Barcelona in December: How to make the most of your visit

Barcelona in December is cooler, quieter, and full of festive charm. With fewer tourists and mild winter weather, it’s a great time to explore Barcelona’s top attractions without the crowds. Watch winter light filtering through the stained glass of the Sagrada Familia, or see Casa Batlló lit up for the season.

While not as famous for Christmas as other European cities, Barcelona still celebrates in style. Twinkling lights decorate the streets, festive markets sell seasonal crafts and treats, and tapas bars provide a welcome escape from the evening chill. These are the best things to do in Barcelona in December.

Why go to Barcelona in December?

Barcelona has mild winter weather compared with much of Europe

While much of Europe is bundling up against snow and freezing temperatures, Barcelona remains relatively mild throughout winter, with daytime highs of up to 60-61 F (15-16 C). You’ll need a jacket, but it’s comfortable for walking around the city.

Barcelona’s weather in December is perfect for those looking for some winter sun. You can head outside and enjoy guided walking tours, hiking up Montjuïc Hill, or a seaside stroll along Barceloneta Beach.

There are fewer tourists in early December

Early December in Barcelona is generally much quieter than the busy peak summer months. This makes it a great time to visit top sites like the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló without the long lines and big tourist crowds.

The exception to this is around the Christmas and New Year holidays, which see slightly larger crowds descending on the city for festive events, lights, and markets. But even then, the city is less crowded than many other European destinations at this time of year.

Barcelona in December has a magical festive atmosphere

In December, Barcelona is beautifully decorated for the holidays. Lights cover the streets, transforming Passeig de Gracia and Plaça de Catalunya into winter wonderlands (without the snow). Festive markets appear all over the city, including the popular Fira de Santa Llúcia, and the air is filled with the smell of roasted chestnuts and warm mulled wine.

You’ll also get to experience local Catalan Christmas traditions, like the quirky caganer figurines and Tió de Nadal (the Christmas log that “poops” gifts).

Barcelona’s cultural calendar stays busy in winter

Even as the tourist crowds thin, Barcelona’s cultural scene doesn’t skip a beat. December is packed with concerts, theater productions, and art exhibitions — many hosted in stunning venues like the Palau de la Música Catalana or Liceu Opera House. Seasonal programming includes festive performances like "The Nutcracker," classical music, and Catalan folk traditions.

In mid to late December, the Christmas Festival at Plaça de Catalunya brings the city’s main square to life with a lineup of free, family-friendly performances, with everything from dance and live music to circus acts and theatre shows.

What’s the weather like in Barcelona in December?

In December, the weather in Barcelona is mild compared to much of Europe, featuring cool yet comfortable days and crisp evenings. Although it’s the rainiest month, there is an average of fewer than 7 rainy days and 1.5 inches (40 mm) of rainfall. A rain jacket and sweater will be all you need to wander around the city during the day.

• Average day temperature: 57 F (14 C)
• Average night temperature: 45 F (7 C)
• Average days of rain: 5-6 days
• Average days of sun: 20-22 days

Top things to do in Barcelona in December

1. Explore Barcelona's festive Christmas markets

One of the best things to do in Barcelona in December to get into the holiday spirit is to explore the city’s many festive markets. Most Christmas markets open between late November and early December.

Fira de Santa Llúcia, in front of the Barcelona Cathedral in the Gothic Quarter, is Barcelona's oldest and most famous Christmas market, known for selling handmade ornaments, nativity scenes, and Catalan figurines like the caganer and Tió de Nadal.

Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Família is a smaller and cozier market set against the backdrop of Gaudí’s masterpiece, with food stalls and crafts. Fira de Reis on the Gran Via specializes in toys, gifts, and sweets, making it a favorite among families.

2. Visit the Sagrada Familia

The Sagrada Familia is Barcelona’s most famous landmark and a tribute to the genius of Antoni Gaudí, the great Catalan architect whose work has shaped the city. Gaudí designed the Sagrada Familia so that the sun would be part of the architecture, with light streaming through stained-glass windows and shifting with the seasons.

In December, the sun is lower in the sky and casts a softer, more golden light that illuminates the interior in a kaleidoscope of colors. Without the summer crowds, you can take your time to admire the columns, carvings, and symphony of light and shadow that make the Basilica feel otherworldly.

In the lead up to the holidays, the Sagrada Familia also puts on a number of festive events, including a family workshop, a Christmas concert, and special light shows that illuminate the Nativity Facade on December 20-22.

Address

Carrer de Mallorca, 401, L'Eixample, 08013 Barcelona, Spain.

Opening hours

Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM

Sunday, 10:30 AM-6:00 PM

3. Go on a tapas crawl

A Barcelona tapas crawl is a must for anyone visiting Barcelona in December. There's something about the crisp evening air that makes the city’s cozy, buzzing tapas bars even more inviting. The Gothic Quarter, El Born, and Carrer de Blai are some of the best areas for tapas.

Try local favorites like patatas bravas (crispy potatoes draped in smoky paprika aioli), jamón ibérico (melt-in-your-mouth cured ham), gambas al ajillo (sizzling garlic shrimp), and pimientos de padrón (blistered peppers with a salty crunch).

Pair your tapas with a glass of vermut, cava, or a bold Tempranillo for the perfect balance, then finish with churros con chocolate (golden and crispy dough dipped in thick hot chocolate).

4. Explore Casa Batlló’s winter exhibitions

Casa Batlló, one of Gaudí’s most surreal masterpieces, is known as the “House of Bones” for its skeletal design, featuring wave-like balconies, a dragon-inspired roof, and shimmering mosaic facade. From late November to early January, the building is illuminated with a special Christmas display from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, making December a great time to visit.

Head inside to see the building’s equally striking interiors, with organic shapes, curved lines, and a light-filled central staircase. While you can visit during the day, many prefer an evening visit to enjoy the seasonal "Winter Night" exhibition. This augmented reality experience brings Gaudí’s vision to life with immersive visuals, storytelling, and soundscapes.

Address

Pg. de Gràcia, 43, L'Eixample, 08007 Barcelona, Spain.

Opening hours

Open daily, 8:30 AM-10:00 PM

5. Watch a flamenco show

Flamenco is a traditional Spanish art form known for its soulful vocals, intricate guitar work, and rhythmic footwork on a wooden platform. Although it originated in Andalusia, Flamenco is popular all across the country, including Barcelona.

In December, Barcelona’s tablaos (flamenco venues) offer a cozy escape from the nighttime chill. A few of the most popular spots to watch flamenco in Barcelona include Palau Dalmases in El Born and Tablao Cordobés on La Rambla. Each tablao offers a different energy and experience.

6. Ride the Montjuïc Cable Car

For the best views of Barcelona, hop on the Montjuïc Cable Car and ride above the city to the top of Montjuïc Hill. This smooth ride offers views of the Mediterranean Sea, the Sagrada Familia, and the streets below. December is the best time to visit as the winter air is crisp and the visibility is crystal clear, meaning you can see for miles.

At the top, you can visit Montjuïc Castle, stroll through the gardens, or visit the nearby Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, which lights up in the evenings and is loved by visitors of all ages. Check their official website beforehand to see if the fountains are operating. Sometimes, the fountains are turned off for water-saving measures during droughts. Regardless, the ride is worth it.