious dinner but also the beautiful, holiday-decorated interior.
If you are looking for a nice restaurant for a Christmas dinner in Barcelona, check out my favorites on my restaurant page.
What to Do in Barcelona for Christmas
Are you coming to Barcelona this Christmas and want to experience the festive atmosphere in the city? There are several places you definitely shouldn’t miss! Here, I’ll tell you what to do in Barcelona at Christmas, where to enjoy the best Christmas atmosphere, find the best Christmas markets, and experience the most exciting Christmas events.
1. Explore the city and admire the Christmas lights
Barcelona prepares for Christmas by beautifully decorating its streets, buildings, and shop windows. The Christmas decorations are usually revealed at the end of November, often after the festive lighting of the Christmas lights. With this, the Christmas season is officially opened and all Christmas markets open.
Department stores like El Corte Inglés and other shopping centers always boast beautifully decorated shop windows during the Christmas season.
The illuminated Casa Batlló and the decorated Casa Milà also attract a lot of attention at Passeig de Gràcia.
2. Visit the Christmas Markets in Barcelona
Barcelona also has a long tradition of Christmas markets. There, Barcelonians get their Christmas decorations and gifts. In addition to traditional markets such as Fira de Santa Llúcia or the toy market Fira de Reis, there is now also a Christmas market at the port of Barcelona, which contains various attractions for the whole family!
If you’re looking for a nice Christmas market to visit in Barcelona, here are my top recommendations:
- Fira de Santa Llúcia (November 29 – December 23, 2024): The oldest and most famous Christmas market in Barcelona, where all the traditions, such as the Tió de Nadal (Christmas log) and the caganer (pooping figurine), are celebrated. This is the place where locals buy figures for their Christmas nativity scenes and Christmas trees.
- Fira de Nadal a la Sagrada Família (November 23 – December 23, 2024): This traditional Christmas market is held each year in front of the famous Sagrada Família. It’s a charming spot for buying holiday decorations and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
- Fira de Reis de la Gran Via (December 14, 2024 – January 6, 2025): The Gran Via toy market is open until Epiphany (Three Kings’ Day), and it’s the go-to place for locals to buy gifts for their children.
- Nadal al Port (November 29, 2024 – January 6, 2025): The most family-friendly Christmas market in Barcelona, held at the Old Port. Here, you’ll find attractions like a giant Ferris wheel, an ice skating rink, a carousel, and much more fun for all ages.
These markets are the perfect places to soak in the Christmas spirit in Barcelona, offering unique gifts, holiday treats, and plenty of festive activities!
3. Discover the Most Beautiful Christmas Trees
Christmas trees don’t just add festive cheer inside homes, but also throughout the streets and shopping centers of Barcelona. The most spectacular Christmas trees in the city can be found on Portal de l’Àngel, Barcelona’s main shopping street, Port Vell, and Plaça Sant Jaume.
In all these locations, you’ll find towering trees beautifully decorated for Christmas, creating a magical atmosphere to enjoy while strolling through the city.
4. Get to Know the Tradition of the Christmas Nativity Scene
Setting up a nativity scene for Christmas is a tradition that is still done by many families in Spain. In this way, they depict the biblical story of Christmas and the birth of Jesus.
But it doesn’t stop there: nativity scenes are also placed in schools, markets, squares, and churches so that everyone can see them, and in some cases, nativity scenes are even brought to life, the so-called pessebre vivent (living nativity scenes).
It’s interesting to know that in the Catalan version of the nativity scene, a figurine of a pooping shepherd is placed, the caganer, which is supposed to bring prosperity.
During the Christmas season, a visit to the nativity scene at Plaça Sant Jaume is a must. This nativity scene is a popular attraction and because it looks different every year, it always attracts a lot of attention.
But the nativity scene at Plaça Sant Jaume is certainly not the only one worth seeing! Here is a list of the most beautiful nativity scenes in Barcelona:
- Nativity scene at Plaça Sant Jaume: the quintessential nativity scene of Barcelona, with a different design every year that always causes a lot of excitement.
