Christmas has arrived in the city of Barcelona and with it, a lot of activities that will make your stay something magical and different. Seeing Santa Claus’ house, visiting Christmas markets, getting lost in its illuminated streets and colorful shop windows, are some of the things that await you to discover in your Christmas getaway to Barcelona.

At Aspasios we like to help you in your visit, so we have decided to elaborate this small list of Christmas activities in Barcelona. Leave a blank space in your agenda to fill it with the most essential of these dates in the Catalan capital.

Santa Llúcia Market

Since 1786 the Santa Llúcia market has been filling with Christmas spirit to the locals and tourists who visit it these days. Located right in front of the Cathedral of Barcelona, you will find hundreds of handmade Christmas decorations and small traditional Catalan figures, such as the “Caga Tió”, a small log with a painted face and wearing the typical Catalan hat (“barretina”). Children feed him with sweets and cover him with a blanket until Christmas Eve, when they sing the “Caga Tió” song and hit him with a wooden stick to make him give them the gifts inside. Or the “Caganer”, another Catalan Christmas tradition. The “Caganer” is a little figure with his pants down that is usually hidden in the nativity scenes of each house. A custom that dates back to the 18th century and that brings luck by fertilizing the earth. Let yourself be surprised by the oldest Christmas market in the city from November 26 to December 23.

Lights and sweets

As every year, more than 300 streets of Barcelona will be decorated with colorful Christmas lights that aim to bring the Christmas spirit to everyone who walks through the city these days. In addition, this year new lights will be placed in the center, and the classic nativity of the Plaza Sant Jaume returns. Above all, don’t miss the music and circus show that will kick off the lighting of the lights: “Ombrana”, on November 24 at 6 p.m. in Plaza Cataluña. 

On the other hand, we can’t talk about Christmas without mentioning food. Make sure that on your Christmas getaway to Barcelona you try the traditional nougats of almonds, hazelnuts and honey combined with a lot of different flavors adapted to any palate. Marzipan and “polvorones” should also be on your tasting list. If you want to buy these desserts, you can do it in any bakery or even in the supermarket, but we recommend Vicens nougat stores. And if you’re more into churros with hot chocolate, head to Petritxol Street, also known as “Chocolate Street”, you won’t regret it!

Christmas shopping

After tasting the best sweets, you can take the opportunity to do your Christmas shopping, as Plaza Cataluña is bordered by the best streets to do it. The streets of Passeig de Gràcia and Portal de l’Àngel, are perfect to find all the gifts you are looking for this Christmas.

Christmas in the Pueblo Español

This year, the Pueblo Español becomes a giant Advent calendar, where you can enjoy 24 very different Christmas corners, and even see Santa Claus’ House, where the little ones can deliver their Christmas letter. Their Majesties the Three Wise Men will also be waiting for the children, and the Spanish Village will be filled with lights, music and workshops for the whole family. Check the schedules and all the information on their website.

New Year’s Eve 

Once Christmas is over, it’s time to celebrate the end of the year. As is tradition, many locals will gather in Montjuïc to say goodbye to 2021 and witness an incredible fireworks display. In addition to eating the 12 lucky grapes when the clock strikes 12 on December 31. However, plans may change due to the pandemic, so we recommend you consult the website of the city council of Barcelona.

Cavalcade of the Three Wise Men

On January 5 at 4 pm, Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar will arrive by boat at the Port Vell of Barcelona, being greeted by hundreds of children and the mayoress. Afterwards, the traditional Three Kings parade will begin, which travels through the streets of Barcelona spreading illusion and magic, especially to the little ones. With music, lights, pages and candy, the parade usually lasts until 9:30 pm, ending at Reina Maria Cristina Avenue. Also, you can not leave Barcelona without trying the iconic “Roscón de Reyes”, a sweet similar to a sponge cake with candied fruit on top that hides inside a figurine and a bean.

Finally, remember that your luxury apartment in Apasios will be waiting for you after a day full of Christmas activities.

Book now!