Our definitive guide to travelling to Barcelona for Christmas in 2023. We explain in this post everything to see and do. We also take a look at how much it will cost to enjoy Christmas in Barcelona based on different travelers budgets.
Barcelona is a fine choice for a festive break that offers a rich hub of art, culture, cuisine and nightlife. The city is wonderfully decorated for Christmas with lights, Christmas markets, and nativity scenes. There are also many festive events and traditions to enjoy, such as seasonal dishes, flamenco shows, and Catalan customs. Barcelona is a winter wonderland that will get you into the true Christmas spirit. If you are travelling to Barcelona for Christmas in 2023, you won’t be dissapointed.
What to expect from the weather in Barcelona for Christmas?
Now, if you’re looking for a white Christmas in Barcelona the chances of that happening are pretty slim. However even on rare occasions that snow would occur it melts quickly, much to the disappointment of the people of Barcelona. Normally it’s quite mild during December and we often have sunny days, not quite beach weather mind, but certainly reasonably mild but it can also be damp and rainy too so be prepared. The average temperature in December is around 14°C during the day and 6°C at night.
Things to do if you are travelling to Barcelona for Christmas
There are plenty of things to do in Barcelona during Christmas, whether you’re looking for cultural activities, shopping opportunities, or festive fun. Here are some of the highlights:
- Visit the Christmas markets: Barcelona has several Christmas markets where you can find traditional crafts, decorations, nativity scenes, and local delicacies. The most famous ones are the Fira de Santa Llúcia in front of the Cathedral and the Fira de Nadal at Sagrada Familia.
- Fira de Reis (Christmas Fair): December 15th, 2023 – January 6th, 2024. A Christmas fair that takes place along various sections of the well-known Gran Via.
- See the Christmas lights: Barcelona is illuminated with thousands of lights during the holiday season, creating a magical atmosphere in the streets and squares. You can admire them on foot or join a bus tour that takes you around the most dazzling spots.
- Enjoy the Catalan traditions: Barcelona has some unique and quirky traditions for Christmas, such as the caganer (a figurine of a peasant defecating in the nativity scene) and the caga tió (a log that poops out presents when children hit it with sticks). You can learn more about them at the Museu Etnològic i de Cultures del Món or join a guided tour that explains them.
- Watch a flamenco show: Flamenco is not only a Andalusian art form, but also a popular entertainment option in Barcelona. Although not a true Christmas activity, it is still a great way to enjoy a great piece of Spanish tradition during your Christmas break. You can find many venues that offer flamenco shows with live music and dancing, such as Tablao Flamenco Cordobes, Palacio del Flamenco, or Los Tarantos.
- Taste the seasonal dishes: Barcelona has a rich gastronomy that varies according to the seasons. During Christmas, you can try some of the typical dishes such as escudella i carn d’olla (a hearty soup with meat and vegetables), canelons (pasta tubes filled with meat and covered with béchamel sauce), or torrons (nougat candies). You can also sample some of the local wines and cavas (sparkling wines) at one of the many bars and restaurants in the city.
How to get there and where to stay
Barcelona is well connected by air, train, bus, and car with other parts of Spain and Europe. You can find cheap flights from many UK airports to Barcelona El Prat Airport, which is about 15 km from the city center. You can also take a train from London to Paris and then to Barcelona, which takes about 10 hours in total. Alternatively, you can drive or take a bus from other Spanish or European cities.
If you are travelling to Barcelona for Christmas from other European cities, there are many options. High-speed trains run from France to Barcelona. Other European cities are well-connected by flights to Barcelona El Prat airport. Many European low-cost airlines offer some great deals if you are travelling to Barcelona for Christmas. Remember to book in advance!
Barcelona has a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets and preferences. You can find hotels, hostels, apartments, guesthouses, or bed and breakfasts in different areas of the city. Some of the most popular neighborhoods are Ciutat Vella (the old town), Eixample (the modernist district), Gràcia (the bohemian quarter), or Barceloneta (the beach area).
How much does it cost to travel to Barcelona for Christmas
Barcelona is not a cheap destination, but it’s not too expensive either. The cost of travelling to Barcelona for Christmas depends on your travel style, preferences, and activities. Christmas in Barcelona generally tends to be low season. However, it can become popular and prices may rise due to sudden demand. If you are travelling to Barcelona for Christmas, it is essential you book a few months in advance to get the best price. Here are some average daily costs based on different types of travellers for Christmas 2023 in Barcelona:
Budget Traveler Costs
- Budget traveler: €80 per day
- Attractions: €24 (one paid attraction + any free sights)
- Food: €29.50 (breakfast: €3; lunch: €8; dinner: €15; treat: €4)
- Transportation: €3
- Accommodation: €35 (hostel)
Frugal Traveler Costs
- Frugal traveler: €50 per day
- Attractions: €8 (free walking tour + visit one of the free sights)
- Food: €15.50 (breakfast: €0; lunch: €6; dinner: €9; beer: €1.5)
- Transportation: €0 (explore by foot)
- Accommodation: €20 (cheap hostel)
Midrange Traveler Costs
- Mid-range traveler: €150 per day
- Attractions: €40 (two paid attractions + any free sights)
- Food: €50 (breakfast: €5; lunch: €15; dinner: €25; treat: €5)
- Transportation: €10
- Accommodation: €80 (hotel)
Luxury Traveler Costs
- Luxury traveler: €300 per day
- Attractions: €60 (three paid attractions + any free sights)
- Food: €100 (breakfast: €10; lunch: €30; dinner: €50; treat: €10)
- Transportation: €20
- Accommodation: €160 (luxury hotel)
These costs are based on the expenses of visitors staying in Barcelona for Christmas 2023. Prices may vary depending on availability and demand. You can save money by booking in advance, looking for deals and discounts, and choosing cheaper options.
What are the entry requirements for Barcelona from the UK
If you are travelling from the UK to Spain, you need to follow the entry requirements set by the Spanish authorities. As of December 2022, these are:
- You do not need a visa if you are travelling as a tourist for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- You need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure date and issued less than 10 years ago.
- You do not need a COVID-19 test or vaccination certificate to enter Spain.
- You may need to fill in an online health control form before your arrival.
Conclusion
Barcelona is a fantastic destination for a Christmas getaway that combines culture, fun, and gastronomy. You can enjoy the mild weather, the festive atmosphere, and the unique traditions of the Catalan capital. You can also explore the amazing architecture, art, and history of the city, as well as its vibrant nightlife and shopping scene. Some fantastic Christmas lights, traditional Christmas markets and a vibrant atmosphere, make Barcelona a great choice for a Christmas break.
