Celebrate Christmas in Barcelona

Christmas is a special time of year in Barcelona as it is in many parts of the world. You will find old traditions mingled in with the new, you will see lights and decorations scattered around but what you will not see is shops open on this festive and religious holiday. Granted a few will be open but most closes down to spend time with family and friends.

What you will see in Barcelona at Christmas Time

City breaks in Barcelona at Christmas will be full of bright lights everywhere you go and gifts for anyone on your list. You might find a little bit of snow but not much compared to other parts of Europe. You will find singing all around, specialty foods that are only treasured during this time. You will also find that many places like museums celebrate the holidays but are not open on Christmas Day.

Lights everywhere you go, from a little before Christmas the beautiful city of Barcelona undergoes a change from the traditional look and feel to a holiday treat. You will see decorations in shops through out town.

The Santa Llúcia Market at Christmas

In the Santa Llúcia Market you will find everything you need from ornaments and figurines to handmade gifts and trinkets. You will also find traditional and not so traditional Christmas Trees and of course no matter where you go a Nativity Scene celebrating the birth of Christ. There is one very real difference between a Barcelona Nativity Scene and ones you might be used to and that is the "caganer". The Caganer is a Catalan Peasant wearing a Catalan Hat and nothing else.

The night before Christmas

On Christmas Eve in Barcelona you will find it filled with special visitors in the homes there. Mainly those homes with children will get a visit from the "caga tió" a round wooden log representing the giving of presents. This log marks the beginning of the holiday season and that Santa Claus is coming. This is also the time many families gather and spend some time outdoors. During the day the parents will hide the log and then the children will find it and hit it with a stick to bring forth presents.

Christmas Day

On Christmas morning the tree will fill up with presents and the day is spent with family opening the gifts they have received and a special dinner. The day after Christmas is called Stephen’s Day and is only properly enjoyed with Cannelloni.