- Nativity scene at the Cathedral: in the cloister of the cathedral of Barcelona, a large nativity scene is always set up. Equally interesting is the nativity scene placed in the nearby Museu Frederic Marès. Both nativity scenes are very traditional.
- Nativity scene at Nadal al Port: for a more modern version of the nativity scene, visit the glowing and sea-floating nativity scene placed at the port in Barcelona.
- Nativity scene at the Sagrada Família: in addition to special Christmas lighting, the famous Sagrada Família also has a nativity scene! You can find it at the entrance to the crypt and it’s free to visit between 17:00 and 20:00.
5. Do Your Christmas Shopping
During the Christmas days, the shopping streets and centers of Barcelona are flooded with consumers looking for nice gifts. Shops even open several Sundays in December to meet demand (the three Sundays before Christmas).
The decorated streets and shop windows create an extra festive ambiance and make shopping for gifts even more fun, although it can be very busy at times.
Some shops that are extra fun to visit at Christmas are:
- Käthe Wohlfahrt (Carrer dels Banys Nous, 15): this Christmas shop, with a rebuilt German village in Christmas attire, is the place to buy Christmas balls in Barcelona. Here you will find all kinds of Christmas decorations, even Christmas balls from the Sagrada Família or a caganer, and you can buy mulled wine and gingerbread cookies. This Christmas shop is open all year round.
- El Corte Inglés (Plaça de Catalunya, 14): at this Spanish shop you can stock up on all your Christmas gifts: from clothing and shoes to cosmetics, jewelry, books, and toys. The Christmas department of El Corte Inglés is also recommended these days.
- Lego Store (Passeig de Gràcia, 9): check out the largest Lego Store in Spain, where you will find, among other things, a rebuilt Park Güell and Sagrada Família made of Lego bricks. Here you can also find and buy all kinds of Lego games.
- Drim (Centre Comercial Glòries, Avinguda Diagonal, 208): another address for getting toys for the little ones are the Drim toy stores. This branch has the nice extra of a huge Ferris wheel inside the store!
- Turrons Vicens (Carrer de Petritxol, 15): throughout the city, you will find Turrons Vicens stores where the Christmas delicacy par excellence, turrón, is sold in all sorts and flavors. The ideal souvenir to take home!
👉 Discover here where you can shop in Barcelona.
In addition, various markets and events are held in the days before Christmas where one can buy original and handmade gifts, from art to foodstuffs. Some renowned markets for searching for gifts (or just to browse around) are BCN Makers, Algodonera Market Lab, and Palo Alto Market.
Charity markets are also organized in Barcelona. Don’t miss, for example, the Fira de Consum Responsable i d’Economia Social i Solidària at Plaça de Catalunya, the Christmas Market Solidari at Casa Capell, or the Mercat solidari de Pedralbes.
6. Go Ice Skating
During the Christmas season, several ice rinks open up in Barcelona, providing plenty of fun for all ages. Many of these ice rinks are located at large shopping centers, such as L’Illa Diagonal and La Maquinista, where you can lace up your skates right after doing some holiday shopping.
You can also skate at charming locations like Tibidabo amusement park, where you’ll be gliding on ice with a spectacular view of the city. Additionally, during special Christmas events like Nadal al Port (at the Old Port) and Llums de Sant Pau (at the illuminated Hospital de Sant Pau), ice rinks are also set up, offering a magical winter experience in beautiful settings.
These ice rinks make the holiday season in Barcelona even more special, creating unforgettable moments for families, couples, and friends.
7. Enjoy a Christmas Concert
Barcelona is known for its incredible music scene, and Christmas is no exception! Several iconic venues, such as Sagrada Família, Gran Teatre del Liceu, and Palau de la Música Catalana, host Christmas concerts throughout the season. The highlight is the Sant Esteve Concert on December 26 at the Palau de la Música.
Additionally, you’ll hear Christmas carols in many shops and along popular shopping streets. Don’t miss the free Nadales (Christmas Carols) concert, which takes place every year at Plaça del Rei. This year, it will be on January 4 at 7:30 PM – a perfect way to end your holiday visit with some festive music.
8. Watch a Traditional Christmas Show
Many theaters in the city also hold special (child-friendly) performances around the Christmas story.
