From TwentyTú we propose you different plans to do during this Christmas in Barcelona. The city invites us to go out with the lights, cribs, fairs and Christmas decorations which are in the main streets.
We also explain the traditions that exist in Catalonia during these dates so prominent in the calendar.
Christmas plans in Barcelona
Sant Pau Lights: The Universe of Light 2022 show. The Sant Pau Art Nouveau site is filled with lights and projections, a journey for all audiences. From November 22 to January 15. A total of a kilometer and a half full of lights that starts at the illuminated facade, the building declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Christmas markets and fairs: You can not miss the Santa Llúcia fair, this year celebrates its 236th edition and increases its number of shops. A space full of Christmas spirit, located right in front of the Cathedral of Barcelona, an idyllic place to stroll through the different Christmas stalls. Open from Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 9 pm, from November 25 to December 23. Sagrada Familia fair, located in front of the emblematic building. With stalls of Christmas trees and plants, as well as workshops for the little ones at home. From November 26 to December 23 from 10 am to 9 pm. At Reis de la Gran Via fair from December 16 until Christmas Day. With stalls of toys and traditional products among others.
Christmas in Poble Español: The Christmas spirit will fill the streets of Poble Español with joy. Children will be able to deliver their letters to Santa Claus’ house or to their favorite Wise Man. Also for the first year, there’ll be live music with Christmas gospel concerts.
Ice skating: this Christmas at the Tibidabo amusement park, will be open the ice rink, included in the park entrance, and open to all citizens for 5 €. Another option is the ice rink of the Illa Diagonal, the mall opens the ice rink, a perfect plan for after shopping. Finally, the Barça ice rink, where the figure skating team and the ice hockey team train and compete, is open to the public.
Traditional Nativity Scene: In the Marès Museum, you will find the most traditional nativity scene of the city, this year located in an idyllic valley of the Catalan Pyrenees and Pre-Pyrenees. From Tuesday to Sunday you can enjoy the nativity, from 10h to 19h and Sundays and holidays from 11h to 20h.
Tradiciones navideñas en Cataluña
Caga Tió: It is a “magic” trunk that during the days before Christmas Eve, is fed until the 24th. It has to be covered with a blanket, and on the night of the 24th, it’s time for him to defecate sweets and gifts for the little ones in the house. With a stick, while everyone sings, he pokes himself so that he can give gifts.
Christmas Day: On December 25th in Catalonia the whole family gathers to celebrate the holiday. It’s tradition to eat galets soup, a broth made with vegetables, legumes, meat and other ingredients, with galets: a snail-shaped pasta. Finally, for dessert, nougat and “polvorones”.
Living Nativity Scenes: As the name indicates, these are nativity scenes represented by people. They’re usually installed in the most representative places of the cities, where the characters represent the most important figures of a nativity scene.
San Esteban: On December 26th there is the tradition of having a meal with the family, in the past it was a meal with the leftovers of the previous meal, the Christmas meal, cannelloni were made, which is the typical meal of this day.
Christmas at TwentyTú At the hostel we also celebrate Christmas. We decorate the whole reception with Christmas ornaments such as the Christmas tree. We put on the Santa Claus hat and we also offer “polvorones” as a gift for our guests.
