Best Christmas Markets in Barcelona 2021

Christmas in Barcelona is a magical time, with Christmas markets key to the spirit of the season. 

Sure, the weather is warm and there’s absolutely zero chance of seeing any snow (you’ll have to travel to Andorra for that). But stick around for the holiday season and you’ll be charmed by the lights, the parades and the general warm and fuzzy festive feeling.

You’ll also be charmed by the amazing array of Christmas markets on offer. There’s a merry few spread across the city, so you’ll need an insight into which ones would make Santa proud.

Luckily, his elves are on hand to give you the low down. Here’s our pick of the finest Barcelona Christmas markets in 2021. 

La Fira de Santa Llucia

The great grandaddy of Christmas markets, the Saint Lucia market is Barcelona’s oldest and most famous. Nestled right beside the mesmerising Barcelona Cathedral in the Gothic Quarter, this is an unmissable market selling handcrafted ornaments, jewellery, clothing and other traditional trinkets. And of course, the obligatory caganers and caga tios.

The market is officially opened on the 29th November and runs all the way up until 23rd December, from 10:30am to 20:30pm.

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Fira de Nadal de la Sagrada Família

A very merry market held beside the staggering Sagrada Familia, this is another local affair that offers lots of traditional handmade items, as well as some wonderful winter snacks. Roasted castañas (chestnuts) baked sweet potato and churros con chocolate are enough to satisfy the festive appetite, while workshops, games and face painting inside the church add to the family fun. Against the backdrop of the famous basilica, this market has a truly wonderful atmosphere. 

The Sagrada Família Christmas market runs from the 27th November until the 23rd December, from 10:00am to 21:00pm.

Fira de Nadal del Port Vell

Located down past the Columbus statue on the waterfront, you’ll find Barcelona’s newest market. Growing in popularity year by year, the Port Vell Christmas market has all the standard festive fare – food stalls selling delicious traditional treats and markets selling handmade items – but also delivers some spectacular sights. The massive LED Christmas tree, traditional carousel and big wheel keeps things turning, while the massive speaker playing the likes of ‘Last Christmas’ keeps the Christmas spirit burning.

The Port Vell Christmas market opens in early December and runs until the day before King’s Day, the 5th of January.

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Fira de Reis a la Gran Via

Chock full of toys, clothes, handmade gifts and scrumptious seasonal snacks, the Fira de Reis or ‘Kings Market’ is held every year in the Eixample district of Barcelona. Just outside of the main hustle and bustle of the centre, but well worth checking out, it stretches from Plaça Universidad all the way to Comte Borrell.

This one starts later than the rest – on the 17th December – and runs all the way up to Kings Day, 6th January. Opening times are 11:00am until 2:00pm, then 5:00pm until 9:00pm.

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