Discover in this post the most worthy attractions!
It’s about that time of year once again, and the Christmas festive activities in Barcelona are heating up as the temperatures outside begin to drop. There has always been something special about the holiday season here, and countless visitors can enjoy all that this eclectic destination has to offer. Let’s take a look at a handful of popular attractions, and why Barcelona represents a dream come true for anyone who wishes to celebrate the Christmas season in style.
Christmas in Barcelona: Activities for the Young and Old Alike
Similar to other major metropolitan regions such as New York City, London, or Paris, there are countless festive activities in Barcelona. The only possible issue here is that the sheer number of options may leave first-time travellers slightly overwhelmed. This is why the team at Hotel Continental Palacete has compiled a list of must-see events so that you can plan your stay well in advance.
Religious Gatherings
Barcelona is a city steeped in religious tradition, so a considerable portion of activities leading up to the holiday season are meant to celebrate Christmas with a timeless flavour. However, you do not have to be an active follower to enjoy what these activities can offer. It could be wise to visit well-known churches such as Santa Maria del Mar, the Barcelona Cathedral, and the Sagrada Familia (the famous church constructed by Antonio Gaudí). These locations will offer a unique glimpse into religious rites that can be traced back for centuries.
Christmas Markets in Barcelona
Barcelona is known for its open-air markets, and this is just as true when discussing the holidays. There are plenty of options to consider, and these will often depend on where you are staying. Still, a handful of events immediately come to mind:
- The Gran Via King’s Market (located along the Gran Via thoroughfare in the city centre).
- The Fira de Santa Lucia (held in the plaza next to the Barcelona Cathedral).
- The Christmas market and festival at Plaza Catalunya.
- The Port Vell Christmas market.
Whether you are looking to purchase a few souvenirs, or you are interested in unique Christmas-themed products, these markets will certainly not disappoint.
Spectacular Displays of Christmas Lights
The festive activities in Barcelona extend far beyond the Christmas markets. Many streets are adorned with scintillating lights meant to welcome the holidays in style. One well-known example involves the lights draped along Calle Ferran (one of the main roads used to reach Las Ramblas). It is also wise to stroll Paseo de Gracia, as countless displays are activated every evening. Plaza Catalunya and Plaza España are likewise great options to consider.
A Touch of Tradition
There are also many traditions that Catalans embrace throughout the holidays, and these are certainly not to be missed. One example involves “Caga Tio”; a small log that is placed beneath a Christmas tree. Similar to stockings, this log will reward sweet treats to well-behaved children on Christmas morning. Note that you are likely to come across many depictions of Caga Tio when visiting local Christmas markets in Barcelona.
Visitors will also encounter a nativity scene known as “Pessebre”. These are often seen in store windows, or within churches. Their handcrafted designs are truly impressive, and they once again serve to highlight how important religion is for Catalans.
Those who will be celebrating New Year’s Eve in Barcelona will also encounter the tradition of eating 12 grapes. One grape is swallowed for each chime of the clock leading up to midnight. It is said that those who are able to consume all 12 grapes will experience luck in the coming year.
Experience Christmas in Luxury at Hotel Continental Barcelona
The holidays are always a special time of the year; especially for those who will be enjoying Christmas in Barcelona. This is why our boutique hotel always attracts a wide array of visitors.
Hotel Continental Palacete offers an all-inclusive experience that leaves little to the imagination. This is partially due to our location. As we are found directly on Rambla Catalunya, visiting all of the festivities mentioned above will never present an issue. Our hotel is only moments away from major attractions such as Plaza Catalunya, Port Olímpic, and Passeig de Gràcia. It is also possible to take advantage of public transportation options including buses, taxis, and metro services thanks to the central location of Hotel Continental Palacete.
The good news is that things only get better from here. Our boutique Barcelona hotel provides guests with second-to-none services that simply cannot be found anywhere else. Here are some examples that keep visitors coming back for more:
- A complimentary 24-hour buffet including vegetarian and gluten-free foods.
- Rooms outfitted with modern amenities such as flat-screen televisions, free wireless Internet access, and fully stocked bathrooms.
- Miniature refrigerators.
- Safes to store your valuables
Just as Barcelona embraces a sense of tradition during the holiday season, Hotel Continental Palacete boasts a unique history of its own. We have become an iconic landmark along Las Ramblas, and guests can even choose to stay in our Versailles Suite; a testament to the opulence associated with 19th century interior design.
Memories to Last a Lifetime
Thanks to the services provided by the team at Hotel Continental Palacete, Christmas in Barcelona will never be the same. We are also quite happy to provide you with additional information regarding the festivities highlighted earlier. Please take a moment to contact us, to book a reservation, or to learn more about what makes our boutique hotel so unique.
Happy Holidays in Barcelona!
The Malagarriga Vallet family and the entire team at the Hotel Continental wish you all the best for these holidays and look forward to having the opportunity to look after you and serve you in our hotels.
See you soon!
