Getting a teenager away from their phone at Christmas is possible. 🎄 If you’re looking for ideas they’ll actually like, forget the usual boring plans. The key is finding activities that offer autonomy, creativity and, most importantly, are shareable on their socials.
Here’s a guide with 5 original plans to enjoy with friends or family in Barcelona, without anyone rolling their eyes.
1. Unleash their creativity at YOULO Self-photo studio
Let’s be honest: most teenagers aren’t thrilled about a traditional family photo session. The solution? A place where they have total control.
At YOULO, teenagers have total freedom. As Tami, founder of Wonderstory, tells us, “they can come alone (with parental permission), choose their coolest outfits, bring their friends and create great photos while listening to their favorite music on Spotify”. It’s a plan that combines the autonomy they’re looking for with professional results they’ll love to share.
Why will they love it so much?
– Total control over the photos: They decide the poses, backgrounds and props. No one telling them how to smile.
– Prep is part of the fun: Choosing the look, thinking about scenes and coordinating with friends turns the session into an event.
– Professional content instantly: They leave the studio with hundreds of photos ready to review and post on their socials.
– Their own style: Minimalist backgrounds, glasses or hats are favorites, but many come with their own ideas and create a unique style.
Plus, it’s the perfect lab to experiment with ideas for TikTok or Instagram. “From oneliner clips to funny Goofy-style walks, almost any concept can become viral content”, adds Tami. If you’re looking for an original Christmas photo session, this is a safe bet.
2. Create unique gifts at a creative workshop
In an age of impersonal gifts, creating something with your own hands has special value. Beyond ceramics, there are workshops of all kinds that can connect with their passions. For example, at Foodieteca they can learn to make Christmas desserts in a cooking workshop, or even create their own fragrance at a perfume workshop.
It’s a creative plan that lets them disconnect from screens and focus on a tangible task. The result is something to be proud of and a truly personal gift. It’s a great opportunity to learn a new skill and, by the way, solve some gift-giving commitments. If they also want to prep your look for the occasion and document the experience, the memory will be complete.
3. Urban adventure: Markets, art and immersive photos
For teenagers with a more independent and alternative spirit, an urban adventure can be the perfect plan. Instead of the more traditional markets, take them to explore places like Palo Alto Market or Els Encants, where they’ll find vintage fashion, design objects and gifts no one else will have.
You can frame it as a “treasure hunt” with a limited budget. This turns it into a game and gives them the freedom to explore at their own pace. To make it even more interesting, the route can end at an immersive art space like Ikono, a gallery where they’re the stars of the photos. Another option is a graffiti intro workshop, where they learn spray techniques legally, a form of urban expression they love.
4. Team mission: Escape rooms and shows
If you have a teenager who’s into challenges and mystery, escape rooms are one of the best Christmas activities teenagers love. Many rooms like Aventurico prepare special Christmas-themed missions, perfect for solving as a group and testing your wits. It’s an hour of adrenaline and teamwork they’ll remember.
If they prefer something more relaxed but equally impactful, a show at Teatre Poliorama or a flamenco concert can be a great surprise. And for a quieter option, outdoor cinema on the Hotel Palace rooftop with popcorn and blankets is still a great plan. It’s a perfect plan to celebrate a special occasion.
5. A Christmas classic with an “aesthetic” twist
Sometimes the simplest plans are the best, as long as you give them an approach that connects with their interests. Visiting the Fira de Santa Llúcia or the Sagrada Familia Christmas market might seem like an “adult” plan, but it can be turned into a game.
Challenge them to find the most original caganer (at specialty shops like Caganer.com there are all kinds), to take the most creative and “aesthetic” photo for Instagram, or to find the ugliest ornament in the whole market. This small competitive twist turns a traditional walk into an interactive and fun activity. It’s a way to share traditions while creating new memories together and finding more ideas to enjoy with family.
In short, finding Christmas activities teenagers in Barcelona is easier than it seems if we think outside the box. The key is offering them autonomy, creativity and, above all, experiences they can share and remember.
If you’re looking for an idea that combines all that and guarantees a great memory, book your session at YOULO and get ready for the most fun photo session of Christmas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What to do in Barcelona at Christmas with teenagers if they don’t like typical plans?
Go for interactive and creative experiences. A graffiti workshop, a photo session at a self-photo studio like YOULO where they have control, or a vintage shop route through El Raval are excellent alternatives to more traditional plans.
Are these plans only for teenagers or can the whole family join?
Most are flexible. YOULO Self-photo studio and craft workshops are perfect for doing with friends or family. Escape rooms and urban routes usually work better in friend groups, but they can also be a very fun family activity if everyone participates.
Can teenagers go alone to YOULO Self-photo studio?
Yes, as long as parents authorize the session and handle payment. Ideally, an adult waits outside while they enjoy their moment of creativity and fun inside the studio with total freedom.
What kind of music and props do teenagers prefer at YOULO?
Their own! Using Spotify, they can play any playlist they want to create the perfect atmosphere. As for props, they usually prefer minimalist elements like glasses and hats, although each group brings their own ideas and experiments freely.
Apart from Christmas lights, what different activities can you do in Barcelona’s city center?
Barcelona’s city center offers many options beyond the lights. You can organize a board game afternoon at one of the specialized cafes, visit an immersive art exhibition, or try an urban escape room that takes you through the streets of the Gothic Quarter solving clues.
