Christmas and New Year in Barcelona

This long-established Christmas fair takes over the square in front of Barcelona’s cathedral for the weeks leading up to the big day, with stalls selling seasonal accessories including mistletoe, tree decorations and small gifts. However, if you want to experience the fair as a local, grab the chance to buy some nativity figures, whether a 'caganer' (a Catalan peasant – or a celebrity, from Rafa Nadal to Donald Trump – who defecates in the corner of the stable) or a character who actually appeared in the original story. Plus, this year you can see the oversize manger scene presented by the Santa Llúcia at the nearby Frederic Marès Museum.

The nativity scene is a Christmas classic, but the one in Barcelona's Plaça Sant Jaume isn't necessarily classically traditional, but it's known for raising eyebrows and causing a lot of differing opinions due to its often transgressive nature. From November 20 to January 6 in the centre of the square where you'll also find City Hall, this year's scene depicts various and sometimes provocative representations of the birth of Jesus. Stop by at night when it's lit up for a special treat.

At Christmas, the cold is no excuse not to get in some outdoor exercise. In fact, Christmas in Barcelona is a good time to get in shape. How, you ask? Swimming, of course. Every year on Christmas Day you'll find a swimming competition organised by the Club Natació (Swimming Club), which involves swimming 200 metres in open water at the Barcelona Port, starting at Portal de la Pau near the Columbus monument. It can't be too bad out there, this event has been going on for over a century!

The Sant Pau Art Nouveau Site celebrates another Christmas with their always-anticipated projection mapping. This year the light show aims to build a bridge between the sky and the earth, giving us a moment to celebrate that the days are starting to get longer again, and nature starts its cycle of rebirth. It's a symphony that pays tribute to the Mondernista building and its architect, Lluís Domènech i Montaner. The show is free to see, and it's on from December 21 to January 6, from 6pm to 10pm. It starts every half hour and lasts 10 minutes.

This traditional last sporting event of the year is dedicated to a legend of folklore, the man with many noses ('l'home dels nassos'). Today runners say goodbye to the year with a 10K that starts at Selva de Mar, and heads to the seafront to Pla de Palau, finishing up again at Selva de Mar. The route is full of fun stuff along the way, like a fire show, a tunnel with lasers and LED lights, and many more surprises.

Dec 31