Plans for Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Barcelona 2025-2026

Barcelona is filled with activities during the Christmas and New Year season, offering locals and visitors a wide variety of events and recommendations to experience an unforgettable holiday season.

Yet among all the celebrations, one night stands out above the rest: the Gala Dinner and New Year’s Eve Party at CDLC Carpe Diem, a sophisticated evening by the sea featuring gourmet cuisine, live music and an unmistakably cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Christmas Markets

In Barcelona, Christmas markets are one of the main attractions during the holidays. The Feria de Santa Llúcia, with over 235 years of history, is the most emblematic. Located in front of the Cathedral, from November 28 to December 23, 2025, it offers around 300 stalls where you’ll find nativity scenes, ornaments, Christmas trees, gifts and traditional figures such as the famous caganer.
There are also traditional performances like the Carassa de Nadal parade, musical shows and a giant tió for the little ones.

Another option is the Feria de Navidad de la Sagrada Família, held since 1962 in the basilica’s plaza. It coincides with Santa Llúcia, and is actually an extension of it, originally organized when there was no more room for stalls in front of the Cathedral. This market features Christmas decorations, crafts, gifts, nativity scenes and sweets.

Lastly, the Feria de Reyes de la Gran Vía is perfect for last-minute shoppers. From December 14, 2025, to January 6, 2026, you can find the ideal gift among its 250+ stalls.

The Barcelona Christmas Tour

This magical tour is a wonderful way to experience Christmas in the city. This evening panoramic bus tour, available from November 28, 2025, to January 4, 2026 (except December 24, 25 and 31 and January 1), takes you through the main sights and landmarks of the city while showcasing the festive lights and decorations along the streets.

During this nearly 90-minute tour, you’ll visit iconic locations such as Paseo de Gracia, the Basílica de la Sagrada Família and its Christmas fair, La Pedrera, the Mercado de Sant Antoni and the Arc de Triomf, among others.

On board, a guide will share fun facts about Barcelona’s holiday traditions, such as the origin of the galets or the Home dels Nassos, as you enjoy a festive playlist of Christmas songs.

The tour departs from Plaza Cataluña, with privileged views from the bus’s upper deck, plus WiFi and accessibility for guests with reduced mobility (lower deck).

Els Llums de Sant Pau

This is one of the most enchanting events in Barcelona during Christmas. Held at the impressive Recinto Modernista de Sant Pau from November 20, 2025, to January 11, 2026, this light show transforms the space into a world of color and light, ideal for all ages.

The route features 18 interactive installations and lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, making it perfect for those who want to take in the holiday magic from a unique perspective in a historic and visually stunning setting.

With tickets starting at €10 and options such as the Flexiticket or group discounts, this activity is a must for celebrating the holidays. Els Llums de Sant Pau offers a wonderful opportunity to discover Barcelona’s modernist splendor wrapped in festive lights.

Festival de la Infància

If you’re looking for a family activity during the Christmas season in Barcelona, consider the Festival de la Infància. This event takes place from December 27 to 31, 2025, at Montjuïc – Fira Barcelona.

Geared towards families and designed for children of all ages, this festival combines fun, learning and solidarity. A highlight is the Juguetería Solidaria, where little ones can play with toys from well-known brands like Mattel or Cayro. Afterwards, these toys are donated to children in need, promoting values of generosity and empathy.

The festival also features a mobile app that helps families check waiting times and the event schedule, enhancing the overall experience. 

Activities include adventure circuits, storytelling spaces and musical shows, educational workshops, outdoor games and dedicated areas for babies.

Christmas and New Year Concerts

Barcelona offers an exciting lineup of Christmas and New Year concerts for 2025 and early 2026, featuring everything from classical melodies to beloved carols in some of the city’s most iconic venues.

At the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the famous New Year’s Concert will be performed by the Liceu Orchestra, joined by the Orchestra of Teatro La Fenice of Venice, conducted by the distinguished Riccardo Frizza, and featuring the exceptional voices of Saioa Hernández and Xabier Anduaga on January 4, 2026, a true highlight for opera lovers.

The Palau de la Música Catalana will host its Nadal al Palau program, offering options for all ages. Highlights include Händel’s Messiah on December 14, 2025, and January 11, 2026, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker on December 25, 2025, and January 3, 4, and 10, 2026, Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons on December 20 and 22, 2025, and January 10 and 11, 2026, and the traditional New Year’s Concert on December 28 and 31, 2025, and January 1, 2, 3, and 4, 2026, performed by the Vallès Symphony Orchestra, directed by Isabel Rubio.

Additionally, L’Auditori will present the Christmas Concert featuring works by two of the most important Catalan composers of recent times, Salvador Brotons and Albert Guinovart, on December 14, 2025.

La Cursa Dels Nassos 2025

Held every December 31 (Saint Sylvester’s Day) since 1999, this is a popular tradition to say goodbye to the year with a run through the streets of Barcelona.

Inspired by the Catalan mythical figure who appears on the last day of the year, the Home dels Nassos, this 10-kilometer race brings together runners of all ages, both federated and amateur, who race along an urban route from Selva de Mar Street, passing key points such as Paseo de Picasso and Avenida Diagonal.

Organized by the City Council, it’s one of the most attended races in Spain, offering 13,000 bib numbers for its 2025 edition. Additionally, since 2021, it has featured a 5 km race exclusive to elite athletes, which has been the site of world and European records.

This race is ideal for those who wish to end the year with an energetic event in an atmosphere full of adrenaline and camaraderie.

New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner and Party at CDLC Carpe Diem Barcelona

The restaurant–club located on the seafront promenade presents an exclusive New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner to bid farewell to the year in an elegant and cosmopolitan setting.

The evening begins with a gourmet menu at 8:30 PM, featuring exquisite dishes such as Wagyu steak tartare on brioche and smoked yolk, wild Alaskan black cod marinated in red miso or grilled Wagyu sirloin, the menu also includes one bottle of Dom Pérignon Vintage 2015 Vibe Dining Special Edition for every two guests.

At midnight, guests can celebrate the New Year with a countdown and the spanish traditional twelve grapes (las doce uvas), a festive ritual that adds to the excitement of the moment.

Later, the club opens, and guests can reserve VIP tables starting at 1:00 AM, available across several indoor and terrace areas, with options that include Premium bottles and soft drinks.

This year’s event offers a complete luxury experience, featuring live music by the Gold Strings Duo violinists and DJ sets by Flavio Rodriguez and Robert Sevillano, perfect for those seeking a sophisticated and memorable way to welcome 2026.

Whether you’re exploring Christmas markets, attending a light show or ringing in 2026 with an elegant gala dinner, Barcelona is the perfect place to enjoy the holiday season, combining tradition, culture, sports and entertainment.