Barcelona submits candidacy to be 2026 European Christmas Capital
The city submits its candidacy for this European initiative with a proposal that integrates nativity scenes, fairs, light installations, cultural programming and the involvement of commerce in an innovative model for celebrating Christmas.
Barcelona has submitted its candidacy to become 2026 European Christmas Capital, an initiative promoted by a non-profit organisation and sponsored by the European Union. The award recognises cities that propose an inspiring model for celebrating Christmas, aligned with European values.
Barcelona’s proposal highlights a Christmas model that combines tradition, creativity and citizen participation. The candidacy highlights the strategic plan that combines nativity scenes, fairs and markets with technology, its own lighting installations, cultural programming and the involvement of the commercial sector.
The European Christmas Capital recognises initiatives that promote the values of European culture. The invitation is addressed to cities from the 27 Member States and Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, with three categories: cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants, cities with less than 100,000 inhabitants, and towns or villages with less than 10,000 inhabitants.
Last year, the chosen cities were Vilnius (Lithuania), Celje (Slovenia) and Noja (Spain). The jury will make its decision public at the end of November, at which time the chosen cities will begin working on the programme of activities associated with the capital status.
This is Barcelona’s second candidacy, having submitted one in 2024. The winning city will officially receive the award at a ceremony scheduled for 13 December in Vilnius, the current European Christmas Capital.