Barcelona in Winter – Everything you should know before your Barcelona Winter Vacation

Barcelona is arguably known worldwide as a great summer destination. Because let’s be honest, who could say no to a beach vacation, sun, and ice-cold sangria? But did you know that a visit to Barcelona in winter can really be worthwhile as well?

Whether you want to visit Barcelona in December for Christmas or during January and February – there are plenty of great events, fantastic food, and, as always, lots of wonderful Barcelona attractions at this time of year.

Below you will find the essential facts, advantages, and disadvantages of a visit to Barcelona in the winter, temperatures as well as things to do in Barcelona in winter, winter events, yummy winter dishes, and everything you should know for a winter trip to Barcelona.

Barcelona Winter Temperatures

Compared to Central European countries, the temperatures in Barcelona are pleasantly mild, even in winter. The average temperatures in December – February are a pleasant 8 – 15° C (46 – 59°F).

The mild Barcelona weather averages 3-4 rainy days a month. Conversely, this means you can expect plenty of sun in Barcelona, even in the winter.

The Barcelona December weather is usually relatively warmer than January and February, so you can still enjoy coffee on one of the city’s countless terraces during Christmas.

Be sure to bring a warm jacket despite the sunny temperatures. Because as soon as the sun is gone, the temperatures also drop. The relatively high humidity and the cool breeze that blows from the sea make the whole thing seem even colder. So, believe me, if you are out in the evening or in the shade, you will be grateful for your winter jacket.

Pros and Cons of a Visit to Barcelona in Winter

Barcelona in December – Christmas in Barcelona

Like most Western cities in December, Barcelona is wonderfully decorated for Christmas. There are many terrific festive lights to discover everywhere in the city center, especially in Plaça Catalunya.

In addition to gifts and Christmas decorations in the shop windows, several Christmas events also ensure a festive mood.

My personal favorite place during the Catalan Christmas season is Plaça Reial, near Las Ramblas. The giant palm trees are decorated with Christmas lights, creating a wonderfully exotic Christmas atmosphere.

Unique Christmas traditions in Catalonia

Caga Tió

Probably the strangest Christmas tradition I’ve ever heard can be found here in Catalonia. It is actually a very innocent children’s tradition, but admittedly it may seem very strange to outsiders.

Caga tió (en: shit log) is a Catalan figure that you can buy everywhere around Catalonia at Christmas time. It is also called Tió de Nadal. This figure is a small log with a typical red Catalan hat and a painted/carved face.

This small log gives gifts for children on Christmas or Epiphany in the old tradition. To do this, the children must hit him with sticks and sing the Caga tió song, almost like a Catalan piñata. Before that, however, it must be fed by the children throughout the Christmas season. So the Catalan children leave him a plate of something to eat every night, e.g., Cookies or fruit.

Before giving the presents, the back of the Caga tió is then covered with a blanket under which the adults then hide the gifts.

Caganer

That wasn’t enough “shit*y” traditions for you? Perfect, because the Catalans have more of them in stock. While in our Western nativity scenes, mostly Maria and Josef sit with their holy child and share the stable with a few animals, angels, and shepherds, there is still a little surprise to be found in the Catalan crib: the Caganer.

These are small statues that do their business with their pants down. While the typical Caganer was only available with a traditional Catalan outfit, there are now various statues, such as celebrities or characters from films or comics, such as Darth Vader, in the Caganer style. This unique little figure has become one of the best-selling souvenirs in the city, even outside of the Christmas season.

Three Kings

While the Christmas season for most Westerners ends on boxing day, the Spaniards expect on January 6 yet another grand celebration – Epiphany. Although the day is also known in order countries, it is usually not celebrated as it is in Spain.

Many Spanish children have to be patient until they can finally unpack their gifts, while most children in Western countries are usually released from waiting on Christmas Eve.

In Barcelona, ​​this important day is celebrated with a huge parade that runs through the whole city. You’ll find more on this later in this article.

