More about: Best Things To Do In Barcelona In December
Barcelona is a city worth visiting any month of the year as it is always full of cultural plans. However, among all it has to see and do, perhaps in December is the month when there is more concentration of events and festivities.
Christmas can be breathed in the atmosphere, there are many festivals under cover and the city adapts to winter with ice rinks and art and tradition are everywhere. If this has already made you curious, read on, because I have prepared a list of 10 things to do in Barcelona in December that you will surely love, are you up for it?
1. Attend the special concerts of the Palau de la Música
If you come to Barcelona in December you should not forget that you are in the Christmas month and this undoubtedly has its advantages. One of the main ones is that the most emblematic buildings of the city usually open their doors with annual activities and more accessible than the rest of the year. The Palau de la Música is a good example of this.
This beautiful building, which throughout the year you can visit with guided tours to appreciate its impressive modernist style, dresses up every late December to offer a series of concerts on Christmas holidays that everyone can attend. It is certainly an experience that must be lived if you have the opportunity.
Book your tickets for the Palau de la Música in Barcelona and enter this building designed with acoustics recognized worldwide. In addition, you can take the opportunity to book your tickets for a concert on its official website and so you can listen to live music of some of the artists who debut during these days of December.
Interesting facts
- Price: prices are more affordable than the rest of the year and vary depending on the concert, but can range from 20 € to 40 €.
- Venue: the concerts are held at the Palau de la Música, located on the street with the same name, number 4-6. Carrer Verdi, 2
- Date: at the end of December.
2. Let yourself be dazzled by a nocturnal experience at La Pedrera
The month of December is an ideal time to book a night experience at La Pedrera, as the show takes place on the Warriors Rooftop and the views from this place are breathtaking with the center of Barcelona illuminated for the Christmas holidays.
In this night experience in one of the most captivating buildings of the master Gaudí, you will enjoy a visual spectacle, lasting about an hour and a half, in which lights and audiovisual projections will surprise you.
In addition, to put the finishing touch to this unique multimedia event you will be delighted with a tasting of a glass of cava.
Interesting facts
- Price: The price of this experience is from 38 €.
- Place: Pasei de Gràcia, 92.
- Date: It takes place almost every day of the week in three schedules: 21:20, 22 and 22: 20 h. approximately.
3. Take a trip to the Pyrenees in its greatest splendor
The month of December, due to low temperatures and snow, is an ideal time to book a day trip to the Pyrenees from Barcelona, as it is one of the times of the year when it is at its most splendorous.
Specifically, the excursions have an approximate duration of 11 hours and are made in groups of approximately 16 people. Throughout the tour you will visit some of the most beautiful villages in the area such as Vic or Queralbs, along with an expert guide who will give you all the details of this mountain range that separates Spain from France.
One of my favorite moments is the climb to the top of Nuria by rack railway. It is really impressive. In addition, once there, you can take the opportunity to taste the Catalan gastronomy in a restaurant or tour the place on horseback.
Interesting facts
- Price: You can hire an excursion for approximately 108 €.
- Place: This excursion to the Pyrenees includes the transfer to and from the Pyrenees in an air-conditioned minivan.
- Date: The excursion takes place about three days a week, at 8:30 am.
4. Immerse yourself in flamenco with a show in a theater or tablao
What better way to immerse yourself in flamenco culture than with a show starring renowned artists, dancers and singers in one of the main tablaos, theaters or venues in Barcelona.
Declared a World Heritage Site, this musical genre is pure passion and beauty. And the month of December is an ideal time to book your ticket because they usually make artistic nods to Christmas, either incorporating a carol or some popular lyrics that we all know.
You have several options to enjoy a show. Here are four proposals of very different prices, duration and with additional services (drinks, dinner, tapas ...) for all budgets:
- Flamenco show tickets at City Hall Theater, from $29.
- Flamenco showtickets at Los Tarantos, from ** $23**.
- Flamenco showtickets at Tablao Cordobés, from ** $54**.
- Flamenco show tickets atTablao de Carmen, from ** $77**.
Interesting facts
- Price: From 27 € you can enjoy a show.
- Location: There are different venues and tablaos where you can enjoy a unique flamenco show.
- Date: Almost every day of the week you can enjoy a flamenco show.
5. Escape the cold by enjoying the collections of Barcelona's museums
One of the peculiarities of your trip to Barcelona in the month of December is that temperatures are lower than in other months of the year and may coincide with a day in which precipitation mark your sightseeing day. If you want to make the most of this day without discomfort, I recommend that you choose to visit one of the main museums in Barcelona.
The museum offer of Barcelona is very varied, so regardless of your tastes, the type of trip you make and who accompanies you can find the option that best suits you. Here are some options:
- Tickets for the Museum of Contemporary Art of Barcelona, from $13.
