How locals experience Christmas, New Year's Eve, and the Feast of the Three Kings in Barcelona. What can you do during the holidays, and what are the opening hours of restaurants, shops, and attractions?
Also possible in Barcelona: During the Christmas season, you can attend German-language services. Christmas is a very special celebration in Barcelona as well.
There are many (secular) gifts at Christmas, especially on the Three Kings Day, but the Christian and church background of the holiday is at least as important, as are the church and Catalan traditions celebrated at Christmas.
If the Christmas spirit at home abruptly ends after December 26, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere in Barcelona longer: here, the Christmas lights are turned off only after the Three Kings on January 6. This holiday is of greater significance - especially for children- than Christmas Day itself.
Streets are festively illuminated during Christmas time in Barcelona, Christmas trees are elaborately decorated, and you can buy gifts and enjoy Christmas culinary delicacies at the Christmas markets.
Christmas in Barcelona
The Advent season begins on 8 December with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. This is when the Christmas decorations are put up. Nativity scenes depicting the birthplace of Jesus in Bethlehem hold a special significance. Moss and small items are placed in the nativity scene, such as miniature clay jugs, to achieve a as authentic a representation as possible.
Seemingly strange to outsiders but typical for Catalonia is the "Caganer" (Catalan for "defecator"), a nativity figure with lowered pants in the midst of the birth scene. This figure is not a mockery of church tradition, but rather a symbol of a healthy body that fertilizes the earth, ensuring a good harvest. Famous personalities are often depicted in this act, such as Messi, Dalí, or Trump.
Another Catalan tradition is the "Tió de Nadal" or "Caga tió" (Catalan for "pooping uncle"), a wooden block with two legs, a red hat, and a smiling face. It is lovingly covered with a blanket and fed daily. On Christmas Eve, the Tió "poops" out small gifts for the children.
Unlike Central Europe, December 24 does not hold special significance in Spain. After a lavish dinner with family, only smaller gifts are exchanged on Christmas Eve. The first Christmas Day is also celebrated with a lavish meal among family, followed by visits to friends and relatives - or simply heading to the bars.
Three Kings Day
The actual and significantly more important gift exchange occurs on Three Kings Day. This is the day when the Three Wise Men brought their valuable gifts like gold and spices to Jesus. Colorful parades take place on January 5, where the kings Melchior, Caspar, and Balthasar march through the streets distributing sweets. Children put shoes by the door, water for the camels of the three kings, and letters with wishes for the Christ Child. The long-awaited gift exchange occurs after a large meal, where the traditional dessert is El Roscón de Reyes, a Christmas cake.
6 January is the highlight and the end of the Christmas season - normal school or work resumes the next day.
New Year's Eve and New Year in Barcelona
On New Year's Eve, you might get the impression that the entire population of Barcelona is on the streets and squares, eagerly awaiting the New Year. Very important: At midnight, the church bells strike twelve, and you should eat a grape with each bell toll - best done in one of the many squares in Barcelona. This brings luck for the coming year.
At Font Màgica, a large light and fireworks show takes place. Private fireworks and firecrackers are quite rare. Enjoy a good and hearty meal before heading out. Popular options include discos, bars, or clubs, but even the local pub is very popular.
The Magic Fountain
The Font Màgica is a very special spectacle in Barcelona. On Christmas, New Year's Eve, and Three Kings Day, there are special performances with Christmas music. The fountains spray water in time with the music. The Font Màgica is a total work of art comprising music, water, movement, and color, perfectly fitting the festive mood in the city. The shows last about 15 minutes each and are repeated several times in the evening.
The Magic Fountains are turned off during water shortages. Whether they are operating and their showtimes can be found on our page Font Màgica.
The old buildings and narrow streets of the old town, brightly lit in the evening and at night, provide a beautiful backdrop for the pre-Christmas atmosphere. In addition to a nice shopping spree through the shops, the Christmas markets invite locals and guests to linger. However, those looking for mulled wine and sausages from German Christmas markets will be disappointed - you really have to search for those. Famous Christmas markets in Barcelona:
Fira de Reis on Gran Via: from 15 December to 6 January 2025. The Three Kings Market takes place along the Gran Via between Carrer de Muntaner and Carrer del Comte Borrell. The market hours are daily from 10:00 to 22:00. Here, gifts and toys are primarily offered, along with stands selling churros and hot chocolate, fitting the winter atmosphere.
More info on the Three Kings Market.
There is a predominantly mild climate with sunshine and not too cold days. It can also rain lightly. You shouldn't expect a white Christmas in Barcelona.
The daytime temperatures range between 10-15° C. In many restaurants and bars, you can still enjoy drinks or meals on the terrace. However, it does get cool in the evenings, so light winter clothing is advisable. For the 7-day weather forecast.
Opening Hours of shops and attractions
On December 24, most shops are regularly open - some only in the morning. On December 25, a large part of the museums and other attractions, as well as most shops, close. Only smaller supermarkets for everyday needs remain open. On December 26, you can visit most museums again, albeit sometimes with slightly altered opening hours. For the exact details, please refer to the pages of the attractions.
On New Year’s Day, attractions like shops are largely closed.
If you are staying in an apartment, you should shop beforehand. "Between the years" is normal operation regarding opening hours. January 6 is a holiday, but attractions are open.
Public transport during the Holidays
Subways and buses operate during the holidays but have different schedules. For example, on Christmas, the service runs until 11:00 PM. Please refer to the notices in the stations for details. If necessary, you can always find a taxi during Christmas time.
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