What will the Advent markets be like in Granada? Program and important information in one place

Get ready for some holiday magic!

From December through January 6, the wonderful Granada Christmas Market is held in the charming central squares of Fuente de las Batallas and Bib-Rambla.

With nearly 70 delightful stalls, you’ll find everything from Christmas decorations and tasty traditional sweets to unique crafts, books, plants, and cosmetic products.

This year is extra special as there is a celebration of the ninth edition of the market!

We’re excited to announce that the market moved to a larger space, spanning 10,295 square feet, at the promenade of the Congress Palace, leaving behind Paseo del Salón.

And guess what? The duration of the market has doubled, too!

Come soak in the festive atmosphere and explore a diverse display of products from over 300 local companies.

It’s a great way to experience the holiday spirit!

Granada Christmas Markets

From November 30, the city will be illuminated by almost 2.5 million lights. The Christmas markets will start at 6:00 p.m. in Plaza del Carmen, accompanied by the Carpa Diem choir, which will sing carols. The Granada City Council will also be present to turn on the lights officially.

The streets are alive with the melodies of Christmas carols as people shop, meet friends, or enjoy leisurely walks with family, all immersed in the enchanting festive atmosphere surrounding the city.

Children and adults enjoy visiting the many Nativity scenes (belenes) that spring up all over Granada, competing for recognition and awards from the Town Hall.

On the night of January 5th, the Three Kings (Reyes Magos) arrive in town bearing sweets and toys for the children, marking the climax of the season.

The Granada Advent Markets offer around 24 stalls where you can buy local gastronomic specialties and handicrafts. You can also look forward to a 1,070-square-foot tent where various musical activities and product presentations by exhibiting companies will occur.
No less interesting will be the Christmas lighting and light show, which will take place three times a day. 

Advent Markets in Plaza del Carmen

What can you look forward to?

• Local specialties, such as tapas, jamón ibérico, gazpacho or traditional Arabic sweets
• Cultural fusion – combining Arabic and Spanish culture through crafts, gastronomy and art
• Musical experiences in the form of flamenco performances by local dancers and guitarists right in the market
• Historical tours and thematic excursions focused on the rich history of Granada and its Moorish heritage
• Demonstrations of crafts and presentations of the production of traditional ceramics, mosaics and textiles inspired by Moorish aesthetics
• Wine and olive oil tastings, the best products from the region
• Family activities such as creative workshops, traditional craft making and entertainment for children
• Evening market illumination with accompanying music and dance performances
• Souvenirs with a Moorish touch– handmade jewelry, decorative items and oriental lamps

When and where will everything take place?

Christmas fun in Granada

During Christmas, Granada will come alive with festive markets and activities in Plaza Bib Rambla, Paseo del Salón, and Plaza del Humilladero.

You can look forward to an ice rink where both young and old can skate and enjoy rides on a toboggan or cable car.

Additionally, don’t miss the Ferris wheel located on Paseo del Violón. Christmas activities will take place from November 29 to January 7, 2025, with hours from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM and from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

In addition to the Ferris wheel, visitors can enjoy a live nativity scene, carol singing, Christmas performances, and various other attractions.

Other Christmas markets in Granada

There are two smaller markets in Granada to check out.

The Nativity Market in Plaza Bib Rambla will run from November 17 to January 5, 2024, with opening hours from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

Another option is the Craft Market at Fuente de las Batallas, open from December 1 to January 6. Its hours are 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

Opening Hours for Clubs, Cafes, and Shops in the City Center

You can enjoy the festive lights illuminating Granada from November 30, 2024, to January 7, 2025.

The city center will be open from 6:30 PM to 1:00 AM, Monday to Thursday. On Fridays and weekends, hours will be extended until 3:00 AM.
On Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, the closing time will be further extended to 5:00 AM.

In individual neighbourhoods, opening hours will be reduced to midnight, while on weekends, they will remain open until 1:00 AM. Neighbourhood establishments will also stay open for Christmas and New Year’s Eve until 3:00 AM.

See the video below how what Christmas in Granada looks like:

Christmas in Granada | Christmas in Spain | Granada | Exploring Granada | Spain | Feliz Navidad

Traditional Flamenco – Fun Way to Celebrate Christmas

Experience the magic of Christmas in Andalusia by attending a lively flamenco show, where the tambourine and zambomba create an unforgettable atmosphere.

Celebrated since the 18th century, this festival is known for its spontaneous joy. Participants join in using playful, improvised instruments like bottles and palm branches.

While in Granada, catch the dynamic Flamenco Show at La Soleá or the captivating performances at La Alboreá.

Christmas Lottery (La Lotería de Navidad) – 22nd December

Another Spanish tradition is the Christmas Lottery, known as ‘La Lotería de Navidad,’ the largest lottery event of the year.

It takes place on December 22nd, and people typically follow the drawing on TV or radio, even if they are working. This event is a classic tradition. If you can watch it, you’ll see why it’s so entertaining, even if you don’t understand the language.

This lottery marks the school holidays’ first day, signalling the festive season’s start. If you’re lucky, you could win millions of euros. Tickets cost 20 euros when purchased from official shops and 25 euros if bought elsewhere.

Everyone hopes to win the biggest prize, ‘El Gordo,’ which awards 400,000 euros per ticket. In total, 1,807 prizes are available.

It’s quite common for people to share different numbers with friends, colleagues, and family members. Additionally, many shops, associations, and charities sell small shares or participations in a number they have acquired.

Spanish people spend about 75 US Dollars on the Christmas Lottery.

Conclusion

Picture Granada at Christmas time – the markets here are something special!

The city lights up with decorations, and there’s a fantastic buzz in the air. Kids run around with painted faces, watch puppet shows, and point at all the sparkly lights while local musicians play in the streets.

You’ll find all sorts of cool gifts here, and the food—don’t even get me started!

The smell of hot chocolate and roasted chestnuts is everywhere. I love how everyone comes together—locals catching up over churros, tourists soaking it all in, and families making memories.

It’s just one of those things you must experience to understand what makes a Spanish Christmas so magical.

Feliz Navidad!