This blog post was originally posted on December 11, 2014 and was updated on October 16, 2018.
With tasty seasonal treats, beautiful handcrafted goods and a sense of holiday spirit permeating the air, it’s hard not to love Christmas markets.
As Spain’s second-largest city and one of Europe’s most popular destinations, Barcelona itself has several traditional holiday markets. But what if you’re looking for something different? As much as we love Spain’s incredibly detailed nativity scenes and wacky local traditions like the caganer, sometimes we need to get a bit off the beaten path in order to find that perfect gift. Check out these unique alternative Christmas markets in Barcelona and you’re sure to find gorgeous, one-of-a-kind items that everyone on your list will adore.
Poble Espanyol holiday festivities
Poble Espanyol (“Spanish Village”) is the perfect place to discover Spain without leaving Barcelona, but during the winter holidays, they truly take things to another level. Starting in early December, the popular corner of Montjuïc transforms itself into a winter wonderland that would rival any fairytale. Santa Claus and the Three Kings come to life, live music and craft demonstrations provide a cultural vibe, and one of the best alternative Christmas markets in Barcelona fills the village streets. Here, you’ll be able to support local artisans and designers selling their products in one of Barcelona’s most iconic venues. Check the website for more information about this year’s event as it becomes available!
Address: Avenida Frances Ferrer i Guardia, 13
Festivalet
For more than a decade, the artisans behind Europe’s finest handcrafted goods have gathered in Barcelona just before the winter holidays to show off and sell the fruits of their labor. Known as Festivalet, this one-of-a-kind event has grown to become one of the most popular alternative Christmas markets in Barcelona. Nearly 100 stalls selling handmade gifts, delicious food, and even materials for your own DIY projects will take over the Maritime Museum on December 15 and 16 this year. The entrance fee will only set you back two euros and provide you with access to a world of gorgeous gift ideas.
Address: Avinguda de les Drassanes, s/n
Mise en Scène
No matter what time of year you visit the Catalan capital, you’ll definitely want to check out Mise en Scène, a lovely secondhand clothes shop that regularly hosts fun shopping events. However, if you’ll be here in December, keep your eyes peeled for their annual glamorous pop-up Christmas market! Details will be available on their Facebook page as the dates draw closer, but expect a true fashionista’s paradise of clothes, shoes, jewelry, art and more. If you consider yourself more of an old soul, they even have a treasure trove of fascinating antiques! All that comes with holiday food and drinks to up your energy while you shop. It’s easily one of the most stylish alternative Christmas markets in Barcelona!
Address: Calle Ciutat de Balaguer, 25Flea markets
Some of the best alternative Christmas markets in Barcelona are just classic flea markets with a holiday flair! Barcelona’s flea market association hosts pop-up events regularly, including several around the holidays. There’s no telling what secondhand vintage treasures you’ll find here. It also makes for a great place to test out your bargaining skills!
Eat Street
The street food phenomenon has taken the world by storm, and Barcelona is no different. The organization Eat Street hosts fun themed events throughout the year aimed at helping locals and visitors alike discover tasty street food from around the world. In December, that includes a Christmas weekend special with plenty of holiday goodies and festive cheer. Get ready to eat your way around the world at one incredible gastro event!
Getting hungry already? Discover Barcelona’s incredible cuisine like a local when you join us on our Tapas Like a Local Tour. This unforgettable foodie event will take you off the beaten path and to the backstreets of the authentic Sant Antoni neighborhood, where proud families have been running some of the best tapas bars in town for generations. You’ll leave full, happy, and armed with knowledge about how to eat like a local!