Christmas Markets – Santa Llúcia Fair Barcelona 2025
The holiday season has finally arrived in Barcelona! With it come sparkling lights, a huge ice rink, and of course, the oldest Christmas market in the history of the Catalan capital: La Fira de Santa Llúcia. The 239th edition of this iconic open-air fair will take place from November 28th to December 23rd in front of the Barcelona Cathedral, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., filling Plaça de la Seu with around 300 stalls where you’ll find all kinds of handmade gifts, nativity figurines, and a wide variety of traditional Christmas decorations.
In addition, Plaça Nova will host several workshops and plenty of festive activities for the whole family. If you’re visiting Barcelona during Christmas, this is definitely a part of Catalan culture you won’t want to miss.
The Day of Saint Lucy
The market is named after Santa Llúcia, or Saint Lucy (more on this below), which is why one of the best days to visit the Fair is on Saint Lucy’s Day, December 13th. On this day, the market is dedicated to traditional Christmas activities such as storytelling, carol singing, dance performances, and even a parade with spectacular floats.
Throughout the fair, you’ll also find other activities to enjoy, such as the giant “Tió de Nadal”, known as the Caga Tió. The Caga Tió is best described as a wooden log with a painted smiling face, a little hat, and a blanket. According to this Catalan tradition, children must “feed” their own small Tió every day until Christmas Eve. When Christmas Eve arrives, they have to tap it with sticks while singing festive songs, until it ‘brings out’ gifts and sweets. If you love this tradition, you can get your own Tió at many of the market stalls this year.
Gifts for Everyone at the Santa Llúcia Fair
The Fira de Santa Llúcia is divided into four sections: Nativity Scenes and Figures, Vegetation and Plants, Crafts, and “Simbombes”. The Nativity Scenes and Figures section offers the chance to buy accessories to create your own nativity scene and decorate your home. Keep an eye out for the Caganer, another Catalan Christmas tradition featuring a small figurine with its trousers down, hidden among the nativity scenes—or “pessebres”—in every home! Dating back to the 18th century, children love searching for this character, who is said to bring good luck by fertilizing the earth.
The Vegetation and Plants section sells all kinds of natural and artificial Christmas trees, as well as beautiful bright poinsettias. The Crafts section is a great place to do your Christmas shopping, offering plenty of handmade products such as clothing and jewelry. Finally, the last section, Simbombes, sells traditional instruments that are perfect for accompanying all your favorite Christmas carols.
Take note! We recommend visiting the fair both during the day and at night to fully experience the atmosphere.
Barcelona’s Oldest Christmas Market
The market dates back to 1786 and used to be held on Saint Lucy’s Day, December 13th. Saint Lucy was known as the patron saint of seamstresses, dressmakers, embroiderers, and the blind, so people would gather in and around the Barcelona Cathedral on this day to pray for clarity and vision. The market was also once called “the girls’ fair,” as many believed that single women would go there dressed in their finest clothes and jewelry in search of their future husbands.
Today, the Fira de Santa Llúcia is a magical place where locals and visitors alike can come together to shop for gifts, join in activities, and simply enjoy the Christmas spirit.
How to get there: Metro line L4 to Jaume I station.
Buses: Lines 47, 120, N8, N28, V15 and V17
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Saturdays, public holidays and holiday eves: 10:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
The Fira de Santa Llúcia is more than just a market — it’s a journey into Barcelona’s most authentic traditions. With its Christmas magic, sparkling lights, and the laughter of children searching for the Caganer among the nativity scenes, this fair becomes a true must-visit of the season. Whether you come during the day or after nightfall, its unique atmosphere will wrap you in the Catalan festive spirit, creating memories that will stay with you long after Christmas has ended. If you’re looking to experience Christmas in its most genuine form, you simply can’t miss this gem of the city.
