The most magical Christmas markets in Spain
'Tis the season to immerse yourself in the enchanting magic of Christmas and indulge in the festive delights offered by some of the country's best Christmas markets.
Streets are already full of lights, our homes filled with Christmas decorations, and some people are already struggling to find the perfect gift. The smell of roasted chestnuts fills every corner and turron, panettone, and chocolate bonbons have a prime position on the shopfronts. This season brings with it the famous Christmas markets that can be found in almost any European city, the perfect spot to soak up the atmosphere with family or friends enjoying typical seasonal products, and maybe a hot chocolate with churros.
These markets are full of Christmas magic, and they somehow have a special charm. Whether you came in your superyacht or you are a tourist visiting Spain, take your winter hat and your warmest scarf and let us accompany you on a tour of the best Christmas markets in Spain.
Christmas market in Madrid
We start our visit in Madrid. Plaza Mayor already has its place as one of the most emblematic places of the capital of Spain, but at this time of the year, it becomes a dream-like place. Its Christmas market is the most famous and the biggest of the city, attracting many tourists from all over the world. Look for the neighbourhood of 104 little houses decorated and full of sweets, home decorations, Christmas trees and handicrafts.
This year, the market will be open from the 24th of November until the 31st of December.
Christmas market in Barcelona
The Santa Llúcia market is celebrated every year in the gothic quarter of the city, in front of the Santa Eulalia Cathedral. With more than 236 years of tradition, it is one of the oldest Christmas markets of Spain. It’s divided into various sectors: the green sector, where you can find alternative kind of Christmas trees, the handicrafts sector, and finally the area where you can find Christmas nativity figurines. One of the oddest and most well-known of the Christmas characters is the “caganer”. This very special, Catalan persona is also known in some parts of Italy and Portugal. The figurine is often spotted in nativity scenes, usually somewhat hidden, defecating! As we said, very odd! But this character has his place in tradition and is embraced as part of the religious story as a symbol of prosperity and good luck for the next year. The “caganer” has become so popular that you can even find figures of famous people in this position. This is definitively the most popular Christmas souvenir in Barcelona!
This year, the market will be open from the 24th of November until the 23rd of December.
Christmas market in Valencia
In the city of the art and sciences of Valencia, there is a Christmas market with 60 stands offering seasonal handicrafts and Christmas products. Additionally, you can find many activities for children, such as puppet theatre, storytelling and a musical playroom, everything Christmas themed and even a few food trucks so that you can grab a bite while visiting the market.
This year, the market will be open from the 15th of December until the 6th of January.
Christmas market in Mallorca
There are many Christmas markets in Mallorca. In the city centre of Palma, you can find some in Plaza Mayor and La Rambla. The one in Plaza Mayor is specialized in nativity figurines and the one in la Rambla is exclusively for handicrafts. At the market in Plaza España, you can find anything and everything related to Christmas festivities.
If you want to visit a Christmas market that looks like the ones in Central Europe, you should go and check out the one in Puerto Portals. Full of wooden houses, hundreds of lights, and charming decorations creating the typical European Christmas atmosphere. It's the ideal place to savour the flavours and aromas of this time of the year and enjoy some live music. There is even a small ice-skating rink!
Is there anything more Christmassy?
This year, the markets will be open
from the 14th of December until the 7th of January.
Christmas markets in Málaga
The Christmas markets of Malaga are anticipated as two of the best Christmas markets in Spain.
The Christmas lights are set on Larios Street, which the locals are excited about each year as it marks the start of the christmas season. A period when residents and visitors can experience live music performances, evening strolls with decorative lights, shopping in the historic district and of course, the impressive Christmas market with more than 90 stands set up in Paseo del Parque.
You can visit this market
from the 1st of December until the 6th of January.
Muelle Uno will also have a Christmas Market, however, in this one,
Santa Claus pays a visit. It is filled with stands full of the typical fare-decoration, artisanal local products, clothes and food.
You can visit this market from the 24th of November until the 6th of January.
Christmas market in Vigo
Every year Vigo adorns its streets for this special occasion. Don't miss the Cíes Market with more than 100 Christmas stands. Located in the Alameda, it has 27 artificial snow machines and stands where you can find sweets, handmade decoration, nativity figurines and Christmas designer wear. There is also a 55 meters Ferris wheel and an artificial snow ramp that is 12 meters high.
You can enjoy the Vigo Christmas market from the 19th of November until the 15th of January.
If you are uncertain about which market to visit or how to make the most of your Christmas visit to Spain, reach out to
our Santa’s little helpers at
hola@evolutionagents.com, and they will be delighted to assist you!
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