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Coming to Barcelona in December? As the fall season transitions to winter, the crowds are much lighter. It’s also a festive time to enjoy the Christmas events and activities. As a resident here since 2008, I love feeling the Christmas spirit while enjoying sunny days in this Mediterranean city. (I’m from Southern California 😉 ) Read on to find out what to do and what to expect so you can prepare for your Barcelona vacation!
Why you should visit Barcelona in December
- Barcelona is a fantastic time to visit for its Christmas colorful events. The city is decorated with lights, Christmas markets, and very unique traditions (poop-related, like the tió de nadal and the caganer)!
- Compared to many other parts of Europe, the city has relatively mild temperatures in December, with an average high of around 14°C (57°F) and low of 6°C (43°F). No, it doesn’t snow in Barcelona!
- December is considered the low season for tourism in Barcelona. That means fewer crowds and lower prices for hotels.
- Barcelona has a wealth of attractions, such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, the Picasso Museum, and many others. It won’t be as crowded, so you’ll have few crowds to get through.
Check out the whole Barcelona calendar here!
Reasons why December is a challenging time to visit
- With the winter solstice falling in December, the days are shorter and darker, which gives you a limited time to explore in daylight!
- During the holiday season, many businesses and attractions may have reduced hours or even be closed for the holidays. The bank holidays are December 6 (Día de la Constitución), December 8 (Feast of the Immaculate Conception), and December 25 (Christmas Day) and December 26 (Dia de San Esteban). That’s four holidays!
Typical weather in Barcelona in December
The weather in Barcelona in December is generally mild but cool. Temperatures ranging from around 6°C (43°F) to 14°C (57°F). The days are typically shorter, with an average of around 9 hours of daylight. December is one of the cooler and wetter months in Barcelona, with an average of around 9 rainy days during the month.
While December isn’t warmest time to visit Barcelona, it’s still a fantastic pleasant time to explore the city’s indoor attractions. You have dozens of museums… or you can enjoy the festive atmosphere and Christmas markets. Most days are sunny, and sometimes, that’s all we need. Amirite?
While the weather isn’t usually warm enough for swimming or sunbathing, going to the beach is perfect for sitting out on the sand and enjoying watching the Mediterranean Sea (if it’s sunny, of course!). Surprisingly, you always see people in the water. Where are they from?!
Tips for dressing appropriately in Barcelona in December
- Layers, layers, layers. Temperatures in Barcelona in December can fluctuate throughout the day. So it’s important to wear layers that can be easily taken off and on. Start with a base layer like a thermal tank top. Then a long-sleeved top. Then add a sweater or fleece, a jacket, and a waterproof outer layer if it’s raining.
- Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes that can handle a lot of walking. I do not recommend sandals during this month. Closed-toe shoes are a must!
- A light scarf can help keep you warm and protect your ears and neck from the wind. A hat isn’t necessary unless you have very, very little hair.
- December is one of the rainiest months in Barcelona, but you never know. This is a “duh” thing to say: check the weather forecast!
- Even though the temperatures are cooler in December, the sun can still be bright in Barcelona Bring a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes. My dad obsessively wore sunglasses, and his eyes are perfect at age 80!
Read my complete guide on what to wear in the fall and winter!
What to pack in Barcelona in December
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light jacket or sweater
- Scarf and hat
- Umbrella or raincoat
- T-shirts or short sleeve shirts
- Long sleeve shirts
- Pants or jeans
- Skirts or dresses (for warmer days)
- Cardigans or light jackets
- Comfortable socks
- Underwear and bras
- Camera or smartphone for photos
- Power bank or charger for your devices
- Adaptor plug (if needed for your electronics)
- Travel-sized toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.)
- Medications or prescriptions
- Travel documents (passport, visa, boarding passes, etc.)
Try to pack light. It’s easier to get through Barcelona’s narrow streets and public transportation with a smaller, lighter suitcase or backpack.
What to do in Barcelona in December 2025
December 6, 2025. Spanish Constitution Day (Día de la Constitución). Most businesses and restaurants are closed. Viva España!
December 8, 2024. It’s a holiday, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Most shops and restaurants are closed.
In December, there are several ice skating rinks set up around the city, including the FC Barcelona Ice Rink. Buy your tickets here.
See the Christmas lights. Barcelona dresses up its streets with festive lights, particularly on Passeig de Gracia and Rambla de Catalunya. The lights create a lovely atmosphere in the city, and you can see them during the grand lighting on November 22 at 6:30pm on Passeig de Gracia. You’ll hear all the ooohs and ahhhs…
Fira de Santa Llucia (Santa Lucia Christmas Fair). TBD. last days of November – end of December-ish 2025. The most popular and largest Christmas fair in Barcelona, you’ll find rows and rows of stalls in front of the Barcelona Cathedral. Expect to see Christmas trees, Christmas decorations, caganers, wooden toys, and a huge tió de nadal that the children can beat with a stick. ( <- What?? Yup, find out about that here.)
