Hola!

This is a special newsletter to keep you informed and up-to-date on all things Christmas in Barcelona. Here at Barcelona Tourist Guide we've been getting very excited about all of the fun that there is to be had during the Christmas period. Barcelona is looking great. The Christmas lights are up, the markets are in full swing and the shoppers are out in force. It even snowed for five minutes on Wednesday!

But before we dive into our juicy Christmas articles let´s get down to some practicalities. We know many of you would love to come for a short break to Barcelona to get away, relax and leave all your troubles behind and just enjoy all the wonders that Barcelona has to offer. But over the last few weeks we´ve received many emails from site visitors looking for cheap or low cost accommodation for you stay during Xmas and New Year. We did some digging around and found some offers on Barcelona hotels - ranging from 35 euros to 95 euros per night for two people. The rates depend on when exactly you will be travelling but we found four hotels offering competitive rates during certain dates during Christmas and New Year's period.To read more see the following link

Four Barcelona Hotels Cheap Rooms during Christmas and New Years

Christmas And New Year´s in Barcelona

Barcelona Council are doing everything within their powers to make Christmas stress free for visitors and keep them shopping! They recommend that you use the Metro (underground) as the preferred mode of transport and more trains have been scheduled for the busy period. The Metro will run all night on Saturdays (as always) and also on New Years Eve. On Christmas Eve the trains stop running at 23:00. Extra buses have also been scheduled between 14th December and 7th January. On Christmas Eve the last buses will leave their starting points at 20:00.

If you're planning a trip to Barcelona over the Christmas and New Year period, it's worth getting in the know about the dates that are important and how the Spanish like to enjoy Christmas. Having spoken to my Catalan friend at length about her typical Christmas it transpired that there was a lot to learn! The interview with the lovely Natalia Perez will cover everything that you need to know about a Catalan Christmas in Barcelona.

Christmas and new year cultural traditions in Barcelona

It is worth noting that if you are here in January you have not necessarily missed the Christmas fun. On 5th January the Feast of the Three Kings is celebrated and this is considered by many to be one of the most important days of the Christmas period, with a large procession through the centre of Barcelona.

The initial Christmas Feast has already been celebrated on 8th December- the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. I took the opportunity to hit the streets and find out what the day is all about. It was an extremely enjoyable day and I would definitely recommend it as a date to book in for next year's trip to Barcelona. Have a read and see what you think.

Feast of the immaculate conception

We are aware that any city trip over the Christmas period will involve a trip to see the lights. The lights in Barcelona this year have been standard but they have definitely added to the Christmassy atmosphere in the streets. We have put together a guide to some of the most impressive and interesting light displays.

Popular Christmas light displays in Barcelona

If you come to Barcelona during the Christmas period you won't fail to notice the importance placed on nativity scenes. The markets are brimming with apparatus to build your own nativity scene. There is also a beautiful display in the town hall square. Check out our article for further details.

Christmas Nativity displays in Barcelona centre

Over the Christmas period in Barcelona markets begin to spring up across the city, capitalising on the spending frenzy. Some are specific to Christmas, selling decorations and nativity scenes. Others provide gift options, such as antiques, food and craft

Popular Christmas markets in Barcelona centre

Barcelona is a great city to be in with children over the Christmas period. There are many special activities on offer and events to enjoy. I have had a look at what is on and picked what are, in my opinion, some of the best options. We'd love to hear from you if you have any suggestions for us.

Christmas family activities in Barcelona

As is often the case in Barcelona, it is difficult to predict when shops, museums and restaurants will actually be open! As this is an important holiday period there are likely to be times when places will be closed. This will vary, although, as with most countries, very little will be open on Christmas Day. We, therefore, recommend that you check ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

Bcn attraction opening hours

We have also updated our list of restaurants that will be open on Christmas Day, to ensure that you won't go hungry on the 25th!

Barcelona Christmas Restaurants

We really hope that all of this helps you to have a great Christmas in Barcelona. Or, if you won't be in the city this year we hope that we may have tempted you into booking a flight for next year! One final and very important tip. I have been informed by a reliable shopaholic source that the sales start in Barcelona on 7th December and that they are very good! Be sure to get to the shops early if you're hoping to find some bargains. HAPPY CHRISTMAS!