What to do in December in Barcelona?
The holiday season has arrived, and Barcelona is about to shine brighter than ever. The city centre will be adorned with dazzling Christmas lights, transforming its streets into a festive wonderland. December in Barcelona is a lively time, filled with excitement and cheer. While the month can be bustling, it’s also packed with opportunities for celebration, with Christmas taking centre stage. Whether you celebrate Christmas or simply want to soak up the holiday spirit, there’s no shortage of festive activities, Christmas markets and events to enjoy throughout the city!
December in Barcelona: actvities and events
Holidays in December in Barcelona
Constitution Day
Feast of the Immaculate Conception
Christmas
Boxing Day
Dia de la Constitució
On 6th December, Spain celebrates a national holiday marking the anniversary of the 1978 referendum in which Spaniards approved the country’s current Constitution. Despite being a public holiday, with most people enjoying a day off work, many stores in the city centre remain open, allowing for Christmas shopping amidst the festive atmosphere.
Dia de la Inmaculada Concepció
On 8th December, Catalans celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, commemorating the Catholic Church’s declaration that the Virgin Mary was conceived free from sin by the grace of God. This day also marks a cherished tradition for Catalan families – the introduction of Caga Tió (Tió de Nadal), a festive log character. Children place the Tió in their living room and lovingly care for it until Christmas Eve, when it becomes the centrepiece of a unique and joyful holiday ritual.
Nochebuena (Christmas Eve)
On 24th December, Christmas Eve is generally a family affair for most people, where families gather together around a Christmas lunch or dinner in advance of the official start of Christmas the next day. That evening, some people will also attend midnight mass (Misa del Gallo), marking the true start of Christmas.
Navidad (Christmas Day)
In Spain, Christmas Day (25th December) is celebrated with great enthusiasm. It’s the day when families gather to unwrap gifts from Papá Noel and share a lavish holiday dinner together. Christmas becomes a treasured time to relax and celebrate in the company of loved ones, creating warm memories and deepening family bonds.
Sant Esteve (St Stephen’s Day)
The second day of Christmas is known in Catalonia as ‘Sant Esteve’. This day is celebrated similarly to the first day of Christmas. Many families and friends gather to have a nice, long meal together. Traditionally, ‘canelons’ are served as the main course. These are filled cannelloni and are usually made with ingredients that were left from the meal the day before. Many Catalans then enjoy the Christmas Concert that takes place in the extraordinary Palau de la Música Catalana.
Dia dels Sants Innocents
Celebrated on the 28th of December, Dia dels Sant Innocents is the day for Spaniards to share some more moments of laughter by making lots of jokes. It is similar to April Fool’s day. Not only can one enjoy all the jokes between friends and family on this day, but also in the media. So it might be a good idea to keep this date in mind so you don’t get fooled by any of your Spanish friends or colleagues.
Nochevieja (New Year’s Eve)
New Year’s Eve in Spain, like many other festive occasions, is a time for family gatherings and grand celebrations. The evening typically begins with an elaborate dinner shared with loved ones. As the clock strikes midnight, a beloved tradition unfolds: eating a grape with each of the twelve chimes to usher in the New Year. This custom, known as ‘las doce uvas de la suerte’ or ‘the twelve grapes of good luck’, is believed to bring prosperity for the year ahead.
Afterward, friends and families head outdoors to join neighbours in lively street celebrations and enjoy spectacular fireworks displays. In Barcelona, one of the most popular spots to ring in the New Year is the Font Màgica in Montjuïc, where the city’s largest party unfolds, complete with an impressive water and firework show.
For those looking to continue the festivities, various parties are hosted throughout the city, with Poble Espanyol being a top destination for some of the biggest New Year’s Eve events. On 1st January, the adventurous and resilient can join a traditional New Year’s dip, braving the chilly waters to start the year with a refreshing plunge.
