The Sagrada Familia is an unmissable sight on Christmas. It is the perfect place to be during the holiday season, as Christmas at Sagrada Familia is more than simply carols. It’s a combination of glittering lights, special activities, and the opportunity to see the Nativity scenario come to life on the front. From visiting a children’s Christmas workshop to admiring the illuminated Nativity Facade, the Sagrada Familia provides a one-of-a-kind Christmas experience. In this article, you will find out why you should visit the Sagrada Familia for Christmas this year.
Timings & Best Time to Visit
The Sagrada Familia is open from 9 am to 2 pm for Christmas on 24 and 25 December. Aim for weekdays in early December if you want to experience the Christmas illuminations with fewer crowds. You can attend the Christmas Eve service for children during the festive season. Check the website for ticket availability in advance. The Basilica’s facade is most magical when illuminated at night. You can either visit in the later afternoon or evening hours. As it is a popular time, expect crowds.
Note: For this festive season don’t forget to book your Sagrada Familia tickets in advance for a seamless experience.
| Sagrada Familia Tickets | Adult (18+ years) Ticket price |
|---|---|
| Entry Ticket | €34 |
| Skip-the-line Entry Ticket | €54 |
| Guided Tour | €55 |
| Fast Track Entry Ticket | €69 |
Why Visit On Christmas Eve?
There are several reasons why it can be a special place to visit during the Christmas season:
- Attend Special Christmas Services: Take part in traditional Christmas Eve services or carols in the basilica.
- Enjoy the Illuminated Facades: See the basilica’s exterior illuminated with festive lights, enhancing its beauty and creating a stunning photo backdrop.
- Musical Performances: Enjoy special Christmas-themed musical performances or choir concerts held within the basilica.
- Local Traditions: Immerse yourself in the local traditions and customs observed on Christmas Eve in Barcelona, such as the Catalan tradition of Caga Tió or El Caganer.
Christmas Events
Around Christmas time, the Sagrada Familia buzzes with events and activities. You can attend workshops, concerts, festivals, special illuminations, masses, etc. Here are a few things you can do at Sagrada Familia during Christmas.
Christmas Market
The Christmas market at Sagrada Familia is a charming attraction you don’t want to miss! Craftsmen started the Sagrada Familia Christmas market in 1962. Now, they gather in the gardens to set up about 120 stalls. It’s a lovely outdoor market with a decorated Christmas tree and delicious food. You must try the chestnuts, sweet potatoes, Christmas candies, and chocolates. The market also has stalls selling handmade crafts, jewelry, hats, scarves, and other festive items.
Duration: From the last Saturday of November to 23 December
Christmas Workshop for Children
Workshop Dates: Saturdays and Sundays in December 2023 and December 6, 7, 8, 9, 22, 27, 28, and 29.
Timings: 10.30 am and 12.30 pm
Language: Catalan and Spanish
Costs: €8 for child + adult (1 child can have two adults company)
The Christmas workshop is designed for kids aged 6 to 12 and starts with a fun tour of the Temple, led by a friendly nativity figure. The children play a game to discover more about the Nativity facade, where Gaudi explains the birth of Jesus. Afterward, they get creative with a craft workshop, making a pop-up Christmas card for their home decorations.
Illumination of Nativity Facade
Dates: December 20, 21, and 22, 2023
Timings: 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm on 20 December, 7 pm to 9.30 pm on 21 and 22 December
Duration: 10 to 12 minutes
Language: Spanish and Catalan
To celebrate the 800th anniversary of the first nativity scene, Sagrada Familia will illuminate the Nativity facade. They will be lit up chronologically to showcase Gaudi’s stone sculptures. The lit-up scenes, including the Nativity, Adoration of the Shepherds, and Adoration of the Magi, will be accompanied by music and narration.
Children’s Festival
For the second year running, Sagrada Familia will be part of the Children’s Festival at Fira de Barcelona Montjuïc fairgrounds. The workshop “We’re building the towers. Want to help?” focuses on central towers, revealing the inside of Jesus Christ’s tower. Kids aged six and up become builders for the day, creating a replica of their favorite Evangelists’ tower to take home.
Duration: 27 December to 31 December
Carols at Nativity Facade
On Tuesday, December 19, at 6.30 pm, Sagrada Familia will host a caroling session on Carrer de la Marina in front of the Nativity facade. Children’s choirs and musicians from neighborhood choirs in the Raval district will sing traditional Christmas carols. The event is free and open to everyone.
Christmas Concert
Date: December 14, 2023
Timings: 7 pm
Draw Timings: From November 27, 2023, 10 am to December 4, 2023, 10 am
On Thursday, December 14, at 7 pm, music and Christmas joy filled the Basilica during the traditional Christmas Concert. The concert had choirs from Agrupació Cor Madrigal, children’s choirs from Catalonia, and Sagrada Familia’s neighborhood choirs. The Orquestra Simfònica del Vallès, conducted by Pere Lluis Biosca, with Joan Segui on the organ, accompanied them. The Sagrada Familia held a draw to give away 350 tickets to this special concert. Each ticket admits two people.
Pro tip: Wondering how to get to the Sagrada Familia? Don’t worry our comprehensive guide has got you covered.
Attend the Christmas Mass
Join and enjoy the international masses at Sagrada Familia every Sunday, hosted by the Archdiocese of Barcelona for an hour. While the masses are free for visitors, seats are limited, so arrive early to secure a spot. Sagrada Familia also organizes “Extraordinary Masses” by invitation only.
Plan a spiritual visit to the Sagrada Familia Mass. Our detailed manual makes attending Mass effortless.
Midnight Mass
This year, on December 24 at 7 pm, Sagrada Família will have a special Midnight Mass for children to celebrate Christmas. Bishop David Abadias will lead the ceremony, and after, everyone will adore Baby Jesus on the Nativity facade. Attending Midnight Mass is free, but there’s limited space, so come early.
FAQs
1. What special events are held at Sagrada Familia during Christmas?
Sagrada Familia hosts various events during Christmas, including caroling sessions, Christmas workshops for children, and traditional Christmas concerts.
2. Are there any unique features in the Christmas workshop for children at Sagrada Familia?
Yes, the Christmas workshop includes a guided tour, a guessing game about the Nativity facade, and a hands-on craft activity where children create a pop-up Christmas card to take home.
3. Can visitors attend a Midnight Mass at Sagrada Familia on Christmas Eve?
Yes, there is a special Midnight Mass on December 24 at 7 pm led by Bishop David Abadias, followed by the adoration of Baby Jesus on the Nativity facade.
4. What is the highlight of the illuminated Nativity facade event at Sagrada Familia?
The illuminated Nativity facade event showcases Gaudi’s stone sculptures in chronological order, including the Nativity, Adoration of the Shepherds, and Adoration of the Magi, accompanied by music and narration.
5. Are there any free Christmas events at Sagrada Familia?
Yes, some events, like the caroling session and Midnight Mass, are free, but it’s advisable to check for any capacity limitations and arrive early.
6. How do you attend Christmas Mass in Sagrada Familia?
Sagrada Familia offers a special Christmas Eve Mass for children. It’s free but with limited spots, so attend the mass 30 minutes in advance. You should wear modest clothes and behave respectfully.
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