What to do in Barcelona in January 2026?
Calendar of festivals and cultural events in January 2026
Barcelona Agenda January 2026
Welcome to the Barcelona events calendar for January 2026! This vibrant and culturally rich metropolis offers a wide variety of activities and festivities to start the year in style. From the traditional Three Kings Parade and neighborhood festivals to Jazz, the Mil·lenni Festival, and numerous concerts… mark your calendars!
Cavalcada de Reis 2026 – The Three Kings Parade (January 5)
This vibrant and colorful parade takes place on January 5, starting at 6 p.m. along Avinguda del Marquès de l'Argentera. The “Cavalcada de Reis” is a Spanish and Catalan tradition celebrating the Epiphany, also known as the Day of the Kings (“Dia de Reis” in Catalan). It’s a festive procession held on January 5 in many towns and cities across Catalonia and Spain. The event features the Three Wise Men – Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar – who, according to Christian tradition, followed the Star of Bethlehem to bring gifts to the Baby Jesus. The Kings usually appear on horseback, accompanied by their pages. Information about the Three Kings Parade
Les Llums de Sant Pau, until January 11, 2026
Els Llums de Sant Pau 2025 will transform Sant Pau Hospital Barcelona into a magical luminous garden from November 20, 2025 to January 11, 2026, with 18 interactive installations and a new theme, “We light up your Christmas”.
Christmas at Sant Jaume until January 5, 2026
From November 27, 2025 to January 5, 2026, Plaça de Sant Jaume will feature a large Christmas star installation accompanied by a free light and music show every evening between 6:30 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.. Replacing the traditional nativity scene, this luminous display will make the heart of Barcelona shine throughout the festive season.
Christmas Night Bus until January 4, 2026
Discover the city’s festive lights aboard an open-top bus.
Daily except on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1.
At 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Festa dels Tres Tombs: January 17, 2025
Scheduled for January 17 on Ronda Sant Pau, this festival honors Saint Anthony, the patron saint of animals, with a procession of horses and carriages through the city streets: Details about the Festa dels Tres Tombs.
Festival Mil·lenni until March 13, 2026
Festival Mil·lenni 2025-2026
Barcelona’s Mil·lenni Festival offers a rich and eclectic lineup of concerts throughout its 27th edition, which runs until March 2026. The festival attracts a wide range of artists — from international legends to emerging talents — performing in iconic venues such as the Palau de la Música Catalana and Sala Apolo. Highlights for 2026 include:
- January 23, 2026: Hinds – Sala Apolo
- February 19, 2026: Natalia Lacunza – Paral·lel 62
- March 5, 2026: The Divine Comedy – Sala Apolo
- March 13, 2026: Karavana – Razzmatazz 2
57th Barcelona International Jazz Festival until March 1, 2026
The 57th Barcelona International Jazz Festival features more than 60 concerts across 17 different venues. This year’s lineup includes Snarky Puppy, Laurie Anderson, Tigran Hamasyan, Chucho Valdés, Chris Thile, Andrea Motis, La Vella Dixieland, and Tomatito.
>> Program and festival venues
Other concerts in Barcelona in January 2026
- The Weeknd — January 9, 2026 at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys
- HammerFall — January 17, 2026 at Razzmatazz
- Epica — January 30, 2026 at Razzmatazz
- André Rieu — January 31, 2026 at Palau Sant Jordi
- Cruïlla Hivern — a winter concert series starting January 18, 2026
Temporary Exhibitions
Helen Levitt: Complete Works at KBr Fundación MAPFRE until February 1, 2026
KBr Fundación MAPFRE presents more than 200 photographs divided into nine sections, including previously unseen images, color works, and a screening of the documentary In the Street. Helen Levitt (1913–2009) was an American photographer renowned for her poetic and spontaneous street photography in New York City, capturing daily life with humanity — especially that of children and working-class neighborhoods.
>> KBr MAPFRE
Miró and the United States until February 22, 2026
A captivating exhibition explores the dialogue between Joan Miró and American artists who shaped the 20th century. It highlights the mutual influence between Miró and figures such as Jackson Pollock, Louise Bourgeois, and Helen Frankenthaler, showing how the United States became a pivotal point in his artistic journey.
>>> For even more ideas, visit our Things to Do in Barcelona page, which lists all the must-see attractions in the Catalan capital!
Weather in January in Barcelona: January is one of the coldest months in Barcelona, with average temperatures around 10–15°C. Dress accordingly and check the forecast before planning your activities.
VISITING BARCELONA
- Transportation: Public transport operates normally during this period. However, during major events such as the Cavalcada de Reis, some streets may be closed to traffic. It’s recommended to check local information to plan your movements.
- Reservations: For shows, exhibitions, and certain events, booking tickets in advance is advised — especially during sales and local festivities.