Whether you're looking for handicrafts to buy as gifts, some festive decorations for your house, a fresh Christmas tree or a new nativity figure for your Belén, Christmas markets in Spain are atmospheric places to visit at this time of year.
You will also find stalls selling practical jokes which Spanish people traditionally use to prank each other on Día de los Santos Inocentes on December 28th, the Spanish equivalent of April Fool’s Day.
They are of course also filled with glittering lights and an assortment of Christmas sweet treats, including warming chocolate con churros. Here are some of the best.
Plaza Mayor, Madrid
From November 27th to December 31st, Madrid’s cobbled Plaza Mayor will be transformed into a Christmas market with 100+ picturesque wooden cabin-style stalls dedicated to Christmas fare. This century-old Christmas market is definitely one of the best in the country. This is where you will find everything from Christmas trees and poinsettia to mistletoe, as well as hundreds of different traditional figures for nativity scenes alongside Christmas lights and outrageous wigs. This year don't miss selfies with the costumed elves wandering around the square.
Fira de Santa Llúcia, Barcelona
One of the oldest Christmas markets in Spain, the Fira de Santa Llúcia has been held annually since 1786 and today has more than 100 stalls. On from November 28th to December 23rd it's located in the Barrio Gótico in the square in front of Barcelona Cathedral.
This is the place to browse dozens of stalls selling everything from handmade Christmas gifts to Catalonia’s famous traditional Christmas customs, including the caganers. These little figures show a person squatting bare-bottomed to defecate and are included within nativity scenes as a symbol of fertility.
Also look out for stalls selling Tió de Nadal, another scatological Christmas tradition popular in Catalonia, which involves beating a smiley-faced log with a stick until it poops presents for all the children.
READ ALSO: The cities in Spain with the best Christmas lights
Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Família
Another important Barcelona Christmas market is the one in the park next to Gaudí's Sagrada Família church, which opened on November 22nd. It's particularly festive at night when the Sagrada Família shines in the background.
Most of the stalls sell decorations from trees and other festive foliage to wreaths, dried orange garlands and lots of additions for you nativity scene. There are also those selling handicrafts and gifts, as well as local food such as cheeses, honeys and hot chocolate with churros. There's also a special area for kids to play games, watch entertainment and sing Christmas songs.
Navidad en Plaza del Pilar, Zaragoza
From November 29th to January 6th, Zaragoza's Plaza del Pilar will be transformed into a magical Christmas scene complete with coloured lights, stalls and an ice rink. It also includes a vast nativity scene (Belén) in front of the Basilica del Pilar. The Belén retells the Christmas Story and there’s also a market that sells typical Christmas pastries, decorations and crafts. You’ll also find activities for children including a Santa Claus village.
Feria del Belén, Sevilla
Seville's most famous Christmas market is one of the few Christmas markets in Spain dedicated solely to figurines, animals and buildings to add to your Belén or Nativity scene. Held from November 8th to December 23rd this year, it takes place on Calle Fray Ceferino González and Avenida de la Constitución.
The city will also be setting up ice skating rinks for the festive season - there will be one at the Centro Comercial Torre Sevilla from November 21st and one at the Jardines del Prado de San Sebastián from November 29th.
Mercado de Navidad de Bilbao
Held in Muelle de Ripa, this year 35 stalls will be set up from December 5th to January 5th selling all kinds of gifts, as well as traditional Basque foods. Another great place to try Basque produce is the Mercado Santo Tomás, held on December 21st on the fest day of the same name in El Arenal and Plaza Nueva.
While not strictly a Christmas market the Mercado Santo Tomás showcases the best Basque gastronomy including locally made cheeses, and preserved meats. Look out for talos con chorizo (like flat tortillas or pancakes wrapped around a chorizo sausage), sidra (cider) made from locally grown apples, and the local white wine, Txakoli.
Mercado de Bib-Rambla, Granada
Granada’s traditional Christmas is held in the main plaza close to the imposing cathedral and will feature a range of stalls selling all the typical decorations you need to celebrate a Spanish Navidad, from nativity figures to handmade tree ornaments.
There will also be lots of opportunities to buy handmade Christmas gifts, from ceramics and jewellery to Christmas sweets and pastries. This year it's held from December 1st until January 6th.
Mercado de Navidad de San Sebastián
San Sebastián's Christmas market is inspired by those that exist in central Europe such as Germany, complete with wooden cabins, twinkly lights and lots of tasty treats. As well as the stalls, there will be carol singers, concerts and Christmas shows.
It will be held on the elegant Paseo del Urumea from November 28th until January 5th and this year will feature more than 60 stalls.
Mercado de Navidad de la Ciutat de les Arts, Valencia
Valencia's City of Arts and Sciences makes for a very unique venue for a Christmas Market with a spectacular backdrop. It takes place from December 13th to January 6th. As well as stalls selling gifts and decor, there will be a lot of children's workshops such as a nutcracker painting one, puppet shows and concerts. As for adults, there's also a lot to Christmas crafts to learn too, from candle making and glass painting.
Mercado Navideño de Córdoba
Córdoba's Christmas market is held with the Association of Nativity Scene Makers of Córdoba meaning that it's mostly dedicated to Beléns or Nativity scenes, where you can buy all the figures and accessories you need for your own little Christmas model. It will be held in the Plaza de las Tendillas from November 8th until December 22nd. In addition to the market, many of the cities patios or gardens will be open and decorated with festive scenes.
Christmas Market Puerto Portals, Mallorca
One of Mallorca's main Christmas markets is held at the glamorous Puerto Portals and this year will be on from December 12th until January 6th.
You'll find a range of great Christmas gifts here including handicrafts, natural cosmetics and accessories. There are also singing and dancing performances, children’s workshops, visits from Santa Claus and the Three Kings, and an ice skating rink.
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