Christmas in Barcelona Spain: Complete Local Guide 2024/2025
Christmas in Barcelona Spain is a truly magical time of year. I’ve been living in the city for years now, and it’s one of my favorite times to be here.
The weather cools down to such a nice temperature – perfect for exploring all the unique Catalan traditions and festivals that you can only get during the holiday season.
It’s definitely different than celebrating Christmas back home in America, but that makes it all the more special. If you’re considering checkin Barcelona during Christmas, I can’t recommend it enough!
There are plenty of festive events, parades, light displays, markets, and much more making it an unforgettable experience.
Here’s everything you need to know about Christmas in Barcelona – from the unique traditions and festivals to the incredible markets that pop up throughout the city.
About Christmas in Barcelona 2024/2025
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, but Christmas in Barcelona is truly a magical experience. While there are plenty of standard Christmas traditions that are celebrated throughout the rest of the world, Catalan culture adds some of its own, resulting in a unique and festive holiday season.
Barcelona is brimming with holiday cheer from the end of November through 6th January – which is a bit different than you might be used to if you’re coming from the United States!
This is when presents are exchanged on Three Kings Day, finalizing the end of the holiday season. During this period, streets are adorned with bright Christmas lights and seasonal vendors.
Christmas markets, known as firas, are plentiful and are a must do for visitors and locals alike. Shops are filled with “turrones”, a popular holiday treat made with honey, sugar, egg whites, and almonds. Plenty of parades and popup events can be found throughout the city and joyful holiday music is never too far off.
With so many options during this period, how to choose? We’re here to give you the lowdown on how to make the most of your holiday trip to Barcelona and all the important Catalan traditions.
Barcelona Christmas Traditions
1. Caga Tio
Caga Tío id one of the most charming, and unique, Catalan Christmas traditions. Also known as the pooping log. The pooping log is a wooden log with a painted face and a red hat that sits in homes and businesses throughout the season.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, children feed the log with fruits, nuts, and sweets. On Christmas Eve, the children gather once again to sing traditional songs while hitting the log with sticks.
Upon the completion of the song, (after that log has taken a proper beating) small gifts and treats are uncovered from inside the log – symbolizing the poop of tio.
Caga Tio’s can be found throughout Barcelona between Christmas and New Years. A giant one is typically on display near the Santa Llucia market near Placa Nova.
2. The Caganer Barcelona Tradition
As if one holiday tradition involving poop was not enough, allow me to introduce the Caganer. No house can go without a nativity scene, nor can they go without the caganer.
The caganer is typically a small decorative figurine, about 5-6 inches tall, depicting a person in traditional Catalan clothing.
The figurine is always squatting with its pants down to signify defecating. It has been part of nativity scenes since the 18th century. The tradition is said to symbolize fertile land, good luck, and happiness throughout the coming year.
Adding to the humor, plenty of figurines can be found resembling celebrities, politicians, and athletes. Plenty of folks aim to find the most unique caganer at markets for collecting purposes.
3. Christmas Eve
Nochebuena in Spanish and Nit de Nadal in Catalan, share similarities to celebrations in other countries. In addition to small gifts from Caga Tio, families gather for a holiday meal.
Escudella i Carn d’Olla, a meat and vegetable stew (or just veggie stew for the vegans) and cenelons, cannelloni stuffed with meat, are common Christmas Eve dishes.
After dinner, children sing, beat Caga Tio, and search for presents and candies in the decorative log. Caga Tio could be comparable to stockings in the US, minus the hitting of course.
4. Midnight Mass
Like in most Christmas-celebrating countries, midnight mass is popular amongst families in Barcelona.
Churches throughout the city offer extended services to ring in the birthday right. Sagrada Familia Church offers a 7:00 pm midnight mass, particularly for families with youngsters to be able to join.
What could be better than a Sagrada Familia Christmas at the most visited attraction in Barcelona?!
5. Christmas Day & Boxing Day
Families come together once again for Christmas Day and Boxing Day and enjoy meals of holiday staples. Boxing Day is considered a day of donation with plenty donating to their preferred charitable causes. This is also day three of family lunches/dinners.
6. New Years Eve
Like in most countries, New Years Eve is a great time to celebrate the coming of a new year with loved ones. Barcelona is buzzing with energy, with endless parties, celebrations, and fireworks.
Whether you prefer dressing up or dressing casual, there will be an endless amount of venues hosting NYE events.
A fun Spanish tradition to bring in the new year is eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight.
The twist is, you need to eat them with each ding of the clock. A popular tradition, albeit a slight choking hazard.
Make sure to get small grapes! They will be everywhere in supermarkets for the occasion.
