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Come to Barcelona in December with your family is make the choice to live the end-of-year festivities under the sign of sweetness and Catalan traditions.

 

This agenda will be a bit special because it will go until January 6 (day of the Kings) and will be thematic.

We invite you to discover some of the best family activities at this time of the year.

Holidays

During the month of December and the holiday season there are many holidays

 

December 6: Constitution Day

December 8: The Immaculate Conception

December 25: Christmas

December 26: St. Stephen

January 6th: Epiphany

Good to know: the Maremagnum shopping center is open every day of the year

Caga Tiò

To do in December in Barcelona with kidsIt is a piece of wood with Catalan beret and a nice head. Tradition has it that this log receives food every night from December 8th. On Christmas Eve he “makes poo” turòns, small gifts and other sweets. The kids really like this character. You will meet mainly on Christmas markets Santa Llùcia and Sagrada Famila. As it is not necessarily obvious to bring a Tiò in your luggage, we recommend that you introduce your children to this tradition. To make an appointment at the Christmas market in front of the cathedral: a giant Tiò is installed there and the children will be able to give him sticks while singing to have sweets.

When: December 25th to 10th and December 16th and 17th, from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm and Sunday and holidays in addition to 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Where: at the Fira de Santa Llùcia, on the right side when looking at the cathedral.

You also have the opportunity to meet a Tiò from Nadal in Poble Espanyol-Santa Claus on December 6th and 10th with many

Caganer

To do in December in Barcelona with kidsAnother important and amazing figure of this period: the Caganer. This is a figurine representing a character who “make a poo”! This santon a little particular must be present in the crib, a little hidden. It is at the same time symbol of fertility, luck and happiness. Many personalities and characters have their figurines, it’s one. It is an idea of authentic and atypical memory that children adore. You have a wide choice of characters for little ones: Pepa Pig, Lady Bug, SpongeBob, … and adults will also find happiness with Stars Wars, Barça players, but also politicians, singers … In short, there is something for everyone.

When: until December 23

Where: fira Santa Llùcia and Fira Sagrada Familia and on the web

How much: between 12 and 16 € for a classic sized Caganer.

Christmas crib(s) or Pessabre in Catalan

To do in December in Barcelona with kids
What to do in December in Barcelona with family . In this period in Barcelona you have the opportunity to see several Chrismas cribs. First of all you can choose to buy one or enlarge it by going to the Christmas markets. Then you can go to the Chrismas cribs in the city:

The design Chrismas crib


Every year on Place Jaume is installed a “Xmas crib” design. It is more an allegory of Christmas than a crib proper. This year it’s the designer Jordi Darder who designed a light and airy Xmas crib.

When: Jaume Square

Where: Jaume Square


The traditional Christmas crib

It is the association of the “pessebristes” which proposes for the first time this year a traditional Xmas crib which includes more than 30 characters.

When: until February 2, the day of the candlemas, to respect the tradition.

Where: Patio of the Frédéric Marès Museum

The life-size Xmas crib

A life-sized nativity scene with geese next door in the cloister of the cathedral. An opportunity to discover the place.

When: until January 8, during the week from 9h to 12h15 and from 17h45 to 18h45, Saturdays from 9h to 12h15 and from 17h15 to 19h45, holidays from 9h to 12h45 and from 17h15 to 19h45 (attention outside of its schedules the access is either impossible or paying: 7 €)

Where: in the cloister of Barcelona Cathedral
Living cribs

The living nativity scene is also a tradition in Catalonia. You can see especially outside Barcelona see here all the information. Otherwise Barcelona itself will be at Poble Espanyol on 9 and 10 December. But also in the neighborhood of Sant Andreu

When: December 22 from 18h to 20h

Where: Trinitat Civic Center Villa

Or even that of La Marina in Montjuïc after nearly 250 extras and animals.

When: December 16th from 6pm to 8:30 pm

Where: Gardens of Human Rights, Carrer Foneria, 19

 

Santa Claus

To do in December in Barcelona with kidsEven though Santa Claus is not part of Catalan folklore he also has his place in Barcelona. So you can reassure your children they can meet Santa Claus.

Where : At the toy section of of the Corte Inglés
Plaza de Catalunya, 14
08002 Barcelona, España.

This is a free service and customers are only required to fill in a form providing their address. Children are then invited to have their photograph taken and chat with Santa. The photograph is then sent to the address free of charge.

When : Since 11.00 a 13.30 hours and since 17.00 a 20.30 hours:
december : 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22 y 23

Since 11.00 to 13.30 hours and since 17.00 to 20.00 hours:24 de december

Since 17.00 to 20.30 hours: december: 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17 y 18

More information here

The Three Kings

To do in December in Barcelona with kidsIf there is an event that is not missed if you are with family on Barcelona is the Cavalcade of Kings!

A huge parade through the city from the old port to the Plaça d’Espanya. This parade is fairy with the free Kings and their processions, but also many characters including some are there to collect the pacifiers … All ending in a candy throw.

Where and When: Kings arrive at Port Vell around 16:30. The parade begins at 18h and finishes their journey around 21h place of Spain.

Information and course here

You can also meet the Three Kings at Poble Espagnol from December 26th to January 5th.

It is also possible to unlock the secrets of the Three Kings by visiting their toy’s factory. Spaces full of magic and emotion await you in the days leading up to the night of the Kings.

Where: accessing the park by the main door of the street of Sant Adrià and visiting factory Fabra i Coats, carrer de Sant Adrià, 20.

When: December 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th and January 2nd, 3rd and 4th from 5 pm to 9 pm Free entry

 

See the monuments of Barcelona otherwise

To do in December in Barcelona with kids La Casa Batllò


Around December 19 until early January it will snow on Casa Batllò. This can be a great opportunity to do with us our dragon family tour with or without a visit to Casa Batllò. For the holidays you benefit from a reduction of -10% (from December 9 to January 7) with the code XMASBW on all our circuits.

The modernist complex of the Hospital Sant-Pau


This masterpiece of modernist architecture, the largest European ensemble will transform thanks to a magnificent mapping.

In addition, a family visit is organized on December 23 at 12h.

You can also choose our owl tour that will make you discover this architectural ensemble from the outside, as well as the Sagrada Familia and Palau Macaya.

When: the 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31 December and 1st, 5th and 6th January 2018 from 18h to 22h30

Where: Carrer Sant Antoni Maria Claret, 167


The Sagrada Familia

 

This emblematic work of Barcelona, ​​designed by Gaudì, knows a new exterior layout on the facade side of the Passion at the Fira de la Sagrada Familia. Access is forbidden to cars.

Around Christmas it is possible each year to come to contemplate the facade of the nativity closer to the level of the little Jesus. We will comply with the dates as soon as they are communicated.

 

Others Markets

To do in December in Barcelona with kids
Winter Market of Sitges


Winter market in the charming small seaside town of Sitges 35 km from Barcelona. The decoration will be of Nordic inspiration. There will be children’s workshops and many ideas for your end-of-year gifts.

When: December 16th, 17th and 18th
Where: in a transparent tent in the passeig of Sitges.
Fira de consumo responsible (responsible consumer market) and activities for all.

Do not miss to go to the Catalunya place, because in addition to a responsible market there will be many activities, workshops and even free shows. Find here the information.

Where: Catalunya Square

When: From December 22nd to January 4th from 11am to 9pm (except December 25th) for December 26th the schedule will be from 6pm to 9pm

Find here all the activities and festivities offered in Barcelona during this holiday season.


Enjoy this magical time to discover Barcelona with your family.

Barcelona Wink

Author Barcelona Wink

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