The 5 Most Enchanting Christmas Markets in Barcelona (2018)
This time of the year, cities and towns across Spain roll out their Christmas markets. They aren’t quite like the fairytale Christmas Markets you’ll find in Germany, but they still have a lot to offer. You’ll find elaborate nativity scenes and some quirky traditions unique to Catalunya. This post is about the best Christmas markets in Barcelona and how to plan your trip to Barcelona over the holidays.
This post may contain affiliate links, as explained in my disclosure policy.
Getting around Barcelona
Barcelona is a walkable city so you can get to most places on foot. For longer distances, there are several options: bus, metro, train, taxi, and tram. You really don’t need to take a taxi anywhere unless, let’s say, you stay out really late at night.
The public transportation options run frequently and won’t cost you more than a couple of euros per ride. If you want to learn about ways to save money on transportation, check out the 20 essential tips for your first visit to Barcelona. You’ll find out all about the Hola Barcelona card, which can not only save you money on public transportation, but also on La Sagrada Familia tickets, Gaudi tours, museums, and other attractions.
Related Post:
How To Get From Barcelona Airport To the City Center Cheaply and Fast
Now, in no particular order, here are the best Christmas markets in Barcelona to add to your holiday itinerary.
La Fira de Santa Llucia
La Fira de Santa Llucia is the old Christmas market in Barcelona – the city’s original Christmas event. This market has been around for more than 200 years! It takes place by the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and St Eulalia, more commonly known as the Barcelona Cathedral. This Christmas market takes place in the Gothic Quarter, where you can also spend time meandering around. The area is the oldest part of the city and has some beautiful Roman architecture.
At Fira de Santa Llucia, there are hundreds of stalls selling Christmas decorations, handmade crafts, figurines, jewelry, antiques, collectibles, postcards, and everything in between. You can also find food stalls with cheese, sausages, and fresh fruits. The market opens in late November and ends in at around Christmas Eve. The operating hours are 10:30 am to 8:30 pm.
Address: Avenida de la Catedral, Barri Gotic, Barcelona
Admission Fee: Free
Fira de Nadal de La Sagrada Familia
The Fira de Nadal de La Sagrada Familia has been around for over 50 years, making it one of the oldest Christmas markets in Barcelona. As the name suggests, it’s held on the grounds of La Sagrada Familia, another must-see place in Barcelona. Fira de Nadal de La Sagrada Familia is an extension of the Santa Llucia market. There wasn’t enough space in the Gothic Quarter to fit this market so organizers set up a new site in the Eixample neighborhood.
There are over 100 stalls selling traditional Christmas decor and gifts. You’ll also find lots of food stalls selling Spanish treats like turron (nougats) and caramelos (candy.) This market gets really busy so try to get there right when it opens to avoid the massive crowds that swarm the place in the afternoon.
Occasionally, Papa Noel, aka Santa Claus, stops by with a bag full of gifts to hand out – mostly balloons and candy. He also collects children’s letters and walks around spreading Christmas cheer. The Fira de Nadal de La Sagrada Familia runs from November 26th until December 23rd. The operating hours are 10 am to 9 pm daily.
Address: Pl Sagrada Família, 1, Barcelona 08013
Admission Fee: Free
You may also like:
20 Essential Tips for Your First Visit To Barcelona
Fira de Reis de La Gran Via
Also known as the Three Kings market, the Fira de Reis is among the largest Christmas markets in Barcelona. Close to 300 stalls set up shop every year, offering unique handicrafts, ornaments, toys, gifts, and more. This market is really easy to navigate because it’s divided into two sections – toys and handicrafts. After buying souvenirs and Christmas gifts, make sure to stop at one of the food stalls to buy some churros or porras (which are larger and fluffier.)
In Spain, the three wise men, Los Reyes Magos, are actually more important than Santa Claus. That’s why this market is extra special in Barcelona. It is held every year on Gran Via de Les Corts Catalanes, one of the largest streets in the city. On January 5th, you can go to that street to watch the annual Three Kings Parade, the biggest event during the Christmas season. The Christmas market runs from December 20th to January 6th.
Address: Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes, 580 Eixample, Barcelona
Admission Fee: Free
Poble Espanyol
Photo source: www.poble-espanyol.comPoble Espanyol (Spanish village in Catalan) is a charming Christmas tradition has been going on since 2013. From early December, the area around Montjuic transforms into a traditional Catalan village with a lively Christmas atmosphere. This part of the city comes to life with Christmas decorations, Nativity Scenes, arts and crafts, ornaments, workshops, and live concerts. There’s also a Santa Claus house for kids to go and hang out with Santa. This Christmas market is arguably the most traditional in Barcelona. It’s also more similar to the Christmas markets you’ll find in cities like Vienna, Prague, and Hamburg. You can check the Poble Espanyol website for the 2018-2019 calendar of events.
Address: Av. Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia, 13 08038 Barcelona
Admission Fee: Free
Mise en Scene
If you’re looking for a less conventional Christmas market, then the Mise en Scene market definitely fits the bill. Hosted by a vintage clothing shop, this pop-up Christmas market has a flea-market style atmosphere. You’ll find lots of bargain clothes, shoes, jewelry, bags, and antiques. This is basically a Christmas market for lovers of vintage fashion; you won’t find many traditional Christmas gifts here. But there’s a good chance you’ll find some treasures at a bargain price. To find out more details about Mise en Scene’s 2019 calendar, check out their Facebook page.
Address: Calle Ciutat de Balaguer, 25 Barcelona, Spain
Admission Fee: Free
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Continue reading…
6 Unique Christmas Traditions To Experience in Barcelona
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Somto Ugwueze
Hi! I'm Somto. Two years ago, I stopped making excuses, ditched my indecisive friends, and started booking flights. Today, I'm a full-time solo traveler on a mission to inspire young women to seek new adventures.
