Event Dates
From: Thursday, November 28, 2024
To: Monday, January 6, 2025
The atmosphere at the charming markets will get you into the true Christmas spirit – you won’t want to leave!
Barcelona is the perfect escape for a gay weekend of Christmas fun, parties and hot Spanish guys! Stuff your Santa sacks with lots of gifts and fun memories in one of Europe’s most gay-friendly cities.
- Visiting Barcelona for Christmas? The gay neighbourhood of Eixample, or Gayxample, is full of charming gay restaurants, bars and hotels. You can also find some great apartment options dotted across the city.
The Markets
Barcelona is home to several traditional Christmas markets, each with its own unique offerings. Here are our shortlist:
La Fira de Santa Lucia
- Thursday 28th November – Sunday 24th December, 2024 – Barcelona’s Santa Lucia Christmas Market is the city’s oldest, dating back to the late 18th Century. The Market is in front of the famous Barcelona Cathedral, along Avinguda de la Catedral de Barcelona. The Market is open daily from 10.30 to 20.30.
- Enjoy epic views of both the Market and the Cathedral by choosing a hotel nearby. Stay at the Ayre Hotel Rosellón and experience the breathtaking Cathedral from the rooftop bar, one of the most instagrammable spots in the city.
- The Market features more than 100 stalls selling a wide range of traditional goods, including caganers and cagatios.
Unusual Barcelona Christmas Traditions
- The Caganer or “Shitter” is a cheeky figure that first appeared in Catalan nativity scenes during the 18th Century. Traditional caganers wear Catalan national dress; a red and black “barretina” (sock hat), and “espardenyas” (canvas shoes). In recent years they have been joined by “celebrity” caganers depicting famous people, superheroes, politicians, footballers and members of the British royal family.
- Caga Tió is The Catalan equivalent of Father Christmas! Caga Tió is a Christmas log with a smiling face painted on one end. The log is placed in the living room on December 8th and has to be fed daily with traditional Christmas food like turró (Spanish nougat) and nuts. It is covered with a red blanket and wears a barretina to keep warm.
- The process of feeding and caring for the tió continues up until Christmas eve. Finally, the whole family gathers around the log and sings as the children hit it with sticks until it shits out presents!
- Make the NH Calderon your home base for your Christmas escape. It is ideally located close to the gay bars and clubs of Eixample; close to the famous Las Ramblas in the heart of Barcelona and a short ride from the Christmas Markets.
Book a Private Christmas Experience
- Get a glimpse of Barcelona at the most magical time of year on a private and customizable half-day tour at Christmas time. With just your guide and private party, you’ll see the Gothic Quarter adorned with festive lights, learn about Catalonia’s Christmas traditions, and sample gourmet treats at La Boqueria Market on Las Ramblas. Plus, you can choose a start time to suit your schedule.
Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Família
- Thursday 28th November – Saturday 23rd December, 2024
- The Fira de Nadal has been held in Plaça de la Sagrada Família since 1962, making it the Eixample district’s most traditional Christmas market. It starts at the end of November or the beginning of December and runs right up to Christmas.
- The numerous stalls that fill the square are divided into four sectors: Christmas trees and plants; nativity scenes, traditional figures and Christmas decorations in general; food, with some establishments selling sweets; and the gift sector, with stalls selling craft products, costume jewellery and clothes.
- The Sagrada Família fair is held at the same time as the Fira de Santa Llúcia, in front of the Cathedral. It is an extension of the latter and began when there was no more space in front of the Cathedral. A group of craftspeople decided to move to the Dreta de l’Eixample neighbourhood, and that is how a new Christmas market, which today has around a hundred stalls, was born.
- The Market is open daily from 10 am to 9 pm (10 pm on festivals and weekends).
Gay Parties in Barcelona during Christmas
- Check out the festive parties taking place over the Christmas Season in the city. Two events not to miss include the Churros event and the PopAir night.
- Enjoy a Christmas cocktail at the Axel Hotel Sky bar, a great way to start your evening out in the Eixample gay district. Follow up with a crazy and fun night at Priscilla featuring the city’s best drag shows and a unique atmosphere.
