December in Barcelona means lights, Christmas markets like the Fira de Santa Llúcia and a rush to find presents. If this year you fancy something different from last-minute shopping, there's an alternative that almost always works: giving something you've made yourself. At our Christmas workshop in Barcelona you don't need to be an artist; all it takes is a good idea, the right materials and a couple of hours.
In this article we share ideas for Christmas mugs to paint and other handmade Christmas gifts, and we explain how our Christmas workshop in Barcelona works, right in the heart of El Born, with fluorescent paint and UV light.
Why a handmade gift beats any last-minute purchase
- It's unique: nobody else will have that same mug or that same painting.
- It's personalised: you can include names, dates, in-jokes or the recipient's favourite drawing.
- It tells a story: “I painted it myself” is worth more than any price tag.
- It's a plan in itself: painting your gifts with friends, as a couple or with family is already a way to celebrate.
Christmas mug ideas to paint
Classic designs
- Red-nosed reindeer peeking round the side.
- Fir trees in different shades of green.
- White snowflakes on a midnight-blue background.
- Christmas jumper: diamonds, stripes and little hearts.
- Red and white candy canes.
Minimalist designs and names
- Each person's name with a small gold star.
- A single fir branch in fine line.
- The words “Christmas 2026” so it becomes a keepsake of the year.
- Intertwined initials for a couple.
Mugs that glow in the dark
With fluorescent glazes, the mug changes completely under UV light: garlands that look switched on, starry skies or hidden messages that only appear under black light. It's our studio's speciality, and you'll find more information in our guide to UV ceramics in Barcelona.
Other Christmas gifts you can paint at the workshop
Personalised neon paintings
A canvas painted with fluorescent paint that glows like a neon sign under black light. A portrait of the family pet, the city skyline or a favourite phrase. Find out all about our neon paintings.
Glow fans
It might seem like a summer gift, but a hand-painted fan is a really original Secret Santa present or a treat for someone who's always too hot. If you'd like to try at home, check out our guide to painting fans.
Bowls, plates and ceramic pieces
A breakfast bowl, a plate for the Christmas turrón or a decorative piece for the Christmas table. If you're looking for more designs, take a look at our ideas for painting ceramics.
What our Christmas workshop in El Born (Barcelona) is like
How it works
You choose your surface (ceramics, canvas or fan) and your own design: you bring your idea or pick a reference, we print it and you trace it with UV light. Then you paint it with support from our team. You take paintings and fans home straight away; ceramics are fired and you collect them afterwards.
Prices
- Paint Ceramics: from €15.
- Neon Paintings: €29.
- Paint Fans: from €15.
All experiences include materials, UV light and support from our team. You'll find all the details on our experiences page.
Christmas workshop dates
December is our busiest month of the year, so we recommend booking in advance on the booking page. If you're painting ceramics as a gift, allow time for firing before the 24th: ceramics are ready to collect about 3 days after the session, so we recommend painting at least a week before the day you want to give it.
A Christmas workshop for friends, family or your company
If you're coming as a group or want to organise a Christmas workshop for your team, get in touch via groups and companies.
Running out of time? Give the experience
If the date is creeping up on you, a gift card is the answer: the person who receives it chooses when to come and what to paint. And if you're doing Secret Santa at the office, here are more creative Secret Santa gift ideas.
Christmas workshop FAQs
How long does a mug painted at the workshop take to be ready?
After the session we fire the piece and you can collect it 3 days later. If it's for Christmas, book with time to spare.
Do I need to know how to paint?
No. You choose your own design: we print it and you trace it with UV light, so all you have to do is fill it in and enjoy.
Can I come on my own or do I need a group?
You can come on your own, as a couple or in a group. For large groups, it's best to contact us beforehand.
Is the workshop open over Christmas and New Year?
Opening times may vary over the holidays. Check the up-to-date calendar on our booking page.
Can I give a Christmas workshop session as a gift?
Yes, with our gift card.