Christmas and New Year in Barcelona

If you’re thinking about spending the Christmas season in the European gem that is Barcelona, then think no further, as the city turns into a winter wonderland for both its visitors and locals. Although snow tends to be off the agenda in Barcelona, the weather does indeed get colder and the ambience of the city warms our hearts instead. Plaça de Catalunya Christmas Event This year, Barcelona’s most central square will be hosting a Christmas event, so expect Plaça de Catalunya to be brighter and more enchanting than ever, with illuminated Christmas trees and decorations all around. The Christmas fair event will include an array of family activities such as games, workshops and shows, meaning the fun will be endless! The fair also is home to the 3rd edition of the Responsible Consumption Fair, which offers hand-made trinkets, services and activities, whilst simultaneously promoting the use of local products and fair-trade. When? 22nd December 2017 – 4th January 2018: 11am-9pm  (Closed 25/12, 26/12, 01/01) Barcelona’s Christmas Markets Fira de Santa Llúcia Dating back to 1786, La Fira de Santa Llúcia is Barcelona’s oldest and most famous Christmas market. More than 280 market stalls decorated in Christmas lights and decorations dominate the Plà del Seu square in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter. The stalls sell small gifts such as hand-carved wooden toys, traditional Christmas decorations and other trinkets. On 13th December, the day of Saint Lucy (Santa Llúcia), the market is dedicated to traditional Christmas activities such as storytelling, carol singing and dance performances. When? 24th November 2017 – 23rd December 2017 Week days: 10.30am-8.30pm. Holidays and Vigils: 10.30am-9.30pm Fira de Nadal a la Sagrada Família This traditional Christmas market first opened in 1962 and offers more than 150 stalls that occupy the pavements surrounding the square that faces the Sagrada Família’s nativity façade. Expect to find stalls that sell handmade decorations, figurines and crafts, as well as traditional food products such as nougat, dried fruits and chorizo. What’s more, with a backdrop of Gaudí’s most famous work, you get to see some fantastic architecture at the same time! When? 25th November 2017 – 23rd December 2017 Working days: 10am-9pm. Holidays and Vigils: 10.00am-10pm Fira de Reis a la Gran Via Also known as Sant Tomàs i Reis, this is one of Barcelona’s biggest Christmas markets for toys, gifts and sweets. First celebrated in 1877, one of the main characteristics of the Fira de Reis a la Gran Via is the Xurrerias (churro stalls)…what’s not to like? This year’s markets are situated on Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes between Carrer de Muntaner and Carrer de Rocafort. When? 19th December 2017 – 6th January 2018 Working days: 10am-9pm. Holidays and Vigils: 10.00am-10pm Día de Reyes The 6th January is a magical day across Barcelona and the rest of Spain, much like our Christmas Day. In some households, it is a bigger and more traditional celebration than Christmas. Families and loved ones come together to enjoy a feast, open gifts, and play holiday games. Roscón de Reyes is a sweet cake traditionally enjoyed on Kings Day, topped with a paper crown and candied fruits, and filled with cream. The cake also includes two hidden elements: a fava bean and a small king figurine. The tradition goes that if you find the king in your portion, you get to wear the crown but you find the bean, you have to pay for the dessert! The Three Kings parade in Spain and Barcelona is on 5th January in the evening where children deliver their Christmas letters to the Three Kings of the Orient via the royal postmen Estel and Gregori or one of the many other postmen in the King’s parade. New Year’s Eve Plaça d’Espanya Plaça d’Espanya is known for throwing the best New Year’s Eve bash in Barcelona, where thousands of spectators can be found on Avinguda de Reina Maria Cristina enjoying fireworks, a lightshow at the Magic Fountain and an exciting countdown, all with the beautiful backdrop of the illuminated Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. This is a truly unforgettable way of welcoming the New Year! Hit the clubs! After bringing in the New Year, why not make your way to one of the many clubs that Barcelona has to offer to celebrate until the early hours of the morning. Some of the top beachfront spots to check out include Shôko, Opium Mar, Pacha and Catwalk, all hosting themed events. If the beach clubs don’t appeal, there are many other clubs dotted around the city such as Jamboree, Otto Zutz and Bling Bling, meaning you’re bound to find somewhere that will make your New Year’s Eve in Barcelona one to remember. Barcelona is not only a summer destination, but a buzzing and vibrant city all year round. From Christmas markets to fireworks and fiestas, there’s always something going on to keep visitors and locals entertained. Sandra Roig is Marketing Director at AB Apartment Barcelona. If you would like to be a guest blogger onA Luxury Travel Blogin order to raise your profile, pleasecontact us.