Christmas Markets in Barcelona

Christmas markets are sprinkled throughout Barcelona; if you don’t find anything in one you can always hop over to another to hunt down goodies and unique gifts. Although the Christmas markets in Barcelona can barely compare to the main market in Madrid in sheer size, there are quite a few markets scattered around the city. If you’re looking for Christmas gifts for the Spain fan, be sure to make your way down to these Christmas markets.

Fira de Santa Llúcia Christmas Market

Barcelona’s Santa Lucia Christmas market begins on December 13th until Christmas Eve in the Plaza de la Catedral and spreads onto the Placa Nova. Along the way, you’ll find some impressive nativity scenes dotted around the square and hand-carved nativity figures on display. Another item often seen in Barcelona’s Christmas market are the piñatas in the shape of yuletide logs filled with goodies like sweets and small presents. Many tourists flock here to hunt down a figurine called el Caganer, translated to mean the defecator. He’s literally defecating– the “fertilizer” means the year will yield a good harvest. There is also a section of the market that sells artisan handicraft. Within this section there is a wide range of stalls selling various hand-made products such as jewelry, toys, leather goods and ornaments.

Fira de Nadal a la Sagrada Familia

Another Christmas market in Barcelona worth checking out is the Fira de Nadal a la Sagrada Familia that runs around the gardens outside the Sagrada Familia. Sitting at the foot of the Sagrada Familia it makes for an impressive setting and offers the opportunity to see the building and the market in one trip. It mainly sells flowers, ornaments and simple accessories. Here, you’ll get a real feeling of Christmas in Spain – a concoction of modern holiday shopping and traditional religious faith.

Collectiu d’Artesans de l’Alimentació

Although this market is open all year round, it still offers some of the best Christmas products in Barcelona. As it strays away from the crowded tourist streets, this market located in a small square is overlooked by many people especially the tourists. Tucked behind the Church Santa Maria del Pi, the market consists of over twenty stalls selling honey, chocolates, cheeses, patés, herbs, wines and cakes. There is a friendly atmosphere between the traders and with the customers. Prices are fair considering the central location and high percentage of tourists.

Mercat Gótic (Fira de Brocanters) Christmas Market

At the Mercat Gótic (Fira de Brocanters) Christmas Market off Plaza de Catalunya (walking distance from Las Ramblas), there is a huge array of antiques and charming trinklets on offer. It takes place all year round on Thursdays in front of the market (from 10:00 – 21:00), but it is overtaken by the Fira de Santa Llúcia (see above) during the Christmas period. Those with an eye for vintage curios will find what they’re looking for here: from antique binoculars to lomo cameras and mint coins from centuries past. Most of the antiques are quite highly priced, suggesting that this is a serious antique collector’s market. However, if you enjoy a root-around, there are definitely more affordable options available.