5 Of The Top Christmas Markets In Spain
When it comes to Spaniards, there is nothing quite like a good fiesta or celebration and Spain goes all out when it comes to the Christmas holidays. The Christmas markets sell everything from unique gifts, jewelry, clothing, arts and crafts, wooden nativity figurines and festive decorations, to delicious food to warm up the winter nights. Currently, the country welcomes all international travelers, as long as they are fully vaccinated, so why not enjoy some Christmas retail therapy in Spain this year? The following are five of the top Christmas markets in Spain.
- Mercado de Navidad de Plaza Mayor, Madrid
Running from Friday, November 26 to Friday, December 31, 2021, the Mercado de Navidad de Plaza Mayor in Madrid is a splendid sight. Held in the 15th-century Plaza Mayor in the city’s center, the rectangular public square is loaded with around 100 small wooden huts, offering everything anyone could want in a Christmas market. Here you will find decorations, arts and crafts, gifts and nativity figurines, along with Spanish-themed gag items, ready for Spain’s version of April Fool’s Day on December 28. Visit the official website for more information.
- Fira de Santa Llúcia, Barcelona
Madrid’s even more lively sister city, Barcelona, hosts a number of Christmas markets and fairs each year. However, Fira de Santa Llúcia is the oldest and most beloved of them all. The market dates back to 1786 when it originally sold paper and clay nativity figures to churchgoers at Barcelona’s Cathedral. These days, the market is still held each year on Avinguda de la Catedral in the city’s Gothic district. The avenue is lined with around 170 stalls, selling Christmas decorations, mistletoe, handcrafted gifts, jewelry and children’s toys. This is a delightful market to stroll and see the festive sights, along with a visit to the nearby nativity scene at Plaça de Sant Jaume. The market runs from Friday, November 26 to Thursday, December 23, 2021. Visit the official website for more information.
- Santiago de Compostela, Galicia
Further up north in Spain is the historic city of Santiago de Compostela, the capital of Galicia and a famous pilgrimage site. The biblical apostle, St. James, is said to be buried in the city, which attracts many pilgrims each year. While Santiago de Compostela is a beautiful city to visit at any time, between early December and early January, the city becomes festive with musical events, a skating rink, cooking classes and a traditional Christmas market in Praza da Quintana. The market hosts around 50 stalls selling all kinds of Spanish arts and crafts, gifts, ceramics, flower arrangements and delicious food.
- Feria de Atracciones de Navidad, Valencia
Spain’s third-largest city, Valencia, doesn’t get as much attention as Madrid or Barcelona, but it really should. Over the Christmas holidays, the city puts on a massive Christmas affair with seven markets to choose from. The most traditional is held around the Central Market, with all kinds of crafts, toys, fashion and food, running from December 1 to January 6, 2022. A traditional Nativity Market (Mercado de Belenistas) is held at the Colon Market, with all kinds of handcrafted Nativity figurines and accessories. Even the fantastic City of Arts and Sciences gets into the Christmas mood, with 35 stalls full of great gift ideas, running from December 14 to January 6, 2022.
- Feria del Belén, Seville
Heading to southern Spain, Seville is known for its Belén (nativity scenes featuring Bethlehem) and the city goes above and beyond other Spanish cities in this regard. Each year, Seville’s Feria del Belén runs from November 5 to December 23 and is a much-loved affair. Lining Avenida de la Constitución, the market has around 30 stalls, selling intricately designed, mostly wooden belén figurines made by local artisans. Meanwhile, visitors can join the local Sevillanos in exploring other festive markets throughout the city.
Besides these five markets, each city in Spain offers delightful markets each Christmas, ideal for buying the perfect gifts before heading to the local restaurants to partake of the Spanish cuisine and wines. Make Spain your Christmas shopping destination this year.
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