My name is Lucas Moretti. I arrived in Spain in 2009, deciding to take a spontaneous journey after university. I planned to stay for a month but fell in love with this country forever. I was captivated by Spain's incredible diversity: from the snow-capped Sierra Nevada mountains to the golden beaches of Costa del Sol. I was also amazed by the cultural mosaic – the Moorish influence in Andalusia, the Celtic traditions of Galicia, and the unique Catalonia. Over 15 years, I've walked the Camino de Santiago eight times and explored all 17 autonomous communities of the country. I've created more than 200 unique routes, many passing through places hidden from mass tourism. I speak four languages (Italian, Spanish, Catalan, and English) and continue to discover new places. I'm convinced that the real Spain is found not only in famous tourist centers but also in small villages and on remote mountain paths.
Christmas Markets in Spain 2025
From sunny Andalusia to cool Galicia, each region of Spain celebrates Christmas with unique traditions and vibrant markets. Spanish Christmas markets serve not just as shopping venues but as cultural experiences where visitors can immerse themselves in centuries-old customs, savor traditional sweets, and discover one-of-a-kind handmade gifts.
In 2025, Spanish cities are preparing an especially rich program of Christmas events for both residents and tourists.
Barcelona — Fira de Santa Llúcia
Dates: November 29 — December 23, 2025
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 to 21:00
Location: Avenida de la Catedral, Gothic Quarter (next to the Cathedral)
Fira de Santa Llúcia, Barcelona’s oldest Christmas market, has been a festive fixture since 1786, making its 239th anniversary in 2025. Set against the backdrop of the magnificent Gothic cathedral, the market exudes a magical ambiance.
With around 300 stalls, the market is divided into several zones. Over 160 stalls specialize in Christmas goods, including nativity scene figures (featuring the famous Catalan “caganers”), Christmas trees, moss, and decorative elements. Approximately 30 stalls offer handcrafted items such as jewelry, ceramics, textiles, bags, and toys.
A unique aspect of the Catalan market is the sale of traditional Catalan Christmas items, including “tió de nadal” (Christmas log) and various caganer figures. In 2025, the market will be enhanced with 15 illuminated Christmas trees.
How to Get There: Metro L4 (Jaume I), L3 (Liceu), various bus routes to the city center.
Click here to learn more about creating a personal itineraryMadrid — Christmas Market at Plaza Mayor
Dates: November 25 — December 31, 2025
Opening Hours:
- Sunday-Thursday: 10:00-21:00
- Friday, Saturday, and holiday eves: 10:00-22:00
Location: Plaza Mayor, Madrid city center
The Christmas market in Madrid’s main square is a true gem of Spanish Christmas traditions, having existed for over a century. In 2025, 104 traditional red houses with pointed black roofs will be set up, modeled after Northern European Christmas markets.
The Plaza Mayor Traditional Christmas Market Association unites vendors offering a wide range of goods, including nativity scene figures, Christmas decorations, musical instruments (tambourines and zambombas are particularly popular), toys, and traditional “artículos de broma” — joke items given on Innocent’s Day (April 1st in the Spanish calendar).
The market is arranged in a U-shape around the equestrian statue of Philip III, allowing for easy navigation between stalls. Adjacent to the market is a Neapolitan nativity scene, known as one of the most beautiful in Spain.
How to Get There: Metro Ópera (L2, L5), Sol (L1, L2, L3), Tirso de Molina (L1); buses 002, 17, 18, 23, 31, 35, 50, 65, M1, M3.
Seville — Christmas Markets
Creative Crafts Fair (Feria de Artesanía Creativa)
Dates: December 5, 2025 — January 5, 2026
Opening Hours: Daily 11:00-15:00 and 17:00-21:00 (December 24 and 31: morning only 11:00-15:00; closed December 25 and January 1)
Location: Cristina Gardens (moved from Plaza Nueva)
Celebrating its XXV anniversary, Seville’s crafts fair is one of the most prestigious in Spain. In 2025, it will be held in Cristina Gardens, providing more space for 52 exhibitors, featuring artisans from Andalusia and beyond.
The fair specializes in high-quality handmade items, including ceramics, jewelry, leather goods, textiles, and unique decorative objects, making it an ideal spot for exclusive gifts and a taste of Andalusian craftsmanship.
Click here to create a personal itinerary for SpainNativity Scene Fair
Dates: November 9 — December 23, 2025
Opening Hours:
- Monday-Friday: 10:30-14:00 and 17:00-21:00
- Saturday, Sunday, and holidays: 11:00-14:30 and 16:00-21:00
Location: Avenida de la Constitución and Fray Ceferino González street (between the Archive of the Indies and the cathedral)
This fair is one of the world’s most famous dedicated to Christmas nativity scenes, offering a variety of displays from traditional Andalusian to modern, including Playmobil versions. Thousands of figures, decorations, Christmas ornaments, tambourines, zambombas, and traditional sweets are available for purchase.
Other Seville Markets:
- Plaza de la Magdalena: December 1 — January 6, 11:00-22:00
- Setas de Sevilla (Setalandia): November 29, 2025 — January 4, 2026
- Nervión District: December 5 — January 5, 10:00-22:00
Valencia — Christmas Markets
City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències)
Dates: December 13, 2025 — January 6, 2026
Opening Hours: 11:00-22:00 (special hours December 24 and 31: 11:00-17:00; December 25 and January 1: 16:00-22:00)
Location: Paseo de Arbotantes del Umbracle
One of Spain’s most modern and technological Christmas markets, located in the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences, features over 65 stalls with artisan products, nativity scene figures, poinsettias, and diverse culinary offerings from food trucks.