Fira de Nadal al Moll de la Fusta. November 28, 2025 – January 6, 2026. This is a fun fair where you can walk along the port and admire the Mediterranean Sea. They have tons of food stalls, kids’ activities, cotton candy, rides, and more! It’s fun during the day and night! Check it out here!
Christmas activities in Barcelona: End of November-ish, January 6, 2026. Holiday activities are ongoing throughout Barcelona. Most activities are in Plaça Catalunya and Plaça Sant Jaume. Check out Christmas activities in Barcelona – as I update it every year!
Poble Espanyol Natalis: November 29 and 30; December 6–8, 13–14, and 20–29 (except December 25); and January 2–4. Open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., except on December 13 (opening at 1:00 p.m.) and on December 24 and 26 (open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.). What a fun place for the family! With over 20 magical decorations and fairy-tale lighting. Visitors can enjoy Catalan holiday traditions like the nativity scene and Tió, alongside family activities, magic shows, circus acts, and music in December and January. Santa Claus, his elves, and the Three Wise Men will also be at Wishland to collect children’s letters. Buy tickets here.
Fira de la Sagrada Familia (Sagrada Familia Christmas Fair): TBD. This is a fun Christmas market to go right in front of the Sagrada Familia. You’ll see Christmas trees, artisan gifts, Christmas decorations, food vendors, Nativity scenes, and more. A great place to visit right after seeing the grand church!
Fira de Reis de la Gran Via (Three Kings Christmas Fair). December 14 to January 6, 2026. Visitors can shop for unique gifts, meet Santa Claus handing out sweets on December 17, 23, and 25, drop off letters to the Royal Page from December 28 to January 5. They can also enjoy lively parades with music and festive characters!
El Lums de Sant Pau. November 20, 2025 to January 11, 2026. The Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau is an amazing labyrinth of gorgeous lights. This year’s edition has 18 interactive installations, including the Royal Camp of King Balthazar (a hit with families) and the Somni Borealis, which recreates the light landscapes of the North. Kids can also solve the Llumienigma, a glowing riddle that reveals a secret Christmas message hidden along the trail.
Festival de la Infancia (Children’s Fair). December 27-31, 2025. This is an indoor event for kids to learn, discover, and play! It’s held at the Fira Gran Via, where kids can learn about the Barcelona tram, pretend they work at the Barcelona port, or be a footballer. It’s meant to inspire children about future careers. I went in 2019, and queues were quite long for some stands like the one for FC Barcelona, so I suggest going early to knock those out of the way. Then enjoy the rest of the stands! Check it out here.
December 25, 2025. Christmas Day. Most shops and restaurants are closed.
December 26, 2025. Boxing Day / St Stephen’s Day. Most shops and restaurants are closed.
Royal camp at the oasis in Nou Barris neighborhood: TBD. (Not sure if it’s happening this year! Hang tight!) The Three Wise Men will arrive early and set up a Royal Camp amidst the palm trees in the courtyard of the Nou Barris District headquarters. This oasis will be a place for them to recharge before helping the Kings distribute gifts after the parade. Children are welcome to visit and meet the royal pages, astrologers, the guiding star, postmen, gift-bearers, candy makers, and more!
New Year’s Eve: December 31, 2025. Barcelona’s main New Year’s Eve event takes place in Placa Espanya with many people celebrating along the beach to watch the fireworks and celebrate with friends and family.
What to eat in Barcelona in December
Escudella i carn d’olla: This is a hearty Catalan stew that is traditionally served during the Christmas season. It is made with various meats, vegetables, and beans, and is typically served with a side of noodles.
Xocolata amb xurros: This is a popular Spanish breakfast or dessert that consists of hot chocolate and churros. It is a perfect warm and sweet treat to enjoy on a chilly day.
Bunyols: These are small, fried doughnuts that are a popular dessert during the Christmas season in Barcelona. They’re dusted with sugar or served with a sweet dipping sauce.
Canelons: This is a traditional Catalan dish that is often served on Boxing Day (December 26th). It’s a cannelloni stuffed with leftover meat from Christmas dinner, such as turkey or ham, and baked with a creamy béchamel sauce. (I usually just buy mine from the local Mercadona supermarket). People usually just eat them at home, and they’re cooked by a loving grandma or mom.
Extra travel tips for going to Barcelona in December
- Book your accommodation, tours, and activities ahead of time!
- While December weather is generally mild in Barcelona, it may be rainy and windy. Make sure to check the weather forecast before you go and pack accordingly.
- To avoid the crowds, visit popular attractions like the Sagrada Familia in the morning or later in the evening when they are less busy.
- Barcelona has an extensive public transport system, including buses, metro, and trains, and is hands-down the best way to get around. It’s affordable and fast! Driving can be a nightmare for traffic and parking.
