All The Christmas Markets In Barcelona
Many families have made visiting a Christmas market part of their pre-Christmas family traditions. Taking the kids to the market, wandering around the stalls and marveling about the Christmas decorations and the lights, maybe allowing them to buy one or two items that they’ll carefully pick, and all in all, enjoying a good time together. That’s at least what we do here.
And if you are visiting Barcelona during the Christmas season, you might want to join the locals and check out our local Christmas markets as well. You might not need to buy Christmas decorations (well, some people do: they collect them from all the different places they travel to), but you might find some cool gift to bring back home. So in today’s post we are telling you where to go to participate in the Christmas markets and fairs in Catalonia!
These are our favorite Christmas markets in Barcelona:
Santa Llúcia Fair in front of the Cathedral
The Fira de Santa Llucia is the oldest Christmas market in Barcelona has been celebrated in front of the Cathedral of Barcelona since 1786, occupying most of the Avinguda de la Catedral. Depending on the year, it starts towards the end of November and keeps going until December 24th.
PRIVATE TOURS FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS IN BARCELONA
You’ll find here over 280 stalls selling all kind of Christmas decoration: nativity figures along with cork and moss to decorate your nativity, Christmas tree balls, Catalan tió trunks, fir trees, Christmas lights, mistletoe, poinsettias and other Christmas greenery, and much, much more.
Plus next to it there is also a small crafts market selling handmade clothes, jewelry and home decor items. Your kids will be delighted to participate in the traditional Tió hitting and get some candy “pooped” by a giant tió.
Christmas Fair in front of the Sagrada Familia church
In 1962 some vendors from the Santa Llúcia market decided it had become too large and uncomfortable (it hadn’t yet moved to the larger esplanade where it takes place now, as it was still done in the much smaller space right in front of the Cathedral gate), and decided to create a new Christmas market somewhere else.
And what better location than the other largest church in town? That’s how the Fira de Nadal a la Sagrada Familia started in this area of the Eixample District. You’ll find it during the same dates as the Santa Llúcia market, along the sides of Marina and Mallorca streets of the park in front of the Passion Façade of the Sagrada Familia and in some avenues of the park as well.
Although it’s only half as big as the other Christmas market in Barcelona, you’ll find a similar assortment of products.
Toy market in Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes
The largest toy market in Barcelona during the Christmas season takes place in the longest street of the city (with a very long name, too!): Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, in the section between Calabria and Muntaner streets, and it starts the week before Christmas and lasts until January 5th, as that evening is when the 3 Wise Men bring presents to the local kids.
For the highest convenience of Santa’s Elves and the Wine Men Pages, this market is open all day long from 11AM until 10PM – perfect for last-minute shopping! Locals love to bring their kids to get gift ideas for their letters, and then have some hot chocolate and churros at some of the stalls that are set up specially for the market.
You’ll also find handmade gifts for the grown ups, as well.
Nativities market in Olot
There can’t be a Catalan Christmas without a Nativity. We’ve already told you a couple of places where you can find your little figures in Barcelona, but if you want to get a more up-skilled product, a delicate handcraft to display at home or to donate to your church, take the Teisa Bus to get to the town of Olot (or rent a car: it’s a quite easy ride), a city that has been famous for their Nativity figure manufacture for a couple of centuries.
During the closest weekend to December 8th, the Immaculate Day, you’ll find the Fira del Pessebre set up along St. Esteve street, gathering the best and most traditional craft nativity makers in the area. You’ll also find a Christmas market in the old streets of the city center and a crafts market where to find handmade gifts as well as gourmet food products.
Rooster Fair in Vilafranca del Penedès
Roosters are one of the symbols of Catalan Christmas, same as turkey are key for American Thanksgiving.
In this fair celebrated since 1664 you’ll be able to discover gorgeous local breeds that will be used for Christmas meals, such as the Penedès black rooster.
