If there is a plan that has been consolidated in the Christmas calendar of the city, it is the ‘Nadal al Port’. The Port Vell fair, with that smell of sea and nougat, returns for the seventh consecutive year. And attention, because this year they are not messing around: the thing grows.
From November 28 until January 6, the Moll de la Fusta (and now also the Drassanes) will be transformed into a Christmas theme park of more than 24,000 m². Yes, you read that right, it is the largest edition in its history.
As reported by the Port of Barcelona, the goal is the same as always: to bring the sea closer to the city, but this time with a renewed emphasis on sustainability and, of course, to give us plans to enjoy.
The starting signal: circus and lights.
As tradition dictates, the ‘Nadal al Port’ starts with a good party. The grand opening will be on Thursday 28 November at 18:30 pm, with its own lighting of lights, and those responsible for flipping the switch will be the artists of the Circ Històric Raluy.
The company, which presents its show “Terra” in the Port Vell, will offer a show of acrobatics and magic to welcome Christmas. With that act, the LED lights of their own design that will dye red the Portal de la Pau and the Moll de la Fusta will be turned on.
And, of course, the Jaume I Tower will once again become the tallest (and most original) Christmas tree in Barcelona, with its own light show every night.
As every year, the “Tinglado Reial” ( January 3 and 4), where the little ones will be able to see how the logistics of Their Majesties from the East are organized before their grand arrival at the Portal de la Pau on January 5.
The novelties that you can not miss: night walks in swallows and sailing baptisms.
This is where this year’s ‘Nadal al Port’ is really making a name for itself. In addition to the classics like the big wheel to see the skyline of the city and the ice rink (this time, designed for the little ones), there are premieres that sound great.
- Night rides on Golondrina: It is, perhaps, the big bomb of this edition. For the first time in its 137 years of history, the mythical Golondrinas will offer night rides. They will be special rides with lighting and music to see the fair from the water.
- Free sailing baptisms: If you are more into action than watching, the Fundació Barcelona Capital Nàutica organizes free “sailing baptisms”. A first sailing experience (sustainable and inclusive) that will depart from the royal stairs of the Moll de la Fusta on various dates in November and December.
- Boats to visit: In addition to the historic Pailebot Santa Eulàlia and the Far Barcelona, which will open their doors, this year Salvamento Marítimo joins in. It will be possible to board one of their ships to learn about the work they do.
Concerts and bathing in the sea
The ‘Nadal al Port’ is a marathon in the background. Throughout the festivities, the Moll de la Fusta will be filled with stalls of social entities and local schools with workshops to learn about maritime culture and the blue economy.
There will also be the main stage, where more than 500 music students and emerging artists will perform, as well as the Fira Sabors de Nadal (Christmas Fairs) at the Moll del Dipòsit.
And for those looking for strong emotions or to follow traditions to the letter, the calendar does not fail: the Nadal Cup of the Club Natació Barcelona (December 25) or the First Swim of the Year of the Club Natació Atlètic-Barceloneta (January 1) will be held.