Christmas transforms the Costa Daurada into a magical landscape of lights, markets, traditions & family-friendly experiences
From the most iconic pessebres (nativity scenes) of Southern Catalonia to the illuminated streets of Reus, Salou and Tarragona; from PortAventura dressed for the season to the spectacular arrival of the Reis Mags (the Three Wise Men) at the port… every town brings its own festive sparkle.
This guide features the 10 must-do plans for an authentic and memorable Christmas. Expect a mix of festive shows, family activities and local shopping — perfect for children, couples and travellers who want to make the most of the holiday season.
Here’s the best of Christmas 2025–26 on the Costa Daurada
A Christmas classic in the Conca de Barberà
1. Els Pastorets in l’Espluga de Francolí
In L’Espluga de Francolí, Christmas takes over the local theatre with Els Pastorets, a traditional Catalan play that retells the nativity story with humour, music and devilish characters. On 25 and 28 December, the show returns with a powerful, 100% local production: over one hundred performers, a live orchestra and updated staging that brings Lluquet and Rovelló (the cheeky protagonists) to life once again. With more than 140 years of history and a huge local following — even televised — it remains one of Catalonia’s most iconic Christmas performances.
- 25 & 28 December
- 6:00 pm
- L'Espluga Christmas Programme
The most photogenic pessebre
2. The Sand Nativity of La Pineda
At La Pineda beach, Christmas takes the shape of giant sculptures. The Pessebre de Sorra (Sand Nativity) reaches its 26th edition, and from 1–6 December an international team of artists creates a monumental display of 350 m³ of sand in Parc del Pinar de Perruquet. The carving process is open to the public — a fascinating chance to watch the sculptures take form.
From 6 December to 6 January, the nativity can be visited freely, surrounded by artisan stalls and a festive atmosphere. This year it also hosts Nomad Nadal, with music, workshops, street food and the Jaima Reial (Royal Tent) where children can hand in their letter to the Reis.
- Until 6th of January
- Vila-seca Christmas
The village that comes back to life for Christmas
3. Pessebre dels Estels
In Masia de Castelló, an abandoned village in the Vall de Llors springs back to life at Christmas with the Pessebre dels Estels (Nativity of the Stars). On 6, 7, 13 and 14 December, more than 400 volunteers recreate biblical scenes and traditional trades with incredible realism in the winding mountain streets of Vandellòs. A new highlight this year: a morning session on Saturday 13 (10 am – 1 pm), designed especially for families. A deeply atmospheric experience with over 25 years of history — one of the most beloved pessebres vivents (living nativity scenes) on the Costa Daurada.
- 6, 7, 13 & 14 Decembre
- Info & Tickets
A magical family walk-through
4. The Enchanted Forest at PortAventura
PortAventura World is at its most enchanting in December: the park is filled with festive decoration, lights and music — plus shorter queues at the attractions. The star experience is El Bosc Encantat (The Enchanted Forest), a family walk-through adventure leading either to the house of Pare Noel (Santa) until 25 December, or to one of the Kings, called Els ‘Reis Mags’ from 26 December onwards. It’s full of characters, fantasy settings and photo spots that capture the magic of Christmas. PortAventura in festive mode is a guaranteed hit for families.
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5. The First Swim of the Year in Torredembarra
Torredembarra welcomes the New Year with a burst of bravery: the Primer Bany de l’Any (First Swim of the Year). On 1 January at 11:30 am, Baix a Mar beach fills with winter swimmers ready for a refreshing dip, preceded by a warm-up session in the nearby square. After the swim, participants are rewarded with hot chocolate and coca (a traditional Catalan sweet bread). This event forms part of the Triatló Nadalenc (Christmas Triathlon), which includes a boxing-day bike ride, a Sant Silvestre run and the First Swim. Completing all three earns a special gift. A feel-good, festive and very Costa Daurada way to start 2026.
- 1rst of January at 11:30
- Christmas in Torredembarra
The biggest festive programmes on the Costa Daurada
6. The Tarragona Cavalcade
Each year, the Port de Tarragona becomes one of the major Christmas hubs of the Costa Daurada. This year’s programme runs from 29 November to 6 January with more than sixty activities for all ages.
The most magical moment takes place before the arrival of the Reis. On 27–30 December, the Magatzem Reial (Royal Warehouse) opens at Refugi 1 — a beautifully staged space where children can watch the Royal Pages sorting gifts and hand in their letters.
And on 5 January, the iconic scene unfolds: the Reis Mags d’Orient (Three Kings of the East) arrive by sea at the Moll de Pescadors, accompanied by lights, music and fireworks over the Serrallo before beginning Tarragona’s Cavalcade — the brightest on the Costa Daurada.
A complete, lively and family-friendly Christmas where something is always happening between the waterfront tinglados (historic port buildings), museums, stages and projections.
- Until 6th of January
- Christmas Programme – Port Tarragona
Local commerce lights up the season
7. Christmas shopping in Reus, Salou and Tarragona
At Christmas, Reus, Salou and Tarragona become three vibrant capitals full of festive light. Their streets invite visitors to stroll, shop and enjoy the atmosphere.
Expect Christmas fairs with children’s attractions, artisan stalls and some of the biggest Parcs de Nadal (Christmas Parks) in the region, attracting thousands of families every year.
The Costa Daurada also offers one of the richest shopping experiences in Catalonia:
Historic shops in Reus, unique local boutiques in Salou, and major shopping centres such as El Pallol, El Corte Inglés and Parc Central.
Together, they form the most powerful retail triangle in Southern Catalonia. Shopping while strolling is a way to bring life to our towns — and to enjoy the most magical moment of the year
SELECTED SHOPS ON THE COSTA DAURADA
TOP 3 CHRISTMAS EXPERIENCES
Family activities to enjoy this Christmas season
8. Dia de Granja
Visit Dia de Granja, a family leisure space located just outside Reus. It’s an animal and adventure park open throughout the festive season, offering nature activities, workshops and crafts, plus Christmas-themed shows and concerts designed especially for young children.
9. Laser Tag & Salting
The Laser Tag arena in Reus is the adrenaline-filled plan that’s winning Christmas this year: a futuristic maze where teams, families and friends compete in fast-paced strategic missions. The venue also features dozens of activities — trampolines, climbing walls, parkour areas and more.
Guaranteed fun for all ages, perfect for an action-packed day during the school holidays.
10. Saltapark Cambrils
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