Christmas in Barcelona

Are you looking for a destination to spend the December holidays? Christmas in Barcelona is one of the most magical times of the year, with the city's streets and emblematic buildings filled with the Christmas spirit.

Although you won't experience a white Christmas here, there are plenty of things to do at Christmas in Barcelona whether you come as a couple, with friends or with the whole family. In December, the Catalan capital combines the traditional Christmas markets of Europe's big cities with a mild and mostly sunny climate that doesn't usually drop below 14 degrees.

If you're undecided about your next getaway, here's what to do in Barcelona this Christmas, from Christmas shopping, to enjoying the traditional food or watching the beautiful lights decorating the streets.

The best things to do in Barcelona at Christmas time

Visit a Christmas fair in Barcelona

The first suggestion on our list is to visit the legendary Feria de Santa Llucia, the most traditional Christmas market in Catalonia and a large part of Spain. Located next to the Cathedral, this area attracts both locals and tourists alike, all eager to see first-hand some of the most curious Catalan inventions: the first, the “caga tió”, is a wooden stick with a face painted on one end, which children feed for several days so that it will later give them presents. And the second one is a small figure known as “el caganer”, an indispensable part of Catalan nativity scenes, which some also complement with a figure called “el pixaner”.

Just next to the Feria is another must-see attraction, the Plaza de Sant Jaume nativity scene, a display of artistic ingenuity that grows more original year on year. 

During your stay in Barcelona at Christmas, don’t miss the massive Feria de los Reyes Magos en la Gran Vía de Barcelona, which stretches from Plaza de España to Plaza Universidad. This market features nearly two kilometres of stalls selling artisan products, clothing and toys, where you’ll find everything you need for your Christmas gift purchases.

Strolling under Barcelona's Christmas lights

A must-do if you're in Barcelona at Christmas time is to stroll under the Christmas lights that adorn the streets and emblematic buildings. Barcelona's Christmas lights are usually switched on at the end of November and can be seen until the Epiphany celebration on 5 January.

Try churros with chocolat

If you get tired of walking around and feel like taking shelter from the cold, another Christmas plan is to enjoy a chocolate with churros in the small shops of the Gothic Quarter, some of which are centuries old, such as Granja Dulcinea or Granja Viader.

Christmas shopping

Make the most of your visit to the city to do your shopping at the Barcelona Christmas markets or in some of the most famous shopping streets, such as Paseo de Gracia and Portal del Angel.

Decoration lovers can't miss Barcelona's biggest Christmas shop, the Käthe Wohlfahrt shop, located in the central Gothic Quarter. Here you will find all kinds of Christmas decorations for the house, figurines for the Christmas tree and other handmade treasures full of magic.

Christmas dinner in the centre of Barcelona

One of the most beautiful moments of Christmas is gathering with the family around the table for the traditional Christmas lunch or dinner. Don't miss the tradition if you're in Barcelona this Christmas, and book one of the tasting menus offered during the festive season at the Grand Place Restaurant, with a privileged location in the heart of the city.

What to do with children during Christmas in Barcelona

If you're spending Christmas in Barcelona with children, there's usually an ice-skating rink in Plaça Catalunya that will delight the youngest members of the family.

Just next door, at the Santa Creu i Santa Eulalia Cathedral, in addition to viewing the beautiful nativity scene created there each year, children can enjoy searching for the 13 geese that live in the cloisters.

Another fun plan with the little ones is to go to Christmas in Poble Espanyol, where they can see Father Christmas and the Three Wise Men and pass on their wishes for Christmas presents in person.

From the 4-star superior Gran Hotel Havana we wish you a Merry Christmas and invite you to visit Barcelona at this magical time of year. Enjoy a very special stay in our hotel in the Gran Via of Barcelona, in the heart of the city close to the best Christmas markets and events.