A journey through Barcelona’s Christmas traditions
Christmas in Barcelona is much more than lights, shopping, and celebrations. It is a time for togetherness, shared memories, and traditions passed down from generation to generation, filling homes with meaning, emotion, and values. At Hotel Continental, one of the few family-run hotels in the city with a history spanning eight generations in the sector and in Barcelona itself, we experience this time of year with special affection and a desire to share with you what makes us unique and authentic.
We invite you to discover how people in Barcelona celebrate Christmas, exploring the key dates, the most cherished traditions, and the gastronomy that fills our tables and our hearts.
Advent: preparing the heart and the home
The four weeks leading up to Christmas mark the season of Advent. Traditionally, this is a time of inner and family preparation, a moment to slow down, nurture relationships, and prepare the home for the arrival of Jesus of Nazareth. In many households, Advent candles are lit, creating a warm atmosphere that invites reflection, anticipation, and hope.
December 24: Christmas Eve, a heartfelt night
The afternoon and evening of December 24 are lived with special emotion. It is Christmas Eve, a deeply family-oriented moment. Many people attend the traditional Midnight Mass or the early evening Mass at 8 p.m., commemorating the birth of God made human.
Afterwards comes an intimate and welcoming dinner, usually at home. Turrones, neules, and traditional Catalan cava fill the table and the after-dinner conversations with laughter, memories, and togetherness. It is a night to share, to give thanks, and to celebrate together.
December 25: Christmas Day, celebrating around the table
Christmas Day continues to be a time for gathering with family and friends. Food once again takes center stage, with dishes that are part of the Catalan collective imagination. The traditional escudella i carn d’olla soup opens the feast, often accompanied by seafood, turkey or stuffed capon, and other delicacies prepared with time, care, and much love. For dessert, turrones, shortbread-style sweets, and Catalan cava are a must.
December 26: Saint Stephen’s Day and “canelons”
December 26, Saint Stephen’s Day, is a public holiday throughout Catalonia. This tradition dates back to medieval times, when an extra day of rest was granted to allow people to return home after Christmas celebrations.
Today, Saint Stephen’s Day is synonymous with cannelloni, traditionally made using leftovers from the previous day. Recipes passed down by grandmothers, rich in culinary wisdom, turn this dish into a heartfelt tribute to home cooking and family affection.
New Year’s Eve: saying goodbye and welcoming the new year
After several days of meals and gatherings, December 31 arrives: New Year’s Eve, or cap d’any in Catalan, meaning the beginning of the year. It is celebrated at home or out, with special dinners and a strong desire to bid farewell to the year by dancing, playing, laughing, sharing stories, jokes, and moments together.
At midnight, the televised chimes mark the tradition of eating twelve grapes, one for each chime, to attract good luck for the entire year ahead. A simple, joyful ritual filled with shared excitement.
January 1: starting the year without rush
New Year’s Day is a public holiday, and not having to wake up early is very much appreciated. It is a calm day, perfect for gathering once again around the table with family and friends, enjoying unhurried conversations, and beginning the year peacefully.
January 5: the most magical night of the year
The night of January 5 is undoubtedly one of the most eagerly awaited, especially by children. The Three Wise Men from the East arrive at the Port of Barcelona and parade through the city in a beautiful and deeply moving procession that should not be missed.
Along the route, children can hand in their letters with wishes and requests to the royal pages. Once back home, before going to bed—always early—a table is prepared with food and drink for the Kings and their helpers, as well as water and dry bread for the camels of Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar. A tradition full of magic and wonder.
January 6: Epiphany and the roscón
January 6 is once again celebrated with family and friends. Children wake up full of excitement to discover the gifts the Three Wise Men have left in their homes.
The traditional roscón de Reyes is never missing, filled with marzipan, cream, or chocolate. Inside are two surprises: a dried bean, which means the person who finds it pays for the cake, and a small king or queen figure, crowning the finder as the symbolic ruler of the household. A sweet and festive ending to the Christmas celebrations.
Traditions that define us
This is how the most beloved Christmas traditions of our city come to an end. At Hotel Continental, we strive to preserve and share them, because our customs reflect who we are, where we come from, and what makes us unique and different.
We invite you to experience Christmas in Barcelona through closeness, authenticity, and the human warmth that defines our home.