- Tickets for the National Art Museum of Catalonia, from ** $14**.
- Tickets forthe Egyptian Museum of Barcelona, from ** $18**.
- Tickets for the Museum of the Spanish People in Barcelona, from ** $14**.
- Tickets forthe Wax Museum of Barcelona, from ** $20**.
And if you are thinking of visiting several, do not hesitate to consider the option of booking a pass for the museums of Barcelona, with which you will save considerably on the price of the different tickets.
Interesting facts
- Price: From 13 € you can visit some of the essential museums of Barcelona.
- Place: Different locations in Barcelona.
- Date: Every day of the week.
6. Stroll through the Christmas markets
It cannot be ignored that, apart from all the activities and events that are organized in December in Barcelona, Christmas is present in every corner and soaks all the streets with its lights along the main avenues and, of course, its Christmas markets. You just have to walk around or book a tour of the old town and the Gothic Quarter to realize it.
If you are spending a few days in the Catalan capital, you can not miss the many markets that are organized by various parts of the city. Getting around Barcelona is quite easy and, in the case of the markets, you can reach several of them walking and strolling through the center.
In these markets you can not only soak up the Christmas spirit listening to Christmas carols, but you can buy all kinds of details and decorations, as its mythical "Caga Tió", and warm up with a rich chocolate with churros. The three most important markets in the city are:
- Santa Lucia, in front of the Cathedral.
- Sagrada Familia.
- Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes.
Interesting facts
- Price: access is free, depending on what you want to spend.
- Place: the Santa Lucia market, in front of the Cathedral, the Sagrada Familia market in the vicinity of the basilica and the Sant Tomàs i Reis market on Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes.
- Date: they usually begin in mid-November and last throughout the month of December.
7. Experience the Manga Festival
If you are passionate about Japan and its graphic novels such as manga or anime, I can't think of a better plan for you to do during your vacations in Barcelona in December than going to visit the great Salón del Manga, the annual Manga Festival held in Barcelona.
During the first days of December, the Fira de Barcelona is dyed Asian to welcome this famous event. For almost 5 days, you can attend all kinds of workshops, contests, meetings with artists and, of course, get your hands on the most exclusive copies of manga and comics.
Of course, if you are a fan of manga, you can take the opportunity to come with your favorite costume, as you will also find many people showing off their cosplays, are you going to miss it?
Interesting facts
- Price: tickets must be purchased online through their website and usually cost around 10 €.
- Place: the festival is organized every year at the events fair in Barcelona, the Fira, located in Av. de la Reina Maria Cristina. Do not hesitate to book the Hola Barcelona transport card to comfortably reach the venue.
- Date: during the first days of December.
8. Taste delicious cheeses at the Untasted Cheese Fest
If you enjoy eating and trying new flavors, you have surely got the bug to do some of the gastronomic tours offered by the city of Barcelona. However, you can do this every month of the year. The special thing if you come in December is that there is a festival as rich as curious; the Untasted Cheese Fest.
It is a fair that is held every year in December and whose main theme is cheese. You can try all kinds of different types and flavors and, if that wasn't enough, enjoy live electronic music.
With cheeses from all over the world and different tastings, it is a perfect plan, beyond booking a tapas tour, to have a good time with friends and family while eating this tasty and creamy food. Bon profit!
Interesting facts
- Price: the price per day is around 15 € and includes both cheese tasting and wine tasting.
- Place: it is usually held at L'Estació Espai Gastronòmic, at Av. del Marquès de l'Argentera, 6.
- Date: this fair usually lasts two days and is held in early December.
9. Slide down the ice rinks
When the cold weather arrives, there is no better outdoor activity to do in big cities like Barcelona, than to go ice skating in some of the rinks that are distributed during these dates, especially if you come with children to the city.
Large shopping centers such as L'Illa are in charge of organizing the rinks, as well as emblematic neighborhoods such as Nou Barris. Each year, depending on availability, they may change location, but prices and conditions are usually maintained. You don't need to be an expert, the slopes are free for all levels. You just have to come with desire, put on your skates and dare.
And after sliding on your skates and know the city with a magical and fun touch, nothing better than booking your ticket for the ice bar in Barcelona and recharge your batteries in this curious place where ice is the protagonist.
Interesting facts
- Price: usually between 5 € and 10 €.
- Place: there are different locations each year, such as the L'Illa Shopping Center.
- Date: during the whole month of December.
10. Celebrate New Year's Eve in Barcelona
One of the most anticipated festivities and annual appointments not only in December, but throughout the year is undoubtedly the New Year and, if you are lucky enough to be in Barcelona at this time, I assure you that you will not have time to get bored.