Fira de Reis, The Kings Market
- Tuesday 17th December, 2024 – Monday 6th January, 2025 – Christmas traditions in Spain are a bit different. The primary day for giving and receiving presents in Spain is Kings Day (dia dels Reis Mags) on January 6th. The Fira de Reis is located on Gran Via between Plaça de la Universitat and Carrer Comte Borell. Opening times are from 11:00 to 14:00, then 17:00 to 21:00.
The Three Kings Parade
- Although many locals celebrate Christmas day, the main party in Spain takes place on January 6th and is called the Feast of the Epiphany. The Night of the Three Kings (Cavalcada de Reis in Catalan) takes place on January 5th, and a colourful parade begins at Moll de la Fusta at Port Vell and makes its way through the city.
Other sights and Christmas Lights
- Plaça de Catalunya and the Ramblas get dressed up for the Christmas season. Take time to enjoy some spectacular Christmas lights and festive shop windows. For a special treat, head over for light and sound shows at Montjuic.
- Don’t miss the llums de Barcelona, a magical new Christmas tradition in one of Barcelona’s most historic locations, Sant Pau, running throughout December.
The Santa Swim
- December 23rd 2024 – Watch or join in as many people brave the freezing water to jump into Portal de la Pau harbour on Christmas Day. This fun event is known as the Copa Nadal de Natació, and Catalans have been following the festive tradition for more than 100 years.
The Nativity Scene
- The traditional Nativity scene is known as the “Pessebre” in Barcelona, and there are several displays across the city. Festivities start on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8th when many visit the Pessebre in Plaça Sant Jaume.
Where to stay during Christmas in Barcelona
We have included hotels and apartments around the gay area that have good revues and keep you in the heart of all the fun:
Where to stay close to all the gay bars
Our top 4 selections with the best rates.
The ME Hotel Barcelona
is our preferred hotel in the city.
For further information and advice on
Barcelona Christmas Markets, Website
The gay district of Barcelona is located in the city’s Eixample district, known locally as “Gaixample”. Here you will find most of the gay bars, clubs and restaurants. It is quite compact and easy to navigate. There are also lots of hotels and apartments available in this area.
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 651, 08010 Barcelona, Spain
Hotel El Palace Barcelona is located in Eixample District, close to the Ramblas, the main shopping area and Barcelona’s main tourist attractions. It offers a Mayan-style luxury spa. A limousine service with a chauffeur is available on request.
Opened in 1919, this hotel features a neo-classical façade and stylish air-conditioned rooms with classic decor. Each room is spacious and comes with satellite TV, desk, minibar and a private bathroom with hairdryer, bathrobe and slippers.
Gran Vía de las Cortes Catalanas 559, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
The chic H10 Casanova Hotel is centrally located on Barcelona’s Gran Via, a 10-minute walk from Plaza Catalunya and the Rambla. There is a garden spa with whirlpool and steam room.
Featuring contemporary boutique-style décor, the H10 Casanova offers air-conditioned rooms with a satellite TV and free Wi-Fi. There is a minibar and safe, and the modern private bathroom comes with a hairdryer and amenities. Room service is also available.
Carrer de Bergara, 11, 08002 Barcelona, Spain
Hotel
Cataluña offers an and stylish, air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and satellite TV. It is housed in a Modernist building 50 m from Barcelona’s Plaza Catalunya.The hotel serves a continental buffet breakfast with show cooking and it includes a wide variety of regional products and home-made cakes. Contempo restaurant offers traditional Mediterranean cuisine with a contemporary twist.
Carrer d’Aribau 54, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Hotel Cram is set in
’s central Eixample district, a 10-minute walk from Plaza Catalunya. It features a with city views and the Two Michelin Stars Angle Barcelona restaurant. All rooms have free WiFi and large flat-screen TVs.The air-conditioned rooms at Cram Hotel feature a private bathroom with a hairdryer. A bathrobe and slippers are available upon request. Rooms feature beds by Treca de Paris, and elegant curtains by Gastón y Daniela. Some rooms have a private balcony.
