The best Christmas markets in Spain
How is it possible that at the coldest time of the year we all agree and throw ourselves into the street as if there were no tomorrow, turning them into rivers of people with a smile on their face and the brightness of the garlands of lights in their eyes.
Idyllic, romantic, magical, flirtatious and full of illusion. This is how she is to blame for this strange phenomenon that fills cities with life and happiness in winter: the Christmas . And, hot chocolate in hand, we suggest you enjoy it at these Christmas markets that dot our geography.
MADRID: Plaza Mayor Market
Once again, the heart of Madrid lights up and fills with stalls November 23 to December 31 to celebrate Christmas.
The illusion of the smallest of the house (and of the not so small) to add one more wig to the collection or to get some knickknack for play pranks on All Saints' Day refill with people Main Square.
This authentic scenario beyond being able to welcome again a market with history : Since the 19th century, all the Christmas merchants have gathered in this emblematic place in the city.
To the custom of walking among the more than 100 Christmas booths -in which at first flowers, vegetables, fruits, meat, sweets and Christmas decorations were sold- another tradition is added: enjoy a good squid sandwich in one of the typical bars that surround this huge historic patio.
_(Hours: Monday to Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; Friday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.) _
BARCELONA: Santa Llúcia Fair
On our route through the historic markets of Spain, without a doubt, another essential stop is the Fair of Santa Llúcia , which is celebrated in the Pla de la Seu, on the Cathedral Avenue.
Santa Llúcia Fair, Barcelona
Although in the past the stalls only sold nativity figures - while moss, mistletoe and other accessories for nativity scenes were sold on the steps of the cathedral in Barcelona -, now we can find more than 285 stalls with all kinds of Christmas decorations, caganers included, of course.
In addition, the magic that accompanies this centennial market will be enhanced with activities for the whole family: dances, live Christmas carols, parades who will throw candies all over the Fira and Gothic venues, giant uncles for children, big heads or puppet shows.
You will be able to enjoy all the surprises and news that the fair promises for its 232nd anniversary of November 30 to December 23. _(Hours: working days from 11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; holidays and vigils from 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.) _
BILBAO: Bailén Street Market
Some 40 charming wooden huts dot Bailén street in Christmas . Crafts, typical flavors of Basque cuisine and Christmas souvenirs give life to the most iconic market in the city every year. Christmas atmosphere and the walks with views of the Nervión River and the neo-baroque Arriaga Theater will also accompany the feast of Saint Thomas , which is celebrated on December 21.
Bilbao, the perfect Christmas postcard
Cheese, doughnuts, honey, sweets, fruits, vegetables and handicrafts will flood the stalls throughout the day. In addition to savor the best traditional pintxos to the rhythm of the sounds that accompany the bertsos, the txalaparta, the trikitixa and others Basque folklore shows that will take place in the middle of the street.
VALENCIA: Central Market Flea Market
The Central Market is one of those corners of Valencia which you have to go through to get into the Christmas spirit of the city. Christmas decorations, trees, nativity figures and handicrafts everywhere is what we can find around the Central Market.
without forgetting the delicious gingerbread and the tempting smell of roasted chestnuts that will lead us from post to post from the December 1 to January 6 . And if culinary shopping is your thing, don't hesitate to visit the interior of the Central Market, where you can find endless traditional gastronomic delights.
_(Hours: from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. On December 24 and January 5, the hours will be extended until 2:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m., respectively) _
Shall we escape to Valencia this Christmas?
ZARAGOZA: Christmas Trade and Craft Market
ice skating rinks, zip lines, a giant toboggan slide, a merry-go-round and an XXL nativity scene of 1,800 square meters with a hundred figures (56 of them life-size). The Christmas market Saragossa it had to live up to the stage that hosts it: the spectacular Plaza del Pilar.
Some fifty stalls of wood they will make you forget about the cierzo with thousands of flirty Christmas items and with the sweets that make us like this time of year so much from November 30.
In addition to the activities that will encourage visitors, those who still faithfully believe in the magic of Christmas must comply with this tradition: write a petition and hang the card on the Wishing Tree. We want Christmas to be eternal, and you?
VIGO: a festival of lights
Vigo at Christmas it is more stunning than ever. Its streets are an explosion of flashes of colors capable of making anyone fall in love, and if not ask Abel Caballero, its mayor. November 24 nine million light bulbs They will illuminate every corner of the city, a spectacle worth admiring.
Competing with the Christmas lights and the iconic tree of the Porta do Sol, an ice rink and a ski ramp will attract locals and visitors like a magnet the Nautical area. And, of course, it will also have its protagonist in this Christmas battle a market that will dot the Plaza de Compostela with booths from December 14 to January 7.
Christmas in Seville
**SEVILLE: Nativity Scene Fair and Great Christmas Market (Nerbión) **
The recipe for a perfect Christmas getaway? Romantic walks on the banks of the Guadalquivir and tapas from bar to bar. Markets that are dressed with crafts and perfumed with the aroma of Christmas sweets. A pinch of colored light bulbs. And to finish, a city that boasts of celebrating each festival intensely . We put it all in a cocktail shaker and... Seville!
If what you are looking for is nativity figures in the Andalusian capital, the paradise of decorations for the birth will be next to the Cathedral until December 23 . If you are looking for a gift or need a small dose of sugar from December 5 to the eve of Three Kings' Day, the booths on Luis de Morales Street (Nervión) are your place.
And if what you want is to enjoy the Christmas atmosphere of the south and the beauty of Seville in its purest form, simply stroll under the garlands of lights that will adorn the streets from November 30.
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA: Nadal Market
From December 1 to January 5, crafts, design and entertaining workshops meet at the Nadal Market in Santiago de Compostela , to be held on the street Carrera dos Condes. The walk drawn by palm trees and wooden huts it becomes the perfect picture to enjoy an afternoon full of Christmas spirit in the city.
Santiago de Compostela dresses up
Surrounded by this magical atmosphere, it will be impossible to resist try some traditional sweet , just as we can assure you that you will fall into the temptation of take home an ornament.
_(Hours: every day from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Special hours on December 24 and 31: from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Closed on December 25 and January 1) _
GRANADA: Bid-Rambla Market
There are cities that are capable of conquering us during any time of the year. The Alhambra, the Generalife gardens and the alleys of Arab essence of the Albaicín are just some of Granada's weapons of seduction, to which in Christmas the garlands of lights and the Christmas decorations and sweets stalls (such as the delicious alfajores) of the Plaza de Bib-Rambla and the Fuente de las Batallas.
Do we allow ourselves to be dazzled by the heart of Grenade ? you have of December 1 to January 6 to think about it