Things to do in Barcelona this Christmas /

A trip to Barcelona is guaranteed to put you in the Christmas spirit! In Spain, both December 6 and December 8 are public holidays, meaning there is always a lively buzz in the city at this time, as locals take some much-needed time off to celebrate the Día de la Constitución and the Día de la Inmaculada Concepción . The temperature in the city is mild this time of year and flight prices are much lower than in the height of summer. So why not spend this holiday season in beautiful Barcelona? Visit the elaborate Christmas markets and see the sights, without the frenetic summer crowds.

Without further ado, here are our recommendations for things to do this Christmas in Barcelona 2022. We’re sure you won’t be disappointed!

Visit the Christmas markets

Enjoy the festive Christmas markets scattered around Barcelona this winter. Markets, such as the Fira de Santa Llúcia in the Gothic Quarter, are great fun. They showcase the gifts and handicrafts of Barcelona’s independent businesses and often have plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained.

The stalls sell items such as toys, jewelery and ornaments, many of which are completely handmade and unlike anything you’ll find on the high street. There is often live music and performance art in the markets, adding to the fun Christmas atmosphere. And don’t worry! You won’t go hungry at a Christmas market in Barcelona! You can always expect sweet and savory treats. We opt for freshly made churros con chocolate. You just can’t beat them!

Enjoy traditional Catalan food

Feet tired from all that Christmas shopping? Why not wrap up warm in one of the town’s great restaurants and try the local cuisine for yourself. Catalonia specializes in comforting, rich and hearty food – perfect for the winter season!

Our recommendation? Try to find a delicious bowl of Sarsuela de peix i marisc. This fish stew, similar to French bouillabaisse, is complex and truly unique. The broth is made from tomatoes, peppers and ground almonds and is then combined with fish of your choice. Most restaurants opt for the classic choice of mussels, shrimp and clams, but there are many variations of this sacred recipe.

Another top pick from us this holiday season is Butifarra amb mongetes. This traditional dish is essentially sausage and beans. Don’t let this humble description fool you though! Although simple, Butifarra amb mongetes is a super special dish, unique to the region and packed with flavour. Delicious Catalan sausage served with beans baked in the flavors of the meat. What’s not to like?

See the Christmas lights

After you’ve had your fill of tasty Catalan grub, we recommend finishing your dinner by wandering the streets of Barcelona. During the winter months, the festive atmosphere is palpable, with Christmas lights and displays all over the city.

Nowhere is this better seen than on Passeig de Gracia. This iconic road is lined from top to bottom with stunning Christmas lights that twinkle as far as the eye can see. Be sure to stop at Casa Batlló on Passeig de Gracia to see Gaudi’s architectural masterpiece illuminated with color. This can not be missed!

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Likewise, at the end of Passeig de Gracia, as you walk towards Las Ramblas, you can enjoy the beauty of Plaza Catalunya, also illuminated with a beautiful draped screen that connects all the buildings in the square. It’s just great!

do Christmas shopping

For Christmas shopping in a picturesque location, the Gothic Quarter is an excellent place to explore. The winding cobbled streets, lit up with fairy lights, are home to rows and rows of shops. Some are independent boutiques that sell handmade items, and others are large clothing stores that sell popular gifts. This is the place to check some items off your Christmas list!

Nestled in the streets of the Gothic Quarter, just a few minutes’ walk from Barcelona Cathedral, you’ll even find Käthe Wohlfahrt: Europe’s most famous Christmas shop. The first Spanish location is in beautiful Barcelona, ​​and it’s sure to get you in the Christmas spirit! Take a walk through the winter wonderland, complete with towering Christmas trees and snow-covered cabins. Käthe Wohlfahrt has hundreds of baubles, nativity scenes and trinkets to choose from. Lucky us!

So there you have it! Our top picks for Things to do in Barcelona this Christmas 2022. From markets and fairy lights to shopping and gastronomy, there is so much to do during the holiday season in the Catalan capital.

Sandra Roig is marketing director at AB Apartment Barcelona. AB Apartment Barcelona is an apartment rental company offering more than a thousand short and long term apartments all over Barcelona.

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