This day is often celebrated with a Roscón de Reyes in Catalan families or among friends. This is a cake wreath filled with cream. Two small statues are usually baked into the cake. According to the old tradition, there is a statue representing a black bean and a figure representing Jesus (but it can also be a crown or something along those lines).

Whoever gets the piece with the statue of Jesus will be crowned “Prince” for the rest of the day and may wear a paper crown. However, whoever receives the piece with the black bean must pay for the cake next year.

Christmas Markets in Barcelona

Of course, Barcelona also has some great Christmas Markes like almost every European city during this season. Even if they are hardly comparable to the Christmas markets in Germany, they are still worth a visit.

What makes them unique is not the winter magic that lies above them but the very own Catalan Christmas traditions that underlie them.

Fira de Santa Llúcia

The Fira de Santa Llúcia (Feria de Santa Lucía) is by far the oldest Christmas market in the city. Its roots go back to 1786 when the market was first mentioned in writing. It is the oldest Christmas market in the town and the most visited.

The market is located in the Barri Gòtic district (Barrio Gótico), right next to Barcelona’s popular cathedral. The sale of figures and decorations for Christmas nativity scenes is particularly popular at this Christmas market. In addition, jewelry, sweets, and souvenirs are also offered here.

Fira de Nadal

The Fira de Nadal is also a famous Christmas market for tourists and locals alike. With its proximity to the popular Sagrada Família, this is hardly surprising. The highlight of this small Christmas market is the sale of (small) Christmas trees.

This Christmas market feels far less touristy than the Fira de Santa Llùcia and is, therefore, particularly popular with the locals.

Fira de Nadal de Port Vell

Let’s go on with the newest Christmas market in Barcelona because it has only recently been possible to visit this market at Christmas time. This Christmas market is modeled on other European Christmas markets and therefore has a slightly different atmosphere than the two just presented.

As the name suggests, this Christmas market is located on the Plaça del Portal de la Pau at the Old Port (Port Vell). Apart from the fact that the huts here were made more in Central European style, the market itself looks even more Christmassy than the other two. In addition to a giant illuminated Christmas tree, there is a carousel and an illuminated Ferris wheel.

Fira de Reis

The Fira de Reis is not a Christmas market in the traditional sense but actually a “king’s market.” This is clear not only from the fact that the market will not open until the end of December but also from the way the market is presented.

The market is located on Gran Via in Barcelona. It’s particularly popular with families with children as there are some activities for the smallest visitors. But of course, there are also the traditional stands where sweets and nativity scene figures are sold.

Holidays and Events in Barcelona during the winter

Holidays in Barcelona’s wintertime

• 06.12 Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day)
• 08.12 Inmaculada Concepción (Immaculate Conception)
• 25.12 Navidad (Christmas)
• 26.12 Sant Esteve (Boxing Day)
• 01.01 Año Nuevo (Nw Year)
• 06.01 Reyes Mago (Holy Three Kings)
• 14.02 Día de San Valentín (Valentine’s Day)

Events in Barcelona during the winter months

New Year’s Eve (Noche Vieja)

For many, spending New Year’s Eve in Barcelona is a real highlight. After all, the nightlife of the Catalan capital is considered one of the best in Europe. However, many don’t know that the typical New Year’s fireworks here in Spain are not as typical as in other cities.

There are occasional fireworks, especially near the beach, but not nearly as many as you might know from Central Europe (the big annual fireworks take place here in Spain for San Juan in June).

Instead, there is a tradition of eating 12 grapes during the last minutes before midnight and swallowing them before midnight. There is a countdown to this on television. One grape must be eaten with each chime. The whole procedure is actually not that easy. But the doce uvas tradition is said to bring good luck for the coming year.

Calçotada

For me, calçots are definitely the most important reason to visit Catalonia in winter. You shouldn’t miss this delicious Catalan specialty if you visit Barcelona between January and March.