And you won’t just be able to walk around stalls of live poultry in the mercat d’aviram section, but also taste dozens of culinary preparations where rooster is the star. And since the area is famous for their wines as well, you’ll also find a wine market and a Christmas shop where you’ll be able to prepare for the upcoming celebrations.
This market is celebrated on the last weekend before Christmas, around St. Thomas day. You can easily get to Vilafranca by RENFE suburban train.
AND BONUS! Did you know there is also a Fir Tree Market in Catalonia?
Fir Tree Market in Espinelves
And what would Christmas be without a Christmas tree? The first week of December takes place the Fira de l’Avet in the cozy village of Espinelves, about 1.5 hour drive from Barcelona, in a privileged location in the heart of the Montseny mountains, surrounded by fir tree, chestnut and oak tree woods.
There’s no better setting for getting your Christmas tree: we recommend the Masjoanis and the Picea Excelsa local varieties, that can be planted back in your yard after Christmas is over. This popular market has been celebrated for over 35 years and you’ll also find a craft market to get handmade gifts and artisan foods.
Our tip: if you like hiking, leave your car in the nearby town of Viladrau and take the well indicated path through the woods that starts next to the cemetery and takes you all the way to Espinelves in a couple of hours of light walk, to avoid the nerve-wracking experience of trying to park next to the fair.
Will you be visiting any Barcelona Christmas markets?
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Christmas Markets in Barcelona – Devour Tours
This blog post was originally posted on November 21, 2014, and was updated on November 27, 2019.
Barcelona’s Christmas markets provide a classic European feel with a Catalan twist.
Known as firas, Christmas markets here in the Catalan capital are unlike any other you’ll experience.
And what makes the Christmas markets in Barcelona even better is their diversity! No matter what kind of shopping experience you’re hoping to have, there’s a fira for you.
From gourmet food markets to stalls selling handcrafted toys, the city’s markets offer everything you could possibly want and then some. Simply put, they’re a time-honored tradition that have delighted locals and guests alike for generations. Here are our picks for the Christmas markets in Barcelona you can’t miss this year!
Photo Credit: reivax, Text Overlay: Devour Barcelona Food Tours
Fira de Santa Llúcia
We can’t talk about Christmas markets in Barcelona without first mentioning the biggest, oldest and most well-known: the Fira de Santa Llúcia.
Kicking off in late November and lasting until just before Christmas, the market has been going strong for more than 230 years and only keeps getting better. You’ll find it just outside the city’s massive Gothic cathedral, making it easily accessible from just about anywhere in the city.
Locals flock here from all corners of Barcelona to buy all kinds of traditional Christmas items, including pieces for their home nativity scenes.
2019 dates: November 29–December 23
We love the hustle and bustle of the Fira de Santa Llúcia! Photo credit: Ajuntament Barcelona
Fira Nadal de la Sagrada Familia
It should come as no surprise that another one of the most iconic Christmas markets in Barcelona takes place at the city’s most well-known monument!
The Sagrada Familia Christmas Market offers a little bit of everything—from jewelry to decorations to wine and sweets—spread out among more than 100 unique stalls. Although it only dates back to the 1960s, it has become a cherished tradition among locals.
2019 dates: November 23–December 23
Is it even Christmas if you haven’t been to a market yet? Photo credit: denAsuncioner
Fira de Reis de la Gran Via
The fun doesn’t stop after Christmas! After all, here in Spain, the holiday festivities last until January 6—the Three Kings’ Day.
It’s only appropriate that one of the best Christmas markets in Barcelona commemorates this popular celebration, too!
Don’t miss the Kings’ Market on Gran Vía (between Muntaner and Calabria streets). Divided into two sections—toys and handcrafted goods—this easy-to-navigate market is the perfect place to find a Reyes gift for everyone on your list. And don’t forget to grab some churros from the various stands dotted around the market!
2019–2020 dates: December 19–January 6
Poble Espanyol holiday festivities
Poble Espanyol (“Spanish Village”) is the perfect place to discover Spain without leaving Barcelona, but during the winter holidays, they truly take things to another level.
