Caga Tió among a festive display

Christmas in Barcelona

The Christmas season is often a magical time to travel, no matter where you go. So long as your destination celebrates the religious holiday, you can be sure to expect some fantastic cultural festivities to complement your trip. And Christmas in Barcelona is no exception.

A country with deep Catholic roots, much of Spain typically goes out of its way to celebrate its religious festivals in style. As you might expect, that means that Christmas is a particularly big event – especially in Barcelona. Expect a month of high spirits, bizarre traditions, mouth-watering seasonal foods and holiday festivities.

Visiting Barcelona Around Christmas

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Should you choose to visit Barcelona throughout December, you’re in for a real treat. Typically renowned the rest of the year as a rich hub of art, culture, cuisine and nightlife, the Christmas season sees the Catalan capital transform into somewhat of a winter wonderland.

While white sheets of snow aren’t a common sight in Barcelona – with snowfall typically a once-in-a-decade occurrence for the city – you can bet your bottom dollar on all the other troupes of a Christmas city. Holiday displays in just about every store window, seasonal treats at every bakery and festive lights adorning iconic streets as far as the eye can see.

Taking a trip to Barcelona in winter means that, while you may not get the best weather the city has to offer, you’ll be able to explore much more freely without battling huge crowds. The Christmas season does naturally bring in more tourists than other winter months, but you should usually be able to book any attraction you want on the same day, not to mention you’ll also have your pick of the litter of hotels at off-season rates.

If you’re planning to be in Barcelona over Christmas itself, just be aware that Christmas Day and Boxing Day are public holidays, meaning most stores, restaurants and services will be closed for the day. Many of these will still operate on December 24, though some opt for half days, so be sure to do your last-minute shopping in the morning.

Christmas Markets

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Europe is world famous for its holiday markets. While Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic are some of the most renowned destinations, Barcelona can more than hold a candle to their spirited selection of merry merchants.

Throughout the city, you can explore a multitude of markets selling all manner of festive fare, from mulled wine to roasted chestnuts. Local artists also take the holiday season as an opportunity to sell their crafts, baked goods, artisan wines and spreads, homemade candies and Christmas ornaments, among a multitude of other things.

You’ll find plenty of different markets dotted around the city, but the largest and most famous market is Fira de Santa Llúcia. Found on Avinguda de la Catedral, this market dates back over 200 years to 1786. Given its history and popularity, it’s wise to give yourself plenty of time to visit should you want to pick up some souvenirs from your trip, as crowds are almost inevitable.

Christmas Traditions

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Christmas Cuisine – Perhaps one of the most anticipated aspects of Christmas celebrations around the world is the seasonal food that comes with it. In Catalonia, Christmas is a time when most families splash out for some of the most luxurious foods to share with their families.

Popular inclusions of a traditional Catalan Christmas meal are Carn d'Olla (a sort of meat broth) served with Galets pasta and tapas dishes with various meats and fish (most notably ham and eels). After the main meal, many will then turn to festive sweet treats, such as turrón nougat and polvorón shortbread, all washed down with a hearty glass of local Cava.

Even if you aren’t actually celebrating Christmas in Barcelona, you can still find various seasonal treats on sale throughout many retailers and Christmas market stalls throughout the city. Whether you’re keen on trying some almond-based sweet treats, grabbing yourself some local meats and cheeses or taking home a bottle of authentic Catalan Cava, you’re sure to be spoiled for choice.

Caga Tió Early in December, the Caga Tió makes an appearance in many Catalan homes and Christmas market stalls. The Caga Tió is a relatively small wooden log with two front legs and a jolly face, often adorned with a traditional Christmas hat.

Children are given the responsibility of taking care of the Caga Tió throughout the season, typically putting a blanket around it and feeding it fruit, nuts, bread and candy, much like kids elsewhere might leave out milk and cookies for Santa Claus.

Should you ever be fortunate enough to spend Christmas with a Catalonian family, you’ll then get to see the true colors of the Caga Tió. Translated literally as ‘pooping log’, children will beat the Caga Tió in hopes of having it ‘poop out’ gifts which, if they looked after it well, they should find beneath the blanket.

El Caganer – Often depicting various celebrities, public figures and fictional characters going number two, El Caganer is a staple of Catalan Christmas. Originally depicted between the 17th and 18th Centuries as a young peasant caught short between the three wise men in the nativity scene, many families now adorn their own scenes with their favorite Caganer.

Contrary to the apparent profane nature of the display, El Caganer is viewed as a sign of good luck to the people of Catalonia. Harking back to ancient pagan beliefs, the Caganer’s ‘deposit’ is supposed to represent the fertilization of the soil and high productivity in the fields for the year ahead.

El Caganer figurines make for a humorous and festive gift to bring home to your loved ones. Be sure to look for your favorite celebrity, public figure or fictional character while exploring the city’s many Christmas market stalls!

Kings’ Day – In tribute to the day that the Three Kings were said to have visited the baby Jesus in Bethlehem, Barcelona welcomes their ceremonial arrival on the evening of 5 January.

The Three Kings arrive by boat before beginning their annual procession through the streets of Barcelona. Traditionally, children in Spain write letters to the kings in place of Santa Claus, and they typically receive their main gifts on Kings’ Day rather than Christmas Day.

If you happen to be visiting around Kings’ Day, be sure to catch the parade and take part in some of the many local festivities. Locals are likely to be throwing parties, and stores and bakeries will be full of festive sweet treats to try out, most notably Tortells de Reis, or Kings’ Cakes.

All Fools’ Day – While not explicitly a Christmas celebration, All Fools’ Day takes place on December 28 and serves as Spain’s equivalent of April Fools’ Day. Participation often varies, but you can expect news outlets publishing bizarre and false stories playing on current events and friends playing practical jokes on one another throughout the day.

