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'Elkano, 69, Sants-Montjuïc, 08004 Barcelona
• Cozy and LGBT-friendly cafe-bar in the Poble Sec quarter.
• Filled with antique and vintage furniture.
• Offers various international breakfast options.
• Known for its friendly and attentive staff.
Daily 8am till 4pm Friday & Saturday 9am till 4pm
C/ del Parlament, 12, L'Eixample, 08015 Barcelona
• New LGBT-friendly resto-bar in the Sant Antoni quarter.
• Offers wines, beers, tapas, and tostadas.
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 09:30 – 23:00; Friday 09:30 – 01:00;
Saturday 10:00 – 01:00; Sunday 10:00 – 22:00
C. del Consell de Cent, 273, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Popular gay bar in the Eixample quarter.
• Features camp decorations, a street terrace, and tapas.
Daily 11:00/12:00 – 02:30/03:30
Carrer de Casanova 64, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Big gay bar for bears and friends.
• Popular Happy Hour on Thursdays from 19:00 till 22:00.
Daily 18:30 – 02:30/03:00; Friday, Saturday till 03:00/03:30
Carrer de Balmes, 56, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Gay bar at the edge of the Gayxample quarter.
• Features small stage, drag hosts, shows and karaoke.
• Admission: 12 €, includes 1 drink.
Daily 23:00 – 05:00; Friday, Saturday till 06:00
C/ de la Diputació, 203, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Tribute to Pop icon Madonna.
• Various Pop music video screens.
Wednesday, Thursday 18:00 – 02:30/03:00; Friday, Saturday 18:00 – 03:00/03:30
Carrer de la Diputació, 167, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Cafe-bar with the essence of Boxer.
• Small street terrace.
Wednesday-Sunday 18:00/19:00 – 01:30/03:00
Carrer de la Diputació, 174, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Gay music bar with a mixed, Latino-friendly clientele.
Tuesday-Thursday 21:00 – 02:30; Friday, Saturday 21:00 – 03:00
Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 586, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Trendy queer bar with various niches and lounges.
Daily 19:00 – 02:30; Friday, Saturday till 03:00
C. del Consell de Cent, 257, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Music bar for gays and friends with a small dancefloor.
• Plays Pop, Charts, and Commercial music.
Friday, Saturday 22:00 – 03:00
Carrer de Villarroel 86, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Gay bar with dancefloor and international and Spanish Pop music from the last decades.
• Fun atmosphere, usually busy after 01:00.
Friday, Saturday 23:00 – 03:00
C/ del Consell de Cent, 275, L'Eixample, 08011 Barcelona
• Queer inclusive bar with a unique interior featuring goth, psychedelia, and magic touches.
Daily 18:00 – 02:30; Friday, Saturday till 03:00
Carrer d'Aribau, 40, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Offers drinks, cocktails and more than 20 different brands of Gin.
Daily 17:00 – 02:30/03:30
Carrer de Muntaner, 73, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Small cafe-bar for bears and friends.
• Street terrace.
Daily 18:00 – 02:30/03:30
C/ d'Aribau, 46, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Elegant gay club with a bar on the ground floor and a cruising labyrinth with cabins in the basement.
• Private social club for members only.
Wednesdays to Thursdays from 8:30 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Friday & Saturday from 8:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m.
Carrer de les Carretes, 57, Ciutat Vella, 08001 Barcelona
• Alternative, queer-inclusive bar in the Raval quarter.
Thursday 19:00–02:00; Friday, Saturday 19:00–03:00; Sunday 17:30–24:00
Carrer de Muntaner, 67, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Small gay bar decorated with old religious devotional objects.
• Relaxed cafe-bar by day and popular with a mature clientele by night.
Daily 16:00 – 02:30; Friday, Saturday till 03:00
C. de Salvà 3, Barcelona 08004
• Queer bar in the Poble-sec quarter with art exhibitions and alternative drag shows.
Tuesday/Wednesday-Sunday from 19: 00
C/ del Consell de Cent, 245 bis, L'Eixample, 08011 Barcelona
Carrer de Muntaner, 34, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Small LGBTQ-oriented cafe-bar in retro style.
Daily 17: 00 – 03: 00; Friday, Saturday till 03: 30
104, Avinguda del Paral·lel, Superilla Sant Antoni, Eixample, Barcelona
• Queer/drag/trans/nonbinary bar between Sant Antoni and Poble-sec quarters.
Wednesday-Sunday 19: 00– 03: 00/ 03: 30
Rambla del Raval, 22, 08001 Barcelona, Spain
• Queer-inclusive bar in the Raval quarter with a mixed clientele.
• Best after 23.00
Daily 18: 00 – 02: 30;
Friday, Saturday till 03: 00; in summer 19: 00 – 03: 00/ 03: 30
Carrer d'Aribau, 55, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• New cocktail bar at the edge of the Gayxample area.
• Unique interior with playful symbols and icons.
• Plays Pop, Commercial, Reggaeton, and Trap music.