Starting in early December, the popular corner of Montjuïc transforms itself into a winter wonderland that would rival any fairytale. Santa Claus and the Three Kings come to life, live music and craft demonstrations provide a cultural vibe, and one of the best Christmas markets in Barcelona fills the village streets.
Here, you’ll be able to support local artisans and designers selling their products in one of Barcelona’s most iconic venues. Check the website for more information about this year’s event as it becomes available!
This year’s event will take place twice, once in early December and again later in the month, so you have a good chance of catching it no matter when you come.
2019 dates: December 6–8 and December 21–29
Poble Espanyol looks magical at any time of year, but is especially gorgeous at Christmas! Photo credit: Ira Smirnova
Festivalet
For more than a decade, the artisans behind Europe’s finest handcrafted goods have gathered in Barcelona just before the winter holidays to show off and sell the fruits of their labor. Known as Festivalet, this one-of-a-kind event has grown to become one of the most popular alternative Christmas markets in Barcelona.
Nearly 100 stalls selling handmade gifts, delicious food, and even materials for your own DIY projects will take over the Maritime Museum this year.
The entrance fee will only set you back two euros and provide you with access to a world of gorgeous gift ideas.
2019 dates: December 14 & 15
How to spend Christmas in Barcelona
- 1 BARCELONA CHRISTMAS FAIRS
- 2 BARCELONA CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
- 3 BARCELONA CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
- BARCELONA CHRISTMAS FAIRS0 004
- 5 LA COURSA DELS NASSOS
- 6 ICE RINKS IN BARCELONA FOR CHRISTMAS
- 7 CARNIVAL OF THE KINGS IN BARCELONA FOR CHRISTMAS
- 8 WHAT IS THE WEATHER IN BARCELONA USUALLY FOR CHRISTMAS?
- 8.1 MORE INTERESTING
- 8.1.1 OUR OFFERS OF TOURIST APARTMENTS FOR RENT IN BARCELONA
- 8.1 MORE INTERESTING
Visiting Barcelona at Christmas is a great idea, thanks in part to the pleasant Mediterranean climate with temperatures that don’t drop too low in winter. The Catalan capital will offer you an endless number of activities and entertainment, whether you decide to travel to Barcelona with your children, a romantic getaway for just the two of you, or a weekend getaway with friends.
Year after year around Christmas, the streets of Barcelona are filled with a wonderful festive atmosphere and a lot of interesting things await you. When you stay in Lugaris apartments for rent in Barcelona, you can relax in comfort after an eventful day.
Below are some of the Christmas attractions that are worth visiting if you visit Barcelona in December or early January. Take note!
BARCELONA CHRISTMAS FAIRS
Vienna, Nuremberg, Prague… Any of these cities is famous for its colorful Christmas markets. But if you are going to Spain, then in Barcelona you will also certainly feel the magic of the holiday. Walk around Barcelona and check out its street fairs where you’ll find everything you need to decorate your home for the holidays.
One of the most traditional Christmas markets is Fira de Santa Lucia (pictured), which takes place from late November to December 23 in the square in front of the Cathedral. According to documentary data, this is the oldest Christmas market in Barcelona, taking place since 1786.
Another famous Christmas market is Fira de Nadal Sagrada Familia , which operates in the same period in front of the most famous architectural creation of Antoni Gaudí. At this fair, you will find Christmas trees and decorations, henbane and figurines for creating Christmas scenes, funny figurines of cavaliers, tio – a Christmas log that gives gifts to children, and much more.
Over the past few years, Plaça Catalunya has even hosted the Solidarity Fair , where some charities draw attention to their work and offer practical gifts to raise funds for social causes.
And if you visit Barcelona before January 6th, don’t miss the Kings Fair, , which occupies the Gran Via de les Corts every year between Plaza de España and Plaza Université in Eixample, next to Montjuïc. If you dream of finding wooden Christmas decorations from your childhood, you will certainly find them here.
