The best Christmas markets in Barcelona

The turning on of the Christmas lights is the starting signal for the most anticipated holidays of the year, and even more so this 2021, in which many people will be able to reunite with their loved ones ---with vaccines and precautions--- after a lackluster Christmas last year, in which virtuality was the unexpected and unwanted guest.

But we will not let ourselves be overcome by sadness, because the city is showing its best face to make this time a magical moment, not only by extending the streets decorated with special lighting and premiering new lighting in others, but also by celebrating much-desired events such as the culmination of the Mare de Déu tower at the Sagrada Família with the placement of its star, or the Christmas show Els llums de Sant Pau at the Sant Pau modernist complex. And we also want to stroll and celebrate as can already be seen in these first days of special campaigns.

Now that the cold and snow are arriving in many places, the beloved Christmas markets are starting in several European cities, with their characteristic smell of eucalyptus and fir, and their mistletoe branches for good luck and kisses, which will accompany us during the festive days. In addition, Barcelona has some of the oldest and most endearing ones that we should not miss.

Barcelona has some of the oldest and most endearing markets that we should not miss

So that you can enjoy them and find the ideal decoration or gift, we bring you a list, with dates and location, not only of the classic and historic ones but also of others that are celebrated during these dates that are very worthwhile.

THE MOST CLASSIC CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN BARCELONA:

Fira de Santa Llúcia

From November 26 to December 23 – Avinguda de la Catedral

This market is the oldest in the city and has been held since 1786 in the same location. With a total of 170 stalls, its theme revolves around Christmas, with stalls dedicated to nativity scenes, figurines, tions, cork, home accessories, etc.; the stalls called green where you can find moss, fir trees, myrtle, holly and mistletoe; in addition to having a space where we will find stalls dedicated to gift items such as textile accessories, ceramics, jewelry and costume jewelry, leather and others.

The members of the Associació Fira de Santa Llúcia also organize a series of activities in parallel to liven up the market, ranging from the classic giant tió that the little ones can enjoy; the celebration of the Diada de las tradiciones y costumbres navideñas de Catalunya (Day of Christmas traditions and customs of Catalonia); or the dance of the Carassa of Barcelona on December 12, 18, and 19 at 12:00 noon.

Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Família

From November 27 to December 23 – Plaça de la Sagrada Família

It has been held since the 1960s, right in front of the Passion façade of the Sagrada Familia temple, and although it is not as large as Santa Llúcia, we will find a hundred stalls to visit. In this fair, again the main themes are those of the nativity scene and Christmas decoration ---it is the ideal place to find shepherd costumes---, and those of greenery, but it is worth highlighting the places dedicated to food with artisan products such as honey and cheese, and the candy stalls.

In the central promenade of the fair, there are gift stands with costume jewelry made with different materials, silver jewelry, clothes, slippers for the cold, wooden games, various accessories and complements for all tastes and ages. And something that cannot be missed to combat the cold are the churros with hot chocolate that we can also enjoy while strolling.

The organization has also set up a series of family activities that will take place during the first half of December, among which those where we can take home the object we made stand out, and the two contests: the photocall on Instagram, where we can opt to win 45 euros by uploading a photo of the fair with the hashtag #firanadalsagradafamilia, and one to find the Caganers, which invites us to look for eight white figures of this very own character lost among the fair's stalls, with a prize of 45 euros as well.

Fira de Nadal del Port Vell

From December 9 to January 6 – Moll de la Fusta

Although it has only held three editions, this fair has enjoyed public success thanks to its offer going beyond a typical Christmas market, and in addition to the thirty free shows that can be enjoyed on its stage offered by collaborating entities, a giant wheel from which to see the city is the main attraction along with a classic carousel, the floating nativity scene, and the lighting of the entire venue.

This fairground will have a large area dedicated to commerce and gastronomy, as well as a solidarity container where food will be collected for those most in need. The most important event will be the lighting ceremony, which promises to be a very special moment.

Fira de Reis de la Gran Via

December 17 to January 6 – Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes

One of the most magical fairs in the city is this one, because its beginning links a few days with the closing of Santa Llúcia and Sagrada Família, and lasts until the early morning of Three Kings' night, to facilitate the work of Their Majesties from the East in case they have forgotten a gift.

First held in 1877, in its beginnings its stalls were dedicated solely to selling toys or candies, although today, we can find numerous stands dedicated to crafts and gift items of all kinds, such as clothing, accessories, costume jewelry, and decorative items. But among its almost 200 stalls, the protagonists continue to be toys and candies, especially realistic sugar paste ones, among which we can find, not only coal for those who misbehave, but also all kinds of curiosities reproduced, such as mortars with alioli or chamber pots with little gifts inside.

One of the attractions of the Fira de Reis de la Gran Via are the churrerías

If this is not enough to tempt you to take a stroll, one of the attractions of this fair are the churrerías, located at the end of each section, and whose aroma makes it irresistible to eat some churros with hot chocolate to combat the cold.

THE ALTERNATIVE CHRISTMAS MARKETS:

Sant Jordi de Nadal

December 11 and 12 – Antiga Fàbrica Estrella Damm

The 8th edition of the Literary Christmas Festival will allow us to enjoy two days of meetings and book signings with authors, talks with editors and journalists, children's activities, and all kinds of events related to books and the literary world. There will also be foodtrucks and beer.

Festivalet

December 11 and 12 – Fabra i Coats

After two years without being held, the Fair of Artisans and Independent Designers returns for its 14th edition. A pioneering and reference fair in Barcelona since 2009, where you can find manufactured or small-scale products made locally and outside the usual commercial circuit.

BCN Makers Pop-Up Market

December 11 and 12 – Wallnwood

Another alternative market is this one, where you can find design products such as furniture, decorative objects, plants, clothing, cosmetics, ceramics, accessories and more, also produced by artists and creators from the city. Its 6th edition is held again in this space in Gràcia.