When the Christmas lights in Barcelona are switched on, the city transforms into a magical stage of color, art and festive cheer. Streets, plazas and iconic landmarks are dressed with unique Christmas decorations, drawing locals and visitors alike to enjoy the beauty of the season.
If you’re visiting Barcelona at Xmas for the first time, this guide covers everything you need to know about the 2025 lighting event: dates, routes, must-see spots and how to enjoy it comfortably with the Barcelona City Tour.
When and where does the Christmas lights switch-on happen?
While the exact date for the 2025 event is not yet announced, it is expected around the last week of November. In 2024, the ceremony was held on Passeig de Gràcia on November 28, featuring a spectacular street performance.
What’s new for Barcelona Christmas lights in 2025?
More illuminated streets and creative designs
In 2025, Barcelona has expanded its festive project called “Barcelona, Christmas Lights”. The city will illuminate over 126 km of streets, 16 km more than previous years.
Iconic avenues like Passeig de Gràcia, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, Aragó, Plaça Catalunya and Via Laietana will shine with brand-new artistic installations.
For example, on Via Laietana, 20 luminous arches with 175 digital floral motifs, designed by Ester Pujol and Marta Cerdà, will be installed.
The allocated budget amounts to €3.8 million, 15% more than last year, allowing for greater coverage and more creative displays.
One of the highlights will be 20 light arches with 175 floral motifs along Via Laietana, designed by renowned local artists. Beyond the city center, façades of landmarks like the Casa Golferichs and the Torre de les Aigües del Besòs will also glow with festive light.
Lighting schedule
From late November until January 6, the Barcelona Christmas lights will sparkle every evening:
◾ Sunday to Thursday: 5:30 pm – 1:00 am
◾ Friday, Saturday & holiday eves: 5:30 pm – 2:00 am
What to see when the Christmas decorations light up?
The lighting ceremony is usually accompanied by audiovisual shows, music, projections and live performances along different parts of the city’s main avenues (as it did in 2024). After the switch-on, the Barcelona Christmas lights remain every night, inviting both locals and visitors to stroll through the city at their own pace.
Many streets feature immersive installations, such as hanging lights that resemble candles along Gran Via, humorous phrases suspended over Aragó, and changing luminous filaments in Plaça Catalunya.
The new proposals are expected to focus on visual art, going far beyond simple Christmas decorations.
How to move around Barcelona without losing the magic?
☝️ Keep in mind that some streets may be closed to traffic during the official switch-on ceremony. Many pedestrian areas also get crowded quickly, so it’s best to arrive early.
The easiest way to enjoy the Christmas lights in Barcelona without stress is by joining the Barcelona Christmas Tour. This panoramic Christmas light tour in Barcelona takes you through the city’s most spectacular illuminated spots—no need to worry about maps, directions or planning. 😉
Route with Barcelona City Tour
Want to see Barcelona Christmas lights without worrying about traffic, the cold or crowded sidewalks? The Barcelona Christmas bus tour offers a non-stop panoramic ride, perfect for relaxing while admiring the city’s most spectacular Christmas decorations.
The route departs from Plaça Catalunya at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm, covering key avenues like Passeig de Gràcia, Via Laietana, Gran Via and Aragó. All aboard a double-decker bus decorated for the Christmas holidays.
The Barcelona Christmas Tour runs from November 29 to January 4, offering visitors a comfortable way to enjoy Barcelona at Xmas.
7 Tips to enjoy the Barcelona Christmas Lights Tour
Exploring the Christmas lights in Barcelona is unforgettable, especially if you take the Barcelona Christmas Tour, a non-stop panoramic ride that lets you admire both landmarks and festive streets comfortably from your seat.
1. Book early: The Barcelona Christmas bus tour is very popular and seats are limited. Reserve in advance to secure your spot.
2. Choose the best departure: The tour leaves at 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm. The first departure is perfect for capturing photos with some twilight light, while the second offers a fully nocturnal view of the Barcelona Christmas decorations.
3. Dress warmly: The tour lasts about 1h 20min, and even though the bus is covered, December evenings can be chilly.
4. Wear comfortable shoes: You won’t get off during the tour, but comfy shoes are ideal if you plan to explore around Plaça Catalunya or Passeig de Gràcia before or after.
5. Plan your evening downtown: The lights at Christmas draw large crowds. Arrive early if you want to visit the Fira de Santa Llúcia Christmas market or take photos at landmarks like the Sagrada Familia or Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site, both beautifully illuminated.
6. Check official updates: The city often publishes maps and schedules for the Christmas lights in Barcelona. Combine them with the Barcelona Christmas Tour route for a complete plan.
7. Skip the stress of traffic: Instead of navigating public transport or crowded streets, the bus gives you a smooth, uninterrupted view of the best Barcelona Christmas lights.
Don’t miss the Barcelona Christmas lights! 💫
The Barcelona Christmas lights 2025 will shine brighter than ever, with more illuminated streets, new artistic designs and decorations reaching neighborhoods beyond the city center. Experiencing Barcelona at Xmas under this magical glow is a unique way to feel the holiday spirit.
To make the most of it, book your seat in advance on the Barcelona City Tour. You can also combine it with a daytime Hop On Hop Off route, a catamaran ride or a combo ticket for more flexibility.
