Original ideas and activities to experience Christmas like never before

Those days are approaching when everything seems more beautiful. The lights in the streets, the markets, and the Christmas carols that play everywhere create the joyful spirit of one of the best times of the year: Christmas. If you fancy doing something different for the festive season this year, here are some ideas that you’re sure to love. Original Christmas activities, short breaks, workshops, or places to go with children, as a couple, or with friends. Everything is designed to make sure that this year’s Christmas is unlike any other.

Why make Christmas different this year?

Every year goes by even faster than the last, and doing the same old thing over and over again takes away some of the magic of the holidays. Sometimes all it takes is a change of location, a little improvisation, or trying something new to rekindle the excitement.
In Catalonia, there are options for all tastes: an abundance of cool things to do in Barcelona, rural getaways in Tarragona, or quiet activities to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. The important thing is that you do you and that you spend your time with your favourite people.

Original ideas for things to do with the kids this Christmas

Children make Christmas special in their own unique way. They can find excitement in every little thing, and any activity becomes an adventure. Here are some original ideas for things to do with the kids this Christmas.

Christmas crafts and workshops

If there’s one activity that always hits the spot, it’s crafting. From workshops to making handmade decorations with recycled materials to small projects you can do at home. For example, you can create a cardboard Christmas wreath, design cards to send to family, or put together an advent calendar with colourful envelopes and little surprises inside.
These Christmas activities help to encourage creativity in kids and are also a great way to spend time together away from screens.

Escape to the countryside

Getting out of the city and enjoying a change of scenery is always a good idea. There are villages with cobbled streets, artisan markets, warm lights, and the scent of woodsmoke fills the air. They could have come straight out of a Christmas story! If you fancy a getaway to Catalonia, Priorat or the Prades Mountains are ideal destinations to enjoy the scenery and a real Christmas atmosphere. And if you prefer the sea, the coastal towns of the Costa Dorada hold their own distinct charm, even in winter. All these ideas might be simple, but they’re definitely rewarding ways to spend time with the kids this Christmas.

Unique Christmas activities for couples

Christmas can also be the perfect excuse to take some time out and do something different as a couple. Check out these ideas for Christmas activities for couples.

Themed gastronomic experiences

A dinner with a special menu or a cookery class for two are ideas that are simple yet memorable. Many restaurants offer tastings with seasonal products or dinners with live music. You can also organise your own at home: light candles, try a new recipe, and raise a toast to keeping these traditions alive as a family. These Christmas activities for adults don’t take much planning to become something special.

Romantic Christmas trips

Taking a trip doesn’t always mean having to travel for miles. A country hotel with a fireplace, a visit to the Christmas markets in Barcelona, ​​or a stroll through Tarragona’s illuminated old town at night are all possibilities. The important thing isn’t the destination, but being able to relax and enjoy the moment.

Fun plans with friends at Christmas

If you’re a social butterfly who never misses an opportunity to get together, Christmas offers the perfect excuse to do so.

Christmas-themed escape rooms

Christmas-themed escape rooms have become an increasingly popular trend. There are rooms themed around stories of Santa Claus, elves, or even more mischievous versions featuring the Grinch. These are quick, fun activities that guarantee laughter. Perfect for groups who want to do something different before they sit down to a nice dinner.

Traditions from around the world

Another fun idea is to organise a themed dinner based on customs from other countries. Invite round friends or other couples and each person (or couple) can be assigned a country and prepare a recipe or a small surprise related to it—an original way to travel and celebrate without leaving home.

Barcelona, Tarragona, or wherever you’re coming from, Christmas at PortAventura World is a guaranteed success.

If there’s one place where we know how to celebrate, it’s during Christmas at PortAventura World. The park is completely transformed for the occasion, and every corner has something that makes you want to stay a little longer.

The magic of Christmas at PortAventura Park

During the festive season, PortAventura Park is adorned with lights, music, and characters that make everything seem like something out of a fairy tale. Children can meet Santa Claus, stroll along avenues decorated with Christmas decorations, and sing their favourite Christmas songs whilst enjoying the atmosphere.  It’s impossible not to be swept up in the joy that permeates the park.

Special decorations and shows

PortAventura World’s Christmas shows are one of the highlights of the season. There are musicals, parades, and shows created specifically for this time of year, with completely revamped sets and costumes. Don’t miss Christmas Parade, Bubble Magic Christmas, or El Bosque Encantado show. Each with its own unique style, they all energise the park with the traditional Christmas spirit.

And if you enjoy photography, take advantage of the best spots to take photos inside the park. The lighting and details in each theme area are perfect for capturing beautiful memories of your visit.

Christmas always inspires us to try something different. It could be a craft project at home, a getaway to a charming village, or a visit to a place that is completely transformed with the arrival of winter. What matters isn’t how much time something takes, but the enthusiasm and love that you put into it.