The most Christmassy plans
Leisure 11/12/2024
When December arrives, Barcelona transforms into a magical destination full of lights, aromas and unique traditions. Visiting Barcelona at this time means enjoying a perfect mix of Catalan customs and the festive European atmosphere. From Christmas markets to shows and gastronomy, Barcelona offers something special for all tastes. Illuminated streets and buildings turn the city into a true Christmas paradise. But it's not just the lights that are the protagonists. Traditions such as the Nativity scene in Plaça Sant Jaume, Christmas markets and villages and the emblematic Three Kings' Parade make these festivities a unique time to enjoy.
So that you don't miss out on any plans, here we bring you a complete guide of everything you can do this Christmas in Barcelona. Get ready to live some days full of charm and unforgettable moments!
Markets and fairs
- Santa Llúcia : This is the oldest and most emblematic market in the city, with more than 230 years of history. It is located in front of the Barcelona Cathedral and you can find nativity figures, decorations, handicrafts, Christmas trees and also a large number of “Caganers”, the typical Catalan figure for the nativity scene.
- Sagrada Familia : A Christmas experience in an iconic setting, with the temple right next door offering a most impressive image. This market stands out for its artisanal products, traditional sweets and a more family-oriented atmosphere.
- Nadal al Moll de la Fusta : Next to Port Vell, this market with sea views offers stalls selling traditional products, attractions for children, lights, live shows and a small ice rink. A perfect option to enjoy a Christmas plan for the whole family.
Catalan traditions
Nativity scenes
-The most famous one has always been the one in Plaça Sant Jaume, although each year it generated more controversy due to its abstract and innovative designs and, this year, the City Council has decided to replace it with a giant illuminated star. The Nativity scene, recovering its more traditional design, is now located in the Pati de Carruatges in the council building.
-The most traditional one is located in the Museu de Frederic Marés and this year it celebrates 800 years.
-The largest one in the city is in the Sants neighborhood. This nativity scene also has a space reserved for the Three Wise Men and Father Christmas so that the little ones can go and deliver their letters.
Christmas concerts : for those who are really into music and Christmas carols, a good Christmas plan could be to go to a concert. There are several concerts organised in the city. One of the most notable Christmas carol concerts is the one that takes place in front of the Nativity façade of the Basilica of the Sagrada Família, but there are also classical music concerts with a Christmas theme in such emblematic places as the Palau de la Música Catalana.
Caga Tió : for those who don't know this tradition, it is a smiling log that children feed for days so that on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day it "poops" presents for them while they poke it with a stick singing a traditional song. At the Santa Llúcia Fair, next to the Cathedral of Barcelona, a giant "Tió" is set up every year that children under 12 years old can poop.
Activities and shows
- Ice skating : when Christmas comes, one of the most fun things to do is to go skating at an ice rink. This year in Barcelona there are 3 rinks available: the one at the Tibidabo Amusement Park , the one at Port Vell and a new one that is opening this year at El Corte Inglés in Maria Cristina .
- Poble Espanyol : for these special dates, this emblematic and picturesque venue is completely dressed up for Christmas and organises workshops and shows for the whole family. This year, Poble Espanyol has become Natalis and they have created 5 magical worlds of Christmas where you can enjoy a day full of illusions, magic and fantasy.
- Els Llums de Sant Pau : if you fancy an immersive experience that will take you on a journey through the magic of Christmas around the world, this activity is ideal. An impressive visual spectacle where you will discover the symbols and customs that make Christmas a unique celebration. All of this in the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, a wonderful setting in itself.
Special tips for our Sensation Apartments guests:
Make the most of your apartment, find a good traditional recipe, buy fresh produce at any of the city's markets, such as Mercat de Sant Antoni or La Boquería and prepare a very special meal with your family and/or friends from the comfort of your apartment. Afterwards, you can always go out and explore the area on foot and visit the Sagrada Familia Christmas market, which will allow you to enjoy the city at the most magical time of the year.
