7 Festive Ways to Celebrate Christmas in Barcelona

A large part of the Christmas charm in Barcelona is brought by the Christmas markets. The most impressive of these is the Fira de Santa Llucia, which is held in the cathedral square. This is the oldest Christmas fair in Barcelona and has been held here since 1786. The other popular market is the Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Familia, which is held right at the entrance to the Sagrada Familia.

Barcelona is famous for its Christmas lights, called Els Illums de Nadal. The lighting begins on 22nd November and will stay on until the 15th of January. These lights are switched on at 400 different locations in the city and cover an astonishing 100 kilometers in distance.

The Montjuic Magic Fountain is another highlight of Christmas and features a special display in December from 8 to 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

A Christmas tree is also present in the gothic area of Placa de Sant Jaume, which is a popular spot for the locals and guests to gather on Christmas.

During Christmas, the various sculptures of the Sagrada Familia facade will be lit up and a musical narration will take place. The show will last approximately 15 minutes and will take place a few times in the evening.

The show is free, and although the capacity of the grounds is limited, it can be seen easily from the street.

On Christmas Eve, the Sagrada Familia holds the Midnight Mass, a ceremony that celebrates the birth of Christ. The ceremony begins at 7:00 PM, and attending mass is free, although capacity is limited.

Several classical concerts take place at the Palau De La Musica concert hall. This year, on Christmas day, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker will be played by the Orquestra Simonfica del Valles. Tuben Gimeno is the conductor for the show, with Jordi Brau as the narrator.

The performance will begin at 7:00 PM. You will need to purchase tickets to the performance.

What better way to celebrate Christmas than with flamenco singing and dancing! Flamenco, with its passionate cantes, gypsy guitars and flamboyant dresses and castanets – is the first thing that springs to mind when one thinks of Spanish culture. Pair this captivating show with a typical drink of the region - Sangría or Cava and you have yourself a traditional way to celebrate Christmas with a genre exudes art and passion.

Read all about the best Flamenco shows in Barcelona 2022.

If you like celebrating Christmas like the locals, head to Poble Espanyol for a true Catalonian Christmas. You'll find here all things christmas - the excitement, the good wishes, the festivities, caroling, Christmasy decor and more! Walk through 24 Christmas themed spaces related to characters, traditions and typical Christmas scenes. Children will be able to personally hand in their Christmas letters at Santa's Grotto (until 23 December) or in that of Their Majesties the Three Wise Men (from 26 December). Expect live music by gospel and swing groups to spread the Christmas spirit, acrobatic dances, theater and magic -an emblematic space brimming with family-friendly activities in Barcelona.

Event date: from 3 to 11 December, 17 and 18 December, 22 to 29 (except 25th) December and 2 to 8 January
Event times: Various opening times
Tickets: € 11 online

Die de Reyes is celebrated on 6 January 2023 to honor the Three Wise Men. If you're staying in Barcelona until January, make sure to attend this Catalonian festival (even bigger than Christmas!) It is one of the most celebrated festivals in Barcelona and the rest of Spain. Children are at the center of attention on this day, with The Three Wise Men bringing gifts for the whole family.

The Three Kings Parade takes place in the center of the city, where The Three Kings parade through the streets in regal clothing and throw sweets and gifts to children. You don’t need tickets to take part in the festival. The starting point is San Juan de la Cruz and the procession starts at 6 PM.