If you have decided to celebrate Christmas in Spain, congratulations! The transformation of cities like Barcelona this time of year is quite a unique experience, one that is capable of dazzling visitors of all ages. Squares, avenues and emblematic monuments become charming settings where music, gastronomy, tradition and crafts merge to create a magical atmosphere.
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Christmas lights, fairs and markets
The city's Christmas lights are turned on during the last week of November, marking the beginning of plenty of events and activities around the most magical time of the year. Look up to see iconic streets of Barcelona such as Passeig de Gràcia adorned with elegant displays of light that multiply their beauty.The first step for a first-hand experience of the local Christmas traditions is to visit historic markets where, in addition to enjoying choir performances, storytellers or parades, you can buy original decorative items, fashion accessories, ceramics, jewelry and costume jewelry, typical sweets or even musical instruments. Don't forget to stroll through all of them and take advantage of the opportunity to buy your Christmas gifts. Santa Lucia Fair, found next to the Barcelona Cathedral, has been held for over 200 years. Other essential references are the Sagrada Familia Fair and the Gran Vía Kings Fair, in which toys play a major role. A more innovative fair is the Port Vell Fair, which is held right in front of Columbus's monument. Visitors can enjoy colourful attractions there, such as musical shows, a traditional merry-go-round, a Christmas tree, lit with over 30 metres of LED lights, a floating nativity scene in the sea and a big wheel. Can you imagine admiring the Christmas panorama of the city from above?
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Live nativity scenes
The representation of the birth of Jesus, in the so-called nativity scenes or cribs, is undoubtedly one of the most traditional and characteristic activities of Christmas in Spain. In Barcelona, places such as the cathedral, the Plaça de Sant Jaume, the town hall, the Frederic Marès Museum or the Pedralbes Monastery install spectacular figurative nativity scenes. In addition, if you visit the Poble Espanyol, you will be able to enjoy, among other Christmas activities, the representation of a living nativity scene.Another option is visiting the forest of the modernist building of the Torre del Suro, in the district of El Guinardó. There is an itinerary where you can discover a living Nativity scene focused on ancient trades and biblical passages whose actors and actresses are part of a project for people with intellectual disabilities.
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Special sporting events
If you want to keep fit during Christmas, you will be able to do so in Barcelona, as you have the opportunity to participate in very special events that combine sport and fun. One of them is the Christmas Cup, the oldest open water swimming event in all of Spain, with an exciting 200-metre course, and which is held on 25 December in Port Vell. In addition, those passionate about running can't miss the race held on 31 December, Cursa dels Nassos, which each year gathers around 11,000 runners on a 10-kilometre circuit across the city streets to bid farewell to the year by breaking records. And to celebrate the first day of the new calendar in a refreshing way, the Barceloneta Swimming Club is organizing a fun group swim in the Mediterranean. Finally, in early January, the International Kings Hockey Tournament takes place, an exciting competition that attracts the best players in the world.
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New Year's Eve, The Three Wise Men and music shows
Barcelona's Avenida Maria Cristina is the epicentre of New Year's Eve celebrations. Hundreds of people gather to eat a grape for each of the 12 chimes of the new year, dance and toast with cava under a fireworks display. Many hotels and restaurants in the city organize exclusive parties to celebrate the new year by enjoying the best cuisine. The day after New Year's Eve, one of the traditions to charge your batteries is to enjoy a nice breakfast of churros and hot chocolate in places like the Kings' Fair.Finally, one of the most eagerly awaited events for children is visiting the Three Wise Men from the East, as they come loaded with gifts. Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar arrive in Barcelona by boat on the afternoon of January 5 and star in a parade of spectacular floats and storybook characters that travels through the streets of the city.Barcelona shines more than ever at Christmas and its internationally renowned and prominent music venues, such as the Palau de la Música Catalana or the Liceu celebrate this time of year with a special programme that includes the best melodies, Christmas carols and traditional Christmas compositions.
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