Top 10 Best Christmas Markets in Spain

When the streetlights start glowing with festive garlands and the smell of roasted chestnuts fills the air, you know Christmas has arrived.

And in Spain, this season means one thing: the opening of its spectacular Christmas markets.

So if you’re looking to escape the usual shops and find unique gifts—or simply soak up the purest holiday spirit—you’ve come to the right place.

Join us on a tour through the country’s must-visit markets, from the century-old fairs in Madrid and Barcelona to coastal capitals filled with design-forward artisanal stalls.

Get ready to discover where to find that perfect ornament, the most traditional sweet, or a truly one-of-a-kind treasure, as we reveal what makes each festive corner so special.

The Most Magical Christmas Markets in Spain

We’ve handpicked the markets that offer more than just shopping—they deliver a full immersion into the festive spirit.

From north to south, you’ll see how each city brings its own traditions, beloved handcrafted goods, and breathtaking decorations that make the experience truly unforgettable.

1. Madrid

If there’s one place in Spain that truly breathes Christmas tradition, it’s without a doubt Madrid’s Plaza Mayor.

What truly sets this market apart is its deeply traditional focus.

The market usually opens from late November through December 31st.

If you want to enjoy the experience without large crowds, plan your visit in the morning or on weekdays—weekends in December tend to get very busy.

2. Málaga

Málaga’s Christmas market stretches mainly through the Parque de la Alameda, right in the heart of the city.

This market is easy to walk through and is surrounded by palm trees and illuminated greenery, giving it a distinctly different feel from the northern European markets.

It’s also a great place to buy traditional Christmas sweets and, of course, figurines for your own Belén (Nativity scene), which holds great importance in Andalusia.

Málaga has also become famous for its Christmas lights, especially those along the iconic Calle Larios.

While the market is set in Parque de la Alameda, it’s right next to this street, so it’s easy to enjoy both: browse the market and then head over to see the light show, which is always a highlight.

The market usually opens in late November and runs through to Día de Reyes (January 6), giving you plenty of time to experience it.

3. Zaragoza

Zaragoza’s Christmas market is held in a truly special location: the grand Plaza del Pilar, right in front of the Basilica.

This setting gives it an impressive and festive atmosphere.

The most famous and striking attraction here is its life-sized Belén, which is said to be one of the largest in all of Spain.

Visitors love seeing the large-scale figures that represent rural life in Aragón — a favorite especially among children.

In addition to the giant Nativity scene, the market is filled with stalls selling handmade gifts, wooden toys, and plenty of regional products like embutidos (cured meats) and traditional Aragonese sweets.

It’s also very family-focused, often featuring an ice rink, vintage carousels, and play areas where families can spend the day.

If you’re planning to visit, keep in mind that it gets very crowded, especially in the evenings when all the lights adorning the plaza and the Basilica are turned on.

The market opens in early December and stays open through the New Year.

4. Santiago de Compostela

Santiago de Compostela’s Christmas market, known as the Feira de Nadal, is usually set up along Rúa da Carreira dos Morteros or in the historic Plaza da Quintana, right next to the Cathedral.

What makes this market truly special is its strong focus on Galician products and regional craftsmanship.

You’ll find plenty of stalls selling handmade ceramics, silver and jet jewelry, and wool clothing — perfect for gifts or as a keepsake from Galicia.

It also stands out for its local food offerings, including sweets like almond turrón made with Galician almonds, and traditional regional liqueurs.

Since winter in Santiago often brings chilly weather or light rain, the market usually includes cozy options to warm up, like roasted chestnuts or a rich cup of hot chocolate.

It typically opens in early December and runs just past the Feast of the Epiphany (January 6).

5. Bilbao

The Christmas market in Bilbao is mainly set along the Muelle de Ripa and El Arenal, creating a beautiful riverside stroll next to the city’s famous Ría de Bilbao.

This location gives the market a modern and stylish vibe, blending the urban landscape with the magical reflections of festive lights on the water.

What really sets this market apart is its unique mix: in addition to traditional Christmas decorations and Nativity scene figures, you’ll find a strong presence of Basque craftsmanship — from fashion and designer accessories to gourmet local products.

Alongside this main market, you can also visit the Gabonart artisan fair near the Arriaga Theater, which expands the selection of handmade gifts.

That’s why the Bilbao market isn’t just about holiday decor — it doubles as a showcase of Basque creativity and gastronomy.

It’s the perfect place if you’re looking for original gifts or want to enjoy a special pintxo in a festive atmosphere.

Both markets usually run from early December through Epiphany, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the experience as the city glows with holiday lights.

6. Seville

Here, the holiday season is enjoyed under much milder weather, making it especially pleasant to stroll through the Christmas market.

