(English) The Best Christmas Markets in Barcelona

Barcelona smells like Christmas! Ever since the big Christmas lights switch on back on 24^th November, Barcelona has perfectly encapsulated the charm and the magic of all things Christmas. Street lights and decorations, perfectly magical shop window displays and the joy that only Christmas time can bring seem to radiate from every corner of the city. On the packed agenda of Christmas activities in Barcelona, you can’t afford to miss those tempting Christmas markets at this time of year. The markets are the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit, with so many different stalls selling gifts, toys and festive treats. Here’s a selection of the best Christmas markets in Barcelona.

Santa Llúcia Market

Also known as the Fira de Santa Llúcia, it’s one of the best markets in Barcelona, the oldest and the biggest. Held next to Barcelona’s Cathedral, on Pla de la Seu, until 23^rd December.  A visit is practically mandatory for tourists and locals alike, all hoping to find all kinds of holiday items and gifts within the maze of the 286 stalls. The market also offers up a broad range of entertainment, with its giant ‘Tió’ for the kids, the Nadal Carassa parade, puppet shows and choral songs, among many other things.

The Fira de Santa Llúcia is open to the public Monday to Friday from 10.30 to 20.30 and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10.30 to 21.30.

The Christmas Market at the Sagrada Familia

Right in front of the fachada del Nacimiento part of the Sagrada Familia is this classic market with more than 80 stalls, open until 23^rd December from 10.00 to 21.00 (Monday to Friday) and from 10.00 to 22.00 on weekends. It’s a relatively recent addition to the city’s markets, in operation since the sixties, arising from the need to find somewhere for the showmen to work who found themselves without a place at the Fira de Santa Llúcia. At the Sagrada Familia markets, you’ll be able to find spruce, figurines for the nativity scene, gifts and typical holiday-season products.

Reyes Market on Gran Vía

Barcelona’s Gran Vía hosts their annual market until 6^thJanuary,one of the biggest markets in the city. Nearly 300 stalls selling sweets, crafts, toys and all kinds of gifts are open from 10.00 to 22.00 (every day except 5^th January, when it opens between 10.00 and 03.00) to the delight of visitors. The origins of the market date back to 1887 when just 18 stalls sold only sweets and toys – it has certainly grown since then!

In addition to these three options, once again Barcelona is able to suit all tastes and is home to lots of other markets and fairs that offer something a little different for you to try, like Zoco Barcelona, a perfect market for your holiday shopping open on 16^th, 17^th and 18^th December in the Claustro de Santa Isabel (Sarriá); or perhaps Baúl Weekend, a fashion event supporting the NGO Proactiva Open Arms, which will be held on 17^th December at Brooklyn Loft; there’s also the Palo Alto Market, the art, design, music and street market returns on 17^th to 18^th December; or maybe you’d like to try Hipermerc’Art, a market full of art, posters and illustrations, which will be held until 8^th January at Fábrica Moritz.  Head to the market that looks most appealing to you and enjoy the very best of Christmas in Barcelona.

Categories: barcelona