Barcelona Christmas Time, Spain
Welcome to another year of holiday cheer in Barcelona! Although we can’t promise snow(maybe in the Pyrenees), we can promise lots of Christmas holiday fun, shopping, and entertainment.
There really is something for everyone at any age. Whether you are in town for a few days or for the season, young or old, there is no shortage of great food, lovely gifts and endless twinkling holiday lights.
What to Do
Fira de Santa Llúcia de Barcelona
Although Germany is perhaps the first place that comes to mind for the creme de la creme of Christmas markets, Barcelona can hold its own with the centrally located Fira de Santa Llúcia artisan market.
There are many other markets scattered all over this large metropolis, but the Fira is a great start.
Just a 10 minute walk from Placa Catalunya in the plaza Avinguda de la Catedral, this market has everything you need from decorations, stockings, trees, mistletoe, nativity scene figurines to as many traditional Catalan tio’s as you can fit in your trunk.
We have a family tradition of buying finger puppets from the most exquisite artisan puppet makers, Bufallums.titelles.i.ninots. Since my son was a baby, we would pick out one puppet a year and add it to our Christmas tree.
They really are a lovely gift, and if you’re not in the Barcelona area, you can order online year-round!
The market consists of two large aisles with back-to-back stalls in the middle row. Wreaths, Christmas trees, poinsettias, loud whizzy Santas on strings, and dancing tabletop Christmas trees are just a few of the items you can find.
Aside from the Christmas fare, there are some amazing artisans selling pottery, glass items, bags, wooden gems, paintings, and jewelry. A perfect place to get all your Christmas decorating essentials and beautiful gifts for friends and family.
Another great reason to visit Poble Espanyol! The Spanish Village really is a wonderful place to visit any time of year, but they sure do know how to put on a great Christmas holiday event.
There are lots of great decorations and festive photo opportunities, as well as shops, artisan markets, and kid-friendly activities. As well, you will find cafés and restaurants, some of which offer vegan and vegetarian options.
It’s definitely a great place to spend the day, evening, or late night, as they often have live bands and performances.
Another great year-round amusement park. Tibidabo is one of the oldest amusement parks in Europe, and the church sits so high up that it can be seen from many parts of Barcelona and the surrounding regions – I can actually see it from my living room!
In my opinion, the Christmas season is super special as the misty fog gives this spot an extra level of winter wonderland energy.
There are many rides available year-round, as well as an ice skating rink and plenty of spots for a coffee or a meal. Definitely add this gem to your holiday bucket list!
Where to Eat
La Cereria Baixada de Sant Miquel, 3 Barcelona
Part vegetarian, part music store this magical establishment seems like the perfect location for Christmas elves on a break or magicians in need of a tapa. The service is friendly and the food is excellent.
We sat outside and enjoyed soup, sweet potato fries, and a spinach and vegan cheese crepe. All were delicious and definitely worth repeat visits.
Mussols Restaurants Many Locations
I would go here just for the Pan con Tomate with garlic mayo sauce! Mussols is a traditional Catalan cuisine restaurant with some excellent vegan and vegetarian options. So, if you’re dining with a meat-eating family or friends, this is an excellent option for everyone.
Mussols was actually one of the first restaurants I visited in 2015 on my first trip to Barcelona. I had the most exquisite artichoke cannelloni that I still think about to this day… I’m hoping it will be back on the menu soon!
Bio Center Carrer del Pintor Fortuny, 25, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona
This place is so tasty! It’s one of the oldest and most beloved vegetarian restaurants in Barcelona, and its charming decor makes it extra special for the holiday season.
You can order a la carte or from the daily menus. This restaurant gives me bistro vibes but without the pastrami-lol!
I’m not really sure why I don’t spend more time here -lol! It’s also right in the city centre, not far from Las Ramblas, Plaza Catalunya, and all the good holiday shopping and markets.
And that is it for now! If I think of more Christmasy things, I will add them to this post! Happy Christmas Travel!
