What will the Advent markets be like in Barcelona this year? Program and important information in one place

Do you like Advent markets, but are you put off by freezing in the queues?

It is usually warmer in Spain in December than here.

The Christmas markets in Barcelona will be just the thing for you.

In the article you will find out what is planned in the city this year.

Barcelona Advent Markets

Dreaming of sipping mulled wine, tasting traditional Catalan delicacies or picking out the perfect handcrafted gifts surrounded by twinkling holiday lights? In pre-Christmas Barcelona, this dream can become a reality.

The three most famous Christmas markets in Barcelona are the Fira de Santa Llúcia , which has been held since 1786 next to the Barcelona Cathedral, the Sagrada Família Christmas Market, which, as the name suggests, takes place next to Antoni Gaudí’s magnificent building, specifically in Plaça de La Sagrada Familia , and the Royal Market on Gran Via, or Fira de Reis de la Gran Via , which spans several sections of Gran Via de las Corts Catalanes.

Santa Lucia Christmas Market

Once you see the colorfully decorated stalls and smell the pine needles from the Christmas trees, you’ll know you’re at La Fira de Santa Llúcia , Barcelona’s oldest Christmas market. This fair, whose history dates back to the 18th century, is a truly unique place worth visiting. You can find the stalls in the square in front of Barcelona’s stunning cathedral .

At the time of its creation, it was a fair held to celebrate the feast of Santa Lucia on December 13, but now it has become a Christmas market that lasts for three weeks. Depending on the year and how the dates fall, it starts in late November or early December, this year on November 24, and always ends on December 23.

You will find about 300 stalls , which are loosely divided into stalls with Christmas items, such as decorations, trees or nativity scenes, and stalls with various gifts, most of which are handmade. You can see how it looks on the market in the following video,

Most Enchanting Christmas Market in Barcelona 🎄 Fira de Santa Llúcia | 4K HDR Walking Tour

Christmas Royal Market

The name Fira de Reis de la Gran Vía is derived from the fact that it takes place on different sections of the famous Gran Vía. First held in 1877, the eighteen stalls that made up this first fair sold only toys and sweets .

Of course, things have changed a lot now, but it’s still the perfect place for kids to complete their Christmas gift list and where you can find some gifts that are already sold out in the malls.

Many of the 200 or so stalls you’ll find here still specialize in selling toys and sweets, but in recent years craft and gift stalls have also started to pop up.

Stands with Churrerías , fried sweet pastries that resemble donuts, are also typical. The wonderful scent wafting near them is a real temptation for both young and old and is almost impossible to resist.

Sagrada Família Christmas Market

First held in 1962, the Sagrada Família Christmas Market is the youngest of the three named Advent markets in Barcelona. It is more similar to the Santa Lucia Christmas market, both in terms of the date of the event and the type of products sold.

The stalls can be divided into four different types, stalls with Christmas trees and plants, stalls with nativity scenes and decorative Christmas decorations , stalls with gifts and handmade items and finally stalls where you can buy traditional delicacies .

What to see in Barcelona?

Many people think of a famous football club when they hear the word Barcelona, but sport is far from the only thing that is interesting about the capital of Catalonia. We have tips for you on several places that are worth visiting.

La Sagrada Família

We mentioned the Sagrada Família temple right at the beginning of the article, as it hosts a large Christmas market. After enjoying the range of stalls and drinking punch, go on a tour of the temple itself. Architect Gaudí’s masterpiece is due to be completed in 2026, 144 years after it was started.

Barri Gotik district

Immerse yourself in history and Gothic architecture. The most important buildings in the Barri Gotik district include the Cathedral of the Holy Cross and Saint Eulalia, the Palace of the Catalan Generalitat and the Basilica of Santa Maria del Pi.  

La Rambla street

The street stretches from the port Port Vell. There are various street artists, musicians, painters, live sculptures and sellers of small items. In December, there is not as much life on the street as in summer, but you will certainly not be deprived of the experience.

Port Vell Aquarium

Over 8,000 species of aquatic plants and animals can be seen in the aquarium. Open daily from 10 am to 7 pm, opening hours are extended until 8 pm during the Christmas holidays. Tickets can be purchased on the spot or online.

Tibidabo Amusement Park

Both young and old can enjoy themselves in the amusement park. You can have fun on roller coasters, swings, a Ferris wheel and other attractive attractions. The park operators know that tourists from all over Europe come to Barcelona before Christmas, and adjust the opening hours accordingly.