Plans for Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Barcelona

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.

Christmas Markets

In Barcelona, the 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 29 to December 23, 2024, it offers more than 200 stalls where you’ll find nativity scenes, ornaments, trees, gifts, and 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 those doing last-minute shopping. From December 17, 2024, to January 6, 2025, you can find the ideal gift among its more than 100 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 29, 2024, to January 4, 2025 (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 hour-and-a-half-long tour, you’ll visit iconic sites 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 21, 2024, to January 12, 2025, this light show transforms the space into a world of color and light, ideal for all ages.

This year, the tour centers on Christmas traditions from various countries, guided by Llumi, a star who accompanies visitors through more than 20 interactive installations.The experience lasts approximately 60 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 €10.50 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 Infancia

If you’re looking for a family activity during the Christmas season in Barcelona, consider the Festival de la Infancia. This event is held from December 27 to 31, 2024, 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 Spin Master. 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, a story space 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 2024 and early 2025, featuring everything from classical melodies to beloved carols in iconic settings.

At the Gran Teatre del Liceu, the famous Gran Concierto de Año Nuevo by the Strauss Festival Orchestra & Strauss Festival Ballet Ensemble will include famous waltzes, such as The Blue Danube and the Radetzky March, on December 26, 2024, and January 1 and 6, 2025, attracting classical music enthusiasts.

The Palau de la Música Catalana will host its Nadal al Palau program, with something for all ages. Highlights include Händel’s Messiah on December 22, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker on December 15 and 25, and January 3 and 5, Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons on December 22 and January 3 and 12, and the traditional Concierto de San Esteban on December 26, performed by the Orfeó Català choirs.

Additionally, L’Auditori will present the Concierto de Navidad by the Orquestra de Cambra d’Acordions de Barcelona on December 21 and a benefit Christmas concert on December 12 featuring a selection of holiday classics to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research.

La Cursa dels Nassos 2024

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 and past 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 up to 11,500 bib numbers for its 2024 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

Located on Passeig Marítim, CDLC hosts an exclusive New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner in a chic, cosmopolitan setting.

The evening begins with a gourmet menu at 20:30, featuring exquisite dishes such as Scallop with Thai Curry, King Crab with Imperial Caviar or Wagyu Tenderloin on a Josper Grill. The meal includes a bottle of Dom Pérignon for every two people, with vegan or children’s menu options available upon request.

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, available in various areas inside the venue or on the terrace, with options that include Premium bottles and soft drinks.

This year’s event offers a complete luxury experience, with live music by a special guest, as well as DJs Flavio Rodriguez and Edu Natored, perfect for those seeking a sophisticated and memorable way to welcome 2025.

Whether you’re exploring Christmas markets, attending a light show, or ringing in 2025 with an elegant gala dinner, Barcelona is the perfect place to enjoy the holiday season, combining tradition, culture, sports, and entertainment.