The “Barcelona Llums de Nadal” festival for the 2026-27 campaign is expanding its territorial presence with new locations such as Rambla Prim and Passeig Maragall, adding to the five sites from the previous year. This year sees the return of the creative lighting heritage with the reappearance of the Galet, designed by Ramon Bigas, in thirteen city markets and at Plaça de Sant Miquel.
As a new feature, collaborative lighting with schools is being introduced, projecting Christmas drawings by primary and secondary students at the Mercat de la Marina. This pilot initiative involves 97 students from various schools in the Sants-Montjuïc district.
Thematic light routes will be maintained across the city's ten districts, including routes through emblematic shops, illuminated fountains, and commercial axes. Furthermore, facade lighting at municipal markets is being expanded, with the debut of Abaceria and Montserrat, joining Clot and Vall d’Hebron.
The city will illuminate 130 kilometers of streets in collaboration with commercial associations, bringing traditional Christmas lights to all districts. Over fifty ornamental fountains will also be specially lit for the campaign.
The festival, with a budget of 4.6 million euros, is being funded for the first time by over 65% from the Tourist Stay Tax (IEET). This initiative reinforces Barcelona's Christmas model, as the city is the European Capital of Local Commerce and European Capital of Christmas 2026.
Author-designed light installations, created by artists such as Hey Studio, Jordi Canudes & Ingrid Picanyol, and other collaborators, will feature in new locations like Rambla Prim and Passeig Maragall, strengthening Barcelona's visual identity and promoting local talent.
An investment of over 204,000 euros is planned for lighting installations in areas affected by long-term construction, as well as the placement of totems and the illumination of facades on ten unique buildings.