Carrer d’Aribau 33, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
The area around the Hotel
is known as the Gay-xample because of its lively gay scene. The has knowledge of the local gay scene, and the hotel is hetero-friendly too.Offering free Wi-Fi throughout, this design hotel is close to Passeig de Gràcia's exclusive boutiques. The Axel Hotel’s 500m² Spa Centre includes a hydromassage pool and saunas, and the
have flat-screen satellite TVs.Carrer de Muntaner, 70, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
The apartment features a spacious living room & dining area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. The full kitchenette with a washing machine. 3 Bedrooms & a bathroom with shower. Free WIFi
Carrer de Muntaner, 40, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
This modern apartment with air conditioning has 3 Bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a living room, a flat-screen TV. A full kitchen with a dishwasher. A bathrooms, furnished terrace with city views. Free WIFi
Carrer de la Diputació, 197, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Offers air conditioned apartments with a living area a flat-screen TV and sofa. Each has a kitchen, complete with a washing machine. private bathroom with a bath or a shower and balcony or terrace. Free WiFi.
Passatge de Valeri Serra, 19, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Each air conditioned apartment is equipped with a balcony, a fully equipped kitchen with washing machine, a living room with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with shower. Free WiFi.
C/ d'Aribau, 46, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Stylish LGBTIQ+ club in the Eixample quarter, opposite the Axel Hotel.
Private social club, only for members – registration on the Imperial website
Carrer de Balmes, 65, Bajos 2 08007, Barcelona
Large crusing club with bar, mutliple levels and bear friendly, with a modern fresh look, great facilities and located just at the edge of Eixample, Barcelona's gay quarter.
Carrer De La Diputació 182, 08011 Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
Gay cruise club in the Eixample quarter with bar, lockers, cubicles, slings and more. Spaces available for rent.
Boyfactory is without dress code. MenFactory is for theme nights.
C/ del Consell de Cent, 245 bis, L'Eixample, 08011 Barcelona
C. de Villarroel, 68, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Popular drag bar with classic Spanish Drag acts and shows in the heart of the gay district. Open daily
Carrer de Casanova 64, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Bears Bar for bears & cubs
The most traditional Bear Bar in Barcelona where you will meet people of all nationalities
C/ del Consell de Cent, 275, L'Eixample, 08011 Barcelona
Freindly relaxed gay bar with outside seating
C/ de Muntaner, 34 Bis, L'Eixample, 08011 Barcelona
Relaxed gay cocktail bar
C/ del Consell de Cent, 275, L'Eixample, 08011 Barcelona
The funniest dark side of Barcelona! LGTBIQ+ bar in the heart of the city, with a dark/goth decoration for all lovers of the most magical and infernal world. The Queer Monster Bar that the city needed.
Carrer de Balmes, 56, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Fun bar with crazy drag hosts, shows and karaoke, just at the end of Eixample.
Gay Club with Drag Queen shows in Barcelona city center area, we open every day with the best shows and music so have a fabulous night!
19-21, Ronda de Sant Pere, la Dreta de l'Eixample, la Salut, Barcelona
Large Gay Club by Grupo Arena for gays and friends in the center of Barcelona. 2 dancefloors: Pop, Charts, Commercial remixes, House.
Av. de Roma, 155, L'Eixample, 08011 Barcelona
A fun and relaxed bears bar always welcoming and friendly
Carrer de la Diputació, 167, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
From the fetish producer, with a certain edge! Small outdoor terrace.
C. de Balmes, 52, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Queer Bar & Terrace for everyone in the heart of the LGTBIQ+ center of Barcelona.
Carrer de la Diputació, 174, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Music Bar, popular with latin boys
In the heart of Barcelona’s Gaixample, BoysBar BCN has a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, sexy guys, great music and above all a place to have a good time. Open Tuesday to Sunday, Boys Bar offers a totally different kind of party. Fun, strippers, cute guys, darkroom with cabins and glory holes and House Music DJs are all waiting for you here! Free passes and discounts available for all gay clubs.
104, Avinguda del Paral·lel, Superilla Sant Antoni, Eixample, Barcelona
Queer/drag/trans/nonbinary bar, situated between Sant Antoni and Poble-sec
Carrer de Calàbria, 96, 08015 Barcelona, Spain
Sex shop with cruising maze. Tuesday Theme nights are busy
C/ de la Diputació, 203, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Don't cry for me Barcelona, because Madonna is already here, in this gay tribute bar to the GREATEST of POP
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 586, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Large lounge bar with trendy guys, close o Placa de Universitat in the centre.