A highlight of the market is traditional craft workshops where visitors can watch artisans at work, including luthiers, glassblowers, ceramicists, carpenters, and carvers. Children’s workshops for candle making, mask painting, and nutcracker crafting are also available.
The area is adorned with a 15-meter Christmas tree, Umbracle stars, a welcome photo zone, a Christmas star at the Hemisfèric’s north lake, and a walkable Christmas ball with a diameter of 5.5 meters.
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Crafts Fair at Plaza de la Reina
Dates: November 24 — January 7, 2026
Opening Hours: 10:30-14:00 and 16:30-21:00 (morning only December 24 and 31; January 5 until midnight)
Location: Plaza de la Reina
This traditional crafts fair in Valencia’s historic center offers authentic handmade items such as ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and Christmas decorations. Conveniently located next to the cathedral, it allows for a blend of shopping and sightseeing in the old town.
Valencia Christmas Market
Dates: December 21 — January 5, 2026
Location: Sports area of San Antonio Abad College
This market provides a New York-style Christmas experience, complete with circus performances, an ice rink, food trucks, and artisanal gastronomy.
Other Significant Christmas Markets in Spain 2025
Málaga
Approximate Dates: November 28 — January 6, 2026
Location: Various locations, especially Larios street
Málaga is renowned for its stunning Christmas lights and mild winter climate. The markets feature handmade items, Christmas decorations, and local delicacies under the warm Andalusian sun.
Bilbao
Approximate Dates: December 5, 2025 — January 5, 2026
Location: Arenal Park
The Basque Christmas market blends regional traditions with festive cheer, showcasing Basque crafts and traditional products like turrón and chistorra (Basque sausage).
Zaragoza
Approximate Dates: December 2, 2025 — January 8, 2026
Location: Plaza del Pilar
Situated in one of Spain’s most famous squares next to the Basilica del Pilar, the market offers exquisite artisan products, Christmas souvenirs, an ice rink, and nativity scene exhibitions.
Santiago de Compostela
Approximate Dates: November 29 — January 5, 2026
Opening Hours: Daily 12:00-21:30 (except December 31)
Location: Historic city center
The Galician Christmas market is a gastronomic and ceramic fair featuring over 50 stalls with a variety of Spanish drinks, pastries, snacks, and Christmas sweets.
Click here to create a personal itinerary for SpainGranada
Approximate Dates: December 1 — January 6, 2026
Location: Plaza Bib-Rambla
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Alhambra palace, this picturesque market features about 70 stalls offering Christmas decorations, sweets, crafts, books, plants, and cosmetics.
Toledo
Approximate Dates: November 29 — December 31, 2025
Location: Plaza de Zocodover
The medieval city of Toledo hosts a unique Christmas market showcasing handmade items, festive decorations, and local delicacies. Notably, it features handmade metal products, including swords for which Toledo is famous.
Córdoba
Approximate Dates: November 12 — December 22, 2025
Location: Plaza de las Tendillas
Córdoba, known for its mosque and rich Andalusian culture, offers a Christmas market filled with traditional crafts and festive customs.
Characteristic Features of Spanish Christmas Markets
Traditional Goods and Souvenirs
Spanish Christmas markets present a diverse assortment of handmade items reflecting local traditions. In Seville and Córdoba, artisans offer exquisite ceramics, clay products, and hand-woven textiles crafted using time-honored techniques.
Nativity scene figures, known as “belenes,” are particularly popular and come in various styles, from simple clay figures to intricate hand-painted designs. In Catalonia, “caganers,” traditional figures for nativity scenes, are especially well-known.
Gastronomic Specialties
Spanish Christmas markets are celebrated for their culinary delights:
- Turrón — Nougat made from almonds, honey, and sugar, considered Spain’s primary Christmas dessert.
- Polvorones and Mantecados — Melt-in-your-mouth cookies popular at Andalusian markets, available in various flavors such as almond and cinnamon.
- Churros con Chocolate — A warm treat enjoyed by visitors to Madrid’s Christmas markets, consisting of fried dough sticks dipped in thick hot chocolate.
- Jamón Ibérico — High-quality cured ham available for tasting and purchase at many markets in central and southern Spain.
Additionally, markets offer local wines and liqueurs. In the Basque Country, visitors can try txakoli, a slightly sparkling white wine, while in Galicia, they can enjoy orujo, a strong traditional spirit.
Click here to learn more about creating a personal itineraryCultural Events and Entertainment
Beyond shopping and food, Spanish Christmas markets serve as lively social hubs featuring a variety of cultural events. Visitors can enjoy live music, street performances, parades, and theatrical Christmas presentations.
In Seville, flamenco often incorporates itself into the festivities, adding an Andalusian flair to the holiday atmosphere. In Barcelona’s Fira de Santa Llúcia, workshops allow visitors to learn how to create traditional Catalan decorations while enjoying performances of the Catalan dance, sardana.
In Santiago de Compostela, traditional Galician bagpipes (gaitas) add a Celtic touch to the northern celebrations.
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