Very typical of these days is the theater performance of Els Pastorets, which tells the story of the shepherds from Bethlehem who go to visit the newborn baby Jesus.
Also, at the central Plaça de Catalunya, there’s a stage where fun performances for the little ones can be seen daily.
9. Attend a Christmas Mass
During the holiday season, Barcelona’s churches host several special Christmas services, with the highlight being the Misa del Gallo – the midnight mass on Christmas Eve.
One of the most unique experiences is the Cant de la Sibil·la, a medieval Gregorian chant sung during the Misa del Gallo in iconic locations such as the Cathedral of Barcelona, the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, or the Church of La Bonanova. This ancient chant, which foretells the end of the world, is an awe-inspiring tradition that adds a special touch to the Christmas celebrations in the city.
Another stunning place to celebrate Christmas is the Sagrada Família, where you’ll find beautiful Christmas lights adorning the Nativity Façade, along with a festive concert that adds to the holiday magic.
Attending one of these special services provides a deeply cultural and spiritual way to experience Christmas in Barcelona.
10. Enjoy Christmas Shows and Other Events
Every year, Barcelona hosts a wide variety of festivals and events to celebrate Christmas, from a Christmas circus to a light festival or even a small winter wonderland for children.
Here’s a list of the key Christmas events you shouldn’t miss:
- Els Llums de Sant Pau (21 November 2024 – 12 January 2025): The largest light festival in Barcelona takes place annually in the stunning gardens of the historic Hospital de Sant Pau. This event combines spectacular light shows with the impressive architecture of the old hospital, creating an enchanting and magical atmosphere. Get yourtickets here.
- Festival de Nadal a la plaça de Catalunya (20 – 30 December 2024): The central Plaça de Catalunya is transformed into a winter paradise, featuring activities and performances for the whole family, as well as a solidarity market where you can buy gifts.
- Tibidabo Amusement Park (23 November 2024 – 5 January 2025): Tibidabo celebrates Christmas in style with special shows, cooking workshops, and even an ice skating rink!
- Circ Raluy (20 December 2024 – 2 March 2025): This circus sets up each year at Port Vell in Barcelona, bringing the magic of the circus to the city.
- Poble Espanyol (30 November 2024 – 5 January 2025): Poble Espanyol’s Christmas event gives children the chance to meet Santa and the Three Kings, while enjoying the entire village decorated in a festive theme.
- Festival de la Infància (27 – 31 December 2024): This is the ultimate kids’ festival during the holidays in Barcelona, where children can play and enjoy endless activities.
- Nadal a Casa Seat (28 November 2024 – 5 January 2025): Casa Seat gets beautifully decorated during the Christmas period and hosts a series of special events in a charming setting.
- Cavalcada de Reis (Three Kings Parade on 5 January): One of Barcelona’s biggest Christmas traditions is the parade in honor of the Three Kings on 5 January. It’s one of the most spectacular events of the holiday season, where the three kings march through the city in colorful costumes, throwing sweets and small gifts to children. This magical event is not to be missed, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Read more about the Three Kings celebration here.
These events add even more festive cheer to the magical atmosphere of Christmas in Barcelona, making it the perfect destination to create lasting holiday memories!
Tip: Are you coming to Barcelona for New Year’s Eve? Check out my tips here!
Good to Know
- Those visiting Barcelona during Christmas should inform themselves about the opening hours of museums, attractions, and restaurants they plan to visit.
- On official public holidays, all shops in Barcelona are closed except for the Maremagnum shopping center, which is open 365 days a year.
- Most restaurants in the city center remain open during the holidays, but due to extra crowds, it may be difficult to get a table, so booking in advance is recommended.
- The Christmas lights are on from the end of November until January 6.
- In Spain, not only Christmas is celebrated with gifts and lavish feasts, but also Three Kings Day.
These were my tips for Christmas in Barcelona. If you’re in Barcelona this Christmas, or have visited Barcelona during the Christmas period, leave a comment! I’d love to hear about your experience. And if you have any questions about celebrating Christmas in Barcelona, feel free to leave a comment. Bon Nadal!
