Towns, cities, and neighborhoods in Catalonia create authentic spectacles during the Christmas holidays with live nativity scenes.
The first documents in Catalonia that attest to the staging of live nativity scenes date back to the 14th century, but it wasn't until the late 1950s that they were transformed into the concept of the live nativity scene we know today.
In recent years, this Christmas tradition has become one of the must-do activities for families to enjoy, as visitors discover the picture-perfect outdoor reenactments of the birth of Christ. Visitors can walk through the scene and interact with the actors.
All Nativity scenes center on the birth in the stable. And they're always accompanied by endless reenactments about the arrival of Their Majesties the Three Wise Men, the daily life of the Catalan Offices and Shepherds, the flight to Egypt, the Romans, and, above all, a good Caganer.
The performances are distinctive and unique to each town and city, as the heritage of each location is taken into account when creating the live nativity scene. Thus, we can find the Nativity scene inside a natural cave, scenes of angels flying over cliffs, guided nativity scenes, others with period music and dances... the offering is rich and diverse.
When the streets begin to fill with lights, magic, and glitter , it's time to enjoy the Living Nativity Scenes throughout Catalonia.
When do the Christmas Holidays fall in 2026?
The most important Christmas holidays in Catalonia are:
Christmas Eve (Thursday, December 24, 2026)
Christmas Eve is one of the most heartwarming 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 “poops” 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 boiled meat.
Christmas Day (Friday, December 25, 2026)
Christmas Day is the heart of the celebrations. Families gather to enjoy a festive meal that usually includes “escudella with galets” and roasted chicken or stuffed capon, accompanied by nougat and wafers. It is a day dedicated to sharing special moments with loved ones, exchanging gifts, and keeping traditions alive.
Saint Stephen's Day (Saturday, December 26, 2026)
Saint Stephen's Day, celebrated in Catalonia, is a cherished holiday that offers the opportunity to continue sharing family time. The typical dish of the day is cannelloni, traditionally made with leftovers from the previous day's roast. This day symbolizes the continuation of the Christmas celebrations.
New Year's Eve (Thursday, December 31, 2026)
New Year's Eve is the last major 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 at the stroke of midnight for good luck in the coming twelve months. The celebration continues with music and dancing until the early hours.
New Year's Day (Friday, January 1, 2027)
New Year's Day is usually a day of rest and reflection. After the previous night's celebrations, families take it easy, enjoying a relaxed meal. It is a moment to recharge and start the year with renewed resolutions and positive energy.
Epiphany Parades (Tuesday, January 5, 2027)
The eve of Epiphany is one of the most anticipated days for children. The Three Kings Parades, full of lights and music, fill the streets with the arrival of Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar. Children excitedly watch the floats parade, send letters with their wishes, and collect sweets.
Epiphany (Wednesday, January 6, 2027)
Epiphany marks the end of the Christmas holidays. After the magical night when the Three Wise Men leave gifts in homes, families gather for breakfast with the traditional King Cake (Roscón de Reyes), which hides a bean and a small figurine. Whoever finds the figurine is crowned king of the celebration, while whoever finds the bean must pay for next year's cake.
Featured
Associació Vila-sacra Activa't
Vila-sacraPessebre Vivent Pobla de Montornès
La Pobla de MontornèsPessebre Vivent de Pals
PalsPessebre Vivent de Corbera
Corbera de LlobregatCalaix de Sastre
Sant Feliu de LlobregatPessebre Vivent de Sant Fost
Sant Fost de CampsentellesPessebre Vivent de Jesús
TortosaPessebre Vivent de Les Torres de Fals
FonollosaFederació Pessebres Vivents de Catalunya
TonaEvents
Living Nativity Scene of Tossa de Mar
21 December 2024Live a magical Christmas with the Living Nativity Scene of Tossa de Mar! It will take place in the walled enclosure of Vila Vella de Tossa, a truly wonderful and unique environment, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Voluntary donations can be made…
Living Nativity Scene of Corbera de Llobregat
From 29 to 30 November 2025 …Who has not heard of the Corbera Living Nativity Scene? The town is a reference during the Christmas holidays for its live representation of the birth of Jesus, in Bethlehem, and which has become intangible heritage, being one of the most important…
Experience Christmas in Hostalric!
