It is common that when someone visits a new city, he or she adapts to the local customs and traditions. That’s why at Marina Port Vell we suggest the best activities in Barcelona for all those who, while passing through, want to enjoy Christmas as one of its citizens. What are the best Christmas markets? Which venues are the hippest? What shows to see to make you feel like a typical Barcelonian? Here are the best plans to enjoy Christmas in Barcelona, in detail.
Christmas markets, a window onto local craftsmanship
- Fira de Santa Llúcia
If you are in Barcelona until 23 December, a stroll around the Santa Llúcia Fair, which is located in the Cathedral square, is a must. This is where all the Christmas essence that surrounds Barcelona emerges. It is the oldest fair dedicated to the sale of Christmas products, as it has accompanied the city since 1786 with a total of 170 stalls. Our recommendation is to visit it in the evening, when the Christmas lights increase its charm.
- Fira de la Sagrada Família
If you liked the Santa Llúcia Fair, the fair organised next to the Sagrada Família will impress you even more. Especially this year, as it is illuminated by the new star that crowns the Tower of the Virgin Mary. with the addition of stalls selling the typical local food products of the season. The Sagrada Família fair shares the same theme as the Santa Llúcia fair, with the addition of stalls selling the typical local food products of the season.
- Christmas Market Festival in Casa Convalescència
Another wonderful plan to do with friends is to visit the Christmas Market held on the weekend of 18 and 19 December at the Casa Convalescència, designed by Pere Domènech i Roura in collaboration with his father, Lluís Domènech i Montaner. This market features music, workshops, and food and craft stalls, among others. To attend, you must first buy a ticket, as capacity is controlled. Opening hours are from 11am to 10.30pm.
Traditional customs in the city
Until this year, Barcelona’s main nativity scene was held in the Plaça Sant Jaume in the city centre. This year, however, the City Council decided that it would be nice for it to dress up the city. Therefore, during the Christmas holidays it can be visited from Via Laietana to Las Ramblas, with the added novelty that it incorporates nativity scenes of different artistic styles, created among all the neighbours. If you are interested in visiting it, you have until 6 January to do so.
But if you need some more time, the Frederic Marès Museum’s nativity scene, which is on display in the museum’s courtyard, can be visited until 2 February. This year it has a complete immersive experience set in the forests of Pedraforca, one of the most emblematic mountains in Catalonia due to its peculiar shape: two peaks separated by a large col.
Immersive Christmas reaches Barcelona
Barcelona is a city that is at the forefront of trends, and the immersive Christmas is something that could not be missed this season.
Jardins de Pedralbes have organised for the first time this year an experience that reinvents Christmas lights, an adventure of magical projections and light games that represent nature. Hence its name, Natura Encesa (Lit Nature). Water, air, fire and earth star in this experience which will certainly appeal to all audiences, as tickets are in great demand. This wonderful show ends on 9 January and the usual opening hours are from 6pm to 11pm.
On the other hand, this year the Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau is also promoting another immersive Christmas spectacle, the Llums de Sant Pau show. It is an ideal tour for families, friends or couples, since this World Heritage site becomes a magical ocean of splendour. To visit it, tickets are also available until 9 January, which is the last day.
Eating and drinking in Barcelona during the Christmas holidays
If you would like to go to a hot spot restaurant, Gala, which belongs to the Isabella’s group, is the best option. Not only because you can enjoy a good gastronomic product, but also because the venue is inspired by the surrealism of the Catalan artist Salvador Dalí. The restaurant has different rooms, all of which are dominated by joy, surrealism and colour. What’s more, if you’re looking for a break from the city, the inner courtyard is home to a pleasant and fun garden.
Another place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city without really leaving it is the Mirablau restaurant. We recommend “El Balconet”, a terrace from where Barcelona unfolds at your feet. It is also an ideal place to have a cocktail in the evening and enjoy the sunset. Another very Christmassy option is to celebrate New Year’s Eve there. If in the afternoon the views are spectacular, at night they will leave you speechless. In order to do so, you should book the experience as soon as possible.