Christmas markets in Barcelona
Christmas in Barcelona is such a grand celebration that it truly warrants a post of its own! One of the season’s standout features, however, is the enchanting Christmas markets in Barcelona. Among the most popular are the Fira de Santa Llúcia, Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Família, Fira de Nadal del Port Vell, and Fira de Reis. Each market offers its own unique charm and festive atmosphere, making them a must-visit for anyone in Barcelona this December.
Fira de Santa Llúcia
This Christmas market is one of the most popular in the city, as well as the oldest. The market has been located in front of the Barcelona Cathedral since 1786. One can find a wide range of craft products and Christmas items at the fair, amongst many other things. Over two hundred stalls are set up at the Plaça de la Seu and Avinguda de la Catedral until Christmas time. Visiting the fair is the perfect activity for those that are excited to get into the Christmas spirit. This year, you can attend the market from 29th November to 23rd December.
Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Familia
Since 1962, the Fira de Nadal has occurred at the Plaça de la Sagrada Família, and is generally known as the most traditional market in the Eixample district. This year it runs from the start of December through the 23rd. There are four major areas of stalls to check out: Christmas trees and plants, traditional figures and decorations, food, and gifts.
Fira de Nadal del Port Vell
Another excellent Christmas market to visit is the one at Port Vell. Starting a week earlier than usual, the festival will run from 29th November to 6th January and will feature a variety of attractions, market stalls and vibrant Christmas lights.
One of the many reasons this fair is so beloved is its stunning location, where the festive Christmas atmosphere contrasts beautifully with the backdrop of the sea. The opening day is always a special occasion, featuring live music performances and the highly anticipated lighting of the Christmas lights. New attractions include a sled slide and a 40-meter Star Flyer. The eco-friendly skating rink has also been expanded this year, growing from 400-550 square feet. For children, there are plenty of engaging activities, including workshops like learning to row. Additionally, local music groups and schools come together to fill the market with lively performances, sharing their passion for music with the community.
Fira de Reis
For those searching for the perfect gifts for Three Kings’ Day on the 6th of January, this market is a must-visit. Since the festive season continues until Three Kings’ Day, the holiday spirit is still in full swing! Many locals flock to Fira de Reis to find the ideal Christmas and Three Kings’ Day presents, with an impressive variety of toys and gifts available. It’s an especially delightful spot for families to explore together.
Other events in December
Cursa Jean Bouin
- Depends on the event
- 1st December 2024
- The event includes races for all age groups and fitness levels, featuring: Elite Races: For professional and competitive runners. Amateur Races: Open to the general public, often covering distances of 5K and 10K. Youth Races: For children and young athletes, promoting early participation in athletics.
- The race courses often wind through some of Barcelona’s iconic streets, offering participants a scenic backdrop of the city.
Christmas Festival at Plaça de Catalunya
Starting on the 20th of December, Plaça Catalunya will transform into the heart of the Barcelona Christmas Festival, featuring over 25 performances of theatre, circus, dance, and music until the 30th of December. With morning shows for families, afternoon dance and street circus, and evening concerts spanning genres from groove to folk, the festival offers something for everyone. Highlights include both local and international artists, as well as a traveling show across the city’s districts.
Lotería Nacional
The National Lottery, widely known as El Gordo (‘The Fat One’), takes place annually on 22nd December and is a highly anticipated event broadcast across all major media channels. A unique and beloved tradition accompanies the lottery is the children from Madrid’s Colegio San Ildefonso, a former orphanage, sing the winning numbers and prizes, a ritual familiar to every Spaniard.
The announcement of the Grand Prize is a moment of nationwide celebration. El Gordo is one of Spain’s oldest traditions, dating back to its inaugural draw in 1812 in Cádiz. It boasts the largest prize pool in the world, totaling an impressive €2.24 billion. The Grand Prize winner takes home €4 million, but with numerous smaller prizes, the lottery spreads festive cheer to thousands of participants each year.
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