Things to do this Christmas in Barcelona

Things to do this Christmas in Barcelona

The lights are on, a chill is in the air and that warm and fuzzy festive feeling is beginning to take hold. Yes, Christmas is on its way!

And while Barcelona isn’t thought of as the most Christmassy place (that would be Andorra)  there’s still a ton of festive cheer to be had for those of you staying in the city for the holiday season.

So, let’s take a merry moment to check out the best things happening this Christmas in Barcelona. 

Els Llums de Sant Pau

Following up from last year’s hugely successful first edition (210,000 visits), this year’s Els Llums de Sant Pau (the Lights of Sant Pau) promises to be a jaw-dropping display of colour and light. The theme for 2022 is L’Univers de la Llum, and the 20+ installations will include an interactive planetarium and huge luminous artful installations, all set to atmospheric music.

Els Llums de Sant Pau will run from November 22nd to January 15th and will take place in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tickets are hotter than a Christmas log fire and go for €12–€14. You can get them here.

Noches de Navidad @ Poble Espanyol

Once again Poble Espanyol are getting into the Christmas spirit, this time with their Christmas Nights extravaganza. Scattered throughout December, each Christmas Night will host a special Christmas concept, with a variety of styles. Gospel Nights will be performed by the Barcelona Gospel Messengers, while there will also be Opera Nights and Blues Nights with a variety of performers.

Tickets are from €15 and include access to the whole illuminated park. You can get them here.

La Cabalgata

Think Christmas ends after the turkey leftovers on Boxing Day? Not in this part of the world. The Spanish save the best festive frolics for the ‘12th day of Christmas’, January 6th – known as el Día de los Reyes or Kings’ Day. The Cabalgata parade on the evening of the 5th is the star of the season. If you haven’t yet seen it, you’re in for a treat.

Expect a kaleidoscope of colour and an explosion of creativity, music and magic for a parade that’s fit for a king. Or three. And don’t forget to check out the route and times for the Barcelona Cabalgata de Reyes.

Port Vell Christmas Fair

Barcelona’s newest Christmas market gets cooler every year – and this year it’s completely outdone itself. In addition to Christmas music, lights, rides and a giant ferris wheel, Barcelona’s seafront festive market has added a 400 m² sustainable ice rink to take the winter vibes to a whole new level.

The Fira de Nadal del Port Vell flings open its festive doors on December 5th and runs until January 6th. Of course, it’s not the only Christmas market around – make sure you check out our guide to the best Christmas markets in Barcelona to make the most of the festive season in BCN.

Christmas Festival in Plaça de Catalunya and Plaça de la Universitat

Barcelona’s festive showcase of art, culture and creativity returns this year, with a full programme of events to dazzle people of all ages. Located in the centre of the city, this year’s event will be expanded – with Plaça de Catalunya and Plaça de la Universitat both featuring  live music, street arts, festive shows, family activities and digital art screens.

The Barcelona Christmas Festival 2022 will take place in Plaça de Catalunya and Plaça de la Universitat from December 17th to 30th.