Christmas in Barcelona: What Not to Miss

In Barcelona, 6, 8, 25 and 26 December are public holidays, so keep them in mind when planning your trip.

A guide to some of Barcelona’s most interesting and delicious places to visit at Christmas.

One of the season’s highlights is the Christmas light switch-on on Passeig de Gràcia, on 22 November at 18:30.

Nearby, stop at Casa Batlló for the façade light show. It starts at 18:30 and repeats every 30 minutes until 21:30. Each show lasts three minutes.

At Plaça de Catalunya, join a bus tour through the illuminated streets. Buy tickets well in advance here: ссылке The ticket costs €15.

Don’t miss Barcelona’s Christmas markets:

❣️ Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Família
🕰️ 28.11 – 23.12 , 10:00–21:00

❣️ Fira de Santa Llúcia (Catedral de Barcelona)
The market has been documented since 1786, next to Barcelona Cathedral.
🕰️ 28.11 – 23.12 , 10:00–21:00

** Nearby, Plaça de Sant Felip Neri looks magical with its Christmas lights. If you love chocolate, try the fondant at the café on the square.

❣️Mercat de Nadal del Port Vell
🕰️ 28.11 – 7.12 , 10:00–21:00

Barcelona may be known for its warm weather, but at Christmas it becomes a winter wonderland, and you can even go ice skating.

Here are a few places to skate:

❣️ Nadal al Port (Port Vell) — a large seasonal rink by the sea.
❣️ Tibidabo — a synthetic rink with views over Barcelona.
❣️ at the shopping centre L’illa Diagonal

And of course, leave time to find Christmas gifts for yourself and your loved ones.

Some shops to explore:

🌟Cereria Subirà — one of Barcelona’s oldest candle shops, founded in 1761, with a wide selection for the festive table.
🌟 Casa Gispert – a shop for locally made Catalan products.
They roast nuts on site, and you can also find spices and oils.
🌟 Tienda de Decoración Tartan & Zebra – a cosy shop for distinctive home décor, tableware and small gifts.
🌟 El Corte Inglés – a department store with everything from cosmetics to delicacies. Choose a branch away from Plaça de Catalunya, which gets crowded.
🌟 Coop arquitectesJordi Capell «laCapell» – a bookshop and design store in central Barcelona, specialising in architecture and design.
🌟 Dshop – independent design, jewellery, prints, tableware and décor.

What to try in Barcelona during winter

1. Turrón — Spain’s classic Christmas sweet

It is usually made with honey, sugar, egg whites and toasted almonds.

Popular varieties:
• Jijona: soft and creamy
• Alicante: firm and crunchy
• Yema tostada: toasted egg yolk with a caramelised top
• Chocolate: chocolate versions

Where to buy it:
• Casa Colomina
• Torrons Vicens
• Planelles Donat
• La Colmena

1. Polvorones and mantecados — crumbly festive biscuits

These delicate biscuits are crumbly and melt in your mouth.
Polvorones are more shortbread-like; mantecados are richer and denser.

Where to buy it:
• La Campana (Born)
• Casa Vives (Sants, Eixample)
• Pastisseria Mauri (Rambla Catalunya)

1. Tortell de Reis — the Three Kings’ ring cake

It is eaten on 6 January, Three Kings’ Day.
Traditionally, it contains two surprises:
• a bean: whoever finds it pays for next year’s cake
• a small king: whoever finds it wears the paper crown

1. Churros con chocolate

Churros are a Spanish classic and a winter ritual.

Places to try them:

Granja M. Viader
Petritxol Xocoa
La Pallaresa Xocolateria Xurreria
Granja Dulcinea

1. Calçots with romesco sauce

These sweet spring onions are grilled and eaten by hand, dipped in romesco sauce made with pepper, almonds and tomato.

Places to try them:

Can Cortada
Masia Can Travi Nou
Can Vador Eixample
3 Focs

** You can also find these sweets in supermarkets; my favourites are from Consum.

After trying the treats above, here are a few places for lunch or dinner:

❣️ El Nacional – a food hall in the city centre that looks beautiful at Christmas; enjoy dinner or oysters with a glass of cava.

❣️ My favourite restaurant is Aranda’s Grill Asador de Aranda | Sarrià, with delicious food, castle-like architecture and excellent service.

❣️ Salterio a cosy café near the Gothic Quarter.

If you are visiting with young children, make time for Casa Seat.

It is a magical place with a different Christmas display each year. Last year there was an enchanted forest and gingerbread house. Entry is free, but you need to book in advance. Go before noon, when it is quieter; the city lights are lovely in the evening.

All shops, cafés and restaurants mentioned in this article are my personal recommendations.