5 Outdoor Activities to Enjoy During Christmas in Barcelona

When the average person thinks of Barcelona, they’ll probably conjure up images of beaches, sangria, tapas and sunshine.

But Barcelona in the winter is by no means boring – there’s still a huge amount to do and see! If you’re looking for some outdoor activities to enjoy during Christmas in Barcelona, here is some inspiration.

Outdoors activities for Christmas in Barcelona

1. Visit Christmas Markets

Barcelona has a unique holiday season. Some people mainly celebrate the 25th December, while others celebrate The Three Kings which sees Melchor, Gaspar and Balthasar arrive in Barcelona by boat on the evening of January 5.

Some lucky kids even celebrate both!

There are a range of traditional markets in Barcelona, as well as a huge procession on January 5. There’s a lot to see and do, so you’ll be sure to get slip into the festive spirit in no time. The weather can become pretty chilly too, so it’s a great idea to wrap up warm and enjoy a hot drink!

Here are some of the key Christmas markets in Barcelona.

  • Fira de Nadal a la Sagrada Familia

    Looking to enjoy a Christmas market while presided over by the city’s most iconic piece of architecture? This lovely market surrounds the Sagrada Familia and has over 120 stalls. This is a great way to combine sightseeing with shopping and this market runs from the end of November to December 23.


  • Gran Via – Three Kings Fair

    This huge market has over 300 stalls packed with Christmas goodies and fun toys. Themed mostly around the Three Kinds, you’ll find a wide range of traditional toys here which make this the perfect place to pick up a typical Spanish gift. This particular market is lovely to walk through, given that it’s a straight line and it’s easy to see a lot of the stuff that’s on offer. Enjoying some warm churros while shopping is lovely, and you can do that here from the 20 December to the 6 January.


  • Plaça de Catalunya Christmas Fair

    This is one of the largest Christmas markets in Barcelona and as such, it has a huge range of activities and fun moments. The theme is based around dreams, and you’ll find that there’s a theater, bookshop, sports shop, and an awesome toyshop. If you’re looking to do some shopping while feeling the Christmas spirit, this is a great option. It’s also a fantastic place to pick up a nice memento for your trip!

    This market begins on the 21 December and runs until 4 January – meaning that it spans both of the holiday celebrations here in Barcelona.


  • Fira de Nadal de Sants

    This Christmas market takes place at the Plaça de Sants, making it easy to get to. It also runs from the end of November until just before Christmas, so it’s a great option. You’ll find roasted chestnuts and all other sorts of goodies here. Sants is just a little bit outside the city center too, so it’s a great way to see some alternative neighborhoods that Barcelona has on offer.


  • Sant Cugat Christmas Market

    While this isn’t technically in the city, it’s just a short train ride away and a fantastic option if you’re looking for German-style markets that come complete with wooden huts, mulled wine and other Christmas market staples. You can catch the train from a number of stations and it’s a great day trip just slightly outside the city.

2. Enjoy an E-Bike Tour

Electronic bikes have exploded in popularity in recent years. It’s little wonder why – they offer a safe and speedy way to get around the city and see all of the best sights. You’ll learn about Gaudi’s architecture and Picasso’s favorite bars while stopping for delicious local snacks.

Barcelona is particularly suited to this type of tour, given that it has wide streets and the necessary infrastructure to help you safely and quickly get around town. You’ll be sure to enjoy zipping around on these bikes during your tour!

It’s possible to fully enjoy e-bike tours in Barcelona even in the winter months, given that the temperature is pretty mild. You’ll probably want to wrap up a little bit though!

3. Take a Segway Tour

Segway tours in Barcelona are another popular outdoor activity to enjoy during Christmas, offering what some might consider a more relaxed alternative to e-bike tours.

Segways are awesome machines. They are a great way to traverse Barcelona’s terrain in style and to get a comfortable view of all the key sights. They are easy to maneuver and operate, and tour guides are great at sharing instructions and information about Barcelona.

The tours pass by the key spots in Barcelona and allow people to stop off for delicious food and snacks along the way… What isn’t to love?

4. Visit Barcelona’s Parks

A truly Mediterranean city Barcelona has mild winters, and this means that you can still enjoy the city’s many beautiful parks in the winter. If you’re at a loose end and looking for things to do in Barcelona, a visit to the park is always a great option.

The city can sometimes get a little hectic so taking some time to relax in a calm, green park is a great way to regroup. Wherever you happen to be staying in the city you won’t be far from a beautiful park. In terms of the ones that are highly recommended, people often mention:

A quick search on Google Maps will help you to find a park near you. A crisp stroll is a great way to spend a few pleasant hours.

5. Explore Barcelona on Foot

Barcelona is a very popular destination for tourists, receiving an incredible 32 million tourists in 2017. It’s wonderful that so many people get to explore the city and its wonders, but it can get a little crowded in the summer months!

The cooler months in Barcelona offer you an opportunity to enjoy the city at a slower pace and get up close and personal with the city. You can wander the streets comfortably and find new places while enjoying easier access to a range of attractions and buildings.

If you love Barcelona and want to get a real feel for the city, exploring on foot can be very relaxing. You could grab a coffee, wrap up and explore the beautiful city. You could even incorporate one of the Christmas markets into the walk!

We hope that these tips have shown just how much variety is on offer in terms of outdoors activities in Barcelona. We wish you a very happy holiday season and hope you enjoy your trip!


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