These Catalan spring onions are enjoyed at a so-called calçotada. Roasted meat and the typical pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomatoes) are also served. It is best to let someone first show you how exactly it works. But once you’ve figured out how to eat the onions, it’s fun and tastes incredibly tasty.

First, you must peel off the onions’ slightly burnt skin before you can dip them in the delicious Romesco sauce. It’s best to wear a pair of gloves and protection for your clothes because you can get a little dirty while eating.

Sales in January (Shopping)

If you like shopping, January in Barcelona is probably the perfect month for your visit. Many of the popular stores (especially fashion chains such as Zara, H&M, etc.) have their annual sales at this time. Then you can shop as much as you like and find some incredible bargains.

But also keep in mind that the shops can usually get quite crowded and there can be long lines in front of the changing rooms.

Extra tip: Try to avoid weekends when shopping. The best time is probably in the mornings during the week when the shops are not yet so crowded.

Three Kings Parade

As mentioned in this guide, the Three Kings Day takes place on January 6. The evening before the big day, every year, a big parade takes place that makes all children’s eyes light up. But this event is also well worth seeing for adults.

Every year there are many creative vehicles and lots of great costumes, interesting music, and great performances. According to tradition, the mayor gives the three kings the keys to the city so they can bring gifts to every child in the city at night.

Els Llums de Sant Pau

The former hospital Sant Pau Recinte Modernista is not only one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, but every year during the Christmas season, it hosts one of the most delightful events in the city.

In addition to wonderful candlelight violin concerts regularly held here outside of the Christmas season, the Llums de Sant Pau (Engl. “The Lights of Sant Pau“) are definitely one of the most beautiful spectacles of the year.

In the garden and courtyard of the unique Modernisme building, incredible light decorations and unique exhibits are set up at this time, which you can admire every evening (except the 24.12., 31.12. and 05.01.) during the Spanish Christmas season.

The event begins right at the entrance, where the facade of the impressive building is decorated with fantastic lighting effects that make every passerby stop briefly to admire the unique visual displays.

Barcelona’s Christmas Lights

Even though it doesn’t usually snow in Barcelona, the Christmas lights in Barcelona can definitely keep up with other typical European Christmas metropolises.

The lights illuminate the entire city every year from the end of November and shine every night until the end of the Spanish Christmas season on January 6.

You’ll find awe-inspiring decorations in the city center, such as Plaça Catalunya, Passeig de Gràcia, or Plaça Reial.

Another excellent example of festive lighting in Barcelona is Avenida Gaudí, the small pedestrian street between Sagrada Família and Sant Pau Recinte Modernism. There are Christmas lights here and festive music to go with them.

Carnival in Sitges

If you happen to be in Barcelona at Carnival time (by chance), you shouldn’t miss the Carnival celebrations in Sitges. About 40 minutes by train from Barcelona, the small town has made a name for itself as the region’s colorful LGBT capital. Its carnival customs are, therefore, no less eventful.

The Carnival in Sitges has been celebrated for over 100 years, and so there are various parades during the Carnival Weeks that will not only delight the smallest visitors. Impressive costumes and colorful decorations await you.

Food in Winter in Barcelona

Turron

When I just think of Turron, I’m already counting the days until Christmas to enjoy this delicious candy again. The delightful sweet bars can be bought all over the country at Christmas time and are not only enjoyed by Spanish children.

There are various types of Turron. The best way to describe them is with white nougat. However, new and unusual varieties are added every year. Just give them a try and let us know which one is your favorite.

Canelons

Catalan families particularly enjoy this popular dish on December 27. You probably already know the Italian version of this dish: the cannelloni. On the second day of Christmas, they are traditionally filled with meat from the previous day and a delicious bechamel sauce.

But many restaurants also offer this delicious Catalan dish in winter. If you have the chance, you should definitely give it a try.

Roasted chestnuts

What the roasted almonds are for us Germans at the Christmas markets in Germany are the roasted chestnuts at the Spanish Christmas and winter markets. As soon as the temperatures in the city drop, the roasted chestnut stands appear at many places throughout the city.

