How to Spend December in Festive Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, Spain. Photo by Daniel Corneschi on Unsplash

Barcelona, Spain, truly comes alive during December, transforming into a festive wonderland that captures the spirit of the season like few other destinations. From enchanting holiday markets to unique Catalan traditions, there’s no shortage of delightful activities to enjoy in this vibrant city.

Fira de Santa Llúcia

One of the must-visit places is the Fira de Santa Llúcia, Barcelona’s oldest and most famous Christmas market. Here, you can find everything from handcrafted decorations to traditional Catalan gifts. The market’s centerpiece is the nativity scene, which is a true work of art and a sight to behold.

Festive Bites

December is also the perfect time to savor some Catalan delicacies. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and churros, or indulge in the local holiday treat, turrón, a nougat made with almonds and honey.

Lights and Tradition

Be sure to experience the magic of the city’s Christmas lights, which adorn the streets and buildings, creating a magical ambiance throughout Barcelona. And don’t miss the famous New Year’s Eve tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight—one for each chime of the clock—to bring good luck in the coming year.