The city offers several festive spots, but the most popular and well-visited is the Feria de Artesanía Creativa, located in the central Plaza Nueva, right in front of the Town Hall.

This market stands out for its focus on showcasing high-quality craftsmanship from the province and throughout Andalusia.

As you stroll through the area, you’ll find stalls selling everything from designer jewelry and hand-painted ceramics to fine leather goods—perfect for picking up a unique and special gift.

Seville is also renowned for its Nativity scene (Belén) tradition, making the Feria del Belén another must-visit. This market stretches between the Cathedral and the Archivo de Indias, bringing together all the specialists in Nativity figurines and decorations. It creates a truly immersive shopping experience centered around Sevillian holiday traditions.

Both markets typically open in early December and run until around January 5.

7. Granada

Its main market, popularly known as the Mercado de Belenes (Nativity Market), is strategically located in two central hotspots: Plaza de Bib-Rambla and often extends to Puerta Real.

What makes it truly special is, as the name suggests, the high concentration of artisans and vendors dedicated to selling Nativity figurines and accessories.

Here, you’ll find everything from traditional clay pieces to detailed elements that recreate the Andalusian landscape.

So, visiting this market allows you not only to shop for decorations but also to enjoy Granada’s traditional holiday gastronomy.

In addition to the Nativity figurines, many stalls offer handmade Christmas sweets and local specialties—like the famous pionono.

The location is ideal, just steps away from the Cathedral and the main shopping streets, making it easy to pick up gifts while soaking in the festive atmosphere.

Like many other markets, it opens in early December and stays active until just after Three Kings’ Day, taking advantage of the crowds that come to see the city’s lights and Christmas displays.

8. Valencia

This city offers several Christmas market options, but one truly stands out thanks to its unique setting: the market held at the City of Arts and Sciences.

So, if you’re looking for a festive market that blends holiday shopping with a spectacular, futuristic backdrop, this is the perfect place.

In this space, the wooden stalls are set up alongside Calatrava’s modern structures, creating a striking contrast that’s beautifully enhanced by the seasonal lighting.

As a result, this market draws visitors not only for its handmade gifts and craft stalls, but also for its wide range of entertainment.

In fact, you’ll find food truck areas offering a variety of eats, as well as children’s attractions and live music performances—making it a perfect family outing for the afternoon.

However, if you’re after a more traditional atmosphere, head over to the market surrounding the Central Market, which focuses more on typical Valencian products and Nativity scene figures.

Both markets usually open in mid-December and run until the end of the festive season, around January 6.

9. Mallorca

We continue our route with a stop in Mallorca, specifically at the exclusive Puerto Portals Christmas market.

This location gives a fresh twist to tradition, offering a Christmas experience with more of a Central European feel—but infused with the unmistakable Mediterranean atmosphere.

Here, the wooden stalls are set up right next to the marina, overlooking luxury yachts, which creates a refined and beautifully curated setting.

So, if you’re looking for designer gifts, fashion from small brands, and gourmet delicacies beyond typical crafts, this market is the perfect place.

What’s more, being by the sea allows you to enjoy a pleasant stroll, especially since the weather is much milder than in other parts of Europe.

Unlike more traditional markets, the one in Puerto Portals kicks off in late November and usually runs until early January.

10. Barcelona

To wrap up our selection, we head to Barcelona to highlight one of the most iconic and oldest Christmas markets in all of Spain: the Fira de Santa Llúcia.

/

This market has a history dating back over 230 years and is set in an unbeatable location—right on the Avinguda de la Catedral, in front of the city’s Gothic cathedral.

This location gives it a monumental atmosphere, full of history, which sets it apart from many other Christmas markets.

It’s also very well organized into specific sections.

One of the most popular is the Nativity and Figures area, where you’ll find everything you need to create a traditional Catalan nativity scene—including the famous Tió de Nadal (a magical Christmas log) and the Caganer, a quirky and satirical figure that’s unique to Catalonia.

There’s also a large section dedicated to Christmas trees and greenery, as well as another focused on handmade crafts and gifts.

Unlike other markets that stay open until Epiphany, the Fira de Santa Llúcia typically closes on Christmas Eve (December 24th), making it a must-visit for the weeks leading up to the big holiday.

Bring tradition to your table

Now that you’ve got the perfect guide to dive into the festive atmosphere of Spain’s squares and streets, we invite you to take the next step toward experiencing a truly authentic Christmas: sit down for a meal with a local family.

At Sazón, we believe that Spain’s true legacy lies in the recipes passed down through generations by our mothers and grandmothers.

That’s why we invite you to go beyond the market—and step into the heart of our culture.

What better gift this season than the chance to live like a local, sharing laughter and unforgettable flavors?

Don’t let this experience end with just a walk—book your meal with one of our Sazón cooks and turn your trip into a true celebration of taste and connection.