A common prank you may see during your visit is people sticking a paper silhouette of a man onto their victim’s back to see how long it takes them to notice – resulting in greater hilarity the longer the joke goes on.

Robert Heaney
Go City Travel Expert

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5 Days in Barcelona

Itineraries aren't for everyone. We get that, you get that. But, if you're spending 5 days in Barcelona, you might be overwhelmed with choice paralysis. Simply put, there's an awful lot to see and do - how do you fit it all in? This is how. So, unburden your petrified limbs and read on. These are our recommendations for how to spend your 5 days in Barcelona! Day 1 Kick-off your Barcelona adventure with an authentic bang by visiting the older parts of the city. It's a great place to do some fresh food shopping if you're cooking for yourself, and there's plenty to see besides the markets.   The Gothic Quarter is one of the most beautiful parts of the city, dripping with Medieval architecture and Mediterranean atmosphere. First, stop off for some breakfast if you haven't eaten already. There are plenty of brilliant local cafes in the area, so let your nose guide you to the most alluring aroma. Then, make sure to visit Barcelona Cathedral. If you get there before 12 pm, entry is free, so make the most of your morning and squeeze some pennies while you're at it! Then, an absolute must-visit is Boqueria Market. Here, you can pick up mounds of fresh produce for all your culinary needs, or simply sample some freshly made tapas. If you want a deep dive into this historical area, you could join a walking tour of the area, learn all about it, and find out which local haunts your guide recommends.   Then, end the afternoon with a trip to the famed Picasso Museum, where you can explore the life, times, and works of the painter. Then, either retire for the day or, if you want a little nightlife fun, stay in the area as the Gothic Quarter has some great hidden bars and pubs for you to discover! Day 2 It's day 2 of your 5 days in Barcelona! No vacation to the Catalan capital worth its salt can miss the great Gaudí's work. The famed architect left his stamp all over Barcelona, and today's the day you see it all. Most of his buildings are in Gracia, so that's our next destination.   Fancy breakfast in the park? Why not picnic at Park Güell? Designed by none other than Gaudí, it's one of the city's best green spaces. Then, when you're refueled, take a tour of the park and see all his masterworks up close. One down, plenty to go. Next, head to Gaudí's Sagrada Familia. Arguably one of Barcelona's most iconic landmarks, it's a feast for the eyes. Inside, it's like being transported to another world, with undulating facades and mesmerizing stain glass worthy of more than a few pictures.   Have a late lunch at one of the many delightful restaurants in Gracia, and then move on to the magnificent Casa Battló. Look around, get your snaps, and then end the day at La Pedrera. There, you did it! All of Gaudí's greatest hits in a single day! Pat yourself on the back and get some sleep; we're traveling out of town tomorrow. Day 3 You're at the midway point now, but you've still got plenty to do. So, wake up early, prepare your own breakfast or get something from the hotel's breakfast bar. Today, you're heading to Montserrat, a beautiful mountain range just outside the city.   You could drive or take the train, but if you want to avoid the hassle, book a bus tour from the city center and let someone else take care of the journey! They'll drive you all the way there, giving you ample opportunity to take photos while in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. Once you get there, you can spend your day exploring. Besides the fantastic views, an absolute must-visit is the Benedictine monastery. Called the Santa Maria de Montserrat, it's one of the holiest places in Catalonia, attracting many believers from far and wide. You're free to tour the site and admire the 1000-year-old architecture. Then, stop by the local museum to learn about the mountain's history and see timeless artifacts with your own two eyes.   Stop for lunch at Mirador Restaurant, then head to the Stairway to Heaven, a religious sculpture that's worthy of more than a few photos. There are other sights here, like the Santa Cova Chapel and Sant Miquel's Cross, but by this point, you might be all mountained out. If so, make sure you take the cable car down to the bottom of the mountain and make your way home. Day 4 Wake up and prep for another day of outdoor fun, this time in the city itself. Get fed, then head to Ciutadella Park. There's lots to see here, so take to take your pick! If you need some exotic animals in your life, wander over to Barcelona Zoo and see them up close. There are 2000 of the cute critters, so you may be some time.   Then, get your camera ready to snap the famous Cascada fountain, and be sure to stop off at Spain's very own Arc de Triomf. Or, if you want to get a little wild, hop on a Segway and take a tour of the park's highlights. Even newbies can get involved thanks to a short lesson in handling and operation from your guide. Then, zoom off and learn all about the park's history.   Then when the park is fully explored, head to Barceloneta Beach and soak up some rays. You can spend the rest of the day here if you desire, thanks to the myriad bars, restaurants, and watersports on offer. Then, when the sun has set, head home, get some rest, and prepare for your final day. Day 5 For your final day, head to El Poble-Sec and prepare to ascend a mountain. Kind of. Get some food in, and head out. We're spending your final day in Montjuïc Park.   The park itself is magnificent, but the real showstopper is Montjuïc Mountain. If you don't fancy a walk, hop in a cable car and admire some of the best views in the city as you ascend. Then, when you're done, explore Montjuïc Castle - an old military facility - and the surrounding gardens for some great picture opportunities. Then, head back down the cable car and grab some lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. Next, learn more about Barcelona and Catalonia's history at the Museu d'Historia de Catalunya. You'll find tons of artifacts that date back to pre-humanity times all the way to the present.   And finally, end your visit at Poble Espanyol, an awe-inspiring look into snapshots of the city's past thanks to faithful recreations of neighborhoods, markets, and streets from throughout time. And that's your 5 days in Barcelona done!
Dom Bewley

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