From 4 to 6 December 2025 …Experience Christmas in Hostalric once again this year! Hostalric's Christmas festivities return once again , packed with activities for all ages, transforming the town into a hub of tradition, culture, and shared moments. From the beginning…
Living nativity scene of the Estels de Masia de Castelló in Vandellòs
From 6 to 7 December 2025 …A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…
Living nativity scene of Prullans de Cerdanya
From 6 to 7 December 2025A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…
Navata's Living Crib
From 6 to 7 December 2025A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…
Living Nativity of Santa Pau
From 6 to 7 December 2025A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…
Cànoves i Samalús nativity scene
From 6 to 7 December 2025A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…
Experience Christmas in Santpedor!
From 10 to 14 December 2025 …Christmas in Santpedor is a time for reunions, excitement, and community spirit, with a diverse program designed for all ages. The town comes alive with activities that combine tradition, culture, sports, and community spirit, transforming…
Experience Christmas in Montgai and Butsènit!
From 11 to 13 December 2025 …With the arrival of December, Montgai and Butsènit are preparing to celebrate Christmas with a full program of activities designed for all ages. Tradition, culture, and community come together in a series of events that invite everyone…
Enjoy Christmas in Mollet del Vallès!
From 12 to 14 December 2025 …Mollet del Vallès kicks off the Christmas Campaign for another year! Mollet del Vallès presents a Christmas Campaign with new products aimed at youth, children and families. Some proposals that at the same time want to promote…
Corró d'Avall Living Nativity Scene
From 12 to 14 December 2025A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…
Living Nativity Scene in Vallgorguina
13 December 2025The Living Nativity is one of the most emblematic representations of Christmas, and Vallgorguina hosts this beloved tradition year after year. With its new edition, this activity becomes a unique opportunity to relive the scene of the Birth…
Live nativity scene of Sant Fost de Campsentelles
14 December 2025 …The traditional Living Crib of Sant Fost de Campsentelles returns! This nativity scene is known for the high participation of extras (close to 200) and for the special effects that the representations of the scenes have. This tradition goes…
Living Nativity Scene of Polinyà
14 December 2025The Living Nativity Scene of Polinyà was celebrated uninterruptedly between 1972 and 1985. As it was an initiative organized entirely by volunteers, it then suffered a 20-year hiatus. Thanks to the drive of many residents of the town,…
Viladecans Nativity Scene
From 19 to 21 December 2025A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…
Canyelles Nativity Scene
From 20 to 21 December 2025The Living Nativity scene once again fills the streets of the old town of Canyelles. The representation that shows the life and customs of Jerusalem when the baby Jesus was born, has the participation of more than 200 extras, divided into a…
Vilavenut Nativity Scene
From 20 to 21 December 2025A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This…
Living Nativity Scene of Santa Maria d'Oló
From 20 to 21 December 2025Discover Santa Maria d'Oló, a small town in Moianès that must be visited for its scenic charm and cultural wealth. In the Living Manger, some essential characters full of hope and enthusiasm await you! Towns, cities and neighborhoods…
Living nativity scene of Sant Guim de la Plana
20 December 2025 …A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…
Living Nativity of the Turret in La Roca del Vallès
From 20 to 21 December 2025A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…
Living Nativity Scene of Les Torres de Fals
20 December 2025 …The town of Fals, in the municipality of Fonollosa, is ready to enjoy a new edition of the living nativity scene. Grandparents, grandchildren, fathers and mothers, the whole town participates collectively in this representation. All the figures,…
Living Nativity Scene of Santa Maria de Palautordera
20 December 2025A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…
Live nativity scene of Sant Jaume dels Domenys
From 20 to 21 December 2025A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…
Martorelles nativity scene
21 December 2025 …A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This…
Osona Nativity Scene in Tona
21 December 2025 …A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…
Living Nativity of Castell d'Aro
21 December 2025 …The Living Nativity of Castell d'Aro begins in 1959 with the help of Father Gumersind and the Bas family. Mosén Gumersind declares, in his memoirs, that he was inspired by the Living Manger of Engordany (Andorra) created by Esteve Albert.…
Living nativity scene of Els Prats de Rei
21 December 2025 …At Christmas one of the traditions of Alta Anoia returns, the renowned Els Prats de Rei Nativity Scene, which this year celebrates a new edition. The streets and squares of the town are transformed into a great stage and, aided by the magic…
Bàscara Nativity Scene
21 December 2025 …The Bàscara Nativity Scene is one of the best known in the Girona region and one of the oldest in the country. Since Christmas 1973, year after year, it has represented the most characteristic scenes in the old town and on the banks…
Living Crib of La Pobla de Montornès
