Barcelona’s central square, Plaça de Catalunya, is full of the magic of Christmas from 21 December with the arrival of the Ciutat del Somriures (City of Smiles).
In recent times this large square at the top of La Rambla has played a key role in Barcelona’s festive celebrations and this year it’s again the setting for activities, performances and play.
It’s been designed as a place of fairy tales with features including ‘The Boulevard of Memory‘, where visitors use all fives senses to experience a special trip to the past, a variety of sporting activities and an unconventional train at ‘The Sports Shop’, and a music and light show at the fountains on the upper part of the square.
Theatre shows, puppets, books, cycling, a play area, street performers, and the chance for children to hand their letters for the Three Kings to the royal pages are also on the programme.
Running at the same time in Plaça Catalunya is a Responsible Consumption Market. Around 60 organisations and projects involved with social and economic sustainability take part, with the aim of providing information about responsible buying throughout the year as well as at Christmas, and the importance of buying local, seasonal products.
When: 21 December to 4 January. 11am-8.30pm, except: 21 Dec, 4pm-8.30pm; 24, 31 December 11am-6pm; 26 December, 1 January 6pm-8.30pm. Closed 25 December.
Where: Plaça de Catalunya
More info: barcelona.cat