The Christmas event, now in its eighth edition, runs from November 27 to January 6. It is part of Barcelona's celebrations as World Capital of Architecture and European Capital of Christmas, and commemorates the centenary of Antoni Gaudí's death. Port Vell and its concessionaires are joining forces to create a joint Christmas offering inspired by Gaudí's architectural universe, featuring around thirty illuminated physical elements, a trencadís sky, and the illumination of over 150 lampposts.
The decoration includes an inflatable installation in Plaça del Portal de la Pau, inspired by the Tower of Christ the King at the Sagrada Família, and other figures distributed among the concessionaires: a warrior inspired by La Pedrera at Maremagnum, a dragon from Park Güell's staircase at L'Aquàrium, a large star at the World Trade Center Barcelona (WTC), spheres inspired by trencadís at Palau de Mar and the WTC, a warrior and a photo opportunity stand at Nova Bocana, and three chimneys at the Christmas Market on Moll de la Fusta. Each space will have its own ambiance and program.
Moll de la Fusta will be covered by a large light canopy recreating Gaudí's trencadís with a light and music show, featuring three daily performances (6:30 PM, 8:30 PM, and 10:30 PM). The artistic proposal is by creative concept and design director Fèlix Ferrer. This tribute connects with Gaudí's historical link to the port environment, which he frequently visited to observe elements that inspired his work.
As a new feature, “El secret del Port Vell” (The Secret of Port Vell) is a digital scavenger hunt for mobile devices, inviting visitors to discover the port area playfully. Participants will need to locate and scan QR codes to solve riddles related to Gaudí and Port Vell. The scavenger hunt will be available on the website www.elsecretdelportvell.cat starting November 27 at 6 PM. Concessionaires are collaborating with prizes such as tickets to Circ Raluy Legacy, Las Golondrinas, and L'Aquàrium de Barcelona, gastronomic experiences, and nautical activities.
Circ Raluy Legacy is opening a new location at Moll de la Barceloneta. Also premiering is “La Fada del Mar” (The Sea Fairy), a theatrical experience for children that will tour Moll de la Fusta. Additionally, entities, associations, schools, and companies from the Port Community will participate with free activities to learn about port trades and activities. Boats such as the schooner Santa Eulàlia, Open Arms, vessels from Salvamento Marítimo and the Mossos d’Esquadra, and Las Golondrinas will be open for visits.
The Fundació Barcelona Capital Nàutica will offer sailing taster sessions on December 7, 8, 19, and 20, a special day of light sailing on December 12 with about a hundred children, and the chance to see a round-the-world IMOCA boat. The main stage will host performances by schools and cultural and social entities from Ciutat Vella. The Christmas market, Ferris wheel, sustainable ice rink, and the Sabors de Nadal fair on Passeig de Joan de Borbó will also be present.
The inauguration will take place on Thursday, November 27, at 6 PM, at Moll de la Fusta, with the traditional lighting ceremony and a light and music show. Over a hundred singers from the Associació Messies participatiu, accompanied by the Orquestra Barroca Catalana, will perform Handel's Messiah. Actor Jordi Subirà will recite fragments from Stefan Zweig's "The Resurrection of Handel." The event will conclude with a hot chocolate reception.
The Port of Barcelona reaffirms its commitment to making Port Vell an open, vibrant space connected to the city, where Christmas tradition, culture, architecture, and port-related information converge to offer a shared experience for all citizens. All activities can be found on www.portdebarcelona.cat/NadalalPort.
