We know: this year's Christmas spirit is a bit livelier than last year (it wasn't too difficult), but it's not anything to write home about either. Normal, we have again ahead of us atypical parties where we must be very responsible and where gathering in a crowd will not be possible. Still there is time for magic, we show you!
Barcelona, Nadal City , fires the starting gun with the lighting. The 2021 parties have the largest investment in their history: 100.5 km. linear of public roads with light , 700 meters more than last year, a total of two million euros spent (24% more than in 2020). The epicenter will be Catalonia Square , but also Aragón and Gran Vía, and many other squares and streets, such as Sant Pere, which will be illuminated for the first year. Also its 39 markets . Perhaps the best plan is to look at the sky at sunset.
Of course, the restrictions will affect nightlife that will remain closed from December 24, it will not be possible to stay on the street from one to six in the morning. Here you can learn about all the new health measures.
We continue talking about Christmas lights and give you a couple more directions. You can't miss the show Llums of Sant Pau . The enclosure lights up in a set of lights every night, as do, under the slogan 'Nature On', the Pedralbes Gardens.
Plaza Catalunya continues to be the liveliest center for yet another year, and not only because of the lighting. For 13 days there will be family proposals, music, cinema, street art, plastic arts and participatory activities . Admission is free. On the other hand, in this location you can also visit the seventh edition of the Responsible Consumption and Social and Solidarity Economy Fair until December 30.
"Caga uncle, neules i torrons...".
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Barcelona is filled with "fires nadalenques", the best plan to walk its streets, buy mistletoe, poinsettias, the classic uncle of Nadal, caganers or pieces for your crib.
There is no Christmas without a walk around the Fair of Santa Llúcia that this 2021 celebrates its 235th edition on the Avinguda de la Catedral. It is the oldest in the city with more than 300 stalls that are open until 9:00 p.m. This year also has a Giant tió in front of the Cathedral Tradition says that it is the children who must “make him shit” with stick blows. Calm down, it is a tree trunk already cut.
As it has limited capacity, you have to go in advance. These are the hours available.
The Moll of the Whip celebrates its Christmas market again with Nadal to the Port , a proposal that brings together lights, attractions for children, gastronomic stops and the classic Solidarity Container , a campaign that collects food for people in need.
Less crowded, but also a classic are the Fair of the Holy Family and the Fira de Reis of the Gran Vía de les Corts Catalanes . In all of them you can buy handicrafts, decorations, Christmas plants and gastronomic products.
CRIBS AND MUSIC
The tradition of the manger is one of the most beloved in the city. There are two essentials that you should not miss: the manger from Plaça Sant Jaume, by the architect Jaume Darder, and that of the Museum Frederic de Marès by the Barcelona Nativity Scene Association.
It will not be a manger, but almost. Käthe Wohlfahrt's shop always deserves a new visit. And this year it is also essential to walk through the Casa Seat. Cakes, a huge advent calendar, music and Christmas decorations await you.
As is becoming customary, free music invades the city with more than 100 street concerts . Here you have more information about Sons de Nadal. And in order not to lose the tradition, what better than the live music of the Orfeo Catalan at his Christmas concert on January 4.
OTHER ESSENTIAL ACTIVITIES
Christmas should also be celebrated in hotels. Like every year the Palace Hotel organize your Afternoon Tea with the visit of Santa Claus, movie evenings with essential screenings such as 'Home Alone' or 'Elf' (includes popcorn and a blanket), its Christmas market, as well as menus for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
He too Mandarin Oriental receive Santa Claus in the Mimosa Garden, next to the hotel's Christmas Market until December 23.
The House of Santa Claus, of the Three Wise Men, a giant advent calendar (the largest in the city), live music, 24 Christmas corners, crafts, shows... This is what Christmas will be like in Poble Español, an unmissable event if have children.
And, whether you have them or not, there is no better plan than to end the day or start it eating churros with chocolate on the mythical street for it, Petritxol.
The City Council has canceled the New Year's Eve party on Montjuïc, but not the Parade of the Three Kings, which will be held on January 5 as always. The route will begin in Marquès de l'Argentera and will pass through Via Laietana, Plaza de Catalunya, Calle Pelayo, Plaza Universitat, Ronda de Sant Antoni, Calle Sepúlveda and the avenues of Paral lel, Reina Maria Cristina and Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, to finish at the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. Here you can find more information.