December in Barcelona: all over the city are lit Christmas lights, the cold is advancing, coats and scarves are long gone, the smell of churros is felt in the streets. We must make a virtue of necessity: is there no heat? Then everyone in the cafeterías to drink a hot chocolate, and then to see some exhibitions, to finish at some concerts or in some local with live music. That's the beauty of Barcelona: at any time of the year there is always something to do, this is a city that never leaves curious spirits unsatisfied.
until 23 December: Fira de Santa Llúcia
Until Christmas Eve the oldest Christmas market in the city opens its doors: there are many traditions related to the Catalan nativity scene that can be bought in this market, some probably bizarre in our eyes, such as the tió de Nadal, the caganers and the zambombas, but we talk about them in more detail in our article on Christmas in Barcelona.
From Friday 15 December: Fira de Reis
Another very large Christmas market, la Fair of Kings it is the ideal place to shop, perhaps warmed up with a chocolate con churros, on sale in the numerous stalls scattered around the streets.
Sunday 3 December: Elton John concert
Elton John it certainly needs no introduction, and so we won't. What we can say is that his concert is scheduled for Sunday 3 December, at the Palau Sant Jordi arena.
Thursday 17 December: Depeche Mode concert
Another group that certainly needs no introduction, i Depeche Mode they also show up at the Palau Sant Jordi arena with their new world tour, Global Spirit. A concert with all the trimmings - it must be said, given the period - that could be an early Christmas gift for someone.
Barcelona Jazz Festival
The 49th Jazz Music Festival in Barcelona is now coming to an end, but there are still pleasant surprises for December:
- Andrea Motis & Joan Chamorro Quartet (Friday 1 December at 21:00, Palau de la Música): how can you not speak well of Andrea Motis? Singer, trumpet player, is about to release his first album with the historic impulse label, all at just 22 years old. And he deserves it all: persuasive voice, excellent harmony with the Joan Chamorro Quartet, in short, an event to be enjoyed.
- Barbara Hendricks (Friday, December 15, Palau de la Música): famous both as a soprano and as a jazz singer, Barbara Hendricks has one of those voices you won't easily forget, with all the premises for a concert to remember.
Childhood festival
(December 27 - January 4, Montjuïc fair): For Barcelona families with young children this festival is a blessing, with shows, games and activities for the brats, all concentrated in one place. The festival is held inside the Fira de Barcelona, basically in Plaça de Espanya. All useful information with timetables and how to get there are available on the official website of the event.
New Year
For those who want to celebrate the tolling of the bells in the square, do not miss the fireworks display in Plaça de Espanya, starting at 22:30 pm and well after midnight, and then fiesta to follow throughout the city. For more specific plans on what to do and how to get around, read our article on New Year 2021.
