No matter how hard you dream of white Christmas, Barcelona is most likely not the city you will sing let it snow let it snow let snow in… But that doesn’t mean that the festive spirit is not there. It’s actually the opposite! With so many sparkling Christmas decorations, Nativity scenes, and most importantly – Christmas markets’ stalls popping up all over the city, Barcelona is full-on Christmas mode! Learn the Merry Christmas in Catalan – Bon Nadal – and you are ready to visit the various markets or firas in the Catalan capital!
Fira de Santa Llúcia
30th November – 23rd December
Monday to Friday 11AM – 8:30PM
Friday to Sunday 10AM – 9:30PM
Care to visit a market opened every year since 1786? Fira de Santa Llúcia is the most popular Christmas market in the Catalan capital. As always, the biggest and oldest market in Barcelona will take place in front of the Gothic Cathedral, and for the 232nd time this year! Many stalls sell traditional Catalan Christmas items, such as bizarre Caga tió, El Caganer or other Nativity scene figures, crafts, instruments, plants and so on. You will not find the typical elsewhere Christmas treats – mulled wine or German bratwursts – but you will surely visit a traditional Catalan market!
Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Familia
24th November – 23rd December
Monday to Friday 10AM – 9PM
Saturday to Sunday 10AM – 10PM
Not as big and old as the previous one, as it only happens since around 1960, this market has something else to brag about – an extraordinary scenery of the famous Gaudí’s masterpiece – Sagrada Família. The stalls offer very similar Christmas “stuff” as in the Fira de Santa Llúcia, but taking up the area around the church means that it has more room to move, check out and buy items. This market is better if you want to enjoy fewer crowds (still a lot of people though).
Col.lectiu d’Artesans de l’Alimentació – Food Artisans Market
Don’t worry, your taste buds get to celebrate as well! The market for that is located in the square overlooked by the Church of Santa Maria del Pi. The market is open all year round, so it’s not specifically a Christmas one, but the season adds plenty of additional charm to it. So if you fall into the Christmassy “I need some tasty treats” mood, this is the place for you! The small square holds around twenty stalls, where food artisans sell various delicacies, such as cheeses, honey, pâtés, sweet treats, wine, and so on. If you are not sure what to buy, sellers will gladly offer some tasters and help you make up your mind!
Fira de Reis de la Gran Vía
20th December – 6th January
Every day 11AM – 10PM
5th of January 11AM – 3AM
The holiday festivities last even after Christmas has passed! The so-called “Kings’ Market” is a perfect example of that. Located in Gran Via, between Calabria and Muntaner St., this market commemorates the Three Kings’ day on the 6th of January. As opposed to the other popular markets, selling Christmas decorations and so on, this one is mainly focused on toys for children, handcrafted goodies and other gift items. As the Three Kings’ is another day for gifts (lucky Spanish children, right?), this market is of huge help. If you get tired of gift shopping, many churros and chocolate stalls all over the market will make sure to boost your energy with that warm treat!
The 4th Responsible Consumption and Social and Solidarity Economy Fair
21st December – 4th January (except 25th, 26th December and 1st January)
Every day 11AM – 8:30PM (24th and 31st December 11AM-6 PM)
In a world led by consumerism and consumption, and of all things, during the Christmas season the most, a market which is all about responsible consumption and sustainable way of living was destined to appear. Whether you appreciate, support, know nothing about or want to learn about a new way of living, more than 50 social and solidarity economy projects, businesses and associations will show you how. You will be offered various activities on the topic as well as products (food, clothes, handcrafted items and so on) related to it in the market located in Plaça de Catalunya. Let’s start celebrating Christmas in a responsible and sustainable way!
Can’t wait to visit all these beautiful markets but just can’t find the right accommodation in Barcelona? Take a look at Bailén Attic. Perfect location, perfect design – perfect holiday! Here you will find the full list of holiday apartments in Barcelona – you are welcome!
