Christmas in Barcelona is almost here. With only ten days to go until Christmas Eve, we’ve put together this article bringing you the best that Christmas in Barcelona has to offer.
From traditional Christmas markets and fairs for those last-minute gifts, festive events for all the family and the best Catalan traditions, get ready for a Christmas in Barcelona that you’ll never forget.
This year Christmas in Barcelona is going to be different from past years. Please always check the most up-to-date COVID-19 regulations before visiting and always respect social distancing and capacity limitations.
Table of Contents
Christmas in Barcelona: Nativity Scenes
Christmas in Barcelona wouldn’t be complete without visiting the traditional nativity scenes around the city. These scenes that represent the birth of Christ are also very typical in Catalan homes, and you’ll find many market stalls selling delicate, hand-made figures.
This year, as mentioned, Christmas in Barcelona will be a little different. The city mayor has decided not to have the city’s most typical Nativity Scene in Plaça de Sant Jaume to avoid large crowds of people. However, there will be a free photo exhibition of the city’s nativity scenes over the past decade at the City Hall.
Below are some smaller nativity scenes that are open to the public:
Reial Monestir de Santa Maria de Pedralbes
Open from Saturday 12 December to 2 February, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, visit this beautiful nativity scene sculpted by local artists in the heart of this royal monastery. It is closed on Christmas Day and 2 January.
Address: Baixada del Monestir, 9, 08034 Barcelona
Museu Frederic Marés
This classic nativity scene can be visited in the patio of this art and culture museum in the centre of Barcelona. It is open from 28 November to 2 February, and closed on bank holidays. Please check check the exact opening times at the link below, where you can also book advance.
Find more information in English about the city’s nativity scenes and book in advance here.
Address: Plaça Sant Iu, 5, 08002 Barcelona
Christmas in Barcelona: Christmas fairs and markets
Synonymous with Christmas in Barcelona are its fairs and markets selling everything from nativity scene figures, including the famous caganer, and Christmas decorations to homemade crafts and gifts, sweet treats and much more!
This year, there will be a range of local fairs and markets scattered around the city and in spacious squares, all in line with current COVID-19 restrictions, including one-way routes around the stalls and restricted capacity.
Not to be missed is the Sagrada Família Christmas Fair, open every day until 23 December. What’s more, the Santa Llúcia Fair in the Cathedral square is the city’s oldest fair, and dates back to 1786. Hand sanitiser will be available at the entrance and visitors contact details will also be taken.
For a list of all the city’s festive fairs and markets, including their exact locations and opening times, click here.
Christmas in Barcelona: Cursa dels Nassos
This Christmas in Barcelona, why not get a kick start to the new year by taking part in one of the city’s most emblematic runs? The Cursa dels Nassos takes place on 31 December for participants to say goodbye to the old and welcome in the new with the last run of the year.
This 10 km circular route starts on the Llevant beach and finishes on Passeig Marítim del Bogatell. What are you waiting for? Find more information here.
Christmas in Barcelona’s Plaça Catalunya
This Christmas in Barcelona, find fun and festivities for all the family in the city’s central Plaça Catalunya. From the 19–30 December, enjoy free arts and crafts, workshops, live music and much more.
Don’t miss out on this exciting program activities! Advance booking is necessary to secure your place and comply with COVID-19 capacity restrictions. Find out more and book online here.
New Year in Barcelona
This year’s new year celebrations will be slightly more modest and in line with current restrictions. The city curfew will be extended to 1:30 am to allow for celebrations with no more than 10 people.
Despite there being no large-scale parties to dance away 2020, a spectacular 15-minute firework display will follow the 12 chimes of the bell at midnight. It visible from most parts of the city and will also be shown on TV for everyone to welcome in the new year from home. Find more information here.
The Three Kings in Barcelona
On 5 January 2021, the Three Kings will arrive in Barcelona and receive the keys to the city to make sure they can deliver their gifts to all the children of Barcelona.
Unfortunately, this year the parade will not be open to the public, but the arrival of the Three Kings will be broadcast on TV for everyone to watch in the safety of their own homes. Find more information here.
We wish you all the best this Christmas in Barcelona. Be merry and stay safe!