Christmas in Barcelona is a magical experience. Discover the local traditions and spectacular events that make it such a marvel.
Christmas is a very important event in Spain, and the city of Barcelona is no exception. During December, markets pop up all over this beautiful city, catering to both your festive and gastronomical fancies.
The religious element of the Christmas celebrations is also of great importance in Barcelona. Whether or not you are Christian – or even religious – you will surely appreciate the solemn beauty of the Christmas mass in Barcelona’s cathedral.
We highlight some of the key events in the city in the run-up to Christmas day, as well as some unique traditions that make Christmas in Barcelona utterly unique.
The World Bucket List’s top tips for visiting Barcelona at Christmas:
- If you’re spending Christmas in Barcelona, be sure to book your accommodation well in advance to avoid disappointment.
- Barcelona has some fantastic markets around Christmastime. Read more about which ones are the best below.
- Really immerse yourself in the Catalan Christmas traditions like making a Tió de Nadal (Christmas log) or the Caga Tió (pooping log). Plus, be sure to check out the famous Nativity scenes in shops, markets, and displays.
- Don’t miss out on the Passeig De Gràcia Christmas lights. This is a truly magical experience.
The religious side of things – of great importance in Barcelona
Spain is a traditionally and predominantly Christian country. As such, Christmas plays a vital role in the country’s cultural and religious calendar.
There is little surprise, then, that Christmas mass is at the heart of the celebrations in Barcelona. La misa de gallo (rooster’s mass) is a midnight mass on Christmas Eve and is hosted in the Catedral de Barcelona, among other churches in the city.
Traditionally, locals will light oil lamps at home before attending la misa de gallo. At the mass, you will hear El Cant de la Sibil·la. It tells the story of a prophet announcing the second coming of Jesus.
UNESCO declared the chant a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2010.
Christmas traditions in Barcelona – from gift-bearing logs to gift-bearing kings
Like any country in the Christian world, Barcelona has its fair share of Christmas traditions. Some of these are practised all over the country, while others are unique to Catalonia.
In terms of those common to all of Spain, one of the giving of gifts on 6 January, rather than 25 December. 6 January marks the Feast of the Epiphany – the day that the three kings visited the infant Jesus.
Christianity teaches that these wise men bore gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Therefore, it is customary in Spain to give gifts on this date rather than on 25 December. Children will leave their shoes out so that the visiting kings can leave gifts for them.
The Feast of the Epiphany is also marked by the Three Kings Day parade on 5 January. This spectacular parade attracts huge crowds each year.
Two traditions more uniquely Catalan are both bizarrely related to excrement: the caga tió (‘pooping log’) and the caganer (‘pooper’).
The caga tió is a Christmas log that Catalan children will take care of starting in early December. Then, on Christmas Day, they beat the log with a stick until it, for want of a better word, ‘poops’ sweets for the kids to enjoy.
A caganer, on the other hand, is a figurine that is doing as the name suggests. Traditional caganers wear the Catalan barretina hat, but they are now increasingly made in the likeness of famous figures – like sports stars, politicians, and film characters.
Barcelona Christmas markets – plenty to choose from
Fira de Santa Llúcia
Fira de Santa Llucia is one of Barcelona’s oldest Christmas markets; the market has taken place in front of the Catedral de Barcelona each year since 1786. Over the best part of a month, local vendors sell beautiful handcrafted items.
Vendors normally set up their stalls at the end of November and remain there until a day or two before Christmas. The stalls are grouped into four distinct subcategories: nativity, greenery, crafts, and music.
The nativity category features handcrafted accessories and figurines for personal nativity scenes (pessebres de nadal), while the greenery section houses plants and the traditional tió logs (more on those later).
The crafts section includes unique pieces of jewellery and Christmas decorations, among other beautiful items. Finally, the music category consists of tambourines and other traditional Christmas instruments.
Address: Pla de la Seu, s/n, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Fira de nadal de la Sagrada Familia
Fira de nadal de la Sagrada Familia derives its name from the iconic Gaudí-designed church in front of which it sits.
Established as an extension of the Fira de Santa Llúcia in 1962, it follows much the same model. It runs during the same time period and houses many similar stalls full of attractive handcrafted items.
Fira de nadal de la Sagrada Familia is renowned for its food, particularly its sweet treats. So, it’s the perfect spot to visit to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Address: C/ de Mallorca, 401, 08013 Barcelona, Spain
Fira de nadal de Port Vell (Nadal al Port)
Fira de nadal de Port Vell runs along la Rambla de Mar at Barcelona’s Port Vell harbour.
On top of similar festive fare to that offered at the aforementioned markets, the market at Port Vell is full of amusement rides, a stage with free shows, and a children’s play area. So, there’s plenty to keep kids entertained.
Furthermore, you’ll find plenty of food trucks dishing out the tastiest Catalan fare and a towering 101 ft (31 m) tall Christmas tree.
Address: Rambla de Mar, s/n, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
Other notable mentions
Feria de los Reyes: The festivities at this market along Barcelona’s Gran Via start later than the aforementioned and runs until 6 January. The highlight of this market are the xurrerias making delicious churros.
Grapes: A Spanish tradition on New Year’s Eve is to eat 12 grapes at midnight. The 12 lucky grapes represent the months of the year and lead to a year of good fortune according to tradition.
Christmas lights: In the lead-up to Christmas, the Portal del’Angel retail area will be spectacularly lit by Christmas lights.
Sant Esteve (Boxing Day or St. Stephen’s Day): Sant Esteve, or Boxing Day, is a public holiday in Barcelona and the rest of Catalonia.
Your questions answered about Christmas in Barcelona
Are restaurants closed in Barcelona on Christmas?
Many restaurants close on Christmas Day in Barcelona, but a few keep their doors open. It is best to check in and book in advance.
When do Christmas markets start in Barcelona?
Most Christmas markets in Barcelona begin at the end of November and run until shortly before Christmas Day itself. Some will run into the new year, finishing in time for the Feast of the Epiphany on 6 January.
Is it cold in Barcelona in December?
Barcelona can get quite cold in December. While freezing temperatures are unlikely, it will likely be quite chilly. You should consult the forecast and dress accordingly.
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