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If you’re visiting Barcelona this winter, you’re in luck! As temperatures drop, the atmosphere heats up with colorful lights brightening the streets, treats on every corner, and a jam-packed calendar of fantastic activities and events to enjoy, including Christmas parades. Here’s a brief guide to Barcelona this season to help you decide how to make the most of your time in this winter wonderland.

Save the Date!

Early December Holidays

Both December 6 and 8 are public holidays in Barcelona and across Spain, due to Constitution Day and the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Although public holidays tend to be quiet in Barcelona, with many shops and businesses closed, these two holidays are a great chance to bundle up and enjoy the city during the festivities without the holiday shopping rush. Instead, the city focuses on Christmas markets, churches, and restaurants.

Epiphany (Three Kings Day)

On January 6, families and loved ones gather to enjoy a big meal, open gifts, and play holiday games. If you’re in the city that day, be sure to try the Roscón de Reyes. This sweet bread is topped with a paper crown, candied fruits, and filled with cream, hiding two surprises: a bean and a small king figurine. The tradition says that if you find the king in your slice, you get to wear the crown. If you find the bean, you have to pay for the dessert! Good luck.

A Mini Guide to Christmas Markets in Barcelona

Fira de Santa Llúcia

Barcelona’s oldest and most famous Christmas market features over 280 stalls. This is the perfect place to find unique holiday decorations and enjoy festive activities like caroling and nativity scene building. La Fira de Santa Llúcia will be set up in front of the Barcelona Cathedral in the Gothic Quarter, and it’s sure to fill you with Christmas cheer. The 239th edition of this huge fair will take place outdoors from November 28 to December 23, just one day before Christmas Eve, right outside the Barcelona Cathedral. This is a spot you can’t miss to experience the magic of Christmas!

Christmas Market at the Sagrada Família

A smaller but charming Christmas market is set up in front of the Sagrada Família. This traditional market was inaugurated in 1962 and features over 100 stalls around the square that surrounds the beautiful Gaudí masterpiece. This year it will run from November 28 to December 23 — don’t miss it!

Three Kings Market on Gran Via

First held in 1877 and also known as “Sant Tomàs i Reis,” this is one of the largest Christmas markets in Barcelona for toys, gifts, and sweets. One of its main attractions is the Xurrerías (churro stands), located on various corners of Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes. Who doesn’t love that! Located on Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, between Calabria and Muntaner streets, this festive market will be open from December 14, 2025, to January 6, 2026.

Catalan Christmas!

In December, Catalans enjoy their own Christmas traditions, in addition to those more familiar to visitors. Some of our favorites are the Tió de Nadal and the Caganers.

• El Tió de Nadal (Caga Tió): Children start “feeding” the Tió, a log with a painted face, from December 8 until Christmas Eve. Then, they beat it with sticks, encouraging it to “poop” out gifts.
• El Caganer: A small figurine hidden in nativity scenes, symbolizing good luck and fertility. This tradition dates back to the 18th century and remains popular today.

Tip: Get your own Tió de Nadal and Caganer at one of Barcelona’s Christmas markets!

Delicious Christmas Treats

Warm up this winter with some traditional Spanish dishes! We recommend Sopa de Galets, a soup filled with large pasta shells, traditional on Christmas Eve. On December 26, Sant Esteve Day, enjoy cannelloni made with leftover Christmas meat. If you prefer something sweet, savor a turrón (nougat in various flavors) or some delicious churros with chocolate — long and sugary, perfect for dipping in hot chocolate.

Go Skiing Near Barcelona

Although Barcelona is known for its sunny activities, this beautiful city is just as exciting in winter! Take a day trip to the Grandvalira ski resort in Andorra or to La Molina in the Pyrenees to enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snow biking, and the fun experience of building igloos. If you decide to go to Grandvalira, you can also enjoy Andorra’s Christmas markets, though smaller in size. If you prefer to stay in the city, there are plenty of ice rinks in Barcelona to hone your skating skills.

Winter Activities for Families

If you’re on a family holiday in Barcelona this winter, check out Les Festes de Santa Eulàlia in February. This celebration includes activities for children, such as the Gegants (giants) parade and the Castellers (human towers), as well as numerous family workshops and museum activities.

Apartments for a Wonderful Winter in Barcelona

So, if you plan to spend time in Barcelona this winter, at AB Apartment Barcelona we have numerous apartments in the city center and for large groups, perfect for a cozy winter getaway in the city.

We offer 24-hour service, 365 days a year, which means you could even spend Christmas Day in Barcelona!