And so it happens that in the streets of Barcelona, there is usually the sweet smell of these fried delicacies during the wintertime.

Churros con chocolate

Another winter highlight in Barcelona is churros con chocolate. Although you can theoretically find these delicious pastries all year round, they are particularly popular in winter.

There are various restaurants and bakeries, as well as small stalls in winter that offer delicious pastries. The churros are especially fresh in the mornings. Traditionally, these warm pastries are dipped in hot liquid chocolate and eaten this way. You can then drink the rest of the chocolate served in a cup. Could there be a better way to warm up on a cold winter day?

Calçots

The Calçots already mentioned under Events are another culinary delicacy in winter. You can find them throughout Catalonia and Barcelona during the months of January to March and enjoy them during a so-called calçotada.

The best things to do in Barcelona in Winter

Visit Sagrada Família

The Sagrada Família is probably the most important building in the city, if not the whole country. Gaudí’s masterpiece simply captivates all of its visitors. No matter whether in summer or winter, the Sagrada Família belongs merely to every visit to Barcelona.

The fact that you can warm up a bit while looking at the breathtaking interior architecture of the basilica is, of course, only a small plus point.

If you visit the famous basilica during the Christmas season, be sure to also pay a visit to the popular Christmas market, Fira de Nadal, located in the park across the street.

Casa Batlló

This colorful building, located on Passeig de Gracia, definitely stands out from the crowd. At the beginning of the 20th century, Casa Batlló was designed by Barcelona Designers Gaudí for Josep Batlló i Casanovas and has been an integral part of Barcelona’s streets ever since.

The building has a special meaning for the Catalan culture, as it was designed in the style of Sant Jordi (Saint George), the city’s patron saint. This is particularly evident from the fact that the roof of this unique building was modeled on the shape of a dragon.

Casa Mila (La Pedrera)

Casa Mila is another building on Passeig de Gràcia designed by Gaudí. Evening visits, refined with music and a drink, are particularly popular during the winter months.

Casa Mila, also known as La Pedrera due to its shape, is anything but ordinary. The shapes of this building are absolutely fascinating, both inside and out. Just as spectacular is the incredible view from the roof of the building, which promises a direct view of the Sagrada Família.

Beach Walks

Even if the beach may not be suitable for swimming during the winter, a walk on the beach is almost twice worth it. With an average of around 26 sunny days a month, the winter is also very sunny here in Barcelona.

At the same time, there are far fewer visitors here during the winter months than during the warm months. This gives you plenty of space and a lot more peacefulness and tranquility during your walk.

Park Güell

In addition to the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell is probably the city’s most prominent landmark. Even in winter, the way here is worthwhile. Since fewer tourists visit the park at this time of year, this usually means more beautiful photos for you.

During the summer, the park can also get quite hot, making your visit a bit tiring. In winter, on the other hand, you can let the warm rays of the sun warm you.

Not surprisingly, the park itself was also designed by designer Antoni Gaudí.

Las Ramblas

The popular promenade Las Ramblas is also not as crowded during the winter months as it is during the summer. So you can take a leisurely stroll along the approximately 1.3 km long path leading from the city center to the harbor without being pushed around by other visitors.

Be sure to stop at Plaça Reial, which borders Las Ramblas. This is one of my favorite places in Barcelona during the winter, with its beautiful winter lighting on its giant palm trees.

A visit to the most popular market in Barcelona, La Boqueria, is also worthwhile at this time of year. With fewer tourists and lots of Christmas sweets, winter is probably the best time to visit here.

Font Màgica

Although the magical fountains at Montjuïc are a real experience every season, the atmosphere here seems even more magical than usual during the winter. Especially at Christmas, when Christmas sounds replace the music of the water and light show, this magical show will make you feel all Christmasy.

Barcelona’s Museums

Barcelona’s museums are the perfect place to warm up while learning exciting things when it’s cold outside. Luckily, the selection of museums in the Catalan capital is anything but small. Whether you are interested in history, traveling as a couple, family, or solo, you will definitely find something that interests you here.

