BEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN SPAIN

The month of December is here! And with it, the desire for Christmas. Meetings with people who are away, plans with friends, business meals and Christmas markets!

We always talk about how beautiful Christmas is in the different European capitals: Berlin, Amsterdam... And in Spain there are some markets, which have nothing to envy. Therefore, we have made the “fun” selection of the best Christmas markets in Spain. Ready to discover them?

Madrid

Plaza Mayor Christmas Market

The famous market in the Plaza Mayor in Madrid is well known to everyone, where we all end up as if we had just left the hairdresser: wigs of all colors and shapes await you. It can be a good time to find a cool hat and not be cold on those Christmas party nights or to look for the joke gift you are missing for your invisible friend. If you are one of those who like to put up the nativity scene with all its figurines, you can replace those that have become somewhat damaged over the years or see for the first time that character that you had been looking for for so long to complete your work. Don't forget that In addition to the Plaza Mayor, the market continues in the Plaza de Santa Cruz, the place where all the ideas for those jokes that are made during family dinners are born

Open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. uninterruptedly and on Saturdays and the eve of holidays it is extended until 10:30 p.m.

Plaza de España Christmas Market

It is another of the most notable places in the capital: both for its size and its charm. In this case, all the booths are made up of craft workshops, which makes it a meeting point for many artisans in the Community of Madrid. More than 200 booths among which you will find ceramists, sculptors, jewelers, toy makers... and much more! It takes place from December 12 to January 5, so write it down in your diaries so you don't forget!

Open every day from 11.00-21.00. On December 24 and 31, the market closes at 3:00 p.m. and on December 25 and January 1, it is closed.

International Culture Fair

For the first time, The Central Patio and the South Patio of the Conde Duque Cultural Center will be dressed in the colors of Christmas from the point of view of different cultures. To this end, the embassies of 40 countries around the world and foreign cultural institutes, among which are China, Palestine, Israel, Ecuador, Argentina, Lebanon or Ireland. We will be able to enjoy different traditional dances from these countries, as well as taste their cuisine. It can be the perfect meeting point with those friends you haven't seen in a while to have a drink and catch up, 😉

Open from December 17 to 22 from 12.00-00.00

Plaza de la Moncloa solidarity market

Although we should do it at all, Christmas is a time when we remember most those who have the least and need the most. On this occasion you can do two good deeds with a single purchase, since in addition to finding that gift or detail that you needed, you can collaborate for a good cause. There will be stalls selling textiles, jewelry, crafts… and much more!

Open every day from 09.00-22.00. On holidays or eve there will be modifications.

Valencia

In addition to the City of Arts and Sciences and being able to spend Christmas on the beach, Valencia has a Christmas market worth seeing. It is known as the Barón de Cárcer Christmas Market and is located in the Central Market. When you are approaching it, a very characteristic smell will take you directly to the “Christmas Story” or make you feel like children. More than 300 stalls to explore, including Christmas sweets, gingerbread, roasted chestnuts and traditional Christmas decorations for trees and nativity scenes!

Open every day from 10.00-22.00

Bilbao

The most traditional Market is held along Bailén Street and is made up of more than 40 wooden houses with crafts, gastronomic products of Basque cuisine... Opening hours are daily from 09:00 to 23:00. Another curious market is Gabonart, which is held at the Arriaga dock.

However, if we are characterized by something in Spain, it is the cultural wealth we have, which is why, from The Fun Plan We recommend that, if you have the opportunity, do not miss the Saint Thomas Fair. It is celebrated on December 21 in the Plaza Nueva and the surroundings of El Arenal and it becomes a traditional meeting place for all Bilbao families, as it represents the authentic entrance to Christmas in Bilbao. If you come from outside, you have the opportunity to try talo with chorizo and white vinotxakoli, among others, you will feel the Basque blood running through your veins thanks to the music and street shows!

Barcelona

The Christmas market par excellence in Barcelona is the Santa Llúcia Fair. It is celebrated around the Barcelona Cathedral, not the Sagrada Familia. It is in the Gothic quarter and its official name is Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulàlia.
It is one of the markets with the most history, since the first references date back to 1786, although a lot has changed since then!

You will feel like children again walking through their 300 booths among which you will find everything you can imagine, and, surely, more than one will be surprised. From puppets to nativity figurines (don't forget the traditional caganer!), through all kinds of Christmas decorations, ceramics, toys from before and now, sweets... and much more! How many kisses will you receive when you pass under the mistletoe?

If you are close, We recommend that you take a walk through it twice: once during the day and once at night, since, although it is the same space and market, its transformation is incredible!

Open every day from 10.30 to 20.30. On holidays and the eve of holidays it will be open until 9:30 p.m.

Saragossa

*Photography by Beatriz Calvo

It couldn't be any other way, the Zaragoza Christmas market is located in its fantastic Plaza del Pilar. Thanks to its decoration and lights, you will be immersed in the Christmas spirit as soon as you set foot in the square. Not to mention their little wooden stalls!  How sweet will it be to make you feel like children again? Will you find that little detail or ornament that you've been looking for for weeks and couldn't see anywhere?

In front of the majestic Basilica del Pilar, you will find the recreation of a birth of 2000 m2! with life-size figures. In addition to this, it has water, lights and sound recreation, don't miss it day or night!