If you study in Barcelona or live in one of the Unihabit university residences, you are in the perfect place to enjoy one of the most magical cities during the holidays. Christmas in Barcelona comes with lights, markets, music, gastronomy and activities for all tastes.
Whether you stay in the city during the holidays or spend a few days before returning home, we suggest the best things to do in Barcelona at Christmas with your friends.
Discover the things to do in Barcelona at Christmas
Christmas markets, living nativity scenes, decorations and lights that turn the city of Barcelona into a charming place. Since we know there are endless things to do during these festive days, at Unihabit we have prepared a list of the best things to do in Barcelona at Christmas. Discover the different Christmas plans, ideal for everyone.
Stroll through the most beautiful Christmas markets in the city
One of the most traditional activities, both in Barcelona and in other towns and cities, is to stroll through the Christmas markets and take the opportunity to buy those last-minute gifts. In these markets you will find artisanal stalls, from stands with Christmas decorations, clothes, jewellery, traditional and handmade food, and much more.
Fira de Santa Llúcia (29 November – 23 December)
The Fira de Santa Llúcia in Barcelona is one of the city’s best-known Christmas markets, as it is not only the oldest but also the most emblematic. Located on Avinguda de la Catedral, the market has up to 215 stalls full of nativity scenes, trees, crafts, and more.
Sagrada Família Christmas Market (28 November – 23 December)
The Christmas market at the Sagrada Família has around fifty stalls with decorations, Christmas plants, nativity figures, gifts, and traditional food such as sweet potatoes, chestnuts, nougat, or churros.
Skate on ice around the different rinks in the city
One of the most fun plans is to skate under the Christmas lights. In 2025, Barcelona will have several rinks:
- Port Vell Ice Rink (29 November – 6 January): next to the Christmas market, with sea views.
- Tibidabo Ice Rink (23 November – 5 January): a sustainable rink with spectacular views.
- El Corte Inglés – Avinguda Reina Maria Cristina: 400 m² of ice to enjoy with friends, open until 12 January.
Light shows and Christmas concerts in Barcelona 2025
The city is filled with art, culture and music during the festive season. Here are some of the most recommended shows:
- The Lights of Sant Pau (November 20, 2025 – January 11, 2026) The Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site lights up once again with an immersive experience full of color and magic. In its fifth edition, the route features 18 interactive installations, the Camp of King Balthazar, and the Llumienigma challenge, which hides a secret Christmas message. With a duration of 60 to 90 minutes and tickets starting at €10, it’s the perfect plan to enjoy the Christmas spirit with your friends from the residence. More information at elsllumsdesantpau.com
- Candlelight concerts: enjoy tributes to Queen, Coldplay or Christmas soundtracks under candlelight.
- University events: many universities and residences (like Unihabit) organise dinners, themed parties and charity activities during December.
Things to do in Barcelona at Christmas: the best gastronomic proposals
We all know that Christmas holidays are characterised by their feasts and indulgences. Therefore, from Unihabit we bring you some gastronomic proposals in the city that you cannot miss on your list of things to do at Christmas.
From snacks with your residence mates to Christmas dinners with your university friends.
For those who love something sweet and a good snack of chocolate with churros, you cannot miss the most classic and emblematic places in the city such as Granja Viader, Xurreria Pau, Dulcinea or Petritxol.
If your palate is more inclined towards traditional Italian panettone, in Barcelona you can enjoy the King of classic panettone at Merviel Canal and the Queen of chocolate panettone at Madeleine by Ferrières Barcelona.
Among the different sweet options, you cannot miss the “Tortell de Reis” at Atelier Barcelona, La Dramerie, Bubó or Oriol Carrió.
The Three Kings Parade as a plan to do in Barcelona at Christmas time
Christmas must always end with the arrival of the Three Wise Men. This year, on the night of 5 January, the Three Wise Men will arrive at the Moll de la Fusta by boat and collect the magic key that opens all the doors of the city, ending with a grand procession through the main streets of the centre of Barcelona. If you’ve never seen it before, you can be sure that it’s something you’ll remember forever. Don’t miss it!
From our student residence in Barcelona, we recommend that, if you are one of those who love Christmas, you should visit all these activities and events at least once in your life. Are you up for it?