C. del Consell de Cent, 257, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Music bar with small dancefloor playing pop and commercial tunes. Friday drag show
Rambla del Raval, 22, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
Nice no attitude alternative gay bar lot of fun and good bar staff
Carrer de Villarroel 86, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Popular gay dance bar, Spanish Pop Music
Carrer d'Aribau, 40, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
A fun Gay bar Right opposite the Axel, with 20 different types of gin!
GinGin Gay Queer Bar is in the heart of the city, in the most LGTBQ+ neighborhood of Barcelona, the Queerxample. A cozy bar with a cosmopolitan atmosphere, ideal to have the first drink and ensure a GREAT night!
Carrer de Muntaner, 73, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
A gay bar for bears, friends and admirers
(The new meeting cave for the most daring)
Carrer de Muntaner, 67, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Long running gay bar in Poble Sec. Hipster vibe
Passatge de Prunera, 18, 08004 Barcelona, Spain
BERLIN dark is a meeting HARD & FETISH bar for men who like to interact with other men, freely.
Rambla de Catalunya, 4, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
Vibrant Sunday night gay dance & cruise event with DJs, lighting effects, a dark room & a terrace.
3, Carrer de Salvà, el Poble-sec, Sants-Montjuïc, Barcelona, Barcelonès, Barcelona, Catalonia, 08001, Spain
La Federica is an atmospheric gay bar in Poble Sec. Varied menu of gin and tonics, delicious cocktails, good wines and mixed drinks. Theme parties
Carrer de Muntaner, 34, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
LaCarrà is all joy and brilliance. Let yourself go, enjoy and EXPLODE! with us In the heart of the LGTBIQ+ neighborhood of Barcelona, discover this tribute bar to one of the greats, Raffaella Carrà
Carrer d'Aribau, 55, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
The gay bar is very large, the decoration is fun, the music is very good and the cocktail menu is quite complete what more could you want
Carrer de Muntaner, 11, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Local gay bar with a good atmosphere, located in the heart of Barcelona's Eixample.
Carrer del Comte d’Urgell 106, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Video Bar with dance floor
Carrer de la Diputació, 161, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Welcome to Night Barcelona, your 100% gay dating bar. In the center of Gaixample, the gay district of Barcelona, we are the most popular bar in the area. 100℅ gay bar to flirt, open every day from 6 pm. always lively!
from 5:00 p.m. to 00:30 a.m.
Bar - Darkroom - Cabins
C. del Consell de Cent, 273, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
The liveliest DRAG Café in town. Let yourself be seduced by our queens with a drink, enjoying our menu or our terrace in the sun.
Tapas and cocktails to the rhythm of kitsch-pop music in a lively LGTBIQ+ bar with a decoration that will not leave you indifferent.
Carrer de Muntaner, 65, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Relaxed gay bar, perfect for a chat with friends.
C. de Villarroel, 60, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Taste the Caribbean in this popular bar with 20 to 30 somethings.
C. del Consell de Cent, 220, LOCAL, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
New gay bar in Eixample, modern design and proving very popular.
C/ d'Aragó, 130, 08015 Barcelona, Spain
GAY SEX & FETISH CLUB
Carrer de Calàbria, 91, 08015 Barcelona, Spain
Fetish Club with dress code nights
Carrer d’Aribau 33, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
Trendy gay cocktail bar on the roof terrace of the Axel Hotel
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We have chosen hotels in Barcelona that keep you close to all the shops, restaurants & bars
Promotional video for Christmas in Barcelona
Barcelona is known for its diverse and vibrant LGBTQ+ community, and there are several popular gay neighbourhoods that offer exciting experiences. Here are five of the most well-known gay neighbourhoods, each with its own unique charm and attractions
Raval has a bohemian atmosphere with an alternative gay scene and is home to Barcelona’s Museum of Contemporary Art.
The gothic quarter offers a mix of historic charm, trendy shops, and an inclusive atmosphere in the heart of the city.