When Christmas comes – holiday lights, trees, the smell of churros and chestnuts fill every corner of Spain. December returns, as it does every year, with illuminated streets, with shops full of gifts and decorations for the home. At this time wonderful Christmas markets occupy the areas of cities and towns.
For many families, it has become a tradition to visit the stalls filled with nativity figures, Christmas tree decorations, winter gloves, hats, and everything else you can think of related to Christmas. And they all have their own special charm, but the truth is that each stall is more magical than the next.
Also at these Christmas markets you can often find attractions for the little ones. Most often there are carousels and even small Ferris wheels, and you can also meet Santa Claus himself, to whom the smallest children can come to ask for the desired gifts. If not, they will always have a typical mailbox where you can put a letter with wishes.
Today we will introduce you to the most famous Christmas markets in Spain, and if you are traveling during these holidays, be sure to visit them.
14 Christmas markets in Spain where you can immerse yourself in the magic of this atmosphere
1. Madrid
Madrid offers Christmas markets for every taste, creating a unique holiday atmosphere in every corner of the city.
Plaza Mayor
This historic square is home to one of the oldest Christmas markets, where you can find craft stalls, decorations, nativity figures, ornaments, and holiday souvenirs.
Colon Square
The Christmas market in Plaza Colon offers recreational activities, the main attraction of which is an 800-square-meter ice rink. It will be open from November 27 to January 6. The ticket price is 8 euros, which includes 30 minutes of skating and skate rental. Gloves can be purchased for 2 euros, and a support bear for children for 4 euros. Part of the proceeds from the track will be donated to the Spanish Federation of People with Down Syndrome. In addition, the fair has a carousel and other attractions.
Nuevos Ministerios (El Corte Inglés – Castellana)
This fair has a gastronomic focus with popular food trucks, including those from renowned chef Dabiz Muñoz. It is the perfect place for foodies looking to indulge in holiday delicacies.
Plaza de Espana
There is another recreation area here, where you can skate on the ice rink, visit holiday stalls, and enjoy entertainment for the whole family.
Madrid
1. Where?
Plaza Mayor
Colon Square
Nuevos Ministerios (El Corte Inglés – Castellana)
Plaza de Espana
2. When?
From November 29 to December 31, 2024.
Plaza de Colón from November 27, 2024 to January 6, 2025.
2. Barcelona
The most magical Christmas market in Barcelona is the "Fira de Santa Llúcia" (Fair of Santa Lucia). In the heart of the Gothic Quarter, with the cathedral in the background, one of the oldest Christmas fairs in the country takes place, with almost 240-year traditionThis market has been established since 1786, making it one of the oldest traditions in the city. In the more than 300 stalls that make up its sectors, you will find everything from Christmas trees and everything to decorate them (decorations, lights, etc.) to handicrafts or figurines for the nativity scene, including the "kaganer".
For those who don't know, a "caganer" is a typical Catalan nativity scene figurine that depicts a person in a defecating pose, and it is said that if you don't place it in the manger, it will bring bad luck to the house.
Barcelona
1. Where?
In the Cathedral Square
2. When?
November 28 – December 23, 2024
3. Malaga
If there is one place in Spain that has gained popularity during the Christmas holidays in recent years, it is this one. Malaga His market at En el Muelle Uno, which runs this year throughout December and until January 10, has already been included several times. top 20 the best Christmas markets in Europe according to the European Best Destinations ranking. The city's Christmas illuminations transform the famous Larios Street into a light show that includes Christmas trees, wicker figures and poinsettias. The center also hosts daily light and music shows from December to January.
Malaga
1. Where?
At Pier One
2. When?
From the end of November to January 5, 2025.
4. Alcalá de Henares
Cervantes Square becomes the epicenter of Christmas activity in Alcalá de Henares. Starting in December, the city begins the most magical time of the year, and the Christmas market fills the stalls of the Plaza de Remesla. The traditional carousel, train and Christmas tree make Alcalá de Henares a magical fairy tale, as well as the traditional nativity scene of the Casa de Intervío and the large monumental nativity scene that will occupy the Old Gal Factory. This year, it will add a large 40-meter Ferris wheel.
Alcala de Henares
1. Where?
In the Plaza de Cervantes
2. When?
From early December to January 7, 2025.
5. Seville (Sevilla)
From December to January 5, 2025, a creative crafts fair is held at Plaza Nueva in Seville. Every year they set up a small Christmas market with around 80 stalls where you can find everything from Christmas tree decorations and nativity scenes to ceramics, sweets and other traditional Sevillian products.
One of the features and main attractions of this Christmas market in Seville is that artisans prepare their works especially for the occasion and proudly display them in their stalls.
As well as restaurants where you can taste typical Sevillian dishes, and a recreation area where you can entertain young children.
Seville
1. Where?
In the Plaza Nueva
2. When?
Second half of December to January 5, 2025 (from 11:00 to 15:00 and from 17:00 to 21:00.
December 25 and January 1 – closed, December 24 and 31 – closed during the day)
6. Santander
The Christmas market in Santander, the capital of Cantabria, is a major event that attracts both locals and tourists. Held every December, wooden stalls are set up offering a variety of handicrafts, festive decorations and traditional treats. The city's streets are decorated with festive lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
More than 50 stalls will be set up at this Christmas market in Plaza de las Farolas from December to January 7. Throughout history, this market has been held in many locations – Plaza Porticada, Jardines de Pereda, Plaza de Pombo, and they all had in common the types of goods sold there: Christmas decorations and all kinds of crafts related to this time of year.
Santander
1. Where?
In the Plaza de las Farolas
2. When?
From early December 2024 to January 7, 2025.