Barcelona is also home to some of the most important art museums in the country. If you prefer something a little more unusual, maybe the city’s erotic, hemp, or chocolate museum is the right place for you.

Ice-Skating in Barcelona

Even if you can hardly imagine it in the sunny Barcelona weather, there are various skating rinks in Barcelona during the winter just waiting for your visit. So if you don’t want to do without the typical winter activities in Barcelona, you can definitely have some fun here.

The most popular skating rink in the Les Cortes district belongs to the L’illa Diagonal Center shopping center. The large shopping center in La Maquinista also offers an ice skating rink during the winter.

The last famous ice rink is next to the Camp Nou Barça stadium. You also have the option of indoor ice skating at the Skating Club de Barcelona, which opens its doors to you all year round.

Winter Day Trip to La Molina

Did you know that you can even find skiing opportunities just a few kilometers from Barcelona? Exactly, you read correctly. While you sit comfortably in the sun one day while enjoying your Spanish tapas, you can rush down to the snow-covered ski slopes the next day.

La Molina is a ski resort located less than a 2½ hour’s drive from the Catalan capital. You can either stay there or visit La Molina on a day trip from Barcelona. You can get there either by (rental) car, train, or bus.

Go on a hike

The colder temperatures in town are just perfect for a little escape into nature. Whether you chose to visit the surrounding mountains, or you take a hiking tour from Barcelona to hiking trails in the area. There are many beautiful paths to choose from.

What to wear in Barcelona in the winter

The most important thing to know first: even though Barcelona may seem like a year-round summer destination to you, there is winter here as well, despite everything. Even though the temperatures don’t drop as much as in most other European cities, and it doesn’t usually snow, that doesn’t mean it can’t get cold.

The high humidity and the chilly wind from the Mediterranean Sea make for some cold walks even here in winter. So if you want to visit the Catalan capital in winter, you can safely leave your summer clothes at home.

In plain language, this means: you don’t need shorts, summer dresses, miniskirts, or anything else along those lines.

The best way is to dress in layers, where you wear several layers on top of each other, which you can take off when it’s warm and put on again when it’s cold.

Mini Winter Packing List for Barcelona

The following mini-packing list is only meant as a small overview and to give you an idea of what your personal winter packing list for Barcelona could look like. You can, of course, adapt it according to your preferences depending on how long you stay and in which month you plan your visit.

• 3 thin sweaters/long sleeve shirts
• 1 T-shirt/top/shirt for going out
• + cardigan
• 1 jacket (usually an all-weather jacket or similar is sufficient. However, if you are traveling at night or early in the morning, you may want to switch to a thin winter jacket or a thicker transitional jacket. The friendliest for your luggage and always my first choice when traveling is a light padded jacket that weighs little and folds up easily. I personally use this one from Decathlon and love it).
• 2-3 pairs of long pants; for women, winter leggings or tights are a great space-saving solution
• A pair of comfy shoes (already worn, preferably)
• Scarf or shawl (on days with a lot of wind and high humidity, you’ll be thankful for this)
• Sunscreen (Yes, even in winter, the sun shines frequently and strongly here. Especially for beach walks, I recommend you apply sunscreen)
• headgear if necessary

You won’t need those things

• You usually don’t need gloves, thick hats, or the like unless you are cycling or traveling at night/early in the morning.
• A rain poncho/extra rain jacket is usually not necessary either, as it rarely rains in Barcelona. However, if your jacket is waterproof, that could be an advantage, of course
• As already mentioned, no summer clothes

FAQ about Barcelona in Winter

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Have you ever been to Barcelona in winter? Can you recommend a visit? What is stopping you from visiting Barcelona during this season? Let us know in the comments below!

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About the AuthorVicki

Hi, we are Vicki & Eduardo, an international travel couple on a mission to help you save money for priceless travel experience. Follow us through the miracles of this world and you will be rewarded with a bunch of practical travel tips.

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