Christmas in Barcelona

Spending Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Barcelona is the best way to see the city wrapped in holiday magic. It’s also a time where accommodation prices are lower, so it’s definitely easier to find where to stay in Barcelona at better rates.

Wheather in Barcelona

Barcelona in december is generally sunny and mild, with average temperatures around 12º C (53ºF), so you can experience a Christmas holiday under great weather conditions.

In this article, you’ll find some of the best plans to spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Barcelona during your holidays.

Santa Llúcia Christmas Market

Tió de Nadal, a traditional Christmas character. © Iakov Filimonov/Shutterstock

One of the biggest holiday traditions in Barcelona is the Santa Llúcia Christmas Market, an event held in the Cathedral Square since 1786, the heart of the Gothic Quarter.

To begin with, every product related to Christmas is for sale at the market, from Christmas trees to handmade ornaments, including the ever present nativity scenes, a very traditional ornament in Catalonia.

Works from November 27th to December 23rd. From 10:30 h to 20:30 (monday to thursday) and from 10:30 h to 21:30 (friday, saturday and sunday).

On top of that, you can find several other Christmas markets in Barcelona. One that has been taking place for over 50 years is the Sagrada Familia Christmas market, which is located right in front of the Basilica. With roughly 100 stands, it’s another place to find traditional holiday decorations and sweet treats.

Enjoy the charm of Plaça Catalunya

Nowadays, Plaça Catalunya has become the epicenter of Christmas activities in Barcelona. Several activities take place during the holiday season.

One of them is the stunning light and water show displayed in the fountains of the square. Not to mention dance, circus and theater street shows, as well as games for children and a “wishing forest”, where everyone is invited to write down their holiday wishes and hang them in a tree.

Christmas Shopping

If shopping is your favorite Christmas treat, Black Friday starts on November 25th, along with the inauguration of the Christmas streetlight decorations, with countless stores having significant discounts until the 28th.

Walk along Passeig de Gràcia and Portal de l’Angel to look for the best bargains of the season and mingle in the holiday Barcelona shopping frenzy.

You can also head over to La Roca Village, a designer’s outlet with great discounts

New year’s Eve Party

Barcelona celebrates New Year’s Eve in Plaza España, right next to the Magic Fountain of Montjuic.

Prepare yourself for a stunning spectacle that is open for all ages and doesn’t cost a penny. Live music, fireworks and the traditional human tower will take over the square starting at 23:00.

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