Barcelona in Winter: Best Things To Do In Barcelona in December

Sunny days, smaller crowds, mild temperatures, and plenty of exciting things are only a few reasons why you’ll love spending time in Barcelona in winter. The Catalonian capital takes on a truly special atmosphere from the festive season from December to March, so make the most of it by using our guide to plan your perfect breaks with family or friends.

Here is list of the exciting things to do in Barcelona in winter:

Top Events In Barcelona In Winter

Lively annual events are among the best things to do in Barcelona in winter. Here are some of the highlights on the city’s calendar over the next few months.

1. Watch the New Year’s Eve Fireworks

Suppose you’re planning your winter in Barcelona and looking for activities and things to do for New Year’s Eve in Plaça d’Espanya. In that case, you can start the year with a colourful bang at on Avinguda Maria Cristina right in central the centre of Barcelona.

Thousands gather at this important square for the annual fireworks show, which begins with a countdown of 12 chimes. Next comes the 15-minute firework display, which is one of the most impressive happening on the 31^st of December in the city.

2. Dia De Los Reyes Magos (Epiphany)

Three Kings Day (Día de Los Reyes) or the Feast of Epiphany is celebrated by Roman Catholics on the 6^th of January, as the culmination of the 12 days of Christmas. The feast of the Epiphany is one of the biggest Christmas celebrations in Barcelona in winter.

The Three Wise Men arrive by boat at Port Vell around 4pm on the 5^th of January and then set off on the Calvacada del Reis, a parade that includes acrobats, clowns, elves, floats, music, dancing, and sweets for the children in the crowd. The route starts on Av. Marquess of Argentera at 6pm and ends at the Magic Fountain at 9pm.

3. Attend Festa Dels Tres Tombs Festival

Also known as St Anthony’s Day, the Festa dels Tres Tombs is a week-long event that takes place from 13 to 22 January 2023. The occasion is the major festival of the city’s St Antoni district.

Some of the highlights include the blessing of animals, bonfires in the Gràcia, Poblenou, and Montbau neighbourhoods, and a procession with horses, donkeys, and vintage carriages.

4. The Calçotada

Head to the nearby town of Valls on the 29^th of January for the annual Calçotada. This culinary festival in honour of a type of green onion features a programme of traditional, festive events and calçot-related competitions: parades, calçot roasting demonstrations, calçot growers, calçotada sauce-making tutorials, calçot eating competitions, wine tasting, and much more.

5. The Barcelona Carnival

The Barcelona Carnival, known as one of the top 10 carnival celebration in the world, is an annual event that marks the end of winter in Barcelona. This week features vibrant parades, extravagant costumes, delicious food, drinks, indulgence, non-stop festivities, and overall merrymaking in the days leading up to the start of the fasting season of Lent. The celebrations culminate in an over-the-top parade and the Burial of the Sardine. This year the carnival takes place from the 8^th to the 14^th of February 2024.

Top Things To Do in Barcelona in Winter

You’ll find plenty of other great things to do in Barcelona in winter apart from attending the fantastic annual events. Take a look at our top picks.

1. Visit Barcelona Christmas Markets for Winter Treats

Discovering the seasonal food scene at Christmas Markets is one of the top things to do in Barcelona in winter. You’ll find the best treats in the city’s traditional cafeterias. Indulge in calçots with romesco sauce, hot chocolate, churros and creamy chocolate, Turron and Polvoron (crumbly shortbread), and much more.

For many years, the Sagrada Familia Christmas Fair has been a bustling hub with more than 100 stalls filled with Christmas treats and decorations. Located in the heart of Eixample, it's one of the most iconic markets in the area. Adding to the festive charm, the Sagrada Familia is beautifully illuminated, turning it into a delightful Christmas postcard.

2. See the Christmas Lights

Barcelona’s gorgeous Christmas lights stay up until the Epiphany on the 6^th of January. The best way to see the most beautiful of them is to stroll along the Passeig de Gracia in Eixample. The avenue is a major shopping district, so enjoy a spot of retail therapy while you’re there.

Other places to see the illuminated Christmas in Barcelona in winter include the Placa de Catalunya square, Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site and Carrer de Petritxol in the Gothic Quarter.

3. Go Ice Skating at FC Barcelona Skating Rink

Whatever the weather in Barcelona in winter, even if the sun is shinning, you can still enjoy a bit of ice skating! Head to the FC Barcelona Skating Rink near Camp Nou Stadium in Les Corts for ice skating in a relaxed and family friendly environment.

4. Ski at La Molina Ski Spree

Embrace the winter in Barcelona with this fun activity: skiing in La Molina. Just a two-hour drive north of Barcelona, the ski resort has several slopes for different skill levels, as well as a selection of other activities. Gather the whole family for a fantastic time on the slopes. Make your experience even more special by joining special events like twilight descents, providing a fresh perspective on nighttime skiing.

5. Explore the Museu De La Xocolata

Located on the Carrer del Comerç north of the Picasso Museum near Parc de la Ciutadella, the Museu de la Xocolata (Chocolate Museum) is owned and operated by the city’s pastry makers’ guild. Learn about the cocoa plant, the history of chocolate, artisanal confection-making, and the influence of chocolate in Barcelona and the rest of Europe, and marvel at incredible exhibitions made entirely of chocolate.

6. Be Pampered at Aire Ancient Baths Barcelona

If you’re travelling alone or with your significant other, enjoy next-level pampering at Aire Ancient Baths Barcelona. Choose from an array of packages that include soak-time in hot and cold baths, massages, and all sorts of luxurious treatments. The baths are located on Passeig de Picasso, providing an indoor activity for your time in Barcelona in winter.

Where to stay in Barcelona in Winter

These are only some of the top things to do in Barcelona from December to February, and many more await your discovery. Enjoy an unforgettable stay in the city by making Capri by Fraser Barcelona your home from home in the capital of Catalonia. Located in the vibrant Sant Marti neighbourhood, our serviced apartments are ideal for short and long stays with family and friends. Contact us and start planning your trip to this magical city.

FAQs about visiting Barcelona in Winter

1. Is it worth visiting Barcelona in Winter?

Absolutely! Barcelona’s average winter temperature is 12°C (53.6°F), the days are mostly sunny, the crowds are much smaller than in summer, and there’s plenty to see and do in the city.

2. What to do in Barcelona when it’s cold?

If you wrap up warm, you can attend some of the annual events the city’s famous for, such as the Three Kings parade on the 5th of January or the Barcelona Carnival in February. Alternatively, visit museums, galleries, and other sites such as the Gaudi-designed Sagrada Familia, drink hot chocolate in the cafeterias, or go ice skating at one of the indoor skating rinks.

3. What is the weather in Barcelona like in Winter?

Barcelona in winter is known for mostly sunny days, mild temperatures of 12°C (53.6°F) – 14°C (57.2°F), and occasional drizzle and light rain. While there are crowds, they’re much smaller than in summer. Some of the city’s biggest annual events and festivals take place from December to February, so there's always are plenty of things to do in Barcelona in winter.