BARCELONA BELENY STREETS
The city doesn’t just dress up for Christmas.
According to the Catholic tradition of the 13th century, Christmas scenes, the so-called henbane, are placed on the streets of the city, which are usually the main place also in most houses.
Among the most popular, stands out belen in Sant Jaume Square (pictured). In front of the building of the city hall in Barcelona every year there is a Christmas scene, the originality of which leaves no one indifferent. Also traditional An exhibition of henbane with half a century of history takes place in the Church of Our Lady of Bethlehem, on the Ramblas. And in the ruins of the old Born market, the most important archaeological complex of the 18th century in Europe , there is a life-size belen.
Tip: Bring your camera!
BARCELONA CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Is it possible to imagine Christmas without traditional illuminations? From the end of November until Kings Day, the streets of the Catalan capital are adorned with thousands of light bulbs, encouraging locals and tourists to visit the main shopping streets.
In the photo you can see the Christmas lights on the Rambla, at the top of which used to be the bird and pet vendors.
CHRISTMAS CONCERTS IN BARCELONA
Music is another important part of this holiday season. On the eve of Christmas, the churches of Barcelona are filled with the sound of classical music, glorifying the birth of Christ.
One of the most traditional concerts is the performance of Handel’s “Messiah” , which takes place annually in the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar on the eve of December 25th.
The magnificent Palau de la Música Catalana , declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997, also offers Christmas concerts. Add them to your visiting plan!
LA COURSA DELS NASSOS
Just as Madrid hosts San Silvestre Vallecana, Barcelona celebrates the year with the Courza dels Nassos. This name comes from a prank played by Catalan children who, on December 31, the day this competition is now taking place, were told that a man walks the streets who has as many noses (nassos) as there are days left until the end of the year.
Hearing this, the children tried to look out for an unusual character on the street, without thinking that in fact every passer-by was that very mysterious home dels nassos (man with noses).
Would you like to put on your sneakers and join? By the way, the starting line of the race is very close to our holiday apartments Lugaris Beach and Lugaris Rambla – there is almost no chance for you to refuse to participate.
ICE RINKS IN BARCELONA FOR CHRISTMAS
You don’t have to go to Rockefeller Center or Central Park in New York to go skating around Christmas. All you have to do is go to the shopping center Pedralbes Center in the Las Corts area (Maria Cristina metro stop, line 3). Both children and adults will have a great time at its ice rink. This entertainment, which is almost two decades old, can also be visited the day after Kings Day. Will you try?
CARNIVAL OF KINGS IN BARCELONA FOR CHRISTMAS
Children from Central and Northern Europe have Papa Noel and Santa Claus, Santa Claus in Russia, Befana in Italy, and Magic Kings (magi) come to children with gifts in Barcelona .
In order to give Their Majesty a worthy welcome, on the evening of January 5, all the streets are festively decorated. And the next day, an impressive carnival procession takes place with the long-awaited showering of sweets.
It should be noted that most of the quarters of Barcelona organize their processions-cavalcades of the three Kings . They may be less spectacular, but this does not detract from their charm. You can see for yourself by looking into the eyes of children, full of surprise and excitement.
What other Christmas events do you know in Barcelona? If you have additions feel free to send us your comments. We will be happy to share them with our readers!
WHAT IS THE WEATHER IN BARCELONA FOR CHRISTMAS?
One thing you definitely won’t see in Barcelona at Christmas is snow. For this, do not come here. But if you want to calmly walk along the streets of Barcelona in the sun, then feel free to come. Of course, it can be cold at this time in Barcelona, but daytime temperatures rarely drop below zero.
Would you like to know more about the things to do in Barcelona and have a complete list of everything you need to see in Barcelona? Read our blog!
Are you going to Barcelona in the near future? Hurry up to book one of our apartments by the sea in Barcelona. All our apartments are equipped with a kitchen, furniture, towels and everything you need. If you wish, you can order parking and much more from our extra service. We are waiting for you!
