Social programme, Christmas 2009

Our social programme is part of your course here in Barcelona whenever you come. But at Christmas it's inevitably rather a special one...

Week 14-20 December

We'll be going to the Santa Lucia fair (see picture, above), where people in Barcelona go to buy figures for the Nativity scene they have on the mantlepiece at home, and for their Christmas decorations in general.

It might be Christmas time but you'll still want to see something of Barcelona's architecture. This week's social program include a trip to the Parque de la Ciutadella (and its amazing modernista architecture!) and the Estación de Francia, which was modelled on the Eiffel Tower.

We've also got a walk that takes us to see the "Gothic Jewels" of Barcelona -- some of its lovely churches.

We can't tell you yet what the theme for this week's Friday Club language exchange will be but do come along -- it's hugely popular, and lots of fun!

Our "Friday Club" has a different theme every week and guess this week the theme just might be "Christmas"... You don't have to dress up but we won't believe you if you say you haven't come to Barcelona to party!

Week 21-27 December

One of our trips this week is to the Parroquía de Belén, which has an amazing exhibition of Nativity scenes.

If you want to create your own scene, come with us to buy figures for it at the Christmas fair outside the Sagrada Familia. It's right beside the Sagrada Familia, and is also not a bad spot for some last-minute Christmas shopping.

We also have a trip to the Picasso museum (come with us and, apart from anything else, you'll skip the queues...).

Week 28 December-3 January

For the last (four-day) week of 2009, our social programme includes a walk round the old city, the Barrio Gótico and we also have a trip to visit Gaudí's magnificent Park Güell, somewhere you just must go when you come to Barcelona.

Week 4-10 January

Monday, we're going to visit to the amazing Hospital de Sant Pau, which is just up the road from the Sagrada Familia, as well as a trip to the CaixaForum, Barcelona's most-visited art gallery.

Apart from the social programme we provide as part of the course, you'll want to explore for yourself. The place to be Tuesday evening is down in the port -- where the Three Kings land, bringing presents for the kids (not, traditionally, at least, Father Christmas in Spain). Just follow the crowds...!

Wednesday 6th is then a fiesta with Friday being our first Friday Club of the new year...

Come on the social programme!
Do join us on the social programme -- it's a great way of seeing something of Barcelona, as well as to meet even more people from all over the world than you would anyway here at IH Barcelona...