At the end of November and the beginning of December, Spanish cities one after another start getting ready for the Christmas holidays. The main streets are decorated with fairy lights, Christmas trees go up, and a little later the belenes (nativity scenes) start to be built. But the Christmas markets open almost before any of the other festivities.
The highlight of these markets is, of course, the sweets: all kinds of turrón, sweets, biscuits and marzipan, without which no Christmas in Spain is complete. Besides sweets, at the markets you can find excellent cheeses, sausages, jamón, wine, honey, Christmas tree decorations, clothes, haberdashery, jewellery, figures for the belenes and far too much else to list. In this article we tell you about the best Christmas markets in Spain in 2022.
Spain’s main Christmas market on the capital’s main square: Plaza Mayor, Madrid
Plaza Mayor, the symbol of the Spanish capital, turns into one of the most beautiful and interesting Christmas markets in December. In 2022, 104 stalls selling a huge variety of goods lined the square. The market opened on 25 November and will run until 31 December.
Madrid’s second Christmas market is held next to the El Corte Inglés de Castellana shopping centre. The focus here is on food: all kinds of delicacies are on sale and tastings are held. The market is open from 25 November to 5 January.
Santa Llúcia Christmas market in Barcelona
The Catalan capital boasts one of the oldest Christmas markets in Spain. For 236 years it has been held in the Gothic Quarter next to the Cathedral of Santa Eulàlia. The market is divided into several areas where you can buy everything to do with Christmas and New Year. And, of course, the most unusual and funny Christmas souvenirs: caganers in the form of well-known politicians, sportspeople and performers. In 2022 the Christmas market in Barcelona is open from 25 November to 23 December.
Christmas market in Valencia
The best-known and most visited place in Valencia is the City of Arts and Sciences, and this is also where the Christmas market is held in winter. 60 stalls stand in a row on the lower level of the L’Umbracle terrace, the park’s main promenade and viewpoint. The organisers have included various entertainment for children in the programme: theatre shows, rides, music concerts and a post box for letters with present wishes. The market is open from 16 December to 8 January.
On 3, 4 and 5 January 2023 Valencia will host another market, in the run-up to the Three Kings festival (the Three Wise Men), on Avenida del Mediterráneo, Calle Escalante and other nearby streets. The Three Kings is the favourite festival of every child in Spain. On these days the main purchases will be sweets and toys.
Christmas market in Seville
The Christmas market in Seville, the capital of Andalusia, is held on Plaza Nueva near the Cathedral and the Giralda. Besides traditional Christmas goods, there is a large range of work by local craftspeople: ceramics, jewellery, leather goods, wooden crafts and much more. The market will be open from 15 December to 5 January.
Christmas market in Zaragoza
The Christmas market in Zaragoza is held on the city’s most beautiful square, Plaza del Pilar. Some of the Christmas stalls are next to the town hall, others next to the old courthouse. Besides the traditional shopping, the market offers shows and entertainment for the whole family. You can also have an excellent lunch in one of the taverns. In 2022 a Father Christmas village (Papá Noel in Spanish) was built on the square, and the largest belén in Spain was set up in front of the Cathedral. Closer to Christmas, a Wishing Tree is also expected to appear on the square, where anyone can make their dearest wishes for themselves and their loved ones for the coming year. The Christmas market in Zaragoza is open from 2 December to 8 January.
Christmas market in Granada
The Christmas market in Granada is in the very centre of the city on Plaza Bib-Rambla near the Cathedral. 70 stalls line the square, offering residents and visitors traditional Spanish Christmas goods and local delicacies. A separate craft market is held next to the historic Fuente de las Batallas fountain. The Christmas market is open from 1 December to 6 January; the craft market is open from 26 November to 6 January.
Christmas market in Mallorca
The wonderful, fairy-tale Christmas market in Mallorca is held in the port of Portals Nous between Palma and Magaluf. It looks as if it has stepped out of a Christmas card: wooden chalet-style stalls are covered in sparkling fairy lights, live music plays, and there are shows and workshops for children. The market is open from 15 December to 6 January.
Christmas market in Santander
In Santander the Christmas market is held on Plaza de las Farolas. There are 70 stalls with traditional sweets and other goods. The market is open from 3 December to 8 January.
Christmas market in Salamanca
In 2022 the Christmas market in Salamanca, Spain’s golden city, is being held on Plaza de los Bandos for the fourth time. Traditional sweets, decorations, Christmas and New Year presents: you can find absolutely everything here. The market is open from 2 December to 8 January.
Christmas market in San Sebastián
San Sebastián, one of the most beautiful cities in Spain, was named European Capital of Christmas in 2022 together with Genoa in Italy. The Christmas market starts on Paseo de Urumea and ends on Plaza Santa Catalina. The market’s decorations and the range of goods on offer deserve every praise. The market opened on 25 November and will close on 6 January.
