Christmas 2026
Christmas in Barcelona
The markets, the lights and the parties — and when each is worth it.
15 days to go16 Nov – 26 Dec · 25 ideas
- 11 for families
- 5 free
Don't miss
Christmas Lights Switch-on Ceremony
El Cascanueces by Badisches Staatsballett Karlsruhe
Barcelona Christmas Lights
Thursday 26 November
Christmas Lights Switch-on Ceremony
The official inauguration of Barcelona's Christmas lights, typically featuring a special show with music, dance, and a countdown. Exact start time and detailed program for 2026 are pending, but based on previous years, it's an evening event.
FamilyFree
Sunday 29 November
Sunday Shop Opening (Black Friday)
Retail stores in Barcelona are authorized to open on this Sunday, coinciding with the Black Friday shopping period.
Sunday 6 December
Sunday Shop Opening (Christmas Campaign)
Retail stores in Barcelona are authorized to open on this Sunday as part of the Christmas shopping campaign.
Tuesday 8 December
Immaculate Conception Day – Public Holiday
A public holiday in Catalonia. Shops are generally authorized to open on this day in Barcelona, but some smaller businesses may close.
Sunday 13 December
Concert de Nadal: Músiques per la Pau - Banda Municipal de Barcelona
A Christmas concert by the Municipal Band of Barcelona, featuring a repertoire focused on the theme of peace, with works by Chen Yi, Yasuhide Ito, and Salvador Brotons.
Sunday Shop Opening (Christmas Campaign)
Retail stores in Barcelona are authorized to open on this Sunday as part of the Christmas shopping campaign.
Saturday 19 December
Concert de Nadal - Orquestra de Cambra d'Acordions de Barcelona (OCAB)
Christmas Concert by the Barcelona Accordion Chamber Orchestra (OCAB) at L'Auditori, featuring pieces by Strauss, Casals, Falla, and Sellés.
Sunday 20 December
Candlelight: Clásicos de Navidad
A special Christmas Classics concert under candlelight in the beautiful Petit Palau at Palau de la Música Catalana.
Sunday Shop Opening (Christmas Campaign)
Retail stores in Barcelona are authorized to open on this Sunday as part of the Christmas shopping campaign.
Tuesday 22 December
El Gordo - Christmas Lottery Draw
The highly anticipated Spanish Christmas Lottery draw, known as 'El Gordo', takes place with millions of people watching.
Thursday 24 December
Christmas Eve (Nit de Nadal)
Christmas Eve is primarily a family affair in Catalonia, celebrated with a special dinner. Shops may close earlier than usual.
Friday 25 December
Christmas Day (Nadal) – Public Holiday
A public holiday in Catalonia, celebrated with a large family meal, typically featuring 'Escudella i Carn d'Olla'. Most shops and businesses will be closed.
Traditional Christmas Lunch: Escudella i Carn d'Olla
On Christmas Day, Catalan families typically gather for a festive lunch featuring 'Escudella i Carn d'Olla', a traditional hearty soup and meat stew.
Saturday 26 December
Saint Stephen's Day (Sant Esteve) – Public Holiday
A public holiday unique to Catalonia and some other regions, traditionally celebrated with a family lunch often featuring canelons made with Christmas leftovers. Most shops and businesses will be closed.
Traditional St. Stephen's Day Dish: Canelons
On Saint Stephen's Day, it is a Catalan custom to eat canelons, often prepared with the leftover meat from Christmas Day's 'escudella'.
All season
El Cascanueces by Badisches Staatsballett Karlsruhe
Piotr Ilich Tchaikovsky's classic ballet, 'The Nutcracker', performed by the Badisches Staatsballett Karlsruhe with live music from the Orquestra Simfònica del Gran Teatre del Liceu.
Family
Barcelona Christmas Lights
Over 100 km of streets across Barcelona are illuminated with festive lights nightly. Famous streets include Passeig de Gràcia, Gran Via, Carrer d'Aragó, Plaça de Catalunya, Portal de l'Àngel, and Via Laietana. Hours extend on weekends and special dates.
FamilyFree
Nadal al Port Vell
A festive winter fair by the sea, featuring a large Ferris wheel, stalls with food and crafts, a floating nativity scene, and a vintage carousel. The market is free to enter, but rides and ice skating require a fee.
FamilyFree
El Cascanueces by Ballet de Kiev
The enchanting ballet 'The Nutcracker' presented by the Ballet de Kiev, a magical and colorful version for all ages.
Family
Els llums de Sant Pau – Christmas Gardens
The gardens of the stunning Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau are illuminated for the Christmas season, offering a magical light display.
Family
Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Família
A local favorite Christmas market set in the gardens beside the Sagrada Família basilica. It offers crafts, nativity figures, Christmas decorations, and local Christmas treats like churros, roasted chestnuts, and hot chocolate.
FamilyFree
Ice Rink at Nadal al Port Vell
A 400 m² synthetic ice rink located at the Nadal al Port Vell winter fair, offering ice skating with views of the port. Part of the broader Christmas fair activities.
Family
Tibidabo Amusement Park Ice Rink
A sustainable synthetic ice rink located in Plaça dels Somnis at Tibidabo Amusement Park, offering ice skating with panoramic views of Barcelona. Open on days the park is operating.
Family
Tió de Nadal (Caga Tió) Feeding Period
A Catalan Christmas tradition where families 'feed' a wooden log with a painted face daily from December 8th. On Christmas Eve, children hit it with sticks to make it 'poop' sweets and small gifts.
Family
Fira de Reis de la Gran Via
Barcelona's traditional Three Kings' Day market, specializing in toys, gifts, and craft products for the Epiphany celebrations.
FamilyFree
Times and prices change, so check with the organiser before you go. Updated 27 Oct