Monday-Thursday 20: 30 – 02:30; Friday, Saturday 20: 00 – 03: 00; Sunday 20: 30 – 02: 30
Carrer de Muntaner, 11, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Gay and lesbian bar in the center of Barcelona with a mainly young and middle-aged clientele
Daily 18: 00 – 02: 30; Friday, Saturday till 03: 00
C/ de Sepúlveda, 178, L'Eixample, 08011 Barcelona
• Trendy music video bar with a dancefloor
• Best vibes after 1:00 AM
• Attracts a lively crowd of 20s and 30s
• Lots of pretty guys
• Check out their Instagram for more
Friday, Saturday 23: 00 – 03: 00
Carrer de la Diputació, 161, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Gay bar in the Eixample district.
• Popular during summer, especially Thursday-Saturday around 23:00-01:00.
• Mixed ages.
• Features a small cruise area with a few cubicles at the back.
Daily 18:00 – 02:30; Friday, Saturday till 03:00
Carrer d’Aribau 33, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Located on the rooftop terrace of the gay hotel Axel.
• Lounge bar with a view of the Eixample quarter.
• Open to the public in the evening.
Daily 20:00/21:00 onwards
C. de Villarroel, 68, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• LGBT bar with daily drag shows (free entry).
Daily 18:00 – 02:30/03:00
Av. de Roma, 155, L'Eixample, 08011 Barcelona
• New gay lounge bar for bears, daddies, chasers, and friends.
Daily 18:00 – 02:30/03:00
C. de Villarroel, 60, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Gay bar with Caribbean-inspired interior and decoration.
• Small dance floor with South American-influenced music.
• Clientele mainly in their 20s and 30s.
Daily 17:00 – 02:30; Friday, Saturday till 03:00
C/ de Muntaner, 34 Bis, L'Eixample, 08011 Barcelona
• Small wine and cocktail bar decorated with references to the movie Titanic
Tuesday-Thursday 18:00–02:30/03:00; Friday, Saturday 18:00–03:30; Sunday 18:00 – 02:30/03:00
C/ del Consell de Cent, 319, L'Eixample, 08007 Barcelona
• LGBT-friendly cocktail bar close to Passeig de Gràcia.
Tuesday-Thursday 18:00 – 02:00; Friday, Saturday 18:00 – 03:00; Sunday 18:00 – 24:00
Passatge de Prunera, 18, 08004 Barcelona, Spain
• Fetish-friendly gay cruise club in the Poble-sec quarter.
• Moderate prices with the most popular day being the 1st Sunday of the month (18:30~ 02:30).
• Admission: 12 €, incl. 1 drink (15-18 € at special events).
Tuesday-Thursday 22:00 – 02:30/03:00; Friday, Saturday 22:00 – 03:00/03:30; Sunday 21:30 – 01:30/02:00
Carrer de Calàbria, 96, 08015 Barcelona, Spain
• Gay sex shop with cruising labyrinth over two levels.
• Young clientele with themed parties on Tuesdays.
• Admission: 6.50 – 7.50 € (5 € before 15:00), 2/4 € up to 25/30 years.
Monday-Friday 12:00 – 23:00; Saturday, Sunday 15:00 – 24:00
Carrer De La Diputació 182, 08011 Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
• Gay cruise club with bar, lockers, cubicles, slings and more.
• Admission: 10-15 €, incl. 1 drink.
Monday-Friday 12:00 – 23:00; Saturday, Sunday 15:00 – 24:00
Carrer de Balmes, 65, Bajos 2 08007, Barcelona
• Gay cruising club at the edge of the Gayxample quarter.
• Very bears-friendly with themed parties.
Monday-Friday 12:00 – 23:00; Saturday, Sunday 15:00 – 24:00
C/ d'Aragó, 130, 08015 Barcelona, Spain
• Large gay cruising club across two floors with clientele aged 30+.
• Dress code includes naked, underwear, fetish.
• Admission: 22 €, incl. locker and 1 drink (entrance fee cash only). Registration required.
C/ de Lluís el Piadós, 4, Ciutat Vella, 08003 Barcelona
• New location of the former Black Hole opened in June 2022.
• Features a cash desk and lockers on the ground floor, small bar and big cruising area
with slings, gloryholes, wet area etc.
• Mainly middle-aged and mature men.
• Admission: 16 €, incl. locker and 1 drink (entrance fee cash only).
Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday from 17:00 – 23:00
Carrer de Calàbria, 91, 08015 Barcelona, Spain
• Small fetish-oriented gay sex club.
• Check the website for weekly program and dress codes.
• Admission: 10-15 €.
Friday, Saturday from 22:00 – 05:00; Sunday from 19:00 – 02:00
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.
See website for events and opening times
C. de Balmes, 52, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
• Queer Bar & Terrace for everyone in the heart of the LGTBIQ+ center of Barcelona.
Daily 8pm till 3am
Rambla de Catalunya, 4, 08007 Barcelona, Spain
• Vibrant Sunday night gay dance & cruise event with DJs, lighting effects, a dark room & a terrace.
Sunday 11pm till 5am
Carrer de Muntaner, 65, 08011 Barcelona, Spain
• Relaxed gay bar, perfect for a chat with friends.
Tuesday to Sunday from 6:00 p.m. to 2:30/3:00 a.m.
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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.