21 December 2025 …The Pobla de Montornès Nativity Scene is a moving and talking nativity scene with period, traditional costumes and recorded music. The representations of the Living Crib of the Pobla de Montornès began in 1976, under the organization…
Living Nativity Scene of Breda
21 December 2025A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…
Brunyola Living Nativity Scene
21 December 2025 …A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…
Bonmatí living nativity scene
21 December 2025A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This…
Living nativity scene of Premià de Dalt
21 December 2025 …During the days close to Christmas and Three Kings , Premià de Dalt organizes its Living Nativity scene. Visitors will travel to Nazareth for a while, and will be able to live with centurions, merchants and other characters of the time.…
Living Nativity scene in Navàs
21 December 2025The Living Nativity Scene of Navàs is a tradition organised by the Ali-Bei Escort Group that has been held annually in the Church Square since 1977. This activity has become a prominent event in the municipality, maintaining its essence…
Living nativity scene of Les Gunyoles d'Avinyonet
21 December 2025 …A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…
Living Nativity Scene of Sant Quintí de Mediona
From 25 to 26 December 2025A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This…
Living nativity scene of Maçanet de la Selva
From 25 to 28 December 2025A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…
Living Nativity Scene of Jesus in Tortosa
25 December 2025 …Enjoy the traditional biblical drama with over 150 actors! The town of Jesús (Tortosa) hosts a new edition of its emblematic Living Nativity Scene in the gardens of the Teresian Sisters' residence, one of the most outstanding representations…
Peralada nativity scene
25 December 2025 …A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…
Joanetes nativity scene
From 25 to 28 December 2025Joanetes, and all its people, move through one of the most traditional and beautiful representations of La Garrotxa. In an incomparable setting, more than 40 scenes with 400 extras represent ancient trades that have been lost over time (such…
Living Nativity Scene of Sant Pere de Ribes
From 25 to 28 December 2025A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…
Living Nativity Scene of Pals
26 December 2025 …The Living Nativity Scene of Pals, beyond its religious significance, has become in recent years an affordable, friendly, family-oriented, established and high-quality recreational and cultural offering. The Living Nativity Scene of Pals is…
Living nativity scene of Calonge
From 26 to 28 December 2025A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…
Celrà nativity scene
26 December 2025A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…
Fonollosa's Nit Viva
From 26 to 28 December 2025La Nit Viva is a show that will transport spectators to the life of peasants more than a century ago, combining scenes of ancient trades with the magic of the Nativity scene. The performance takes place in the streets and inside century-old…
Living nativity scene of the Villa de Rupit
From 27 to 28 December 2025A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This…
Live nativity scene of Sant Feliu del Racó
From 27 to 28 December 2025A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…
Living Nativity Scene of Sant Feliu de Llobregat
From 27 to 30 December 2025The Cajón de Sastre Cultural Association brings us one more year the traditional representation of the Living Nativity Scene in Sant Feliu de Llobregat. The Living Nativity Scene of Sant Feliu de Llobregat consists of twelve scenes that…
Living Nativity by Fontcoberta
From 27 to 28 December 2025A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…
Vila-sacra Living Nativity Scene
From 27 to 28 December 2025A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This tradition,…
Living Nativity Scene of Sant Martí Vell
28 December 2025A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This…
Live nativity scene of Sant Martí de Llémena
28 December 2025A Living Nativity Scene is a representation of the birth of Jesus of Nazareth using several tableaux with live actors, taking advantage of a rustic setting or one with architectural interest, such as the old town of a village. This…
Living Nativity Scene of Pardines
From 2 to 3 JanuaryThe Living Nativity Scene in Pardines has quickly become one of the town's most beloved traditions. Since its inception, this performance has grown in both participation and recognition, becoming an essential event on the Christmas calendar.…
December 25, Christmas
25 DecemberDecember 25th is Christmas, one of the most important and beloved holidays in Catalonia and around the world. Christmas commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem, according to Christian tradition. But beyond its religious origins,…
December 26, Saint Stephen's Day
26 DecemberIf December 25th is the heart of Christmas, December 26th, Boxing Day, is the more familiar and genuinely Catalan continuation. It's a unique day that reflects the Catalan Christmas spirit: reuniting, sharing a table, and extending the warmth…
Living nativity scene of l'Espluga de Francolí
From 27 to 29 DecemberIn L'Espluga de Francolí, one of the Catalan towns that pioneered the representation of live nativity scenes in 1964, a static live nativity scene is currently represented, the only one of this style in the Tarragona region. It is an…
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