7. Three Kings Parade
The Three Kings Parade occurs on the evening of January 5th, usually beginning around 6 pm. The parade welcomes the arrival of King Melchior, King Gaspar, and King Balthazar into the city.
Prior to the parade starting, the three kings arrive in Port Vell, where the mayor presents them with a key to the city.
The key allows them to deliver presents for the celebration of Three Kings Day Tomorrow. The parade through the city is one of the most spectacular events in Catalunya.
Children share hand-written letters to the kings asking for their present requests and what they hope the following year will entail.
Marvelous floats parade through the city for eager children and adults alike. The kings and their posse, a diverse cast of characters, distribute gifts and sweets to the crowds.
You’ll find clowns, performers, marching bands, and dancers adding to the excitement in the air. As if all of this wasn’t exciting enough, Catalans love fire, and colorful fireworks fill the Mediterranean air with a true sensory show.
8. Three Kings Day
Most comparable to Christmas Day in the United States, Three Kings Day is the day when children open gifts; it marks the end of the holiday season.
Celebrated on January 6th, families exchange thoughtful gifts and celebrate with another large family lunch. After lunch, Roscon de Reyes, a ring-shaped cake with candied fruits, is served.
The roscon contains a small king, and a dried bean. The person finding the king is granted good luck while the one finding the bean, is responsible for buying next year’s cake.
Christmas Traditions from America
Catalan and American Christmases, while rooted in different cultures and traditions, do share some interesting similarities.
In both Catalonia and the United States, nativity scenes are a common display in homes and churches to mark the occasion. While the days of celebration are different, presents are exchanged, on Christmas in the US and Three Kings Day in Spain.
Santa is in charge of delivering gifts for all the good children in America, while the Three Kings hold down the duties in Spain. Gatherings are integral to both, with families sharing large lunches or dinners.
Even US staples like fruitcakes are comparable to the Roscon De Reyes cake shared on Three Kings day. While traditions may vary, the cores of family, gift-giving, and goodwill are certainly shared.
Christmas Markets in Barcelona
Barcelona is home to some of the best Christmas markets in Spain with new and exciting ones popping up each year.
Markets are known for their great goods, warm Barcelona food, and spirited entertainment. Take a look at some of the most popular.
Fira de Santa Llucia
The Fira de Santa Llucia is the beloved and iconic Christmas market Barcelona is known for. Located in front of the Barcelona Cathedral, the gothic architecture combined with the festive decorations create the picture-perfect setting.
The festival typically runs from the end of November through December 23rd, signaling the official kick-off of the holiday season.
The market offers a diverse array of holiday gifts and decor. Find vast selections of ornaments, lights, tinsel, wreaths, and nativity scenes to decorate your home. Handcrafted jewelry, textiles and ceramics make for easy holiday shopping.
Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Familia
There are plenty of Barcelona Christmas markets but the one at the Sagrada Familia church is a whole experience, bringing the spirit of Christmas to a Gaudi masterpiece. This is the perfect place to take some Christmas family photos!
Vendors are plentiful - offering homemade goods, Christmas decorations, and plenty of artisanal gifts.
Shops selling seasonal goodies like turron, shortbread cookies, wafer rolls, and roasted chestnuts are plentiful.
Live music is a given, with plenty of performers, carolers, and street performers joining in on the festivities. No Christmas festival is complete without mulled wine and hot chocolate - that’s a given in America and Spain!
Fira de Nadal del Port Vell
Head towards the sea to check out one of the newest Christmas markets Barcelona offers in Port Vell.
Fira de Nadal del Port Vell is open daily from December 5th through January 6th and offers food stalls, a ferris wheel, a carousel, a giant LED Christmas tree, a floating nativity scene, vendors, and activities for children.
Fira de Reis
For those ready for some Barcelona Christmas shopping for children’s items, head to Fira de Reis, for stalls full of toys, books, and games.
Fira de Reis is located on Gran Via between Placa de la Universitat and Carrer Comte Borrell. Fira de Reis is open from December 17th through January 6th.
Of course, all these festivals bring in crowds, which you can expect to die down come February.
Weather in Barcelona at Christmas
Barcelona is not the place to be for those looking for a white Christmas. However, for those looking to celebrate the holidays in one of the best cities in the Mediterranean, I definitely recommend Barcelona.
December averages daytime highs between 15 and 16 degrees Celcius (59-60 degrees F - no, Barcelona isn’t warm all year!) with nighttime dipping even lower.
