Christmas in Spain is a beloved and much–anticipated winter holiday. It is hard to imagine it without Christmas markets, which take place in countless city squares across the country.
The history of Christmas markets in Spain and Europe dates back to the Middle Ages. The tradition is believed to have originated in the Germanic lands – in what is now Germany, Austria, and Alsace. In those distant times, markets (or fairs) were places where city residents could warm up on cold winter days. Today, this tradition has not only survived but also spread to many other countries, including Spain. Here, Christmas markets have become an essential part of the holiday season. Funny souvenirs, traditional festive sweets, nativity scenes and figurines for Christmas displays – these are the staples of every Christmas market in Spain.
It is also common to find entertainment for children at these markets. Carousels and even small Ferris wheels – are a familiar sight, as are fairy–tale zones where little ones are greeted by elves, other magical characters, and Santa Claus himself (in Spain, he is called Papá Noel). Both kids and adults truly enjoy strolling through Christmas markets.
Here’s the list of the best Christmas markets in Spain in 2025!
Plaza Mayor Market, Madrid
Plaza Mayor is a landmark of the Spanish capital and one of the country’s most iconic squares, but at this time of year it turns into something truly special – a space filled with festive spirit, bright joy, and the anticipation of a little miracle. The Plaza Mayor Christmas market is not the only one in Madrid, but it is the most famous and the largest. Every year it attracts not only locals but also many tourists from all over the world.
This is the place where more than a hundred cozy wooden stalls are packed with sweets, home decorations, nativity figurines, handmade crafts, sparklers and party poppers, as well as all kinds of gifts and inspiration.
- Opening dates: November 27 to December 31
El Corte Inglés “Castellana”, Madrid
El Corte Inglés de Castellana is another iconic spot in Christmas–time Madrid. Year after year, it hosts a Christmas fair where you can find decorations for the tree and home, nativity scene elements, and gift ideas. There are stalls dedicated to Disney and Lego, where you can pick up fun presents for kids. The gastronomic stands are also worth special attention – you can grab something tasty or stock up on delicacies for your holiday table.
- Opening dates: November 13 to January 5
Santa Llúcia, Barcelona
La Fira de Santa Llúcia is a Christmas fair held every year in the Gothic Quarter, beneath the walls of the magnificent cathedral. It is one of the oldest fairs in Spain – it has been held since 1786. And although the city has many other Christmas markets, this one is the best known and the most popular.
One feature that sets this market apart is that, besides nativity scenes, Christmas trees, and other festive decor, it is full of caganers – typical Catalan nativity figurines of people “doing their business”, and not only people. Recently, Labubu has joined the rows of caganers. Among the figurines you can find characters of all kinds, including famous politicians and artists. The fair is divided into several sectors: a zone with Christmas trees and festive poinsettias, a crafts sector, and an area dedicated to nativity figurines, including caganers. Another curious local tradition is the sale of Tió de Nadal – a hollow log, a symbol of deeply rooted rural customs. The log is “fed” in the days leading up to the holidays, preparing it for the big day. And on Christmas Eve, December 24, to Christmas songs and gentle taps with a stick, the log joyfully “delivers” gifts for the whole family.
- Opening dates: November 24 to December 23
City of Arts and Sciences, Valencia
In the run–up to the winter holidays, around 60 wooden huts are set up on the grounds of Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias, where you can buy handmade crafts and festive goods. But Valencia’s Christmas market doesn’t stop there – it also features many events and Christmas–themed workshops for children, including puppet shows, storytelling, drawing contests, puzzles, a carousel, brain teasers, and much more.
Traditional crafts workshops are also held here, along with letter–collection points where children can leave their wish lists for Santa Claus and the Three Wise Men. And, of course, there’s plenty of food – including food trucks with a wide selection of hot and cold treats.
- Opening dates: December 12 to January 6
Craft Fair, Seville
Plaza Nueva in Seville, located near the Cathedral, hosts the annual Christmas crafts fair. Around eighty wooden huts open their shutters and doors to offer a variety of Christmas goods, sweets, and handmade items: ceramics, nativity figurines, wooden toys, and local delicacies. There is an entertainment zone for children. Separate stalls are dedicated to typical Sevillian cuisine.
- Opening dates: November 8 to December 23
Christmas Craft Market, Zaragoza
Plaza del Pilar in front of Zaragoza’s Cathedral turns into more than just a traditional fairground before Christmas – it becomes a full–scale themed park. In addition to forty kiosks selling handmade goods and festive decor, there are taverns, family entertainment areas, and even Santa’s House.
Zaragoza’s Christmas market is famous for hosting the largest nativity scene in Spain: a huge Christmas set covering more than 1,000 m2, with around a hundred life–size figures. There is also a Wish Tree – a large decorative Christmas tree where anyone can hang a written wish on a card or slip of paper.
- Opening dates: November 29 to January 6
Puerto Portals, Mallorca
The Christmas fair in Mallorca is styled much like Central European markets. Here you can find not only festive goods and Christmas trees, but also delicacies and handcrafted items.
Every year the program includes cultural events and performances: live music, theater productions, children’s workshops. There’s even an ice rink that helps create a complete Christmas atmosphere.
- Opening dates: December 12 to January 6
Plaza de Pombo, Santander
A few years ago, Santander’s Christmas market was held at Plaza de las Farolas or in Pereda Park, but later it was moved to Plaza de Pombo. And in 2025, that’s exactly where you should go. The fair features around forty huts where you can buy a variety of handcrafted goods (leather, ceramics, costume jewelry, decorations), as well as clothing, plush toys, and toys made in Cantabria. In addition, various events are held here, including theater performances, raffles, and concerts.
- Opening dates: December 5 to January 6
Rua Carreira do Conde, Santiago de Compostela
As every year, a grand Christmas fair takes place on Rua Carreira do Conde in Santiago de Compostela. Locals and tourists are welcomed by more than seventy kiosks bursting with gastronomic delicacies and handmade goods (jewelry, woodwork, ceramics, glass and leather items, toys, textiles, and original author gifts).
A children’s zone with workshops for the youngest is always organized, along with a creative space for older children and adults. No year goes by without an interesting music and theater program.
- Opening dates: December 22 to January 5
Muelle Uno, Malaga
If there is a city in Spain that has become the star of the Christmas season in recent years, it’s Malaga. Its Christmas fair at Muelle Uno is one of the most visited places during the festive weeks. This fair traditionally makes the list of the best Christmas markets in Europe.
Every Christmas, Santa Claus comes here (last year he even opened his own chocolate shop – Chocoland), and the area fills with stalls selling decorations, typical local products and delicacies, souvenirs, gifts, and food.
- Opening dates: November 28 to January 11
What else is interesting in Spain in winter? For example, world–class ski resorts – we wrote about them in this article: Ski Resorts in Spain, Andorra and France
About what people traditionally give for Christmas in Spain, read here: New Year Gifts in Spain
