Experience the Christmas Fairs 2026

Tió logs, fir trees, nougats, wafer rolls, decorative items, original handmade gifts… all this and much more can be found at the Christmas markets held throughout Catalonia during the month of December and the first days of January. Christmas markets are another traditional element that shapes the Christmas festivities in Catalonia, just like the pastorets or living nativity scenes.

The streets and squares of towns and cities are filled with charm with stalls offering local products, where you will find everything you need for your Christmas meals. Do you need to decorate your home with a fir tree and a nativity scene? At the Christmas markets you will find the nativity figure you are missing or the star to complete the decoration of the Christmas tree.

In addition, many of these markets are complemented by activities designed to entertain children, with workshops and creative, musical and other activities.

Experience the Christmas markets in Catalonia!

When do the Christmas holidays take place in 2026?

Many Christmas markets in Catalonia begin around the Immaculate Conception or Constitution long weekend (from Sunday, 6 December to Tuesday, 8 December 2026), although the official day is 13 December, St Lucy's Day.

The most important Christmas celebrations in Catalonia are:

Christmas Eve (Thursday, 24 December 2026)

Christmas Eve is one of the most heart-warming evenings of the year. In Catalonia, this night is especially celebrated with the tradition of the Caga Tió, where children hit a log with sticks while singing songs so that the Tió “produces” sweets and gifts.

This tradition fills homes with laughter, excitement and Christmas spirit. Families usually gather to share a generous dinner, often featuring traditional dishes such as escudella and meat stew.

Christmas Day (Friday, 25 December 2026)

Christmas Day is the heart of the festive season. Families come together to enjoy a celebratory meal that usually includes escudella with galets pasta and a roast chicken or stuffed capon, accompanied by nougats and wafer rolls. It is a day dedicated to sharing special moments with loved ones, exchanging gifts and keeping deeply rooted traditions alive.

St Stephen's Day (Saturday, 26 December 2026)

St Stephen's Day, a public holiday unique to Catalonia, is a much-loved occasion that offers the chance to continue spending time with family. The signature dish of the day is cannelloni, traditionally made using the leftovers from the previous day's roast. This day symbolizes the continuity of the Christmas celebrations and helps to extend the festive spirit.

New Year's Eve (Thursday, 31 December 2026)

New Year's Eve is the last big celebration of the year. Families and friends gather to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with large dinners, toasts with cava and the traditional twelve grapes, eaten to the rhythm of the midnight chimes to bring good luck for the twelve months ahead. The celebration continues with music, dancing and festivities until the early hours.

New Year's Day (Friday, 1 January 2027)

The first day of the year, New Year's Day, is marked by rest and reflection. After the previous night's celebrations, families take the day at a slower pace, enjoying a more relaxed meal. It is a time to recharge and start the year with renewed goals and positive energy.

Three Kings' Parades (Tuesday, 5 January 2026)

The eve of Three Kings' Day is one of the most eagerly awaited days for children. The Three Kings' Parades, filled with lights, music and spectacle, take over the streets of towns and cities across Catalonia with the arrival of Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar. Children excitedly watch the floats go by, throw letters with their wishes and collect sweets as anticipation builds.

Three Kings' Day (Wednesday, 6 January 2026)

Three Kings' Day marks the end of the Christmas season. After the magical night in which the Three Wise Men leave gifts in homes, families gather to enjoy the traditional Three Kings' cake, which hides a figurine and a dried bean. Whoever finds the figurine is crowned king of the celebration, while whoever finds the bean must pay for next year's cake. This joyful day brings the festive season to a close until the following year.