Fira de Santa Llúcía. Photo by Vicente Zambrano González courtesy of Ajuntament de Barcelona (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0).
If you’re not seeking snow this Christmas, Barcelona is just the place for a festive break. Catalunya’s capital is known for its sunny beaches, stunning architecture and phenomenal cuisine, however, there is just as much to explore during the holiday season! The bustling Christmas markets celebrate Catalan traditions and offer delectable seasonal dishes, as well as traditional Christmas decorations and gifts.
La Fira de Santa Llúcía
November 24-December 23, 2023, 10:00 to 21:00, Avinguda de la Catedral
For the 237th year running, the Santa Llúcia Fair returns to the Avinguda de la Catedral in the heart of Barcelona. Every year the iconic market fills the neighborhood with light, hope and a festive atmosphere. From stalls selling nativity scenes personifying the sights and scents of the festive season to fresh Christmas greenery, the Santa Llúcia Fair has all things Christmas to fill your home with the holiday spirit. firadesantallucia.cat
Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Família, photo by Laura Guerrero courtesy of Ajuntament de Barcelona (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0).
Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Família
November 25-December 23, 2023, 10:00 to 21:00 weekdays and 10:00 to 22:00 weekends and holidays, Plaça de la Sagrada Família
Located beneath one of the world’s most astonishing architectural creations in the gardens of the Plaça de la Sagrada Família, the Fira de Nadal acquires hundreds of stalls ranging from Christmas trees to traditional festive foods, handmade gifts and even a churrería, celebrating the sweetness of the festive season. Since 1962, when the market was first established by the crafts people of Barcelona, the Fira de Nadal has been recognized as the district’s most historic Christmas market. firanadalsagradafamilia.com
A couple in front of a stall selling nativity figures at a Christmas market, photo by Clara Soler Chopo courtesy of Ajuntament de Barcelona (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0).
Palo Alto Christmas Market
December 2-3, 2023, from 12:00 to 17:00 and then 17:30 to 22:00, Carrer dels Pellaires, 30
Palo Alto Market returns this festive season for the first weekend of the month, offering street food, art and music alongside stalls selling everything from handmade crafts, vintage furniture and retro clothing to high-end fashion; it’s a celebration of the most innovative brands and businesses in style for the upcoming season. Held in the Poblenou neighborhood, Palo Alto Market aims to create a magical time for everyone, while making the most of the seasonal treats with countless culinary options all weekend. palomarketfest.com
Fira de Nadal de Port Vell
December 5, 2023-January 7, 2024, hours vary, Moll de la Fusta
A recent addition to Barcelona’s Christmas market scene, Fira de Nadal de Port Vell, opens for its fourth year this December. Conveniently located in front of the Columbus monument in the Plaça del Portal de la Pau, the market encourages the festive spirit with shows merging music and lights, infusing land and sea with a spectacular water nativity show alongside Barcelona’s historic Santa Eulàlia ship. Neighboring the stalls brimming with decorations, crafts and Christmas cuisine, you will find the tallest Christmas tree in the city, standing at 31-meters high (that’s right, 31 meters!). nadalalportvell.com
Fira de Sant Tomàs i Reis a la Gran Via. photo by Paola de Grenet courtesy of Ajuntament de Barcelona (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0).
Design Market Barcelona
December 15-17, 2023, hours vary, MUHBA Oliva Artés, Carrer d'Espronceda, 142-146
If you love good design and are looking for something more than just the usual holiday fare, Design Market Barcelona is the place for you. With more than 100 exhibitors carefully selected from the city's most avant-garde designers, artists, creators, new talents and artisans, you'll find fashion and accessories, contemporary jewelry, publications, home goods, furniture, works of art, lighting, games, toys, crafts and food. And, if you find yourself in need of a break in the midst of your holiday shopping, there is a bar and several food trucks with a varied gastronomic offer. fad.cat
Fira de Sant Tomàs i Reis a la Gran Via
December 15, 2023-January 6, 2024, 10:00 to 21:00 most days and 10:00 to 22:00 on Saturdays and the eve of holidays, Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes (between Calàbria and Muntaner)
Taking place along several blocks of Gran Via, the Fira de Reis Christmas Market is one of the few locations in Barcelona where a diverse selection of toys can be found. The first edition took place in 1877 when a group of itinerant merchants decided to peddle their wares on Saint Thomas' day. Since then toys and candy have been the market’s specialty, offering a wide range of gifts and giving last-minute shoppers the opportunity to find something for everyone on their list. www.barcelona.cat/nadal