Book Tickets
Barcelona is a true festive and cultural paradise during the Christmas season. Music lovers looking for unforgettable experiences have a selection of 10 unmissable events:
1. Switching on the Christmas lights
Every year, Barcelona decorates its streets with dazzling Christmas lights, inviting locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the festive spirit.
Go to Passeig de Gràcia, between Ronda Sant Pere and Gran Via, for the official switching on of the lights on November 28th at 6 p.m.
2. Christmas concerts at the Palau de la Música Catalana
The emblematic Palau de la Música Catalana becomes the epicentre of Christmas music with a special programme full of tradition and charm. From children’s choirs performing Christmas carols on Saint Stephen’s day, to emblematic works such as Vivaldi’s Four Seasons or Handel’s Messiah. Also of note is the iconic Vallès Symphony Orchestra’s New Year’s Concert, inspired by the Viennese original.
3. Christmas markets and fairs
From 23rd November to 6th January don’t miss A Christmas classic. Christmas fairs with centuries of history, such as the Fira de Santa Llúcia or the Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Família. There are also newer events, such as the Fira de Nadal en el Port Vell, which combines a Christmas market with gastronomic products, an ecological ice rink, slides, workshops, activities and as well as welcoming more than 500 performances to its stage over the holidays.
4. New Year’s Eve Show in Montjuïc
Bring the year to a close and welcome 2025 with a party full of wishes, emotions and lights at the Montjuïc Fountain, on Avenida de la Reina María Cristina. Music, fireworks and a spectacular stage design to celebrate the arrival of the new year.
5. Opera at the Gran Teatre del Liceu: La Traviata and Madama Butterfly
This Christmas, the Gran Teatre del Liceu is offering two of the most beloved operas in the classical repertoire. Immerse yourself in the passionate story of love and sacrifice in La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi or be moved by the drama of Madama Butterfly by Giacomo Puccini.. Both productions feature international stars such as Nadine Sierra, Javier Camarena and Sonya Yoncheva.
6. Three Kings Procession
Melchor, Gaspar and Balthazar arrive in Barcelona every 5th of January. The city welcomes the Three Wise Men with the traditional parade, where the little ones send their letters, visit the King’s workshop, discover many traditions and stroll through the Feria de Reyes.
7. John Williams & Hans Zimmer: The best cinema music
On December 26th and January 1st, enjoy the most iconic film scores in a spectacular concert celebrating two of Hollywood’s most influential composers. Relive the themes of films such as Star Wars, Gladiator, Pirates of the Caribbean and The Dark Knight in an evening combining the majesty of a live orchestra with the magic of the seventh art.
8. Christmas Festival 2024
Music, theatre, dance and street circus come together at the Barcelona Christmas Festival. From 20th to 30th December, Plaza de Cataluña stages 25 shows of a variety of performing arts. In the mornings, activities for the whole family. In the afternoons, circus and dance shows. In the evenings, music and closing shows.
9. The Lights of Sant Pau
At the Hospital de Sant Pau The ‘Els Llums de Sant Pau’ event transforms the Art Nouveau Site into a Christmas spectacle of light and colour. Until 12th January, this historic space becomes a magical stage, with audiovisual installations illuminating rooms and opening spaces of the old hospital, creating a unique atmosphere.
10. L’Auditori: Classics and jazz to celebrate Christmas
L’Auditori de Catalunya offers a complete Christmas programme: from the most beloved classics to innovative works with a modern and surprising approach.
The Barcelona Symphony Orchestra and the National Orchestra of Catalonia offer the Grieg Piano Concerto as a gift, with pianist Jan Lisiecki and conducted by Vasily Petrenko. Meanwhile, the legendary jazz pianist Marco Mezquida, together with flamenco guitarist Chicuelo and percussionist Paco de Mode fuse the intensity of flamenco and jazz improvisation, within the framework of the 56th Barcelona Jazz Festival.
