Christmas in Barcelona
There's something about Christmas that touches us all. Perhaps it's because it awakens the child we once were from their slumber, or because now we see in our children's eyes the same excitement we felt searching for the 'tió', delivering letters to Santa Claus or the Three Wise Men, wandering the illuminated streets with carols playing in the shops... In Northern Europe, this Christmas spirit has long been celebrated with spectacular Christmas markets and family-friendly activities. And although in Barcelona we also have age-old traditions like the Fira de Santa Llúcia or the Fira de Reis on Gran Vía, it's true that it has been harder to find a schedule of events for both young and old to enjoy. However, we've stepped up our game and today we have a variety of activities to do until the Three Kings from the East pass judgment on our good or bad behavior over the past year. That's why we're reviewing the best plans to experience Christmas with the same excitement as when we were little.
Visit the nativity scene in Sant Jaume SquareA classic of our city. The Barcelona City Council joins the celebration of the holidays with a representation of Christmas iconography: the baby Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the ox and the mule, the Kings, the shepherds... However, this beautiful tradition has taken on a more transgressive tone in recent years, with alternative representations of what Christmas can represent, and with allegorical figures that deviate from the nativity scene as we have always known it. And like everything in life, it has its detractors and its supporters. Whether to criticize or praise it, or simply to be able to judge it with knowledge of the facts, the municipal nativity scene has become an event that deserves a visit. On display until January 6th.
Visit the world's most famous Christmas store
Se trata de Käthe Wohlfahrt, la tienda alemana de decoración artesanal navideña más importante de Europa, acaba de aterrizar en el barrio gótico de Barcelona. Con tiendas en Estados Unidos y en Europa, ha abierto recientemente la primera tienda de la cadena en España, en el que es uno de los establecimientos más grandes de la ciudad dedicado exclusivamente a la ambientación navideña. Cruzar su puerta es transportarse a un mercadillo navideño en Alemania. Las dependientas con el traje típico local, ambientación de pueblito nevado, un árbol enorme en el centro de la tienda… Además, para la tienda de Barcelona han creado piezas exclusivas inspiradas en la ciudad: diseños gaudinianos, el característico taxi amarillo y negro o el tradicional caganer. La encontraremos en el Gòtic, en la calle Banys Nous, 15.
Poble Espanyol Christmas Fair
On December 21st, the Poble Espanyol opened its doors to celebrate the magic of Christmas with the whole family. Among the activities organized are the delivery of letters to the emissaries of the Three Wise Men (from December 21st to 29th). In addition, there will be activities full of magic, joy, and excitement for the whole family, such as treasure hunts, hitting the Tió, enjoying the Christmas movie programming, or visiting the pacifier tree, where all the children who have become "older" can leave theirs to celebrate this important milestone. And for the adults, there will be a Christmas gastronomic exhibition with local products, pairings, a craft beer fair, appetizers with vinyl records... In short, there are no excuses not to come closer.
Christmas Fair at Port Vell
A novelty of this year that aims to become a classic of the future Barcelona at Christmas time is already making its mark. This sentence is not clear. It refers to the typical European-style Christmas market, which has opened its doors in Plaza del Portal de la Pau, in front of the Columbus monument. The fair covers an area of 5,000 m2 and consists of wooden stalls decorated with garlands in the style of traditional Christmas markets. Here we can find Christmas decorations, food, crafts, and gifts, as well as gastronomic areas and a stage. And because Christmas isn't complete without a tree, the fair has presented a 31-meter tall fir tree with LED technology lighting. It is open to visitors until January 5th.
Three Kings' Fair on Gran Vía
It has been celebrated since 1877 on Gran Vía, between Calabria and Muntaner streets. What began with a gathering of 18 stalls selling toys and candies has grown over the years to 273 stalls in this year's edition. And it's not just toys that are sold. Jewelry, silverware, clothing, scarves, hats, accessories, home decor, and craft items can all be found at this traditional Christmas market. Despite its centennial history, the Three Kings' Fair on Gran Vía is not as famous as the Fira de Nadal de Santa Llúcia, which it usually follows each year.
A special mention goes to the fair's churro stands. With a freshly started winter and the wind that usually whips through such an open street as Gran Vía, a good hot chocolate is even more welcoming to ward off the cold. And since it's customary to eat during this season, it's better to accompany it with classic churros, filled with cream or custard, porras, waffles, or the already century-old 'xuixo' from Girona.
New Year's Eve Bell Chimes
Why stay at home eating grapes when we can do it in the heart of the city enjoying an internationally renowned show? Once again, the Avenida de la Reina Maria Cristina, with the Palau Nacional in the background, will host the countdown of the 12 bell chimes to welcome 2020 as it deserves, with an impressive display of light, water, pyrotechnics, and music, thanks to the operation of its traditional Magic Fountain, which will combine water with light, sound, and fire…
Three Kings Parade
As a grand finale to 15 days of magic, Barcelona celebrates its traditional Three Kings Parade on the upcoming January 5th, an event that has been repeated every year since 1940, to offer a warm welcome to Their Majesties the Magi. After a long sea journey from the Far East, Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar arrive in the city around 4:30 p.m., docking their ship at the Moll de la Fusta. There, they are greeted by the mayor, who hands them the keys to the city so that, just for that night, they can open the doors of all the homes in Barcelona and deliver their gifts. At 6 p.m., the parade of floats will begin, accompanied by troupes, dancers, royal postmen, and a retinue of pages. The route, which will last three hours, will pass through the streets Av. Marquès de l’Argentera, Pla de Palau, Pg. Isabel II, Via Laietana, Pl. Urquinaona, Fontanella, Pl. Catalunya, Pl. Universitat, Rda. Sant Antoni, Sepúlveda, Av. Paral·lel, Pl. Espanya, and will conclude at Av. Maria Cristina.
