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This season, Barcelona dresses up with splendid festive lights, inviting you to explore its Christmas soul through its fairs and markets. There is no better way to capture the Christmas spirit than Barcelona’s decorated streets, festive scents and cozy atmosphere. Why not visit centenary fairs and other Christmas celebrations organized in the city’s main hotels? You can combine all of this with magnificent concerts of James Ehnes and OBC at L’Auditori (December 17th), Sondra Radvanovsky ( December 18) and György Kurtág (December 19th) at the Opera Liceu, Accentus and Insula Orchestra at the Palau de la Música Catalana (December 21st).
This year commemorates the 800th anniversary of the first nativity scene, created by Saint Francis of Assisi in a cave in Greccio, Italy. At the Frederic Marès Museum, you will find a Nativity Scene of more than 35 square meters, by the Association of Nativity Scene Makers of Barcelona, with figures of up to 40 cm. On display until January 7th, a great way to begin your visit to Barcelona’s Christmas markets.
The Santa Llúcia Fair
With its 237 years of history, the Santa Llúcia Fair stands out as the oldest and most beloved Christmas fair in Barcelona, establishing itself as an authentic Christmas symbol. Open until December 23rd, the fair’s almost two hundred stalls offer a unique experience that successfully fuses tradition and modernity.
Located in front of the majestic cathedral, the fair’s distinctive charm captures the essence of the holidays. The stalls, filled with traditional Christmas products, offer an amazing selection from nativity scenes, figures and trees to crafts, moss and herbs that fill the air with a heady fragrance.
In addition to so many unique products, you can also delight in the presence of “Tió Gegant” and “Carassa”, adding festive fun to your visit. Saturday, December 16, sees the celebration of the 30th Christmas Traditions and Customs Day in Catalonia, a wide range of activities and performances to fully immerse you in the richness of the local cultural heritage.
Sagrada Familia Christmas Fair
The Sagrada Familia Christmas Fair is a natural extension of the Santa Llúcia Fair, inaugurated in 1962 when there was no longer enough space for stalls in front of the cathedral. Being right in front of the city’s most iconic monument, it stands out during this special season.
The numerous stalls filling the square are in four sections: Christmas trees and plants; nativity scenes and cribs, traditional figures such as the Caganer, Tios and general Christmas decorations; and seasonal foods, traditional nougat and succulent dried fruit and the gift sector, with stalls selling artisanal products, jewelry and clothing. For anyone who loves the festive atmosphere a walk among the illuminated stalls is just your thing!
A new event – Christmas at the Port
December 5th to January 7th, between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m., the Moll de la Fusta becomes the epicenter of ‘Christmas at the Port 2023’. In its fifth annual edition, this has quickly become part of the city’s Christmas. It transforms the area with stalls and food trucks, captivating the public with decoration inspired by northern Europe.
More than just a market , this celebration offers a 400 m2 eco-friendly synthetic ice rink, a towering 64 meter Ferris wheel, live music performances and a traditional carousel. To celebrate the arrival of the 37th America’s Cup, you can also discover many curiosities about the port and the maritime culture of Barcelona.
Natalis del Poble Espanyol
This year, the Natalis del Poble Espanyol event takes us to four magical worlds that will flood the alleys and squares of the venue with magic. Children or adults alike will love a tour full of decorations inspired by the wishes of this Christmas season. However only the children will also have the opportunity to personally deliver their letters to Santa Claus and the Three Wise Men.
With more than twenty installations and magical lighting, Pueblo Español will become a place of joy and fun for the whole family from December 2nd to 10th and January 2nd to 7th. You will find magic shows, circus, music and characters like the Grinch and the mischievous elves. This year, two new experiences are added: “Jingle Bubbles“, the family show created by Pep Bou, and the Gospel and “Blue Christmas Eve” concerts.
The fairs of Gran Via Fira, Sant Antoni and Plaça de Catalunya
Other notable fairs contribute to filling Barcelona with Christmas magic. The Kings Fair on Gran Vía, located between C/Calàbria and C/Muntaner, runs from December 15th to January 6th. Dating back to 1877, it offers an impressive selection of jewelry, decorations, clothing, ceramics, candy and toys.
Another highlight is the Sant Antoni Kings’ Fair, from January 1st to 5th on av/Mistral. Resurrected by the Som Sant Antoni merchant’s association, it recovers the charm of the old Kings’ Fair on av/Mistral, popular until its disappearance in 1996. About fifty stops, many of them local businesses, offer many options for toys and craft.
Finally, the Responsible Consumption and Social and Solidarity Economy Fair in Plaza de Catalunya from December 15th to 30th. This ninth edition includes a large selection of products based on the values of the Social and Solidarity Economy, including crafts, clothing, books, food, cosmetics and toys.
Christmas in hotels: Kimpton Vividora, Mandarin Oriental and El Palace
The Kimpton Vividora Hotel, a five-star boutique in the Gothic Quarter, awaits you with a charming Christmas Market on its terrace. Enjoy a magical atmosphere with panoramic views, exquisite gastronomic products, unique gifts and live performances. From sweets by Belenguer 1918 to Carner perfumes, the market’s carefully selected products will delight you all.
Another option is to immerse yourself in the Christmas charm of El Palace Barcelona or the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona. This is to live the season with elegance. From the festive entrances with their Christmas trees to the decorations illuminating both hotels, every corner exudes the holiday spirit. Experience the excitement of cinema on the terrace of El Palace, or stroll through Mandarin Oriental’s traditional Christmas market, in the second, to celebrate the holidays with style and sophistication.
