A Christmas Lights Tour in Barcelona - The Best Streets and Installations for 2025
Barcelona truly knows how to put on a lights show. Whether it’s a projection on a historic building or entire avenues dressed in sparkling decorations, each street has its own personality and every neighborhood tells a different story. In 2025, the city shines brighter than ever, with 126 km of illuminated streets, 39 decorated squares, and a 3.9-million-euro holiday budget—15% more than last year.
It's interesting that every year the city hall organizes a competition for the design and architecture studios to come up with creative ideas.
In 2025, the winners include ARTEC for Plaça Catalunya, APO for Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, SMLXL + MA-MA for Carrer d’Aragó, and Esther Pujol together with Marta Cerdà for Via Laietana. Meanwhile, Passeig de Sant Joan continues showcasing Brosmind’s playful anime- and manga-inspired installation that first appeared in 2023.
To explore all this creativity, I created a route through some of Barcelona’s most magical Christmas lights—a journey that’s easy to follow and perfect for a December evening.
Start at Plaça Catalunya – ARTEC’s Heart-Shaped Light Ballet
While it’s not my favourite place in the city, in December it’s fun because of the festive lights and the Santa show on Corte Ingles.
ARTEC’s installation here is one of the most impressive of the season - a choreography of light that simulates flocks of birds forming heart-shaped patterns in the sky. The work features 2,025 suspended elements that catch natural daylight and glow through high-efficiency LEDs at night, shifting from gold to red as you move. It’s an immersive way to begin your Christmas lights adventure.
Walk Down Passeig de Gràcia – A Fairytale Boulevard
From the square, continue to Passeig de Gràcia, one of Barcelona’s most elegant streets and a true highlight during the holiday season. This year’s installation, created by Ximénez, stretches across the avenue with hundreds of rows of lights and delicate illuminated butterflies that enhance the boulevard’s already stately architecture. Under this festive glow, Gaudí’s masterpieces feel even more extraordinary. Casa Batlló, in particular, puts on a dazzling light show that makes its iconic dragon seem to rise and breathe color across the façade.
Discover Catalan Holiday Traditions on Carrer d’Aragó
Continue toward Carrer d’Aragó for a more playful interpretation of Christmas. The studios SMLXL + MA-MA have crafted an installation that blends humor and local identity. Everyday Catalan expressions appear in bright, modern designs next to references to beloved holiday traditions like cannelloni, cava, the mischievous caganer, and the classic Christmas soup. It’s both a celebration of local culture and an informal Catalan lesson for anyone walking beneath the lights.
Return to Passeig de Gràcia and Head Toward Avinguda Diagonal
Circle back to Passeig de Gràcia and follow it until you reach Avinguda Diagonal—my favorite avenue in Barcelona, especially at Christmas. The installation here, also designed by Ximénez, drapes from balconies like golden waterfalls and pays homage to the city’s Modernist legacy. At its center stands an impressive 12-meter Christmas tree, glowing warmly as the city prepares for Gaudí Year 2026, which will mark the centenary of the architect’s passing.
End at Torre Glòries – A Modern Christmas Icon
Finish your route at Torre Glòries in Poble Nou, one of the city’s most recognizable modern landmarks. During the holidays, the tower transforms into a vibrant, color-shifting beacon that lights up the night sky. Walking around its base offers ever-changing reflections and angles, making it a perfect spot for photos and a memorable ending to your Christmas lights tour.
Final Tips for Your Barcelona Christmas Experience
The lights are at their most vibrant around 19:00, so plan to begin your walk around this time. December evenings in Barcelona can be surprisingly chilly, so bring warm layers. Don’t forget your camera—the mix of architecture and festive lighting is irresistible. And if you want to make the night even sweeter, stop for hot chocolate or churros along the way; it’s the perfect treat for keeping everyone happy and cozy.
Which Christmas Lights Are Your Favorite?
Barcelona is full of festive magic during the holiday season, and every installation has its own charm. I’d love to know - which stop on this Christmas lights route would be your favorite, or which display do you most want to see in person?
Share your pick in the comments.
