Which are the best things to do in Barcelona in December? The Christmas agenda is jam-packed with fun and interesting things to do and see. Below we select a few things to do you can’t miss:
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Things to do in Barcelona in December: Christmas Concerts
As you’d expect, Barcelona has many open-air concerts during the festive season. Plaça del Rei hosts some of the best ones on a medieval square. It is situated in the Gothic Quarter and you will also find the Palau Reial (Royal Palace), Tinell Salo, the Chapel of St. Agatha and the Torre del Rey Martí. Also most of the city’s churches have things to do in December such as traditional religious events and classical music recitals. We recommend the St. Stephen’s Day Christmas concert at the magnificent Palau de la Música concert hall in Barcelona. A beloved annual Christmas event in Barcelona by The Orfeó Català choir and other choirs.
If architecture and music is your thing during your stay, then you must include this a visit to El Palau de la Música. Designed by Lluís Domènech i Montaner, El Palau Música Catalana is styled in a similar theme to that of Gaudí’s work, but more functional in contrast to many other buildings built in the modernism style throughout the city. The design of the Palau is typical of Catalan modernism.
Visit the most important Christmas Markets in Barcelona
Barcelona organizes many traditional and not-so tradition Christmas Markets (Mercats de Nadal). They’re excellent places to get some great Catalan traditional gifts, Christmas themed decorations and artisan food products. They are one of the most important things to do in Barcelona in December and are open throughout the holiday period. We recommend the oldest market, Fira de Santa Llúcia at Barcelona Cathedral or the largest one, Fira de Reis a la Gran Vía, which run along this main road between its junctions with Carrer Calabria and Carrer Comte Urgell. For more information read our article about the oldest Christmas Markets in Barcelona
New Year’s Eve Celebrations
If you are lucky enough to be visiting during the city’s busy New Year Celebrations, then your things to do in Barcelona in December list must include a visit to Plaça Espanya to fully experience the Catalan New Year traditions. Get there early as the crowds will be massive as they wait for midnight to come and see in the New Year with grapes and cava – when the midnight bells toll you must eat a grape with every dong, and simultaneously take a sip of cava, 12 times in total, to ensure you have a lucky and prosperous 2018. There will also be the best fireworks show the city has to offer.
Christmas Shopping
If you are here in the search for the perfect gift for loved ones, then a visit to one of Barcelona’s shopping hotspots has to be among the things to do in Barcelona in December. We recommend the luxury shops all along the Passeig de Gràcia for top-end items. If you have time, there is the famous La Roca Shopping Village located just outside the visit for more top brands and luxury gifts at factory outlet prices. Plaça de Catalunya is also a great place to discover traditional Catalan Christmas themes and high street retail brands situated around the city’s largest square.
Barcelona Michelin Star Tapas Walking Tour
Things to do in Barcelona in December has to include Tapas, and what better way to experience the best tapas with Barcelona’s Michelin Star Tapas Experience. Your guide will take you to two very different restaurants, which are owned by Michelin-starred chefs and that represent different regions of Spain to try various tapas dishes and wines. The tour last for three hours and whilst also getting to sample some the best tapas in the city, the guide will also share some other culinary places of interest to discover during your stay.
So If you are choosing Barcelona as your Christmas destination this year, then there is no better option for your stay than renting one of our cozy apartments. Please see our selection here and book your accommodation with us.