Every December 31, Barcelona puts on its best clothes to say goodbye to the year. Barcelona is a city with a great gastronomic legacy, so a great plan would be to book a table that night at a restaurant in the center. At midnight, as in the whole country, the 12 grapes are eaten to the rhythm of the chimes in a very special place, the steps of Montjuic and the Magic Fountain. Book a ticket for the Montjuic cable car and get ready to enjoy.
After such a long-awaited moment, hundreds of locals open their doors all night to celebrate the arrival of the new year with a good party. The best areas to go out are in the center, in Plaza Catalunya, Poble Nou and, of course, Sagrada Familia, where you can enjoy the incredible views of the basilica at night.
Interesting facts
- Price: the celebration in Montjuic is free. The price will depend on where you are going to eat and party at night. A New Year's Eve menu is usually around 60 € with everything included and a nightclub ticket is around 50 € with drinks.
- Place: the arrival of the new year is celebrated on the steps of Montjuic, in Av. de la Reina Maria Cristina.
- Date: December 31.
11. Participate in the annual Cursa dels Nassos marathon
Every year on December 31, one of the most important races of the year is held in Barcelona; the Cursa dels Nassos. If you are spending the end of the year in Barcelona on vacations and you like sport, do not hesitate to sign up. The route is only 10 kilometers through the flat and central part of the city, so if you are a little fit, it will not be a problem.
This race has been done for years and is part of the tradition throughout the country, although the rest of the communities is called the San Silvestre. You don't have to be a professional runner, anyone can register and run.
You don't have to worry about arriving first. While it is true that professionals and amateurs can take it as a competition, many people live it as a celebration and a moment of self-improvement, and even go dressed in Christmas costumes.
Interesting facts
- Price: registration for the race is usually around 15 euros.
- Place: the route may change from year to year, but it is always in the area of Barceloneta and Arc de Triomf.
- Date: December 31.
12. Visit Festivalet, the art and handicraft fair
Barcelona is a city that exudes art and culture everywhere. However, although in every corner you can find local artists and artisans, it is in December when the best promises of each year come together in a festival called El Festivalet, to offer all their creations to all audiences.
This place is the perfect opportunity for the group of artisans and independent artists to publicize their work and come into direct contact with their audience. The prices cover a wide range so you can go to take a look and find a hidden gem.
In addition, due to the time of year, it is a very interesting plan for Christmas shopping as you can surely find here some detail or unique gift to give. Do not miss it!
Interesting facts
- Price: admission is free, so what you spend will depend on your tastes and pocket.
- Place: it is usually held in the old textile factory Fabra i Coats.
- Date: it is usually held during a weekend in mid-December.
13. See the annual exhibition of the World Press Photo Festival
Every year, the world of photography and journalism comes together to exhibit the best documentary samples that have been during all the months and precisely Barcelona dedicates a space to this World Press Photo Festival so that everyone can see some of the most important photos in journalism, whether in the field of nature, social or political.
If you like this whole world, I can't think of a better plan than coming to the CCCB to see with your own eyes some of the most important photographic testimonies of the year. This festival is usually held in December, after the annual awards have been given to see which have been the best photos.
Definitely an excellent plan to do under cover if it starts to get too cold in the streets and, moreover, soaked in culture and current affairs.
Interesting facts
- Price: the entrance usually costs about 5 € but if you go on Sundays during the festival you can get in for free.
- Place: it is held at the CCCB, in Montalegre, 5.
- Date: the festival begins in late November and lasts until mid-December.
14. Take advantage of the December opening hours to do your shopping
December is the month of Christmas and, even if you are not very enthusiastic about these dates, they also bring with them their advantages. If you have come to Barcelona for a few days at Christmas and you want to make the most of Sundays, you should know that in December all stores are usually open on Sundays.
This is because it is a commercial month, where people want to hurry their shopping. That is why throughout the month there is a continuous schedule so that everyone can have availability to take advantage of the city.
If you come for tourism, this condition is ideal because, whatever the dates you come, you will always find restaurants, stores, and museums open so you can enjoy them to the fullest.
Interesting facts
- Price: depending on what you want to spend on shopping.
- Location: some of the most important shopping streets are Paseo de Gracia, Avenida Diagonal and Rambla/Plaza Cataluña.
- Date: every Sunday in December.
Temperature in Barcelona in December
The Catalan capital in December is a city where temperatures usually drop and it gets cold. With the arrival of winter in Barcelona also comes some rain and average temperatures ranging from 9 ° C to 14 ° C.
For the days that can be very windy and rainy, one of the ideal plans would be to take one of the many tourist buses in Barcelona, to see the city sheltered. However, if the weather permits, I recommend that you take some of the guided tours of the city, because at this time Barcelona is full of lights and decorations for Christmas and it is worth seeing.
Barcelona is a city that has a lot to see and do and does not disappoint no matter what month you come. But, if you dare to visit it in December, you will surely be won over by its cultural offerings, its beautiful traditions and its light.