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 25-December 23, 2022, 10:00 to 21:00, Avinguda de la Catedral
For the 236th year running, the Santa Llúcia Fair returns to the Avinguda de la Catedral in the heart of Barcelona. This year, more than ever, the iconic market will bring light and hope back into the hearts of the community. From stalls selling nativity scenes personifying the sights and scents of the festive season, the Santa Llúcia Fair will be selling everything Christmas, from figurines to fresh Christmas greenery. firadesantallucia.cat
Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Família
November 25-December 23, 2022, 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
Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Família, photo by Laura Guerrero courtesy of Ajuntament de Barcelona (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0).
Palo Alto Christmas Market
December 3-4, 2022, 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 aims to create a magical time for everyone, while making the most of the seasonal treats with countless culinary options all weekend. palomarketfest.com
Nadal Poble Espanyol
December 3-11, 17-18, 22-24, 26-29, 2022, January 3-8, 2023, hours vary, Poble Espanyol
With Christmas just around the corner Poble Espanyol turns into a life-sized Advent calendar with 24 festive themed areas to delve into. Guests can explore a multitude of magical spaces around the town influenced by Christmas characters and traditions. What’s more, children can personally deliver their holiday wishes to Santa’s Grotto or the Three Wise Men! Welcoming in an enchanting Christmas in Barcelona, Poble Espanyol is hosting everything from the sounds of swing and open workshops to the exploration of iconic festive settings. poble-espanyol.com/en/christmas-at-poble/
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).
Fira de Nadal i Reis de la via Júlia a Nou Barris
December 4, 2022-January 5, 2023, 10:00 to 21:00, except December 25, 26 and January 1 when opening times are 14:00 to18:00, Marquesina de la Via Júlia
The annual Fira de Nadal of Nou Barris offers an array of traditional Christmas products, including figurines for your nativity scene, small gifts such as jewellery, sweets and crafts and, of course, Christmas trees and decorations. Additionally, the little ones can attend workshops that are scheduled throughout the day to fully embrace the festive holiday season. festacatalunya.cat
Fira de Nadal i Artesans a Les Corts
December 4-18, 2022 Avinguda de Josep Tarradellas
From December 4 to 18, the Fira de Nadal i Artesans a Les Corts takes over Avinguda de Josep Tarradellas, filling the street with a traditional Christmas fair where you'll find stalls filled with gifts, decorations and all things Christmas for the whole family. barcelona.cat/nadal
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).
Fira de Nadal de Port Vell
December 5, 2022-January 6, 2023, hours vary, Moll de la Fusta
A recent addition to Barcelona’s Christmas market scene, Fira de Nadal de Port Vell, opens for its third 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
December 16, 2022-January 6, 2023, 10: to 21:00 most days and 20:00 to 22:00 on Saturdays 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 187 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