Christmas in Barcelona is also not the time to visit if you’re looking to hitting the beaches on the coast or visit beach towns like Cadaques. Barcelona can get chilly during these later months, so come prepared. If you want to hit the beach or head out on a sunset cruise, make sure you bring a sweater!
I enjoy this time of year because I don’t love the cold weather that some towns bring during Christmas. Barcelona allows me to enjoy strolls through the Christmas markets without freezing my butt off!
December tends to be dryer than November, and days are filled with plenty of sunshine and blue skies to accompany all the holiday festivities.
What’s it Like Celebrating Christmas in Barcelona as an Expat?
There are plenty of cyclical highs and lows that come with being an expat living in Barcelona throughout the year and the holidays are no different.
There is immense gratitude when the warm Mediterranean air basks your skin in the middle of December, but there’s also a longing for loved ones.
Friends in expat communities tend to become expat families while abroad, chosen loved ones that offer security and comfort while living so far from home. These blended expat communities, often from a wide array of countries, celebrate holidays together.
The result is a beautiful mix of cultures partaking in Catalan traditions while adding in their own from home.
We cook, celebrate, exchange gifts, decorate our homes with Caga Tios, and do our best honor the local traditions in our home away from home.
Things to Do in Barcelona at Christmas
Book a Private Tour with a Local
Love Christmas but hate planning? This may be the option for you. Book a half day with a local guide to sample the very best of the season from a local eye.
Start by gazing at the Barcelona Christmas lights in Gothic Quarter - surrounded by the best medieval architecture in the city. Learn about holiday traditions over treats at La Boqueria Market on Las Ramblas.
Here is another fantastic option for a private tour. These are three of the best options in the city. Bon Nadal!
🎄 Check pricing and availability this Christmas
Attend the Christmas Cup
Christmas traditions get even better when they involve sports. Each year on Christmas day, Barcelona’s swimming club hosts the Christmas Cup.
Come watch swimmers race across 200m in the oldest swimming event in Spain. For those looking to actively participate, Club Natacio offers organized group swims during the holiday period.
Attend a Christmas Concert
Tis the season for live music and a good concert! Barcelona prides itself on a jam-packed music list. Check out a seasonal show at venues like Gran Teatre del Liceu or Palau de la Musica Catalana.
If nothing here tickles your fancy, there’ll be plenty of live artists and carolers near the markets.
Go Ice Skating
Ice Skating is a fun and enjoyable pastime and can be easily done in Barcelona during the holiday season. Check out La Farga Skating Rink, L’illa Diaganol Skating Rink, or Skating Club.
Admission is cheap and skates can be rented there. This is a great thing to do for families in Barcelona at Christmas time.
Best Places to Stay for Christmas in Barcelona
Passeig De Gracia
Passeig De Gracia is one of the most popular streets in Barcelona and is known for its abundance of shopping.
Find plenty of mid-range to luxury brand stores. Not only is this street some of the best shopping in Spain, it’s central location makes it easy to pop around to any part of Barcelona. It’s incredibly beautiful year round but the Christmas decorations turn it into a true fairytale.
Find some of the best hotels in the city with great rooftop terraces and tapas bars to around Passeig De Gracia.
Best hotel in Passeig De Gracia: Condes de Barcelona
Sagrada Familia Area
Staying in the Sagrada Familia area is an excellent option for those visiting the city for the Christmas markets. Fira de Nadal de La Sagrada Familia occurs here and transforms these blocks into a buzzing Christmas village.
The energy is high, the spirits are higher and the smell of churros will guarantee happiness for choosing this location. Even better, plenty of hotels like Sercotel have incredible views of this Gaudi masterpiece.
Best hotel near Sagrada Familia: Sercotel
El Gotico
No one ever regrets staying in Gotico. Who doesn’t like waking up in the midst of medieval architecture with a massive, stunning cathedral as a central piece?
Gotico is a brilliant option at any point during the year, but with the Christmas market Fira de Santa Llucia in full swing, Gothic Quarter is the perfect option.
After finishing at the market, take a leisurely stroll to Placa Sant Jaume and marvel at all the festive decor.
Best hotel in El Gotico: Hotel 1898
Port Vell
Staying in Port Vell is great for those who want to be in the midst of events, while also enjoying the seaside views during the winter months.
Port Vell not only has local markets for the season, but it’s also the prime location for the Christmas Day swim and the entry point for the Three Kings Parade on January 5th.
This parade is the prelude to the Three Kings holiday on the following day and is one of the most notable celebrations of the year. Port Vell also gives easy access to the Born Neighborhood and those looking for vibrant nightlife.
Best hotel in Port Vell: Serras Barcelona
How to Get Around Barcelona During the Holidays
Public transportation couldn’t be easier in Barcelona and this is a statement that can be said year round.