15 best Christmas markets in Europe: from Barcelona to Basel – Articles – World
Even more pre-holiday mood and shopping!
If you haven’t chosen where you want to go for stress-free New Year’s Eve shopping, then we offer you a choice of seven incredibly popular Christmas markets in Europe. A choice can always be made only when there is information on hand about all available options. Is not it? Then read the first part of the article here: 15 of the best Christmas markets in Europe: from Strasbourg to Copenhagen
Fira de Santa Llúcia – Barcelona Fair, Spain
The Santa Lucia Fair in Barcelona began as a one-day event in 1786, but has since evolved into a three-week fair festivities.
Celebrations usually begin at the end of November and last until Christmas Eve.
You can find almost everything at the fair. More than 300 stalls sell not only Christmas decorations and Christmas trees, but also musical instruments and handmade dolls.
One of the most popular events at the fair is Caga tio, which is like a big Christmas log that you have to beat with sticks. And then sweets and gifts pour out from there.
Croatia Advent in Zagreb
Advent in Zagreb has been voted the best of all European Christmas markets by users of the European Best Destinations travel portal for two consecutive years. Jelakic Square and the streets adjacent to it host many festive events: an ice skating rink, an ice sculpture competition, outdoor performances and, of course, festive treats.
A Christmas tram with Santa and his elves is driving around the city.
Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin, Germany
Berlin is an extremely popular place for Christmas shopping and Christmas holidays, not only among Germans.
In fact, there is not one Christmas market in Berlin, but several, and you can visit all of them.
In addition to Christmas tree decorations and traditional gifts, you will also find a selection of handicrafts made of wood and paintings by local artists. That in itself is a good gift for the holiday.
There are several fairs in Berlin, but one of them – the Gendarmenmarkt – differs from the others in that it hosts nightly concerts where you will not hear traditional Christmas carols and songs. Jazz, modern songs, choral performance of classical German songs – you are welcome!
And if you get cold, you can always warm up with traditional punch and hot German sausages.
Winter Wonders in Brussels, Belgium
Winter Wonders is more of a celebration than just a Christmas market. Although 200 stalls selling discounted holiday merchandise, hot chocolate and waffle stalls and the obligatory Belgian beer, Belgians love Christmas in a special way.
This is evidenced by the mass celebrations in all the main squares of Brussels.
The celebration spreads throughout the city: on the squares de la Monnaie, Grand Place, Place Sainte Catherine and Marche aux Poissons. Here, visitors to the holiday will be offered ice skating, a Ferris wheel, light shows and, of course, here you can also admire a huge Christmas tree.
Budapest Christmas Festival, Hungary
Budapest Vörösmarty Square every year from the beginning of November to the end of December turns not only into a Christmas market, but also into the Winter Festival. This is not only the oldest holiday in the Hungarian capital, but also the most popular.
Not only can you choose Christmas gifts and taste Hungarian folk cuisine, but you can also visit various events – from light shows to concerts of folk dance groups and live classical music.
Skansen Christmas Market in Stockholm, Sweden
This Christmas event takes place in Skansen (on Djurgården Island in the heart of Stockholm), an open-air museum.
Fair events take place there every weekend from late November to late December. The bustling stalls are stocked with a variety of traditional Swedish handicrafts, local sausages, spices, smoked turkeys, Christmas wreaths and candles.
Visitors can try their hand at various crafts and make Christmas decorations in special workshops. Various games and round dances are held with children around the Christmas tree. And most importantly, the fair has its own zoo with deer and other northern animals.
Christmas in Basel, Switzerland
Basel is the most popular city for Christmas events in all of Switzerland. And its fame extends not only to its amazingly large Christmas market, but also to its festive illuminations, to spectacular exhibitions in its museums and art galleries, to numerous concerts and other festive events.
A popular attraction at this fair is the 13-meter Christmas pyramid with an attractive assortment of hot (and strong) drinks.