Winter has come to bright, sunny Barcelona. But has it done her any harm? Even on the cloudiest day, the festive illuminations, Christmas markets and fireworks will energise everyone and fully compensate for the cold sea and unfavourable winds. Do you want to immerse yourself in a whirlwind of festive preparations and noisy fun? Then Barcelona in December is for you! Kidpassage has prepared a particular review dedicated to travelling during this wonderful period.
Holidays in Barcelona in December: pros and cons
The winter chill does not hinder the Catalan capital's growing tourist popularity in December. With the arrival of the cold, life here does not stop but is just in full swing — what is only worth the evening glitter of thousands of lights and noisy Christmas markets, which confirm and reviews about the rest in Barcelona in December.
Let's outline the advantages of a December trip:
- The Christmas markets and the Catholic Christmas spirit in the air will give you a real sense of festivity.
- The winter in Catalonia is relatively mild, with little or no snow and daytime temperatures sometimes reaching +20°C, allowing you to walk around the Christmas city without fear of frostbite.
- There are plenty of children's activities (both outdoor and indoor) at this time so children won't be bored and parents will have no problem keeping them occupied.
Holidays in the Catalan capital are always full of events and soaked in festivities, but to complete the picture, let us outline a few features of winter travel so that nothing will overshadow your trip.
- December doesn't have constant weather and temperature. Today, you can walk around in a T-shirt and a light jacket, and tomorrow, there will be a bitter wind with a temperature of +5°C. So it's up to you how comfortable your trip with your baby will be. However, it can be said for sure that you will need a windproof jacket in any case.
- December is unsuitable for lovers of quiet holidays with few holidaymakers — noisy Christmas markets and festivals have always attracted tourists. At this time, their number increases significantly.
The weather in Barcelona in December
Predicting the vagaries of December weather is difficult, so you should be prepared for any changes: rain, gusty winds, cold, warmth and sunshine. It is better to bring a jacket and a jumper; after all, the weather in December-January is the coolest of the year. Our tourists, who are used to frost, are usually not frightened by the average December temperature of about +14°C.
The weather in early December already declares itself as winter weather, sometimes chilly and windy. However, sunny Barcelona often lives up to its name and delights tourists with bright azure skies.
Nighttime temperatures in Barcelona in December can drop to +3°C - +5°C, with the minimum being -2°C. Daytime temperatures rise to +10°C - +15°C, although there are cooler days when the temperature drops by 5 - 7 degrees Celsius.
The weather in Barcelona at the end of the month is just as fickle and can bring warmth or chase chilly winds off the streets and into local cafes. However, the Christmas atmosphere is so exciting and exciting with the bustling fairs that even a rainy day is not a hindrance to a walk.
Air and water temperature
The Catalan capital's Mediterranean climate ensures relatively warm, snow-free winters with rain, cool winds and occasional heat returns, with average temperatures in Barcelona in December around +14-+15°C.
Air temperature in Barcelona in December
During the day, thermometers can range from +6°C to 16°C, sometimes giving tourists almost summer-like warmth up to +20°C. A jacket and a T-shirt will be equally handy in Barcelona's winter.
Sea temperature in Barcelona in December
The Mediterranean Sea off the coast of the Catalan capital cools down by December, with average water temperatures of around +15°C. There is no doubt that such water is not suitable for swimming, and a beach holiday at the beginning of winter is about strolling along the promenade on a warm day and breathing in the salty, sea-soaked air.
Precipitation
December is not the rainiest month, but such days occur 8 - 9 times. The total amount of precipitation is about 49 mm. So, in addition to a warm jacket, it is not superfluous to bring an umbrella, and better together with a mackintosh to avoid getting wet on a walk.
Sunny, cloudy and overcast days
Azure skies are not uncommon in the Catalan capital, even in winter: there are about 12 sunny days. There are about 8 rainy or cloudy days; the rest of the days, the sun periodically hides behind the clouds.
Tour Holidays in December
There are plenty of things to do and, as usual, plenty to see in Barcelona in the run-up to Christmas and New Year's Eve. So where should an active and curious tourist go? Let's find out.
Be sure to visit the Christmas Fair — it is already open at the beginning of December. Here, you will feel that the holidays are around, and you can buy the most original souvenirs. For example, Caga Tió, the "pooping log", from which Spanish children ask for presents. And what is characteristic — they get them!
The fairs are open from 10 am to 8.30 pm every day without a day off until 23 December, so you'll have plenty of time for a stroll.
Festive markets are open in the square in front of the Cathedral and at the Sagrada Familia. With all the trappings of Christmas fairs: creches, sweets, and local specialities, children love this place, so make sure you visit it together.
Have fun at the ice rink. Plaza Catalunya turns into a big and noisy ice arena during the holidays. Music and laughter attract many visitors and locals alike. Entry and hire will cost you 7 - 8 euros per hour, and time spent with the family is priceless.
Take a trip to the Spanish village (Poble Espanyol). In restaurants with delicious food, market stalls, concert venues, and an open-air museum town, you'll get two things in one: an informative tour and a fun walk on a sunny day in mid-December.
You can try local specialities such as jamon, Catalan-style paella and traditional tapas here.
Not far from the Spanish Village, at the foot of Montjuïc Mountain opposite the ancient palace, are the singing fountains - a fantastic spectacle, a magical combination of music, light and obeying streams of water. In December, the show takes place every Friday and Saturday from 7 pm to 9 pm, attracting thousands of tourists. You should join their ranks — it's a thrill for everyone in your family.
