Christmas in Barcelona, 8x the best Christmas activities
When you think of Barcelona, you may first think of sun, beach and summer. Barcelona is the city where you can see yourself sitting on the terrace in the sun with a delicious tapas and a cooling drink. But also in the month of December, Barcelona is a great place for a city trip to this city in Spain.
From the end of November, Barcelona is also transformed into Christmas heaven with lights and Christmas decorations everywhere. Perhaps it is the best time for a romantic city trip to this city, because the Christmas lights give Barcelona a magical appearance. An atmosphere that you will not find in Barcelona during other times of the year. Moreover, there is a lot less tourism in Barcelona in winter, which makes visiting the important sights in Barcelona a lot more pleasant.
But what is there to do in Barcelona during the holiday season?
There is plenty to do in Barcelona in the month of December. We have listed some of these Christmas activities in Barcelona for you in our Christmas in Barcelona travel guide. Read our Barcelona travel tips in the month of December in our travel blog below with 8x the best Christmas activities in Barcelona.
Christmas market Nadal al Port
The Christmas markets in Barcelona cannot be compared to Christmas markets in the north of Europe. The cozy Christmas stalls with mulled wine and gingerbread hearts that you see at the Christmas markets in Germany are missing in Barcelona in December. Nevertheless, you also get that cozy and festive December feeling at the Christmas markets in Barcelona. Our favorite Christmas market in Barcelona is the Christmas market at Port Vell, Nadal Al Port. With beautiful sculptures of lights, a Ferris wheel and cozy food stalls, this place feels most like Christmas. Because as far as we're concerned, food and a Christmas market simply belong together. Moreover, from the Christmas market Nadal Al Port you have a nice view over the port of Barcelona. That is a view that you cannot find at most Christmas markets in Europe.
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Christmas market at the foot of Barcelona Cathedral, Fira de Santa Llúcia
With the beautiful Barcelona Cathedral in the background, in the middle of the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, this Christmas market gets a very special look. However, don't get your hopes up about eating some good food and drinks at this Christmas market in Barcelona, because then you may be disappointed. This Christmas market at the foot of the cathedral consists mainly of many stalls with decorations and everything for the nativity scene. Spaniards love their nativity scene. But there is certainly no shortage of food and drink, because this Christmas market in Barcelona is surrounded by cozy terraces and restaurants. As a bonus, there is also the giant Christmas tree of lights, a true light show. In terms of buying Christmas decorations, this is definitely the best place in Barcelona in the month of December.
Christmas market at the Sagrada Familia
Yes, it does not stop with the Christmas markets, because there is also a Christmas market at the Sagrada Familia. This Christmas market is a bit comparable to the Christmas market at the Cathedral, because you can also buy many Christmas decorations here. But this Christmas market has the most famous church in Spain as a backdrop. Combine a visit to this Christmas market with a visit to the Sagrada Familia, because this church is a must see when you are in Barcelona. If you go to this Christmas market in the evening, the Sagrada Familia is also beautifully illuminated, which only adds to the atmosphere of this Christmas market. You definitely don't want to miss this Christmas market in Barcelona.
Llums de Sant Pau, een lichtspektakel in Barcelona
In December, the famous Hospital de Sant Pau turns into a true light show, Llums de Sant Pau. In the garden of Hospital de Sant Pau you walk through a colorfully lit forest with all kinds of different types of lighting, particularly illuminated figures and impressive lighting systems. Lights are part of Christmas and you will get into the Christmas spirit in this magically lit hospital in Barcelona during Llums de Sant Pau. Tickets can sell out quickly for Llums de Sant Pau. We therefore recommend that you book your tickets in time to ensure a visit to this light spectacle.
The famous Christmas shop in Barcelona, Käthe Wohlfart
This retail chain in Germany is perhaps the most Christmassy you can find in Barcelona. A complete store that breathes Christmas from front to back. You can't really describe this store in words either, except that this complete store is Christmas. This store is just amazing. Unfortunately, everyone wants to visit this store, so there is a good chance that you will have to queue to enter this store. And then it is like walking through the store in a train, because there is no room to deviate from the path. But it's definitely worth it as far as we're concerned, because you won't find anything more Christmas than the famous Christmas shop Käthe Wohlfart.
The nativity scene at Plaça Sant Jaume
At Plaça Sant Jaume in Barcelona you will find the Barcelona nativity scene every year. But every year this nativity scene is completely different. For example, it once consisted of Christmas figures that were projected on the walls around this square, but in other years the nativity scene was presented in a completely different way. So every year it is a surprise what kind of nativity scene you will find on this square. The nativity scene is still a real part of Christmas in many countries and that is why we think that visiting this nativity scene is a must during your city trip to Barcelona in December. This nativity scene definitely deserves a spot in our Christmas in Barcelona travel guide.
Ice skating with a view
You can also skate in Barcelona in the month of December. You will find skating rinks in several places in Barcelona. But as far as we are concerned, the best is the skating rink at Tibidabo. This famous place in Barcelona has a fantastic view over the city and they have now placed an ice skating rink on this spot. This skating rink is definitely a fun activity during your visit to Barcelona in December.
Enjoy the romantic lights in Barcelona
And then an extra tip; Just take a nice walk through the city in the evening. You will find Christmas lights and decorations in many places in Barcelona. La Rambla is beautifully lit, but Passeig de Gràcia, with El Corte Ingles as the highlight, is certainly beautiful to walk over in the evening. And what could be more romantic than an evening walk through a city decorated with lights?
What should you take with you on your city trip to Barcelona in December?
The weather in December in Barcelona averages between 14 and 18 degrees. So it can still be quite a pleasant temperature in the sun. But in the evenings it is really wintery cold. So be sure to pack warm clothes for your Barcelona city trip; You can really use a hat, a scarf and a warm coat in Barcelona in the month of December. But the sun can also shine, so don't forget to bring your sunglasses.
