Spend Christmas in Barcelona in 2024 | Explore Museums, Nativity Scenes, Flamenco Shows, and More!

Barcelona is well known for its Christmas lights, known as Els Illums de Nadal. At this time of year, Christmas decorations and lights are seen everywhere in the towns and on the streets. They are turned on at the end of November and remain so until January 6th. These lights span an astounding 100 kilometers and are turned on at 400 various points throughout the city.

Check out the best Christmas light displays here:

• Streets of Plaça de Catalunya | ​Find on map
  
• Corte Ingles | ​Find on map
  
• Hotel Majestic | ​Find on map
  
• Carrer d'Aragó streets | ​Find on map

Starting towards the end of November, Christmas markets start to appear throughout the city. They are all great places to get into the holiday spirit and get unique gifts and souvenirs. These markets are all filled with Christmas trees, ornaments, and figures for the Pessebres and, of course, caganers.

Check out the best Christmas markets here:

• Fira de Santa Llúcia | ​Find on map
  
• Fira de la Gran | ​Find on map
  
• Fira Nadal de Port Vell | ​Find on map
  
• Fira de Reis | ​Find on map

Barcelona's Christmas season is a lovely time to catch performances by renowned musicians in magnificent locations. You can pick from a wide range of holiday performances, including operas, symphonic pieces, chamber music, blues, and jazz, as well as operas and symphonic works.

Watch the best Christmas events at:

• Palau de la Música Catalana | ​Find on map
  
• Museu Europeu d'Art Modern | ​Find on map
  
• Sala Bikini Barcelona | ​Find on the map
  
• La Nau - Local d'assaig | ​Find on map

A chance to sample some real local cuisine is probably the most thrilling aspect of celebrating one of the largest festivals of the year in Barcelona. From regional specialties you can only find in Spain to must-have Spanish Christmas snacks, you’ll have a wide variety of food options to choose from if you're in Barcelona over the Christmas holiday season.

Enjoy the best Christmas food at:

• Botafumeiro | ​Find on map
  
• Set Portes | ​Find on map
  
• Windsor | ​Find on map
  
• Ca l’Isidre | ​Find on map

Indulging in a beautiful Flamenco dance is a traditional way to celebrate Christmas. With its dashing rhythm, gypsy guitars, and extravagant clothing, Flamenco adds to the spirit of Christmas. Sip in your favorite drink and make the experience unique!

See the best Flamenco performances at:

• Tablao Flamenco Cordobes | ​Find on map
  
• Palau de la Música Catalana | ​Find on map
  
• Los Tarantos | ​Find on map
  
• Poble Espanyol | ​Find on map

What better way to celebrate Christmas than by donning some skates and going ice skating with the entire family? Though the winters are comparatively mild in Barcelona, you can experience the thrill of ice skating with all its fun, at ice rinks. If you are planning to spend Christmas in Barcelona and you wish to enjoy it differently, this is the best activity.

Check out the top rinks to go ice skating here:

• L’Illa Diagonal | ​Find on map
  
• FC Barcelona | ​Find on map
  
• La Maquinista | ​Find on map
  
• La Farga | ​Find on map

The Nativity Scenes, often known as the "Pessebre," are a major element of Christmas traditions in Barcelona. The Christmas decorations of many Catalan homes typically include a Nativity scene. Characters like El Caganer, Tio de Nadal, and other figures are generally included in these plays that are decorated in a dollhouse-like fashion.

Here is where you can find the best nativity scenes:

• Pessebre in Plaça Sant Jaume | ​Find on map
  
• Sagrada Família Basilica | ​Find on map
  
• Cathedral of Barcelona | ​Find on map
  
• Plaça de Sant Jaume | ​Find on map

While in Barcelona, you shall also take part in the Midnight Mass at the Cathedral on Christmas Eve. The Christmas service in Barcelona traditionally starts at exactly midnight, but in recent years, depending on the events that go along with the ceremony, the schedule has occasionally been advanced or postponed in particular parishes.

Take part in the midnight masses at:

• Basilica of the Sagrada Familia | ​Find on map
  
• Pedralbes Monastery | ​Find on map
  
• Caputxins de Sarrià Convent | ​Find on map
  
• Santa Maria del Mar | ​Find on map

Christmas in Barcelona not only offers a lovely atmosphere and energized vibe, but it's also a fantastic time to shop. There are numerous department stores and specialty businesses that sell everything from gourmet chocolates to fine wines, premium olive oils, and high-quality foods during Christmas in Barcelona.

The best stores where you can shop during Christmas include: 

• Corte Ingles | ​Find on map
  
• Bimba Y Lola | ​Find on map
  
• Mercado de La Boqueria | ​Find on map
  
• Passeig de Gracia | ​Find on map