The best things to see in Barcelona during winter 2020/21

It may be the coldest month in the calendar, but that doesn't mean it's the wettest here in Barcelona, and anyone visiting our beautiful city at this time of year won't find their spirits dampened.

One of the most unique times to visit the city, Barcelona in winter is something else when you are used to the city on a sunny summer day. Seeing this part of the world embrace Christmas is fantastic. Whether it's window shopping at the Christmas stalls along Passeig de Gracia or people watching with hot chocolate in hand on a chilly winter morning, there is plenty to see and do in the city.

Christmas events in Barcelona   

The airport underwent a major renovation following the 1992 Olympic Games in the city. Today, it is a modern and dynamic hub that serves as a lifeline to the city and is considered one of the most popular airports in the world.

If you are planning to visit Barcelona this winter, especially during the Christmas holidays, here are some of the city's main festive events, as well as some of the city's main attractions.

Christmas fairs

▪ Date: throughout December

▪ Location: Pl. Sagrada Familia,& Pla de la Seu & Avda de la Catedral

What would December in a major European city be without a Christmas market?

There are two main fairs you need to know about: the Santa Llúcia fair and the Sagrada Familia Christmas fair.

The Santa Llúcia fair is the oldest in the city and dates back to the 18th century. You can expect hundreds of stalls selling Christmas gifts and some very unique regional gift ideas (when you see a caganer figurine, you'll see what we mean). This is where the city's largest nativity scene is located.

The Sagrada Familia Christmas Fair is probably the largest in the city. It has existed since the 1960s and has a more intimate feel than the big market. You will find a good selection of warm foods to eat in winter.

El Dia dels Sants Innocents (Festival of the Innocents)

▪ Date: 28 December

▪  Location: any unsuspecting victim in the city.

Don't be alarmed if you wake up on the morning of the 28th and read that something ridiculous has happened in the newspaper. This day marks the light-hearted local version of April Fool's Day. It is common to see at least some people with unsuspected silly signs stuck to the back of their coats or people playing pranks on each other.

New Year's Eve

▪ Date: 31 December

▪ Location: Anywhere

Take a stroll through the streets of Barcelona around 10pm on New Year's Eve, and you could be forgiven for thinking you've got the wrong time. Here in Barcelona, the last night of the year is all about dinner and partying BEFORE the clock strikes midnight.

Cavalcada dels Reis

▪ Date: 5 January

▪ Place: Anywhere

Epiphany is the biggest Christmas event in Barcelona, and is marked by the parade of the kings. Melchior, Gaspar and Balthasar arrive on the Santa Eulàlia boat at the bottom of La Rambla before embarking on a parade through the city - followed by their own retinue of acrobats, circus clowns and elves.

Festa dels Tres Tombs

▪ Date: 17 January

▪ Place: Sant Antoni

The feast of St Anthony also calls for a big celebration with music and 'gegants' galore - including even a monstrous, symbolic, fire-breathing pig (the form taken by the devil when he tempts the saint). As Anthony is the patron saint of animals, it is always customary on his feast day to bring domestic animals to the church of St. Anthony to be blessed. Afterwards, the horsemen make three circuits (the "tres tombs") in an official procession from the Ronda Sant Antoni, through the Plaça Catalunya, down the Rambla and along the C/Nou de la Rambla.

More sights to see:

We couldn't possibly list them all, but here are some more of our favourite places to visit in winter:

▪ Sagrada Familia Basilica

▪ Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya - MNAC

▪ Gothic Quarter

▪ Casa Batllo

▪ Palace of Catalan Music

▪ Casa Milà - La Pedrera

▪ Mercat de la Boqueria

▪ Basílica de Santa Maria del Mar

▪ Recinte Modernista de Sant Pau

Where to stay in Barcelona in winter?

Are you coming to Barcelona specifically for one of the previously mentioned events, or are you just looking for a special place to stay with a prime central location?

You will have no problem finding a place to stay by booking a room with Capri by Fraser Barcelona. We offer early booking deals on serviced accommodation in Barcelona, with studios and one-bedroom serviced flats providing the perfect base for the city.