Port Vell hosts the saltiest Christmas

BarcelonaChristmas at the Port reaches its seventh edition and expands to the Drassanes dock, adding 8,000 square meters more of activities, stalls, attractions and surprises to enjoy what has already established itself as the maritime event of the Christmas holidays in BarcelonaThe exhibition has expanded to 24,000 square meters. Free candle baptisms and nighttime tours on a themed boat are some of the new features of this year's event, which will be open until January 6th.

After the Raluy Historical Circus presented an opening act filled with magic, humor, and acrobatics, locals and visitors alike can experience the most festive Christmas in a unique setting where the Tower of Jaime I is transformed into the Port's grand Christmas tree. The festive atmosphere also extends to the Portal de la Pau, with the façade of the Port Authority building illuminated and a 17-meter-tall star shining in the center of the square.

Shipping containers scattered throughout the fair will welcome visitors to a Christmas season where the sea takes center stage. The introductory sailing experiences – promoted by the Barcelona Nautical Capital Foundation – will invite the public to come aboard and discover the city from the water, proving that sailing can also be a sustainable, inclusive, and accessible experience.

Las Golondrinas, a Barcelona classic, will launch new nighttime tours with a boat decorated for Christmas, featuring festive music and actors to liven up the journey. And for those curious, Maritime Rescue will open one of its vessels at the Drassanes dock to explain the work of rescuing lives and protecting the sea.

Nor will there be a lack of historic ships from the Museu Marítim, such as the Saint Eulalia or the Barcelona Lighthouseopen to the public. Aboard the schooner Saint EulaliaA real mailbox will be waiting for letters from children, who can also visit the Museum tent to write them. And, for the third year, the Open Arms NGO vessel will return to the dock to showcase its rescue work and human rights advocacy.

A neighborhood party

The number of local social organizations, associations, and schools that will fill the stalls at the Fusta dock with workshops, games, and activities designed to teach children about port activity, maritime culture, and the blue economy is also growing. This initiative strengthens the bond between the Port of Barcelona, ​​its port community, and the surrounding neighborhoods, and reinforces the open and participatory nature of Christmas at the Port.

The traditional holiday events will also be back, such as the Club Natació Barcelona Christmas Cup, the First Swim of the Year, organized by the Club Natació Atlètic-Barceloneta, and the Ioles Regatta, organized by the Real Club Marítimo de Barcelona. Iconic spots in the Port, like Maremagnum, the Aquarium, the Museum of the History of Catalonia, and the World Trade Center, will also be offering their own concerts and activities. For younger children, FunBox, the world's largest inflatable park, returns to Miquel Taradell's program. And this year, two new attractions have been added: Energy and the accessible Ball Tree.

The long-awaited Royal Shed

On January 3rd and 4th, the Eastern Wharf will be transformed into the Three Kings' headquarters. Children can deliver their letters, participate in workshops, and discover how the most anticipated arrival of the year is organized, thanks to the Port Vell of the Port of Barcelona and the Barceloneta Festival Committee. A free Christmas train, provided by Marina Vela, will connect the main points of Port Vell with the Royal Pavilion, located in the warehouses of the Eastern Wharf of the Port of Barcelona.

He Christmas in the Port Once again, it reinforces its commitment to sustainability: recycled materials, reduced energy consumption, and responsible waste and noise management. A fitting way to celebrate a Christmas open to the sea.

In short, Christmas at the Port consolidates the Port of Barcelona as a truly vibrant port city, open and connected to the community. It's a space where the economic, cultural, social, and sustainable dimensions come together: the port area, and especially Port Vell, is revitalized; maritime culture and port activity are brought closer to all audiences; projects from local neighborhoods and organizations are showcased; and the commitment to sustainability is reaffirmed through efficient energy management, the use of recycled or repurposed materials, and the reduction of noise pollution.