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Fira de Santa Llúcia – Christmas Market at Barcelona’s Cathedral.
November 24, 2023 @ 10:00 am – December 23, 2023 @ 9:00 am
Nothing captures the essence of the Winter Festival Barcelona quite like the Fira de Santa Llúcia, one of the oldest and most anticipated Christmas markets in Barcelona. This historic market transforms the heart of Barcelona into a festive paradise, offering visitors an authentic taste of Catalan Christmas traditions. The Fira de Santa Llúcia Christmas market is held on Plaça Nova in front of Barcelona’s gothic cathedral and is therefore perfect to combine with a visit to this beautiful cathedral.
The heritage of Fira de Santa Llúcia
Dating back to 1786, Fira de Santa Llúcia started as a one-day event on December 13th—St. Lucy’s Day, and over the centuries, it has grown into a month-long celebration. Nestled in the Gothic Quarter, this market sprawls before the stunning Barcelona Cathedral, providing a picturesque backdrop.
Experiencing Christmas at Fira de Santa Llúcia
Featuring over 300 stalls, Fira de Santa Llúcia has four main sections: Nativity and figures, greenery and plants, crafts, and simbombes (traditional musical instruments).
In the Nativity section, you can find everything you need to create a traditional Catalan nativity scene, including the ‘caganer’, a unique character in Catalan culture. The greenery section boasts Christmas trees, mistletoe, and ‘caga tió’, a log that children ‘feed’ in the run-up to Christmas and ‘beat’ to get presents on Christmas day.
The crafts section offers handcrafted jewelry, decorations, and local handicrafts, while the simbombes section showcases traditional Catalan musical instruments.
But the market is more than a shopping destination. It is a hub of festive activities, from choral concerts and parades to the unique Christmas dance of ‘Sardana’.
Tips to enjoy Fira de Santa Llúcia
Visiting Fira de Santa Llúcia is a must on your Barcelona Christmas itinerary. Here are a few tips to make the most of your visit:
1. Visit During Weekdays: To avoid the weekend crowds, plan your visit on a weekday.
2. Explore the Stalls: Take your time to explore the variety of stalls. Each vendor has unique items that make for perfect gifts or keepsakes.
3. Participate in the Activities: Join in the local festivities. Watch a ‘Sardana’ dance or listen to a choir performance to get a taste of Catalan Christmas spirit.
4. Savour Local Delicacies: Don’t miss out on local holiday treats like ‘turrons’ and ‘neules’, available in and around the market.
5. Bring Cash: Not all vendors accept cards, so having cash at hand is recommended.
Opening hours Christmas market
The Christmas market at Barcelona Cathedral will be open every day from 24 November to 23 December 2023. Below are the opening hours of this Christmas market.
Note: do you want to visit Barcelona Cathedral in addition to the Christmas market Santa Llúcia? Then keep in mind that the cathedral is only open to visitors during the day. Book your tickets for the cathedral in advance.
| Christmas Market Santa Llúcia | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
| Tuesday | 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
| Wednesday | 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
| Thursday | 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
| Friday | 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
| Saturday | 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
| Sunday | 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. |
Entrance price for this Christmas market
The Fira de Santa Llúcia Christmas market is the most popular activity during Winter Festival Barcelona and the best part is that entry to the Christmas market is free. Therefore, you don’t need a ticket to visit the market.
| Christmas Market Santa Llúcia | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Adults (18-64) | Free | no ticket needed |
| Child (4-17) | Free | no ticket needed |
| Child (0-3) | Free | no ticket needed |
| Senior (65+) | Free | no ticket needed |
How to get to this Christmas market
The Fira de Santa Llúcia Christmas market is held on Plaça Nova in front of Barcelona’s beautiful Gothic cathedral.
The Fira de Santa Llúcia is more than a Christmas market—it is a journey into the heart of Catalan culture during the most magical time of the year. Whether you’re shopping for unique Christmas decor, looking for an authentic cultural experience, or simply wishing to bask in the festive atmosphere, a visit to this Christmas market in Barcelona is sure to be a memorable experience.
