These Are The 10 Best Christmas Markets In Spain

When people think of European Christmas markets, they tend to think of the ones in Germany. This is where the traditional Christmas market originated and there’s something magical about wandering about with the lights twinkling in the snow.

But there’s something even more magical about exploring a Christmas market without having to bundle up in layers! And although they’re not as well known, the Christmas markets in Spain are becoming more and more popular. They’re a great place to socialise with friends and family as well as buy handicrafts and unexpected gifts.

So what can you expect to find at a Spanish Christmas market? They all differ slightly but as a general rule you can buy handicrafts, Christmas ornaments, characters for your nativity, and even freshly cut Christmas trees. Unique to Spain are the stalls selling tricks and practical jokes. This is because Spaniards celebrate Dia de los Santos Inocentes on 28^th December – a day where they prank each other, similar to April Fool’s Day in the UK and the U.S.

Don’t worry, it’s not all shopping! You can also wander under the pretty fairy lights and decorations before buying a drink or a snack. One of the most popular treats at a Spanish Christmas market is chocolate con churros.

So which Spanish Christmas market should you choose? Here are 10 of the best:

Plaza Mayor, Madrid

The biggest and best Christmas market in Spain can be found in Madrid. The market in the city’s Plaza Mayor is a hundred years old and this year it will be host to 104 traditional wooden stalls. You can visit this market from 28th November to 31st December. As well as attracting the people of Madrid,

Spaniards come from all over the country to visit this Christmas market. You’ll find stalls selling Christmas plants such as Christmas trees, mistletoe and poinsettia. Nativity scene figure stalls are also abundant here. Looking for something unique? You’ll find stalls packed full of crazy wigs to buy for Dia de los Santos Inocentes here too.

Fira de Santa Llúcia, Barcelona

Spain’s oldest Christmas market is located in the heart of Barcelona, in the square that sits in front of Barcelona cathedral. This market was first established in 1786, and has just over 100 stalls now. You can visit this market from 29^th November until 23^rd December, which is a shorter length of time than some other markets on this list.

If you’re looking for Christmas goodies then this is one of the best markets to choose. Think handmade gifts and gorgeous Christmas ornament. You can also embrace the fun (and particularly popular with kids) Catalan Christmas tradition of caganers. These little figures are placed in the nativity and show a bare bottomed man pooping. They are considered  a symbol of fertility.

Poop is quite closely associated with Christmas in the Catalan region! Another poop-themed tradition you’ll find on the market here areTió de Nadal. This is a smiling faced log that children beat with a stick until it poops presents or candy for them.

Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Família

The Fira de Santa Llúcia isn’t the only Christmas market worth visiting in Barcelona! You can also visit the Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada market which is located in the park next to the most famous building in the city. Gaudí's Sagrada Família church. This Christmas market is on from November 23rd to December 23rd.

Our top tip is to visit the market at night when the Sagrada Família shines in the background and you can really take advantage of the twinkling lights. The speciality of this market is the local food stalls selling items such as cheese, honey, churros, and thick hot chocolate. Of course, you’ll also find the obligatory nativity characters and festive foliage.

There's also a special area for kids to play games, watch entertainment and sing Christmas songs making it a great choice for families.

Navidad en Plaza del Pilar, Zaragoza

The best Christmas market in Zaragoza, this market is hosted in the city’s Plaza del Pilar and transforms the space into a magical wonderland. It’s open from 29th November- 6th January and you’ll find a huge nativity scene outside the cathedral, stalls, twinkling lights, and even an ice skating rink. Childen can meet Santa inside the purpose-built Santa Claus village here.

On the market you’ll find stalls selling Christmas pastries, decorations and crafts.

Feria del Belén, Sevilla

This is a fun market, and what makes it so unique is that it is one of just a couple of Christmas markets in Spain that is dedicated solely to selling figurines, animals and buildings to add to your Belén or Nativity scene. Despite its limited merchandise range, it draws huge crowds.

This market is held from 9th November to 23rd  December and will take place on Calle Fray Ceferino González and Avenida de la Constitución. To add to the fun, there will also be two temporary pop-up ice rinks in Seville for the Christmas season this year. These will be open from November 30th until January 7th.

Mercadillo Navideño, Málaga

Malaga has a reputation for being a wonderfully Christmassy city thanks to its iconic light displays that attract visitors from all over the world. So it should be no surprise that the city also boasts incredible Christmas markets too.

If you’re looking for a traditional market then visit the one on Paseo del Parque that runs from November 22nd to January 5th. For something more child-centric try the Muelle Uno market which opens until 10th January and features 50 stalls, a Christmas village, and the chance to meet Santa.

Mercado de Navidad de Bilbao

This is a small market held in the Muelle de Ripa that only boasts 24 stalls. But it is a case of being small but perfectly formed! You’ll find great gifts and traditional Basque foods here.

This market is held from December 15th to January 5th making it a great place to stop for last minute Christmas gifts if you’re staying locally.

El Mercado de Bib-Rambla, Granada

Another traditional Christmas market held in front of a cathedral, which makes for a spectacular backdrop. This market is known for its decorations ranging from  nativity figures to handmade tree ornaments.

This year you can visit the market from November 26th – January 6th. Some of the other great gifts you can find here include homemade ceramics, jewellery, and plenty of traditional Spanish Christmas sweets too.

Mercado de Navidad de la Ciutat de les Arts, Valencia

This is the best Christmas market in Valencia and unique market that will appeal to both adults and children alike. Taking place from 15th December – 7th January, children can take place in fun interactive workshops such as candle making or soap making. There are craft workshops for adults to enjoy with varying degrees of complexity from chocolate modelling to blacksmithing.

If you’re rather buy your gifts than make them then you’ll find plenty of stalls for shopping here too. There will also be puppet theatre and a range of food trucks on site, so noone will go hungry!

Mercado Navideño de Córdoba

Cordoba is a city best known for its famous patio festival but its market is present by the Association of Nativity Scene Makers of Córdoba meaning that it's mostly dedicated to selling Beléns or Nativity scenes, where you can buy all the figures and accessories you need for your own little Christmas model. This is a fun and unique type of market you’ll only find in Spain.

 This year the market will be held in the Plaza de las Tendillas from November 12th until December 22nd.And because the city is so associated with its patios, many of these will be decorated with festive florals and festive scenes, making them well worth exploring at Christmas too.

Are you thinking of spending your Christmas in Spain? Looking to escape the cold and rainy weather in the UK and make an escape to the sun? Then why not get in touch with our local property experts, who are perfectly placed to help you buy the Spanish home of your dreams. We’re excited to help you make your next move your best move!