Top 5 Spanish Christmas markets

Christmas is coming and with it are coming to the Spanish Christmas markets as well. Some of these markets have actually been taking for quite a long, while others may have originated in times closer to ours. The fact is, this article intends to show you the best Christmas markets in Spain.

So, if you are in Spain, get ready: these fairs are scattered across the country, and each has a charm of its own. Hopefully, you may have the chance of visiting all of them.

SOME OF THE BEST SPANISH CHRISTMAS MARKETS ARE:

BARCELONA CHRISTMAS MARKET

The Fira de Santa Llucía, because of its relation to St. Lucy’s day, is one of the oldest Spanish Christmas markets. This ancient event started in the 18th century, more exactly in 1786. A daily event, it goes from late November to December 23rd and is located in front of Barcelona Cathedral. Barcelona Christmas market opens at 10:00 and waves goodnight at 21:00. 

The fair used to be known as the “girls’ fair” as unmarried women went there to try their luck ad maybe change their marital status.

Nowadays, it hosts more than 280 stands, organized according to the merchandise (Nativities and figures, greenery, and crafts) and located, to be more accurate, in front of the Pla de la Seu (the Cathedral square), more precisely on Avinguda de la Catedral.

In Barcelona, there are other Christmas markets, including Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Família, Fira de Nadal del Port Vell, Fira de Reis, The Sagrada Familia Christmas Market, etc.

SEVILLE CHRISTMAS MARKET

Seville, one of the most representative cities of Andalusia, is the place to go for one of the most interesting Christmas markets. If your goal is finding all that you need to get your home ready for the holiday, from Christmas presents to other important components, do not fail to come here; even if you would just like a camel ride, well, that is also here. 

One of these fairs is named the Belen Market and it lasts from November 5th to December 23rd. Out of his spaces, only 30 of them are Christmas-focused, with figurines, decorations, and jewellery. 

Instead, the Craft Fair takes place from December 17th to January 5th in Plaza Nueva, in the heart of Seville. Here, there is the participation of over 80 craftsmen and artists exhibit their work. 

OTHER SPANISH CHRISTMAS MARKETS

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA

You can attend Santiago de Compostela, located in northwestern Galicia. This is more of a gastronomic fair in which you can sip from several Spanish drinks and delight with the flavor of pastries, snacks, and sweets that taste like a holiday. This opportunity is brought to you by more than 50 stalls, you’re welcome. 

The market opens every day from noon to 21.30, but on December 31st there will be slight variations in the schedule. If you have the chance to get here, don’t forget to pay a visit to the Cathedral and the city’s Christmas market. 

BILBAO

Saint Thomas has a day in his honor on December 21st, the day that for many the Christmas Spirit descends upon us – but more practically, Northern Solstice or the shortest day of the year. And to honor Saint Thomas there is, too, this Christmas market is held every year on the aforementioned date. 

The Basque Country hosts plenty of unforgettable festivals but certainly, this is one we beg you not to miss at any cost. As that market of Santiago, gastronomy is the star of this fair, and typical Basque products will be available for visitors: try cider, chorizo, cheese, and txakoli (pronounced chacolí) wine. People of all ages and tastes are invited, and certainly, you are as well. 

MADRID

Sure, Spain’s capital cannot be left out of a list like this. As in Barcelona, Madrid is the place for several Christmas markets. To highlight, there are the markets in Plaza Mayor and in Paseo de Recoletos. You will find it nearly obvious that the Plaza Mayor Christmas Market is named, precisely, Mercado de Navidad (Christmas Market)! Placed in the very historic center of the city, the market’s origins date back to the 19th century. 

Its daily schedule during the week is from 10:00 to 21:00; they stay open one additional hour on Fridays and Saturdays. The wooden stalls are more than 100 and most of them stand out because of their red tones. The majority of the stalls sell traditional Christmas products, while the rest offers other kinds of items. 

In Madrid, we can also find the Christmas Market in the Paseo de Recoletos, where the artisans from Madrid and the rest of Spain go to show their craft. Really, here you will find the rookie artisan who already exhibits god-like skillfulness, but also craftsmen who have forged a name and fame with years of hard work. You will find ceramics, jewellery, glasswork, and more. 

Its schedule runs daily from 11:00 to 21:00, except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, when the market is closed; the two previous days it shuts down shop earlier (15:00). 

GRANADA

In Plaça Bib-Rambla, Granada, the Christmas market will be open every year from early December until Kings Day (January 6th)! The stalls are about 70 and, besides the usual Christmas figurines, you may see leatherwork, pottery, silver and jewellery, and other crafts. And since one thing comes with the other, there is this fair a gastronomical Christmas fair in the Puerta Real where handmade products are showcased. So, if you are planning to spend your holidays in Granada, don’t forget to drop by the market, either to dress your Christmas tree or to try what the city has to offer to your taste. 

Yes, Christmas times tend to be cold (it’s winter in our hemisphere), but Christmas warms us up even literally (if you get a cup of hot chocolate or wine). Take the time for a stroll in these Spanish Christmas markets, you never know if you’ll find what you exactly needed as decoration for your home!