The bus and metro are fantastic options to get around in the city. The systems are fast, affordable, and reliable. Most people opt for a T-Casual ticket. There are also easy ways to get outside of Barcelona by train to other cities like Madrid, Valencia, or Costa Brava - though I wouldn't recommend the beach in December!
This gives buyers 10 trips on the metro for 11 Euros. This will make it easy to buzz up to the Sagrada Familia or down to the port from anywhere in the city.
These tickets can also be used for rides on the bus. Barcelona is a large city but it’s compact and the majority of the barrios can easily be walked to on foot.
I also love recommending people take advantage of hop on hop off tours or e-bike tours when they’re visiting new cities. It’s usually the first thing I do when I get to a new city and I’ve never regretted it!
Cabs are also great options. Cabs can be found near major streets and busy areas and are safe. Just make sure to avoid pre-determined rates - make sure the driver turns the meter on before you leave, especially traveling solo or leaving bars or clubs in the early hours of the morning.
Cabify and Free Now are the main rideshare apps with Uber gaining more prevalence as of lately. I recommend downloading the apps ahead of your trip. They are easy to use and operate exactly like Uber.
FAQ: Christmas in Barcelona
Is Christmas a good time to visit Barcelona?
Yes - Christmas is a brilliant time to visit Barcelona. The mild winter climate allows for great winter weather and plenty of sun.
There are a plethora of holiday activities to celebrate the season. Christmas markets pop up all over the city and streets are turned into decorated winter wonderlands.
Barcelona turns even more magical during Christmas!
What does Barcelona do for Christmas?
The Christmas season in Barcelona brings the emergence of Christmas markets in November and ends January 6th for Three Kings Day.
The celebratory finale of the Three Kings Parade happens on January 5th.
This is all ongoing while the city decks out some of the most notable streets, like Passeig de Gracia and Las Ramblas, in bright lights and beautiful Christmas decor.
Are things open in Barcelona during Christmas?
Yes, things are open in Barcelona. Barcelona is incredibly lively during Christmas. Most businesses stay open during this period with plenty of seasonal vendors adding to the roster.
Restaurants, hotels, and bars offer Christmas menus and special events that are usually announced in November. Barcelona goes all out for the holiday!
Are restaurants closed in Barcelona on Christmas?
No - not all restaurants are closed in Barcelona on Christmas. Some restaurants in Barcelona on Christmas may have varied hours depending on their traditions.
Three Kings Day, celebrated January 6th, is the day of the larger celebration. However, there are still plenty of restaurants open on Christmas, Christmas Eve, and for New Years.
Is Barcelona crowded for Christmas?
How do people dress in Barcelona in December?
People dress with light jackets and appropriate mild winter gear in December. You'll want to be prepared with long pants, light sweaters, and closed toed shoes.
The weather can get a bit chilly and breezy in December, with temperatures dropping to 50° F/9° C.
How cold is Barcelona at Christmas?
Barcelona can be mildly cold at Christmas time. Temperatures often drop as low as 50° F/9° C in December.
It won’t often dip below freezing but you'll certainly want to be prepared with jackets and pants!
Final Thoughts: Christmas in Barcelona Spain
So, have I convinced you to spend your Christmas in Barcelona yet?
Barcelona is a vibrant and energetic city that welcomes visitors year round with fun and unique events. But in December, a whole new magic emerges, with the holiday season extending from late November through January 6th.
With days full of sunshine, it’s easy to enjoy all the festivities without the risk of inclement weather. The port will be filled with energy and markets, blending easy weather with gorgeous sea views.
Barcelona does a tremendous job at having a full calendar of events during the holiday seasons. Markets big and small can be found throughout the barrios of the city offering homemade goodies to be enjoyed or gifted.
Trade tapas for food stalls brewing up fresh hot chocolate and mulled wine to be sipped on while browsing. Multiple parades occur through the season providing entertainment for all.
Restaurants iron out details for well crafted holiday menus offering the best dishes for a taste of local culture. Streets become lit up with holiday decor and plazas transformed into Winter wonderlands.
A 31 meter LED tree is a focal point for visitors near and far. Families and businesses set up nativity scenes that must include a caganer, the token figurine fertilizing the land.
Perhaps the best part of Christmas in Barcelona is the blend of traditional Christmas with Catalan culture, creating an exciting and welcoming environment for visitors and locals alike.
The mood is merry for all, except maybe Caga Tio, who will get a beatdown for gifts on Christmas Eve! Has my Barcelona travel guide for the holidays convinced you to visit yet?!
