5 Christmas Markets You Can't Miss

When the streets of cities light up, people carry gift bags, and carols echo in the shops, Christmas has undeniably arrived. While we understand that not everyone loves this season, the truth is that many find it irresistibly easy to get caught up in the holiday spirit.

One of the most widespread activities across the country is the celebration of Christmas markets, where you can stroll among decorations and gifts while enjoying some of the most typical sweets and foods of the season. But do you know them all? We're talking about the Christmas markets that you absolutely cannot miss if you find yourself in the city.

Christmas Market at Plaza Mayor in Madrid

Put on your most comfortable boots because the Christmas Market at Plaza Mayor in Madrid is one of the largest and oldest. This Christmas market, composed of numerous rows of wooden stalls, attracts tourists and locals alike every year. Here, you can find typical seasonal sweets, Christmas trees, Nativity scene figurines, crafts, home decorations, or even joke items to celebrate the Feast of the Holy Innocents. Don't miss out on these 104 stalls next Christmas.

Santa Lucía Christmas Market in Barcelona

Barcelona also has its own Christmas market in the Gothic Quarter, in front of the Cathedral of Santa Eulalia—the Santa Lucía Christmas Market. This is one of the oldest in the country, with 236 years of history, and is divided into several sections: Christmas trees, crafts, and Nativity scene figures. It also features a giant Tió de Nadal each year, the log that, according to Catalan Christmas tradition, brings gifts for children on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Market at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia

60 craft and Christmas item stalls make up the Christmas Market at the City of Arts and Sciences in Valencia. This Christmas market also offers activities and thematic workshops for boys and girls, ensuring they have the most enjoyable holiday season. Make sure to wear a warm coat because you could spend almost the entire day exploring it. It also has food trucks where you can refuel to continue enjoying for a while longer.

Christmas Market in Granada

Granada has a great Nativity scene tradition that reaches its peak at the Christmas market in Plaza Bib-Rambla, near the city's cathedral. In this market, which usually lasts until Epiphany, you can find all kinds of Christmas items, from decorations to Nativity scenes and even some last-minute gifts. If you have a sweet tooth, you can indulge in some sweets at one of its candy stalls.

Christmas Market in San Sebastián

In 2022, San Sebastián was named the European Capital of Christmas along with the city of Genoa (Italy), and for good reason. There you'll find the Christmas Market in San Sebastián, stretching from the Urumea promenade to Santa Catalina Square. Gifts, decorations, sweets—everything you desire for an afternoon of Christmas plans can be found there. This Christmas market even has attractions nearby, such as a large Ferris wheel with views of the Bay of La Concha and San Sebastián.

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