Is Christmas at the zoo happening in 2026?

The zoo runs a Christmas program every year, but 2026 details are not out yet. In 2025 it ran Nov 22 to Jan 5.

The Tió is a Catalan Christmas log with a painted face and a blanket. Kids feed it for weeks, then on Christmas Eve they tap it with sticks and sing until it "poops" out sweets and small gifts. At the zoo, families do it together.

Is there an elf show?

In 2024 a show called Els follets del Zoo (The Zoo Elves) ran on weekends and holidays at 11:30am, 1pm and 3pm, followed by a parade. The 2025 program did not list it, so check the zoo site for 2026.

Zoo entry is €23 for adults and €13.90 for kids 3 to 12, and under 3 is free. The Christmas activities are included.

Is it OK with a stroller?

Yes. The zoo paths are flat and paved, and there is a playground inside.

Christmas at Barcelona Zoo

Featured inChristmas with Kids in Barcelona 2026

FestivalCiutat Vella

Where

Ciutat Vella, Zoo de Barcelona

Ages

All ages (best for 2–10)

Duration

Half a day

Setting

Outdoors

Plan for

Half a day

Caga Tió

Group session Dec 24 at noon (2025)

What you need to know

Group Caga Tió on Dec 24 at noon in 2025, in the square with the 12-meter tree
Dia del Cangur, Dec 22 and 23: in 2025 grandparents, relatives and babysitters got a free adult and child ticket
Included with zoo entry: tree, Tions, photo spots and scavenger hunt; only the weekend wetlands activity (€3 kids, €6 adults in 2025) cost extra

About

At Christmas, the Zoo de Barcelona in Parc de la Ciutadella adds a festive layer to a day with the animals. A 12-meter fir tree stands in the square by the Dama del Paraigua (the Lady with the Umbrella fountain), and winter photo spots are scattered along the paths. The program leans on Catalan traditions. La Casa dels Tions shows how the Tió, the smiling log that kids feed for weeks and then tap with sticks until it "poops" out sweets, looks after the forest. Families can join a group Caga Tió, and a Christmas scavenger hunt sends kids around the zoo with clues about protecting wildlife.

€23, ages 3 to 12 €13.90, under 3 free

Dates to be announced

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Where it is

Zoo de Barcelona

Parc de la Ciutadella, s/n, 08003 Barcelona

Getting there

Metro: Barceloneta L4 (7 min walk), Ciutadella Vila Olímpica L4 (7 min walk)
Bus: Estació de França (3 min walk), Parc de la Ciutadella - Princesa (5 min walk)