Christmas and NYE in Barcelona

Christmas is a special holiday also in Barcelona

On Christmas and especially on Epiphany a lot of presents are exchanged. But at least as important as those is the Christian and ecclesiastical background of the feast. In fact, Barcelona combined with Catalan traditions. The atmosphere which often ends so abruptly after the 26th of December can be enjoyed for longer in Barcelona. Here the festive lighting is on until Epiphany on January 6th. Epiphany is more important – especially for the kids – than Christmas Day itself.

Around the holiday season, the streets in Barcelona are brightly illuminated. Christmas trees are so well decorated and you can buy presents and festive delicacies.

Christmas markets

Markets are a real highlight in a lot of European cities. You will find several dotted across Barcelona during the festive period. By far the largest and most popular is the Fira de Santa Llúcia, located in front of Barcelona Cathedral in Plaça de la Seu. It’s been going since 1786 and with lots of handmade decorations and gift ideas in a stunning setting, it’s the perfect place to get into the festive spirit. This year, the fair begins on 30 November and ends on 23 December.

Christmas shopping

Barcelona is a fantastic shopping destination, and for shopping it really does have it all. From street markets to independent boutiques and national institutions like Zara and Mango, there are plenty of options. Plus there are extra shopping days during December during the bank holidays on the 6^th and 8^th. As well as on Sunday 9^th, 16^th and 23^rd to give you enough time to pick up all your Christmas presents. Two of the most popular shopping streets are Passeig de Gràcia and Portal de l’Angel, but there are so many side streets full of unique things to give as gifts so make sure you explore those too.

Ice rink

For the third year now, Plaça Catalunya is playing host to Europe’s largest open-air ice rink. Open from the end of November until the beginning of January. The price per hour is around 8 euros and it’s a great way to get into the festive spirit. But this isn’t the only ice rink in the city. There are also ones in Gràcia and Passeig de Sant Joan, as well as an indoor one in the Pedralbes shopping centre.

Christmas lights

The sparkly street lights in Barcelona certainly spread Christmas cheer throughout the city. They can be seen on over 300 streets around the city. El Corte Inglés store on Plaça Catalunya putting on its own equally impressive twinkly display. Each district of the city also has its own Christmas tree. The most famous being the 12-meter on Plaça Catalunya, covered in little lights and decorations.

It’s the planet’s biggest party night and Barcelona doesn’t disappoint when it comes to New Year festivities. Naturally this being Catalonia, we’ve got our own crazy traditions that make New Year’s Eve completely unique. And it’s worth saying NYE in Barcelona is a bit more of a family tradition.

New year Eve in Barcelona

Whilst many folk do like to gather each year at Plaça Catalunya, there’s no public firework display. But some bars and hotels on the beach will be letting off some pyrotechnics over the Mediterranean. Meanwhile, most locals will eat dinner with their families and toast the New Year with Cava at midnight. Then they will head out to meet friends at bars and clubs in the early hours. This is Barcelona remember so nothing will be shutting early and there’s no need to hurry!

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