Christmas is here and so is the end of the year, you know where to spend it and what to do.
The best markets, traditions and parties during these holidays.
We already have the official agenda updated.
You can not miss the Santa Llúcia fair, or the traditional Christmas stalls.
do you know who is Tió and El Caganer?
The Caganer together with the Tió de Nadal are two typical Catalan traditions that you will find at Christmas in Barcelona
what are the Catalan traditions at Christmas?
where is the best place to say goodbye to 2023 and welcome 2024?
where and how are the fireworks that welcome the new year?
We’ll explain it all here, when all the official dates, times and locations are published.
Remember that Can you drink in public in Barcelona, yes or not?
The basic and perfect route to enjoy Christmas and the New Year
- Stroll through the stalls of the Santa Llúcia fair, with the exhibition of Christmas trees and ornaments for the house, all in front of the Cathedral of Barcelona.
- In Plaça Catalunya and next to the Santa Llúcia fair are stalls of traditional items and popular handicrafts.
- Behind the Cathedral you have Pl. Sant Jaume where the town hall represents a Christmas nativity scene, different every year.
- If it is at night, you can stay to enjoy the Maping movie on the facades of the City Hall and the Generalitat.
- To end the year and welcome 2024, nothing better than going to the Avinguda de l’Exposizion in Montjuic to enjoy a pyromusical and fireworks.
Christmas Market
Santa Llucia
The Santa Lucia Market is the oldest Christmas market in Barcelona and dates back to the 18th century. It is located in the square in front of the Cathedral of Barcelona.
- The market takes place every day from the end of November until December 23 and is open from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm.
- All the stalls sell traditional Christmas decorations, such as trees, mistletoe, figures and accessories for nativity scenes, as well as caganers and cagatios.
- There are also several stalls selling handcrafted items such as jewelry, ornaments and other gifts.
Sagrada Familia
The Sagrada Familia Christmas Market is held in the park next to the basilica and also takes place from the end of November until December 23.
- Opening hours are from 10:00 to 21:00 on weekdays and from 10:00 to 22:00 on weekends, holidays and holiday eves.
- It is somewhat smaller than the Fira de Santa Llucia and has a more local character.
- In addition to Christmas decorations, there are also stalls selling traditional winter snacks, such as roasted chestnuts, roasted sweet potatoes, xurros and hot chocolate.
Port Vell
Barcelona’s newest Christmas market, the Fira de Nadal del Port Vell, takes place from the first weekend of December until January 5.
- Located in the Plaça del Portal de la Pau, near the Columbus Monument, the Fira de Nadal del Port Vell is open every day from December 5 to January 6.
- Hours vary, but roughly speaking you can expect the fair to be open every day from 11.00 to 22.30.
- In addition to food stalls, there is a large Ferris wheel, a 31 m high LED Christmas tree, a floating nativity scene, craft workshops and activities for children and teenagers, as well as a traditional carousel.
Reis
The main day for giving and receiving gifts in Spain is Three Kings Day (January 6).
- The Fira de Reis is celebrated from December 17 to January 6. Opening hours are from 11:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 21:00.
- The Fira de Reis is located on Gran Via, between Plaza de la Universitat and Comte Borell street. Most of the stalls sell children’s toys and other gifts. There are also xurrerías selling fresh xurros and hot chocolate.
Christmas Lights
Major Christmas Light Displays: Venture to Plaza de Cataluña and its neighboring districts to witness some of Barcelona’s most notable light displays. The Corte Inglés department store in the square is famous for its elaborate decorations.
Next to the Corte Inglés is the Ronda de Sant Pere. Although smaller in scale than some of the streets discussed in this article, its light displays are truly remarkable.
Elegant light displays can also be found in prominent hotels such as the Hotel Majestic on Paseo de Gracia.
Portal de l’Àngel, located next to Plaça de Catalunya, is one of Barcelona’s most famous shopping streets, and creates a warm and welcoming Christmas atmosphere with its luminous displays.
La Rambla, which stretches with a radiant glow, is adorned with lights along its entire length. Each year, the theme of the lights varies, providing an element of anticipation and surprise for visitors.
Around the Mercat de Sant Antoni, you’ll find impressive light installations, some of which incorporate the coat of arms of Catalonia.
Sustainableenergy-powered light displays: In recent times, Barcelona City Council has been striving to employ energy-efficient lighting solutions, minimizing energy waste. Often using small LED lights and harnessing solar energy during the day to illuminate at night, these eco-friendly displays underscore the city’s commitment to sustainability.
Christmas bus tour
This tour offers visitors a magical 90-minute journey through Barcelona’s iconic landmarks, beautifully illuminated with festive decorations. The experience is enriched by the stories behind some much-loved Christmas traditions, with a selected playlist of Christmas songs adding to the ambiance.
The main places visited during the tour are Plaça de Catalunya, Passeig de Gràcia, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, Avinguda del Paral-lel, Sagrada Família Christmas Market, La Pedrera, Casa Batlló, Torre Glòries, Arc de Triomf and Sant Antoni Market.
- This tour is available from November 25 to December 31, with departures twice a day; at 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm. However, on December 24 and 31, there is only one tour at 6:00 pm. The duration of the tour is approximately 90 minutes, and it starts and ends at Plaza de Cataluña.
- Tickets for this tour can be purchased on the Hola Barcelona website, with prices set at €15.00 for adults over 13 years old, €10.00 for children from 4 to 12 years old, and free for children under 4 years old. The bus is wheelchair accessible, has Wi-Fi and is adapted for people withreduced mobility (lower floor) or hearing difficulties.