See the works of Antoni Gaudi. At the end of December, many museums are closed on public holidays, and the fairs are closed, so a stroll around the city will be just right. Gaudí's buildings in different neighbourhoods of Barcelona always look festive and colourful, but at Christmas, they look especially like gingerbread houses. For example, the Mila house is one of the great architect's latest creations.
Its idea is a mountain in motion, with streams frozen in stone flowing from the roof. The intricate walls, balconies and other parts of the building never cease to amaze, but this house is also residential, among other things.
Festivals, events and holidays
The last month of the year in the capital of Catalonia is rich in events, which is one of the reasons for the increase in the number of tourists. The primary role, of course, is played by the holidays in Barcelona in December — many people want to spend Christmas in Catalonia. What other celebrations await travellers who come to Barcelona on Christmas Eve? We will now find out.
On the 6th of December, Catalans celebrate Constitution Day like the rest of Spain. On this day, the country was proclaimed a Parliamentary Monarchy and a democratic state. On this day, everywhere, there are concerts, plays, solemn meetings and even excursions to the Parliament (by appointment). It's an official day off. Therefore shops do not work on the 6th of December. A day later, the whole country officially rests again, only now in honour of a significant religious holiday. On the 8th of December, Catholics celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception
It is an interesting tradition to bring a "Christmas log" into the house on this day and then "take care" of it until the holidays: feed it, cover it with a plaid, for example.
And at Christmas, they beat it, thus demanding presents. So, if you are invited to visit by the locals, buy a "log" and some sweets for the children at the patisserie. In the first half of the month, Barcelona welcomes jazz music fans from all over Europe. The Jazz Festival has been running for over forty years, hosting the best jazz musicians in the world. Many concerts within the festival are held for free right on the streets, giving all visitors to the city the opportunity to enjoy this art form.
Of course, we continue to argue that swimming in the Mediterranean in December is impossible, but there are stronger arguments — the traditional Copa Nadal festival. It is a fun event during which over 400 of the bravest men in the Catalan capital compete in a 200-metre swim in +13°C water. The event is organised by one of Barcelona's sports clubs. We would not advise you to join the swim, but watching this original event on 25 December is highly recommended.
Christmas in Spain is celebrated with a family gathering together around a table. Celebrations in the city's streets begin on the morning of the 24th of December, and by evening, the town seems to freeze, gathering large families for a festive dinner. The next day is usually spent at home, while all public organisations and shops have the day off.
New Year's Eve on the 31st of December is celebrated in Barcelona, and you can easily join the main tradition if you decide to spend New Year's Eve in the capital of Catalonia.
After a family dinner, everyone goes to the Plaza Catalunya to watch the fireworks, and while the chimes are striking twelve, you have to eat 12 grapes to make your wishes come true. Spaniards believe this ritual will bring good luck in the coming year.
Shopping
Experienced travellers say shopping in Barcelona is a pleasure, as you can't count the shops here. The sale season will start later — in the second half of January, but in some shops, you can already find favourable pre-holiday offers. Do not forget about outlets. In 35 kilometres from the city, entire towns with shops of the most famous brands are waiting for you with discounts on last season's models. Please note that there are many public holidays in December and shops are closed during these times. Also, most of them are not open on Sunday.
Cost of vacation
It is difficult to overestimate the popularity of holidays in Barcelona at Christmas — tourists choose holidays, noisy fairs and not very cold winter. For this reason, prices in Barcelona in December increase, as does the number of visitors to the Catalan capital.
Airfares
It's a busy time for airlines: some people return home for holidays, others fly for tourist purposes. Flights are almost 100 per cent full, and the average ticket price is one of the highest of the year. Flight prices increase by 20 to 30 per cent depending on the dates — the closer to Christmas, the more expensive. So, one advice: buy your tickets in advance to save a little money.
Package Tours
Booking a favourite hotel room on the eve of the holidays is also not easy: the number of available places decreases significantly. Against this background, tour prices rise by at least 15%. If you plan your trip in advance, you can pay cheaper.
Food
Food prices at fairs are higher than in a regular supermarket or shop. For example, a portion of roasted chestnuts is around 3-4 euros, and a traditional Christmas sweet Turron bar is about 3-4 euros. A coffee and croissant in a famous bakery chain will cost about 4-5 euros, and a portion of the famous churros with hot chocolate will cost 6-7 euros.
- Prices in Barcelona for Food in Restaurants, Cafes and Supermarkets
- Spanish Food: 48 Must-Try Dishes in Spain
Advice for tourists with children
A trip to Barcelona in December with a school-aged child will bring you and your child great pleasure. The Christmas fairs, creches and skating rink right next to the palm trees are worth it! We only advise you to take warm clothes, because you can't always count on the sun.
For travelling with little ones, it's better to choose a different time to travel, as there is too much risk of cold weather, rain and strong winds from the sea. Be sure to take advantage of the short-term weather forecast if you do decide to go.
The Christmas holidays are a miracle that even adults believe in, and children look forward to. Introduce them to unusual Spanish Christmas traditions, visit fairs, taste local sweets and give them a holiday.
We wish you a successful trip and hope our recommendations help you plan your magical journey in Christmas style.
