December is Barcelona at its most Catalan: a log that poops presents, a peasant squatting in the nativity, and a whole city eating grapes at midnight.
Weather#
| Typical | |
|---|---|
| Days | Low to mid teens °C, often sunny |
| Nights | 6 to 8 °C |
| Rain | Occasional |
November is a touch milder and emptier.
What's on#
The Fira de Santa Llúcia, the Christmas market outside the cathedral, runs until 23 December: trees, nativity figures, Caga Tió logs and caganers. Lights on Passeig de Gràcia and Portal de l'Àngel. Christmas Eve is the family dinner; Christmas Day and Sant Esteve on the 26th are both holidays, so most things close. New Year's Eve: twelve grapes at midnight and the show at Plaça d'Espanya. The Three Kings parade on 5 January is the real present day for Catalan children.
What to do#
The 3-day itinerary works perfectly, with winter light for Gaudí and no queue until the last week. Montjuïc on a clear day. The markets. Hot chocolate with churros, calçots with romesco, and the Boqueria early before the tour groups. Things to do in Barcelona.
Crowds and prices#
Quiet and cheap through the first three weeks. From around the 20th it fills up for Christmas and New Year, and hotels charge accordingly, especially the 30th and 31st. Book those nights first.
What to pack#
A warm jacket, a scarf, layers for sunny afternoons that turn cold at five. Is Barcelona safe? for the pickpocket rules, which matter more in holiday crowds.
Plan it#
Post your dates on Roavi Community. A Local Friend in Barcelona can tell you which bar is open on the 26th; Roavi has very few here yet, so post early.
Barcelona in December? Do Christmas the Catalan way, with a Catalan.
Meet a Local FriendFrequently Asked Questions
Is Barcelona cold in December?
Cool rather than cold: highs in the low to mid teens Celsius, nights around six to eight. Sunny days are frequent and good for walking. You need a proper jacket, not a winter coat.What is open in Barcelona on Christmas Day?
Very little on 25 December and, unusually, also on 26 December (Sant Esteve), a holiday in Catalonia. Museums and most shops close, some restaurants open with a set menu. The Sagrada Família has limited hours. Plan those two days as walking and eating days.What is Caga Tió?
A Catalan Christmas log with a painted face that children beat with sticks on Christmas Eve so it 'poops' presents. You will see it in every market, next to the caganer, a small figure of a squatting peasant that goes in the nativity scene.How is New Year's Eve in Barcelona?
The main public event is at Plaça d'Espanya, with the Magic Fountain and fireworks. Everyone eats twelve grapes at the twelve chimes of midnight. Restaurants do set menus; book ahead. The metro runs all night.