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Barcelona at Christmas is a city full of surprises, traditions and magical moments. From markets to gastronomy, there is something for everyone. At Sensation Apartments, you will have the perfect starting point to explore the best of the city and create unforgettable memories.
Are you ready to experience the magic of Christmas in Barcelona? We're waiting for you with open arms!
So that you don't miss out on any plans, here we bring you a complete guide of everything you can do this Christmas in Barcelona. Get ready to live some days full of charm and unforgettable moments!
Markets and fairs
- Santa Llúcia : This is the oldest and most emblematic market in the city, with more than 230 years of history. It is located in front of the Barcelona Cathedral and you can find nativity figures, decorations, handicrafts, Christmas trees and also a large number of “Caganers”, the typical Catalan figure for the nativity scene.
- Sagrada Familia : A Christmas experience in an iconic setting, with the temple right next door offering a most impressive image. This market stands out for its artisanal products, traditional sweets and a more family-oriented atmosphere.
- Nadal al Moll de la Fusta : Next to Port Vell, this market with sea views offers stalls selling traditional products, attractions for children, lights, live shows and a small ice rink. A perfect option to enjoy a Christmas plan for the whole family.
Catalan traditions
Nativity scenes
-The most famous one has always been the one in Plaça Sant Jaume, although each year it generated more controversy due to its abstract and innovative designs and, this year, the City Council has decided to replace it with a giant illuminated star. The Nativity scene, recovering its more traditional design, is now located in the Pati de Carruatges in the council building.
-The most traditional one is located in the Museu de Frederic Marés and this year it celebrates 800 years.
-The largest one in the city is in the Sants neighborhood. This nativity scene also has a space reserved for the Three Wise Men and Father Christmas so that the little ones can go and deliver their letters.
Christmas concerts : for those who are really into music and Christmas carols, a good Christmas plan could be to go to a concert. There are several concerts organised in the city. One of the most notable Christmas carol concerts is the one that takes place in front of the Nativity façade of the Basilica of the Sagrada Família, but there are also classical music concerts with a Christmas theme in such emblematic places as the Palau de la Música Catalana.
Caga Tió : for those who don't know this tradition, it is a smiling log that children feed for days so that on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day it "poops" presents for them while they poke it with a stick singing a traditional song. At the Santa Llúcia Fair, next to the Cathedral of Barcelona, a giant "Tió" is set up every year that children under 12 years old can poop.
Activities and shows
- Ice skating : when Christmas comes, one of the most fun things to do is to go skating at an ice rink. This year in Barcelona there are 3 rinks available: the one at the Tibidabo Amusement Park , the one at Port Vell and a new one that is opening this year at El Corte Inglés in Maria Cristina .
- Poble Espanyol : for these special dates, this emblematic and picturesque venue is completely dressed up for Christmas and organises workshops and shows for the whole family. This year, Poble Espanyol has become Natalis and they have created 5 magical worlds of Christmas where you can enjoy a day full of illusions, magic and fantasy.
- Els Llums de Sant Pau : if you fancy an immersive experience that will take you on a journey through the magic of Christmas around the world, this activity is ideal. An impressive visual spectacle where you will discover the symbols and customs that make Christmas a unique celebration. All of this in the Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, a wonderful setting in itself.
Special tips for our Sensation Apartments guests:
Make the most of your apartment, find a good traditional recipe, buy fresh produce at any of the city's markets, such as Mercat de Sant Antoni or La Boquería and prepare a very special meal with your family and/or friends from the comfort of your apartment. Afterwards, you can always go out and explore the area on foot and visit the Sagrada Familia Christmas market, which will allow you to enjoy the city at the most magical time of the year.
Barcelona at Christmas is a city full of surprises, traditions and magical moments. From markets to gastronomy, there is something for everyone. At Sensation Apartments, you will have the perfect starting point to explore the best of the city and create unforgettable memories.
Are you ready to experience the magic of Christmas in Barcelona? We're waiting for you with open arms!
