In Catalonia, the nativity scene, or pessebre, is taken very seriously. There are associations of nativity-scene makers, contests that go back almost a century and one figure you always have to look for: the caganer. In December, Barcelona fills up with nativity scenes, some huge, others tucked away in a church or a monastery, and at least one made of Playmobil.
Here they all are, with what is confirmed for 2026 and what is not yet.
Barcelona’s nativity scenes in brief
- City Hall
- inside Sant Jaume, 2026 dates to be announced
- Pedralbes Monastery
- 12 December to 2 February
- Cathedral
- in the cloister with the geese
- Gràcia
- Playmobil scenes and dioramas
- Corbera
- the best-known living nativity, since 1962
The City Hall nativity scene, inside Sant Jaume since 2025
What is it? Barcelona’s official nativity scene, built by local pessebre makers inside the City Hall.
Why go? It is the largest in the centre, it is free and you do not need to book.
- When2026 dates to be announced. In 2025, 13 December to 5 January
- WhereBarcelona City Hall, Pati de Carruatges, Plaça de Sant Jaume
- PriceFree
Since 2024 there has been no nativity scene in the middle of Plaça de Sant Jaume: that year a large illuminated star went up instead, and in 2025 the nativity scene returned, but inside the City Hall, in the Pati de Carruatges, sheltered from bad weather and vandalism.
The 2025 scene was inspired by the mountain landscapes of the Pyrenees and Pre-Pyrenees. It covered about 70 m² (24 in 2024), and more than 20 pessebre makers worked on it from May. It showed the Annunciation, the journey of the Magi, the flight into Egypt, the Nazareth workshop and, of course, a caganer and a mushroom picker. According to the City Hall, it opened Monday to Friday 11 am to 2 pm and 4 to 8 pm, and at weekends 11 am to 8 pm. Almost 2,000 people visited on the first day.
The 2026 scene has not been presented yet. As soon as it is announced, I will update the theme and dates here.
Photo: Jordi Gili · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Pedralbes Monastery nativity scene, 12 December to 2 February
What is it? A traditional nativity scene and an Adoration of the Magi in cork and moss, in a 14th-century Gothic monastery.
Why go? For the setting: a nativity scene in Pedralbes, next to the cloister, is something else.
- When12 December 2026 to 2 February 2027
- WhereMonestir de Pedralbes, Sala de les Procures
- PriceOpen day on the opening day
It is set up with the Associació de Pessebristes de Barcelona. The nativity scene has figures by Andreu Muns, and the Adoration of the Magi, made of cork and moss, has figures by the Castells brothers. The monastery has not published this year’s opening hours yet; in 2025 you could see it Tuesday to Friday 10 am to 2 pm and at weekends 10 am to 5 pm.
The Cathedral cloister and its 13 geese
One of the most visited nativity scenes in the city is in the Cathedral cloister, the one with the white geese. In 2025 it could be seen for free from 28 November to 11 January, entering through the Santa Eulàlia door on Carrer del Bisbe. It opened Monday to Saturday 10 am to 1.30 pm and 4.30 to 7.15 pm, and on Sundays 10 am to 1 pm and 4.30 to 7.15 pm. The 2026 dates have not been published yet.
It is right next to the Fira de Santa Llúcia, where you can buy figures, moss and caganers. Dates and times are in the Christmas markets in Barcelona.
More nativity scenes in the centre, from the Generalitat to La Rambla
These were the ones on in 2025; most come back every year, but the 2026 dates have not been announced yet:
- Palau de la Generalitat, in the Sala de Carruatges: a nativity scene by the Catalan Federation of Pessebristes, 15 to 19 December, 4.30 to 8.30 pm.
- Casa dels Entremesos: a light-hearted nativity scene with figures of giants and folk-culture beasts, until 2 February.
- Betlem church, La Rambla, 107: the church is named after Bethlehem.
- Pessebre en moviment, Rambla de Volart, 39: a nativity scene with moving figures, ideal for kids.
Playmobil nativity scenes and dioramas in Gràcia
Gràcia has the most fun nativity scenes in the city. In 2025 there were Playmobil nativity scenes at Can Musons and La Violeta, and a diorama show at Can Musons (C/ de l’Alzina, 7) from 29 November to 2 February. If you have kids, this is the stop they will like best. There were also free nativity walks, with registration, around Ciutat Vella and Gràcia.
The Corbera de Llobregat living nativity, since 1962
What is it? A nativity performed by local people along a 700-metre route below the Penya del Corb crag.
Why go? It is the best-known living nativity in Catalonia, and at night it is impressive.
- When2026 dates to be announced. In 2025, 29 November to 10 January, mainly weekends and public holidays, at 6, 7 and 8 pm
- WhereC/ Canigó, 35, Corbera de Llobregat
- PriceIn 2025, €17 adults, €12 reduced, free for under-6s
It bills itself as Catalonia’s first living nativity: it has been staged since 1962 with more than 200 volunteers. It is about 25 kilometres from Barcelona and pairs well with the Christmas villages of Catalonia.
The caganer and a nativity contest with 99 editions
If this is your first Christmas here, meet the character: the caganer is a peasant in a barretina hat, squatting to relieve himself, hidden somewhere in the nativity scene. You have to find him. Today there are caganers of footballers, politicians and celebrities, and the best stall to buy them is at the Fira de Santa Llúcia.
The Associació de Pessebristes de Barcelona also runs a nativity contest, which reached its 99th edition in 2025. More traditions, from the tió log to Sant Esteve, are in Christmas in Barcelona.
To see them well
- Visit the central ones on a weekday
- Combine the Cathedral, Santa Llúcia and Sant Jaume in one walk
- Play find-the-caganer with the kids
- Book Corbera as soon as tickets go on sale
What does not work
- Looking for the nativity scene in the middle of Plaça de Sant Jaume
- Visiting the Cathedral cloister during mass
- Going to Pedralbes before 12 December
- Going to Corbera without a warm coat
My 2-hour nativity scene walk in the centre
Start at the Cathedral and its cloister, walk through the Fira de Santa Llúcia and carry on to Plaça de Sant Jaume for the City Hall nativity scene, five minutes away on foot. To finish, head up Carrer Petritxol for a hot chocolate: the granjas are in churros and chocolate in Barcelona. If it gets dark, the Christmas lights go on from 26 November.
Do you set up a nativity scene at home? Show me on Instagram @barcelonainspira, I love seeing them.
Cover photo: detail of the 2025 Barcelona City Hall nativity scene. Jordi Gili · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Keep exploring Barcelona with me
More Christmas: my Christmas things to do, ice skating, where to eat escudella and Barcelona with kids.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Plaça Sant Jaume nativity scene in 2026
The City Hall has not presented its 2026 nativity scene yet. Since 2024 it is no longer set up in the square: in 2025 it was inside the City Hall, in the Pati de Carruatges, from 13 December to 5 January, with free entry.
When can you see the Pedralbes Monastery nativity scene
From Saturday 12 December 2026 to 2 February 2027, in the monastery’s Sala de les Procures. The opening day is an open day.
Is there a living nativity near Barcelona
The best known is in Corbera de Llobregat, staged since 1962. In 2025 it ran from 29 November to 10 January, mainly at weekends and on public holidays, for €17 per adult. The 2026 dates have not been published yet.
What is the caganer
A figure from the Catalan nativity scene: a peasant in a barretina hat, squatting to relieve himself, hidden in a corner of the scene. Today you can buy caganers of footballers, politicians and celebrities, especially at the Fira de Santa Llúcia.
📖 Read nextChristmas villages in Catalonia: markets and living nativity scenes
