Let’s get ready for Christmas in Barcelona!
Christmas in Barcelona, like any major city, has its own set of wonderful traditions, locations and customs. The Christmas markets, lights, gifts… Christmas truly is one of the most magical times of the year to visit. Here, we want to show you some of the best things to see and do in Barcelona at this time of year so you can make the most of your stay in the city. Ready for some surprises?
Christmas markets in Barcelona
Exploring the city’s Christmas markets can be a great way to enjoy an afternoon or evening in the city where you can get all your holiday gifts. One of the oldest markets in the city is Fira de Santa Llúcia. This particular Christmas market has been held on the same site since 1789, although it has changed a bit over the years. Since its early days, it has come to Barcelona Cathedral at this time of year and now has around 280 stalls selling various figurines, decorations and handmade gifts.
Although it’s not the only market in the city, strolling through the Gothic Quarter and discovering all the different stalls is a great way to build up to Christmas in Barcelona. Fira de Santa Llúcia opens on 29 November and you can visit all the way up to 23 December.
At Sagrada Familia, you’ll also find one of the city’s most famous Christmas markets, Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Familia. This market is held on exactly the same dates as Fira de Santa Lucia. Another great Christmas market in Barcelona is Feria de Reyes de la Gran Vía, which takes place between 19 December and 6 January.
Another great option to enjoy Christmas in the city is exploring Feria de Navidad at Port Vell, from 5 December until 5 January, which can be found just in front of the Colombus Monument and is part of the events marking the 150th anniversary of the Port of Barcelona.
Christmas lights
If anything marks the start of the Christmas season and gets us all in the spirit of the holidays, it’s the big Christmas lights switch-on. Barcelona doesn’t just have miles upon miles of amazing Christmas decorations and lights along its main avenues and squares, it’s also home to dozens of great Christmas trees across the city! The lights are officially switched on between 28 November and 6 January 2020.
Christmas in Barcelona: nativity scenes
Close to the Fira de Santa Llúcia market, you’ll find one of the most famous manger scenes during Christmas in Barcelona, the Plaza de Sant Jaume Nativity Scene. Here, you’ll find a wonderful representation of the birth of Jesus and, along with it, lots of different figures made of various materials.
You’ll find these scenes scattered throughout the city, but the one at Sant Jaume is by far the most well-known. A great way to see Christmas in the city if you’re wondering what to do in Barcelona.
Enjoy some chocolate con churros
If you need a break after all that Christmas shopping, a delicious chocolate con churros is sure to go down well and warm you up when you’re enjoying Christmas in Barcelona. There are so many great places to enjoy chocolate con churros in the city, though some of the classics include Granja Dulcinea, PetritxolXocoa, Granja Pallaresa and Granja M. Viader.
Christmas ice skating rinks in Barcelona
Ice skating can be a great activity to enjoy in Barcelona during the festive period. What’s more, if you’re tired of exploring all the lights, decorations and markets, ice skating can help you switch off and have some fun, whether you’re a pro or a total novice.
The city is home to several ice rinks at this time of year, including those at Illa Diagonal, Barça, Skating Club Barcelona and Kaliu Park. Throw yourself in and enjoy one of the most fun ways to spend Christmas in Barcelona.
Poble Espanyol at Christmas
Spending a day exploring Poble Espanyol is a wonderful thing to do at any time of year, but especially during Christmas in Barcelona. At this time of year, Poble Espanyol transforms into a Christmas scene where both adults and children alike can have the time of their lives, with activities and workshops for all ages, and even a quick visit from Father Christmas himself, giving our littlest guests the chance to hand him their letters.
There’s also live music, great food and drink and a roller disco, among lots of other fun ways to enjoy the holiday season. Discover all the activities on offer at Poble Espanyol at Christmas.
New Year’s in Barcelona
In Barcelona, the arrival of another new year is always celebrated with some amazing New Year’s Eve events. The biggest and best take place on Avenida María Cristina, where you’ll find the Magic Fountain of Monjuïc. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy an amazing show of music, lights and fireworks, as well as the spectacular fountain performance to welcome 2020 with a bang.
These are just some of our favourite ways to celebrate Christmas in Barcelona, but the city has so much more to offer, especially at this time of year, so come and discover everything Barcelona has to offer! You can enjoy the beauty of Barcelona all year round, but there’s no time quite like Christmas to enjoy all the magic on show.
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