Barcelona, November 12 – The city of Barcelona is embracing the Christmas spirit with a fresh approach this year, introducing a new carol titled ‘Un cor que batega’ (A Heart that Beats) as a tribute to the city’s vibrant choral community. This initiative marks a shift in focus from previous years’ debates surrounding the nativity scene in Plaça de Sant Jaume, although a larger nativity display (70 square meters) will still be featured inside the city hall.
A New Carol for Barcelona’s Choirs
The new carol, ‘Un cor que batega,’ blends recognizable Christmas melodies with pop elements, starting with a solo voice and building in intensity to include forty singers. This musical offering is a central part of Barcelona’s festive program, designed to honor the significant role of choral groups within the city’s social fabric.
Mayor Jaume Collboni highlighted the city’s intention to create a spectacular Christmas season without aiming to “compete with other cities.” He was joined by Anna Lleó, head of Festivals and Traditions at the Institut de Cultura de Barcelona (ICUB), and Jordi Duran, artistic director for the light switch-on event, during the program’s presentation at the Saló de Cent.
Extensive Illuminations and Festive Events
Barcelona will be adorned with an impressive 126 kilometers of illuminated streets, an increase of 16 kilometers from last year, extending the festive glow to 38 ornamental fountains. The official light switch-on ceremony is scheduled for November 22nd at 6:00 PM on Passeig de Gràcia. This event will also mark the live debut of ‘Un cor que batega,’ performed by singers ranging from eight to 98 years old. Passeig de Gràcia will also feature a new 12-meter Christmas tree, and the ceremony will utilize five screens to connect with light activations across other main arteries of the city.
Plaça de Catalunya will host the traditional ‘Barcelona Christmas Festival’ from December 20th to 30th, featuring 357 street art performances under the artistic direction of Sergi Ots, with Jordi Duran curating the nightly spectacle. The festival will include nearly 20 companies, six international acts, and nine music bands, solidifying its status as a key event in Barcelona’s Christmas calendar.
In Plaça de Sant Jaume, a joint “lighting intervention” by the City Council and the Generalitat will reinterpret Christmas iconography through digital arts from November 22nd to January 5th. The customary Christmas tree, a gift from Mercabarna, the city’s central market, will also be present.
Decentralization and Community Engagement
The expansion of illuminated streets aims to decentralize Barcelona’s Christmas appeal, highlighting various neighborhoods and supporting local businesses. The program also includes routes through emblematic shops and activities across different districts, alongside traditional fairs at the Cathedral (Santa Llúcia), Sagrada Família, and the responsible consumption and social economy fair in Plaça de Catalunya.
The New Year’s Eve celebration will take place at Maria Cristina, directed by Barcelona musician Marc Parrot, featuring music, drones, audiovisuals, and pyrotechnics to welcome 2026.