7. Valencia
City of Arts Christmas Market, at the foot of the Valencia Science Museum, is one of the liveliest places during the Christmas season, particularly from December to January 7, 2025. In addition to traditional handicrafts, nativity scenes and Advent decorations, there are food trucks, children's activities and a collection of letters for the Three Kings and Santa Claus.
Valencia
1. Where?
In the City of Arts
2. When?
Second half of December to January 7, 2025
8. Zaragoza
Plaza del Pilar during Christmas turns into a real magical city, where residents and visitors of Zaragoza can enjoy the Christmas market, ice rink, and a market with over 45 stalls selling all kinds of products: handicrafts, jewelry, toys, clothes, decorations, gastronomy... and all this in front of the Basilica del Pilar.
Zaragoza
1. Where?
In the Plaza del Pilar
2. When?
From December 1 to January 7, 2024
9. Santiago de Compostela
As every year, the “Nadal” Christmas market in Santiago de Compostela takes place on Rua Carreira dos Condes. With around 70 stalls dedicated to dolls, sweets and handicrafts, among other goods, this market also contains the so-called creative space, where various workshops are held for children and adults to have fun and be entertained, as well as a musical program.
Santiago de Compostela
1. Where?
On Carreira do Conde Street
2. When?
From early December to January 5, 2025.
10. Granada
Area Plaza de Bib Rambla, which is very close to the cathedral and in the heart of Granada, is the scene of the Granada Nativity Fair, where Christmas decorations and sweets are the main products of its 16 stalls. There is also another equally interesting Christmas market in Granada, which takes place in the Puerta Real with 24 stalls around the Fuente de las Batallas.
Granada
1. Where?
In the Plaza Bib-Rambla
2. When?
From early December to January 6, 2025
11. Bilbao
Bilbao also impresses with its Christmas magic. Every year the city is decorated with incredible illuminations that create a festive mood in every corner. The Christmas market is located on the picturesque promenade Ripa, where wooden houses are set up offering handicrafts, decorations, and local delicacies.
The real highlight of the fair is the huge Christmas tree and musical shows that draw crowds of locals and tourists. This year, Bilbao will also add new light installations to the Plaza de Moyua and Doña Casilda Park, making the celebrations even more vibrant.
Bilbao
1. Where?
At the Ripa Pier
2. When?
From early December to January 6, 2025
12. Vigo
Vigo is famous for its grand Christmas celebrations, and its Christmas market is one of the most vibrant in the country. The city is transformed into a real fairy tale, stunning visitors with an incredible festive atmosphere and large-scale light installations.
In the city center, in particular on the square Constitution Square and prospectus Gran Via, there are numerous stalls offering Christmas souvenirs, decorations and local crafts. In addition to the traditional fair, guests can enjoy numerous entertainments such as carousels, rides and an ice rink.
Vigo
1. Where?
Plaza de la Constitución and Gran Vía
2. When?
from the end of November – January 7, 2025
13. Oviedo
The Christmas market in Oviedo will be held from November 29, 2024 to January 6, 2025It will be located on Plaza Porlier, streets Eusebio González Abascal and Plaza Alfonso II el Casto. In general, it will be installed 104 kiosks, which will offer: handicrafts, Christmas decorations, sweets, gift items. The main location of the fair is Plaza de la Catedral, where there are various stalls with traditional dishes, handicrafts and holiday decorations.
Also, with December 15 to January 5, on the street Gil de Jaz (Calle Gil de Jaz) Christmas market will be open “The Way”, where you can buy handicrafts made by more than 60 monasteries closed type from all over the country.
Oviedo
1. Where?
Cathedral Square
Plaza Porlier
Eusebio González Abascal
Plaza Alfonso II el Casto
2. When?
from November 29 to January 6, 2025
14. Alicante
The city of Alicante is preparing to celebrate Christmas 2024 with a variety of events and Christmas markets.
Lighting the Christmas lights
The official switching on of the Christmas lights in Alicante is scheduled for the first week of December. This event marks the beginning of the celebrations and will take place on Town Hall Square, where a giant nativity scene will be installed in front of the city council building.
Christmas markets
Throughout December, Alicante will host several Christmas markets, where you can find handicrafts, festive decorations, and traditional delicacies.
One of them will be located on the territory Rabasa Fairgrounds. The exact dates have not yet been confirmed, but the opening is expected in early December. This year, the fair's program includes entertainment for people of all ages.
Christmas market at Plaza La Vina will take place on December 21 and 22, 2024. There will be a variety of craft stalls, attractions such as carousels, inflatable slides, a children's train, a Santa Claus House with a photo zone, food outlets offering grilled meats, sandwiches, Argentinean pies and churros.
In addition to the fairs and the fairground, Alicante offers a Christmas program under the slogan “Feel the Greatness of Christmas”One of the main events will be Santa Claus House, registration for which will open on November 20 on the official website of the Alicante City Council.
Alicante
1. Where?
Town Hall Square,
Rabasa Fairgrounds
Plaza La Vina
2. When?
from November 29 to January 19, 2025
Spanish Christmas markets are a true feast for the soul. They reflect the diversity of culture, traditions and festive spirit of each region. From the grand illuminations of Vigo to the cozy atmosphere of historic Bilbao, from the artisanal products of Barcelona to the magical locations of Madrid, each market offers something unique.
Christmas markets are not only a great way to buy gifts or try traditional delicacies, but also a great way to immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of the holidays. Regardless of which city you choose, these events will leave an unforgettable impression and give you the true spirit of Christmas.
Plan your trip and discover the festive wonders of Spain! 🎄✨