Have a different kind of Christmas with a festive trip to Barcelona

Why should I visit Barcelona at Christmas time?

You may think of Barcelona as a summer destination, but it's equally enchanting in December and January. Over the Christmas break, the city comes to life with its lively Christmas markets and fun activities. Visitors can enjoy ice skating during their Barcelona Christmas getaway. Every year, a rink is set up in the Port Vell from late November until mid-January. In recent years, the small hilltop amusement park of Tibadabo has also introduced an ice rink of its own. Even if you're not a keen skater, travellers looking for a family Christmas holiday in Barcelona should head up there to enjoy the lights and the atmosphere. There are other activities to enjoy over the festive season. Buy an entry ticket to the city's model village, Poble Espanyol, for a daily Christmas fair and live concerts in the evening, with plenty of warming food to enjoy. Prefer to spend your days alone? The mild weather makes Barcelona an ideal Christmas destination. This is the perfect time of year to go hiking up nearby mountains like Montserrat.

What kind of Christmas traditions can I enjoy in Barcelona?

Look for holiday lettings in Barcelona in the Ciutat Vella to immerse yourself in the city's Christmas spirit. On December evenings, visit the Fira de Santa Llúcia, the city's largest Christmas market, which is held in front of Barcelona Cathedral. Here you can buy souvenirs, handcrafted presents, and festive decorations. In the market you can pick up regional Christmas ornaments like the Tió de Nadal, a log wearing a traditional Catalan hat. Locals cover their tió with a blanket and leave food for him in the run-up to Christmas. Then, on Christmas Eve, children hit him with a stick and sing, encouraging him to excrete presents for them - an extremely unusual Christmas tradition! The Christmas market is also a good place to buy a caganer, a popular souvenir which consists of a small model of a person squatting to poo. Traditionally, caganers wear Catalan national dress, and are hidden in a nativity scene for sharp-eyed onlookers to find. Today, there are celebrity caganers for sale in the form of famous politicians, actors, singers, and more. As well as the Christmas market, don't miss the nativity scene in Plaça Sant Jaume, in front of City Hall. This is always a popular display, particularly when lit up at night.