![Let’s talk about money in Croatia 🇭🇷 (and the Balkans)
📌[Save and Share]
⚠️ Quick tip: Don’t exchange money or take out money from any place that has a big, yellow sign
On my most recent trip to Croatia with @girlslovetravel, I learned that from the locals and other seasoned travelers.
I wanted to pass along the message to help you guys avoid falling for this trap, because I saw so many people getting ripped off.
If you’re traveling through Europe, especially in the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe, you’re going to see these super-convenient money exchanges and ATMS.
With their big, yellow signs, these are hard to miss.
And they’re so seductive because they’re always conveniently located.
But don’t do it.
These places are known to have the worst exchange rates and sometimes hidden fees.
You’ll end up getting significantly less money than other comparable money exchanges.
The ATMS could charge you all sorts of ridiculous fees, which happened to one of my travel friends.
If you walk away from the touristy city centers, you can find places with better exchange rates.
Do your research.
Compare places, especially if you want to exchange a chunk of money.
Don’t go to the first place you see because it’s convenient.
Any other tips for exchanging money in Europe? Drop them below👇🏾](https://scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/363495583_681336997355409_8269653626385180880_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c4dd86&_nc_ohc=_vy0qj-WxFoAX-mjbwg&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AfAPqz89qBOUgOh00AfVwwwiMtUalPvCK3LjBZqNY1ZuAQ&oe=657A6126)
![Let’s talk about money in Croatia 🇭🇷 (and the Balkans)
📌[Save and Share]
⚠️ Quick tip: Don’t exchange money or take out money from any place that has a big, yellow sign
On my most recent trip to Croatia with @girlslovetravel, I learned that from the locals and other seasoned travelers.
I wanted to pass along the message to help you guys avoid falling for this trap, because I saw so many people getting ripped off.
If you’re traveling through Europe, especially in the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe, you’re going to see these super-convenient money exchanges and ATMS.
With their big, yellow signs, these are hard to miss.
And they’re so seductive because they’re always conveniently located.
But don’t do it.
These places are known to have the worst exchange rates and sometimes hidden fees.
You’ll end up getting significantly less money than other comparable money exchanges.
The ATMS could charge you all sorts of ridiculous fees, which happened to one of my travel friends.
If you walk away from the touristy city centers, you can find places with better exchange rates.
Do your research.
Compare places, especially if you want to exchange a chunk of money.
Don’t go to the first place you see because it’s convenient.
Any other tips for exchanging money in Europe? Drop them below👇🏾](https://scontent-dfw5-2.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/363496891_3960588657501192_2279069811238681499_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c4dd86&_nc_ohc=LtJTETr6UhgAX99KV_j&_nc_oc=AQmAmH8fEtUCrcX0JC3ab3nmi5MRB4e2Ji-S98sk2ENU8ZKpshumpTsxh4N_r9N8gx8&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AfBLHqP4rlViQp28OGkZfCUrWhgAEJg_pGXIiiilHsTNeQ&oe=657922C5)
![Let’s talk about money in Croatia 🇭🇷 (and the Balkans)
📌[Save and Share]
⚠️ Quick tip: Don’t exchange money or take out money from any place that has a big, yellow sign
On my most recent trip to Croatia with @girlslovetravel, I learned that from the locals and other seasoned travelers.
I wanted to pass along the message to help you guys avoid falling for this trap, because I saw so many people getting ripped off.
If you’re traveling through Europe, especially in the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe, you’re going to see these super-convenient money exchanges and ATMS.
With their big, yellow signs, these are hard to miss.
And they’re so seductive because they’re always conveniently located.
But don’t do it.
These places are known to have the worst exchange rates and sometimes hidden fees.
You’ll end up getting significantly less money than other comparable money exchanges.
The ATMS could charge you all sorts of ridiculous fees, which happened to one of my travel friends.
If you walk away from the touristy city centers, you can find places with better exchange rates.
Do your research.
Compare places, especially if you want to exchange a chunk of money.
Don’t go to the first place you see because it’s convenient.
Any other tips for exchanging money in Europe? Drop them below👇🏾](https://scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.29350-15/364071653_816389820137326_3597345990832080157_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c4dd86&_nc_ohc=MYF5J3kz_SAAX8LrCKa&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&oh=00_AfAyBMpI95aIAIlzLZ-1w4-QTfs64lpl2_uEMGTDvZljQA&oe=6578CBC2)
![Let’s talk about money in Croatia 🇭🇷 (and the Balkans)
📌[Save and Share]
⚠️ Quick tip: Don’t exchange money or take out money from any place that has a big, yellow sign
On my most recent trip to Croatia with @girlslovetravel, I learned that from the locals and other seasoned travelers.
I wanted to pass along the message to help you guys avoid falling for this trap, because I saw so many people getting ripped off.
If you’re traveling through Europe, especially in the Mediterranean, the Balkans, and Eastern Europe, you’re going to see these super-convenient money exchanges and ATMS.
With their big, yellow signs, these are hard to miss.
And they’re so seductive because they’re always conveniently located.
But don’t do it.
These places are known to have the worst exchange rates and sometimes hidden fees.
You’ll end up getting significantly less money than other comparable money exchanges.
The ATMS could charge you all sorts of ridiculous fees, which happened to one of my travel friends.
If you walk away from the touristy city centers, you can find places with better exchange rates.
Do your research.
Compare places, especially if you want to exchange a chunk of money.
Don’t go to the first place you see because it’s convenient.
Any other tips for exchanging money in Europe? Drop them below👇🏾](https://www.somtoseeks.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/363495583_681336997355409_8269653626385180880_n-256x320.jpg)
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