Magical Christmas Activities in Barcelona 2024

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Bon Nadal, Bones Festes! Want to get holiday mood, indulge yourself in the festivities, feel that special holiday magic that only comes once a year? Welcome to the magical Christmas activities in Barcelona 2024! Let’s make the best of what we have. Seriously!

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1. Visit the Pessebre at Plaça Sant Jaume.

The Pessebre, or Nativity Scene, in Plaça Sant Jaume changes every year. It’s an interpretation, it seems, so expect a modern take on Joseph, Mary, and the birth of Jesus. But it hasn’t been traditional in maybe, 10 years. This year, we’ll see what’s in store…

SCHEDULE: TBD

Plaça Sant Jaume during Christmas

2. Enjoy the Three Kings Parade on January 5.

On the eve of Three Kings’ Day, the three wise men themselves arrive at the port with a wild welcome from Catalan families. Then, they’re whole entourage parades through the streets in the most spectacular way. It is the best public event I’ve ever scene in Barcelona as dancers and acrobats parade through the streets throwing candy to out-of-control kids and adults. I highly recommend it!

The Three Kings Parade this past 2024: the most spectacular show in Barcelona!

SCHEDULE: January 5, 2025.

3. Take a photo in front of the huge Christmas trees.

Just the sheer scale alone makes a grown man squeal with Christmas delight. Ornaments as big as a large beach ball? Yeah!

You can find a huge tree at the Moll de La Fusta, where there will be a towering 31-meter-tall Christmas tree and three figures of kings.

Plaça Sant Jaume, Christmas Tree, 2014.
Plaça Sant Jaume, a Christmas Tree for giants in 2014.

 4. Ooh and ahh at the decorative Barcelona Christmas lights.

The bright Christmas lights give the city that special winter wonderland touch. It helps since it doesn’t snow in Barcelona! See the lights around Plaça del Ángel, Plaça Catalunya, and pretty much every neighborhood throughout Barcelona!

The official ceremony usually kicks off late November 6 pm at the Plaça Comercial in Born. Stay tuned, date TBD!

Plaça de l’Angel 2013, Barcelona
Plaça del l’Angel, Barcelona

5. Shop at the Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Familia.

Several Christmas markets pop up around Barcelona, and the Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Familia shares a spectacular space in front of the famous Sagrada Familia basilica. With about 100 stalls, the Christmas market sells holiday decorations, Christmas trees, nativity scenes, handmade toys, and the traditional caganers and caga tiós. This Covid year, they’re following safety protocols: having a 30% capacity of visitors, limiting entrances, and also having hand sanitizing gel available.

2024 SCHEDULE: TBD.

caga tios
Caga tiós of all sizes

6. Shop at the Fira de Santa Llúcia.

The mother of all Barcelona Christmas markets, the Santa Llúcia fair, dresses up the plaza right in front of the Barcelona Cathedral. The famed market fills up fast on a weekend, so much that you’ll feel like cattle going through. If you’re a browser, you probably won’t mind going at a snail’s pace and looking at the decorated stalls. This year, they’re having less Christmas stands to avoid crowds.

The Fira de Santa Llúcia also has a program of activities, including a gigantic tió de Nadal for children to beat with a stick and a Carassa de Nadal (a big head) who spits out candy for the kids.

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Hitting the caga tió.
Smackin’ that tió. This is hands-down one of my favorite Barcelona Christmas traditions.

2024 SCHEDULE: TBD.

7. Have a hot chocolate at Granja La Pallaresa.

Nestled in the Barri Gótic, Granja La Pallaresa has a reputation for having the best hot chocolate in town. You can also order whipped cream by the plateful and scoop it up to top your drink. Paired with xurros or melindros, this drink makes for a rich, filling snack. And their waiters wear white shirts and black bow ties — a nice touch, methinks.

Try a suiza: hot chocolate topped with real whipped cream. And of course, churrrros…

8. Ring in 2025 with fireworks at Barcelona’s districts.

For New Year’s Eve, many people usually gather at the Magic Fountain at Plaça Espanya, this year will be different. The city’s 10 districts will be lighting up 12 palm trees at midnight, followed by a pyrotechnic show. TO RING IN AN AMAZING 2023 or else we are all going to lose it!

Things to do in Barcelona at Christmas: Magical Christmas activities
Fireworks in BCN

9. Eat a Three Kings’ Cake.

The hangover after the parade is on January 6. It’s when children open their presents and eat a Three Kings cake, or a Tortell de Reis (Catalan), Roscón de Reyes (Spanish). You might bite into a tiny prize nestled inside, such as a ceramic figurine, as to which you are considered to be one lucky duck. But if bite into a bean, you have to pay for the cake! Personally, I’ve tried my hand and making a Three Kings’ Cake and failed. Go to the nearest bakery to pick one up!

Barcelona Christmas activities includes eating a tortell de reis!

Now go spend Christmas with people you love. Or go solo if that’s what it takes this year. That’s it for now! Sending a MUAC MUAC to you and yours!

10. Visit Käthe Wohlfahrt, an over-the-top shop of Christmas decorations.

If you really want to get in the mood, the German “Christmas village” is stocked with red, gold, and green holiday decor, including a 4.5-meter tree decorated with 1,250 Christmas ornaments! If you really want to be enveloped in Christmas ambiance of snow globes, stars, Santa Claus, and more, visit this yuletide shop which always has lines around the corner. Carrer dels Banys Nous, 15


I hope this inspires you to enjoy Barcelona this Christmas try to make the most of our situation. What do you think of these Christmas events amidst the pandemic? Are you planning to do any of them? Let me know in the comments!

Things to do in Barcelona during the winter

By Justine Ancheta

California native, churro aficionado, and mom of 3, Justine Ancheta writes fervently about Barcelona and Spain. Since 2008, she's been eating burnt onions (calçots) and tripping on cobblestones in the Gothic Quarter. She shares tips on popular attractions, exposes offbeat non-touristy spots, and gives insight on exploring Barcelona with kids. Her next Catalan culture challenge: top level of a human castle (castellers).

1 comment

  1. Love the penguin idea for the kids – I, of course, would need one too (can’t stay on my feet!) – Great post, very informative.

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