Crisp and sunny; 15 °C / 59 °F highs, 6 °C / 43 °F lows.
What to eat in Barcelona in December: Seasonal delicacies
December in Barcelona mixes cozy holiday vibes with breezy seaside strolls. Christmas markets, choir concerts, and twinkling lights fill the Gothic Quarter. Locals flock to the Fira de Santa Llúcia and nibble on turrón and churros. Though it's winter, daytime temps hover around 15 °C / 59 °F, ideal for exploring Gaudí sites or museum-hopping without peak-season crowds. Book ahead if traveling during the festive week of December 24–31.
1. Book accommodations early if staying Dec 24–31—hotels fill with holiday travelers.
2. Most attractions are closed Dec 25 and Jan 1; Dec 26 is a Catalan holiday with partial reopenings.
3. Public transit runs holiday hours Dec 25–26 and Jan 1; plan airport/train travel accordingly.
4. Fewer daylight hours mean sightseeing is best 10 am–4:30 pm; evenings are for lights and churros.
5. Museums and major sights are quietest midweek; weekends draw more locals and tourists.
6. Layers are essential: it’s chilly in shade and warm in the sun.
7. Carry cash for market stalls; some small vendors don’t accept cards.
8. Taxis are scarce around midnight on Dec 31—plan return rides ahead or walk to nearby metro stops.
9. Rooftop bars stay open with heaters; book a spot for sunset views over a wintery skyline.
Daytime temps hover around 15 °C / 59 °F with chilly evenings. It rarely snows, but a warm coat is necessary.
Dec 6 (Constitution Day), Dec 8 (Immaculate Conception), Dec 25 (Christmas), and Dec 26 (St. Stephen’s Day).
Most are closed Dec 25. Limited hours on Dec 6, 8, and 26. Always check hours in advance.
Yes, especially for Dec 24–31. Hotels, concerts, and major sights fill up quickly.
Early December is great for deals. Late December gets pricier due to the holiday surge.
Lively, especially around New Year’s. Bars have heaters; clubs often throw themed parties.
Yes, Fira de Santa Llúcia (Nov 28–Dec 23) and Fira de Reis (Dec 14–Jan 6) are festive highlights.
Yes, it runs all night on Dec 31. Expect crowds near Montjuïc.
Layers, scarf, warm coat, and waterproof shoes. Mornings and nights are brisk.
It’s too cold for swimming. Beaches are better for walks and winter sun.
Catalonia’s holiday stew blends meat, bones, and giant pasta shells (galets). Served in two courses, it warms up chilly nights.
Where to eat: Can Culleretes, Carrer d'en Quintana 5
December is turrón season—from crumbly almond nougat to chocolate varieties. Sold at markets and bakeries across the city.
Where to eat: Torrons Vicens, La Rambla 58
Best enjoyed mid-afternoon, these crispy sticks dunked in molten chocolate are a local December ritual.
Where to eat: La Pallaresa, Carrer de Petritxol 11
Holiday roast chicken stuffed with prunes and pine nuts, typical on Dec 25 and 26.
Where to eat: El Glop, Carrer de Sant Lluís 24
