Christmas and New Year's Eve In Barcelona

Whoever would like to spend a few pleasant days in Barcelona enjoying the Christmas atmosphere on the streets must absolutely take in several events and know about certain customs from the secular tradition, some of them quite curious.

Christmas markets: Outdoor markets where you can find Christmas trees, figures for nativity scenes, decorations for the home and other decor items, in addition to lots of gift ideas. The most famous Christmas markets are:
-Santa Llucia Fair, around the cathedral until 23rd of December.
-Sagrada Familia Christmas Fair: until 23rd of December.
-Plaza de Sants Christmas Fair: until 23rd of December.
-Reyes (3 Kings) Fair: a fair featuring toys, gifts, crafts and Christmas items. Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes (between Muntaner and Entença). From 24th of December to 6th of January.


Tio de Nadal (Christmas Uncle): Starting on the feast day of the Immaculate Conception, the 8th of December, every night families begin to "feed" a tree trunk decorated with a face on one end, which is usually covered with a blanket so it doesn't get cold at night. On Christmas Day, the wooden "uncle" is put in the fire and after being hit it with a canem, it produces sweets and nougats for the children.


Traditional dishes: The traditional dishes at Christmas time are "escudella" stock and its "carn d'olla", followed by stuffed capon or turkey. For dessert, the traditional "turron" nougats are savoured, made with almonds, hazelnuts and honey, or marzipan and candied fruit.

New Year's Eve: New Year's Eve is celebrated with meals and parties as people await the sound of the twelve bells tolling on the city's clocks. At that point, everyone eats 12 "lucky grapes" to the beat of the 12 rings as they toast with cava and wish each other a Happy New Year.

Parade of the Three Wise Men: At sundown on the 5th of January, at 5:30pm to be precise, the Three Wise Men arrive in Barcelona and for three hours they parade around the city's most central streets in their royal carriages, tossing sweets to the children along the wayside.

Come to Barcelona in December and enjoy the Christmas and New Year's Eve atmosphere! Still apartments available at the best price!