1. Lots of museums

From the last day of school until Epiphany, museums in the regions around Barcelona offer a wide range of exhibitions, workshops and shows for families with children. At the ​​​​​​Manresa Technical Museum, you can learn how to make several Christmas crafts. In Barcelona, the MNAC has also put together a special programme for families. The Oval Room will be turned into a play area where children can unleash their inner artist. You can dance at a silent disco, become a character in one of the MNAC's paintings or explore sustainable sculpting. Without leaving Barcelona, La Pedrera also offers family sessions around the tió (Christmas log), Christmas corners and a Christmas card-making workshop.

Although they are not Christmas-themed, these holidays are a good time to visit the permanent exhibitions at museums in the regions around Barcelona. There are some great museums that are a must-see and that you may not have visited yet: the recreation of the Neanderthal mine at the Archaeological Park of the Gavà Mines, the Capellades Paper Mill Museum, the Terrassa Science and Technology Museum and, from 27 December, you can visit the new interactive exhibition at the Railway Museum. If that is not enough for you, you will find more than sixty options in the Local Museum Network.

2. Ice rinks

Ice skating in winter is a little treat that will entertain both young and old alike. You can do so in towns such as Manlleu or Sant Fruitós del Bages, where temporary facilities have been set up with minimal water and energy consumption. Check the opening hours, pack your gloves and thick socks, and enjoy a winter day gliding across the ice.

3. Shepherds and live nativity scenes

Teaching children about traditional customs helps to keep culture alive and encourages them to love and share it. Many towns and cities put on popular performances of the pastorets (shepherds) and live nativity scenes. Here are a few recommendations: The Live Nativity Scene of the Bages region with the Fals Towers as a backdrop, the one in Corbera, the oldest in Catalonia, and the one in Món Sant Benet which is the only live Nativity scene in Europe set inside a monastery, or the one in Sant Fost, known throughout Catalonia for its special effects. If you want to see the pastorets, you can do so in Mataró or Calaf. 

4. Christmas lights

The latest craze is marvelling at light shows. The Enchanted Forest in Gavà is a good option if you do not want to pay an entrance fee, although you will probably have to queue a bit. The Forest of Dreamsis a dramatised tour, where you can contemplate the lights, take as many photos as you want and interact firsthand with all the magical beings that inhabit the forest.

5. Christmas amusement parks

Another idea is to visit amusement parks and arcades. In the Baix Llobregat region, you will love the Cornellà Children's Fair, a classic event where you can take part in recycled materials workshops, go on rides and play team sports in fun competitions that are open to everyone. In Manlleu, you will find the Badanadal with a wide range of activities for all ages. In Mataró, they also set up a small family amusement park so that children can experience the magic of Christmas. Sabadell or Terrassa also offer a wide range of family activities in the city centre.

6. Outing in nature

If you are feeling unbearably nervous about the arrival of the Three Wise Men, the best idea is probably to get some fresh air and hike in the countryside. Luckily, the regions around Barcelona offer a wide range of opportunities to enjoy nature. If you are busy parents or helpful grandparents, uncles and babysitters, take note of these safe bets: The Salt Mountain, les Toll Caves and the Montserrat Caves.

If you enjoy hiking, a walk through the Llobregat Delta Natural Areas, a hike in Montseny, which you can reach by public transportation, or cycling along theCal Rosal to Pedret Greenway are just some of the ideas you will find in the routes section of the Barcelona is Much More website.

7. The letter to the Three Wise Men

Around New Year's Eve, it is time to deliver the letter to the Three Wise Men's pages. You will find them scattered throughout many towns and cities, but if you would like to meet the most popular royal emissaries in person, you should head to Igualada, Terrassa and Vilanova i la Geltrú. There you will find the pages Faruk, Xiu-Xiu and Eliseo, who are ready to receive the letters addressed to Their Majesties. 

If that is still not enough for you, you will find even more ideas on the Barcelona is Much More Christmas website.