Barcelona is one of the world’s prime destinations, and during the Christmas season, the markets are beautiful than ever. Quite a few Christmas markets in the city can provide visitors with many ideas for gifts, as well as plenty of entertainment.

In The Lofttown we celebrate Christmas above all else, because this is a very special date for us! And we are excited to be able to celebrate with you all!

The main traditional Christmas markets that you should visit are the following:

La Fira de Santa Llucia

Barcelona’s main Christmas fair has been going for over 225 years. Located in the plaza in front of Barcelona Cathedral, you’ll find it camped underneath the city’s imposing Gothic Cathedral.

Special days include festival ‘Diada de les tradicions i costums nadalenques’ which has extra Christmas activities for children including the ‘Carassa de Nadal de Barcelona’ and a Christmas concert. 

Most stalls are given over to selling festive decorations, nativity-scene figures (including the infamous Caganer in all his usual, and celebrity, guises), handmade crafts, traditional zambombas (friction drums) and seasonal trees and shrubs. 

The Santa Llúcia market opens at the end of November and finishes on the 23rd of December, opening at 10am to 9pm. 

Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Família

Another traditional Christmas market, this time is held in the park beside the basilica and takes place from late November until the 23rd of December.

This Fira de Nadal boasts around 120 stalls and occasional appearances from Santa Claus. It is slightly smaller than the Fira de Santa Llucia and has more of a local feel to it.

In addition to Christmas decorations, there are also stands selling traditional winter snacks such as roast chestnuts, baked sweet potatoes, xurros and hot chocolate.

Opening times are from 10:00 to 21:00 on weekdays and 10:00 to 22:00 at weekends, public holidays and the day before public holidays. On two Saturdays from 6pm to 8pm Santa Claus pays a visit to collect letters from the children and hand out balloons and cookies. 

Fira de Nadal del Port Vell

Barcelona’s newest Christmas Market, the Fira de Nadal del Port Vell takes place from the first weekend in December until the 5th of January and can be found at the Moll de la Fusta (at the foot of the Christopher Columbus Statue), and typically features the city’s biggest Christmas tree, lit-up with LED lights, a Ferris Wheel and a floating nativity scene, besides that, features craft stalls, food stalls, childrens activities and workshops.

Opening times vary, but as a rough guide you can expect the fair to be open daily from 11.00 to 22:30.

Fira de Reis

The Fira de Reis located on Gran Via between Plaça de la Universitat and Carrer de Calabria is known for its large selection of toys. Most of the stalls sell children’s toys and other gifts. There are also xurrerias selling fresh xurros and hot chocolate.

The main day for giving and receiving presents in Spain is Kings Day (dia dels Reis Mags) which is January 6^th, for that reason, the Fira de Reis runs from December 17th until the 6th of January. Opening times are from 11:00 to 14:00 then 17:00 to 21:00.

Fira de Placa de Catalunya

The Fira de Placa de Catalunya is one of the most exciting festive events in all of Spain. Located in Plaça Catalunya on the first weekend of December each year, it boasts an array of stalls selling everything from artisanal food and drinks to traditional Catalan gifts like handmade wooden toys. The market also gives you live music and dance performances from local artists.

This market attracts over 2 million visitors per year due to be held in Plaça Catalunya (in front of La Boqueria), which is where most tourists arrive in Barcelona by train or by plane.

Now that you know what the best Christmas markets are in all of Barcelona in December, we remind you that at The Lofttown, your student residence in Barcelona, ​​we want to count on you to live a unique and unforgettable experience, while you study in Barcelona so that you become one of our #TheLoftowners.

If you want to know more about us, we also invite you to follow us on Facebook and Instagram so that you are always up to date with the latest promotions and news in our university residence.

Enjoy December!