There is still a long way to go before Christmas and the end of the year, but you may already be planning where to spend it and our city is certainly one of the candidates.
The best markets, traditions and parties during nadal
There are no official events or shows yet, but we can take a look at last year’s schedule, because it won’t be much different.
You can’t miss the Santa Llúcia fair, nor the traditional Christmas stalls.
Do you know who Tió is? And The Caganer?
The Caganer together with Tió de Nadal are two typical Catalan traditions that you will find at Christmas in Barcelona
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Where is the best place to say goodbye to 2024 and welcome 2024.
Where and how are the fireworks that usher in the new year?
We will explain everything here, when all the official dates, times and locations are released.
The basic and perfect route to enjoy Christmas and New Year in Barcelona
- Stroll through the stalls of the Santa Llúcia fair, with the exhibition of Christmas trees and decorations around the house, all in front of Barcelona Cathedral.
- In Plaça Catalunya and next to the Santa Llúcia fair there are stalls selling traditional items and popular handicrafts.
- Behind the Cathedral you have Pl. Sant Jaume where the city council performs a Christmas nativity scene, different every year.
- If it’s evening, you can stay and enjoy the Maping film on the facades of the City Hall and Generalitat.
- To end the year and welcome 2024, nothing better than going to the Avinguda de l’Exposizione in Montjuic to enjoy a pyromusical and fireworks.
Christmas Market
Santa Llucia
The Market of Saint Lucia is Barcelona’s oldest Christmas market and dates back to the 18th Century. It is located in the plaza in front of Barcelona Cathedral.
- The market takes place daily from late November until the 23rd of December and is open from 10:00 to 21:00.
- Most of the stalls sell traditional Christmas decorations including trees, mistletoe, figures and accessories for nativity scenes, as well as caganers and cagatios.
- There are also a number of stalls selling handcrafted items such as jewellery, ornaments and other gifts.
Sagrada Família
The Sagrada Familia Christmas Market is held in the park beside the basilica and also takes place from late November until the 23rd of December.
- Opening times are from 10:00 to 21:00 on weekdays and 10:00 to 22:00 at weekends, public holidays and the day before public holidays.
- It is slightly smaller than the Fira de Santa Llucia and has more of a local feel to it.
- In addition to Christmas decorations, there are also stands selling traditional winter snacks such as roast chestnuts, baked 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 in December until the 5th of January.
- Located in La Plaça del Portal de la Pau, near to the Columbus Monument, the Fira de Nadal del Port Vell is open daily from the 5th of December until the 6th of January.
- Opening times vary, but as a rough guide you can expect the fair to be open daily from 11.00 to 22:30.
- In addition to food stalls, there’s a big wheel, a 31m high LED Christmas tree, a floating nativity scene, craft workshops and activities for children and teens as well as a traditional carousel.
Reis
The main day for giving and receiving presents in Spain is Kings Day (dia dels Reis Mags) which is January 6th.
- The Fira de Reis runs from December 17th until the 6th of January. Opening times are from 11:00 to 14:00 then 17:00 to 21:00.
- The Fira de Reis is located on Gran Via between Plaça de la Universitat and Carrer Comte Borell. Most of the stalls sell children’s toys and other gifts. There are also xurrerias selling fresh xurros and hot chocolate.
Christmas Lights
In general, when on the quest for Christmas lights, it’s advisable to explore the major shopping districts. However, occasionally, it’s worth embarking on a more adventurous journey to discover other captivating and innovative Christmas light exhibitions.
Principal Christmas Light Exhibitions: Venture to Plaça de Catalunya and its neighboring districts to witness some of Barcelona’s most remarkable light presentations. The Corte Inglés Department Store in the square is renowned for its elaborate decorations.
Adjacent 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 presentations can also be found at prominent hotels like the Hotel Majestic on Passeig de Gràcia.
Portal de l’Angel, located just off Plaça de Catalunya, ranks among Barcelona’s most famous shopping streets, creating a warm and inviting Christmas atmosphere with its luminous displays.
La Rambla, extending with a radiant glow, is adorned with lights throughout its length. Each year, the light theme varies, providing an element of anticipation and surprise for visitors.
Around the Mercat de Sant Antoni, you’ll encounter some impressive light installations, some of which incorporate the Catalonia coat of arms.
Sustainable Energy-Powered Light Displays: In recent times, the Barcelona City Council has made dedicated efforts to employ energy-efficient lighting solutions, minimizing energy wastage. Frequently utilizing small LED lights and harnessing solar energy during the day to illuminate the 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 spots, beautifully illuminated with festive decorations. The experience is enriched with stories behind some cherished Christmas traditions, with a curated playlist of Christmas songs adding to the ambiance.
Major locations visited during the tour include Plaça de Catalunya, Passeig de Gràcia, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, Avinguda de Paral·lel, Sagrada Família Christmas Market, La Pedrera, Casa Batlló, Torre Glòries, Arc de Triomf, and the Sant Antoni Market.
- This tour is available from the 25th of November to the 31st of December, with departures twice a day; at 18:00 h and 20:00 h. However, on the 24th and 31st of December, there’s only one tour at 18:00 h. The duration of the tour is approximately 90 minutes, and it begins and ends at Plaça de Catalunya.
- Tickets for this tour can be purchased from the Hola Barcelona website, with prices set at €15.00 for adults aged 13 and over, €10.00 for children aged 4–12, and free for children under 4. The bus is wheelchair accessible, has Wi-Fi, and is adapted for people with reduced mobility (lower floor) or hearing difficulties.