Where are the best Christmas markets in Madrid? As locals set off in search of the best bargains for their seasonal shop, most Madrileños abandon major chain stores and brand names to wander through the stalls of a festive market.
These markets are the best option to find something different and unique for the holiday season. And it’s one of my absolute favorite things to do in Madrid at Christmas!
Mercado de Navidad de la Plaza Mayor
This is the biggest of the city’s Christmas markets in Madrid, and it has been held since the 19th century…
Already one of the most famous spots in Madrid, the Plaza Mayor gets transformed into the city’s most popular traditional Christmas market. The balconies are adorned with beautiful candle-shaped lights, and 104 tiny red cabins line the square selling everything from Nativity scenes (belén in Spanish) and Christmas ornaments toys jokes for the Día de los Santos Inocentes on the 28th of December – the equivalent in Spain to your April Fool’s Day.
Given its central location, this market is perhaps the busiest in all of Madrid, but don’t let the crowds intimidate you. Get stuck in and you’re sure to come away with a great Christmas gift, something special and typical of Madrid!
Where: Plaza Mayor
When: November 25th – December 31st
Mercado de Navidad de la Plaza de España
La Navideña, the Christmas market in the Plaza de España arrives for the second year to offer a wide range of activities for the whole family – a huge natural ice rink, craft and gastronomic stalls, as well as experiential theatrical and circus performances.
In this space located in the renovated Plaza de España, you’ll find leisure, with a natural ice rink; culture, with theatrical and circus shows; gastronomy, with food stalls, and handicraft and craft stalls.
Where: Plaza de España
When: November 25th – January 8th
Feria mercado de artesanía
Traditionally held in Plaza de España, from 2021 the Artisan’s Market takes place in Paseo de Recoletos. This market features showcases of art and over 155 artisan workshops.
Head over to check out very unique products from Madrid as well as 11 other regions around Spain. You’ll find everything here from toys and games, handmade musical instruments, woodworking, jewelry, ceramics, and clothing.
Where: Paseo de Recoletos (from Plaza de Colón to Plaza de Cibeles)
When: December 1st – December 30th
Feria dulces de Navidad
If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss one of my preferred Christmas markets in Madrid. The market, which is set up in front of the Teatro Real, Madrid’s opera house, sells only Christmas sweets.
My favorites include turrón, a nougat-style block made from almonds and mazapán (marzipan), figurines that are created with almond paste. Both are very popular in Spain during Christmas.
Buying some of these seasonal sweets is one of the best Christmas gift ideas that I can suggest you!
Where: Plaza de Isabel II
When: November 30th – January 5th
Mercadillo Navideño de Madrid Río
Located behind the Casa del Reloj and next to Matadero cultural center, to the South of Madrid, the Mercadillo Navideño de Madrid Río is a very special Christmas market.
Get there and enjoy 300+ free activities for all ages, tastes and sensitivities. These include crafts stands, classic Christmas concerts and DJs, dance and singing sessions, games, workshops, fashion shows, diverse shows, film cycles and much more.
Where: Paseo de la Chopera, 14
When: December 4th – January 8th
Mercadillo de la Plaza de Jacinto Benavente
Just off the Puerta del Sol, right in the heart of Madrid, the Plaza de Jacinto Benavente holds an annual craft market. Over 20 stalls, designed to emulate a medieval village, sell sweets, Christmas decorations and beautifully handcrafted accessories that make lovely souvenirs to take home from Spain.
Where: Plaza de Jacinto Benavente
When: November 30th – January 5th
Mercadillo de la Plaza de Colón
Not far away from the Feria mercado de artesanía you can find this charming Christmas market.
There you’ll find stalls of sweets, crafts, toys, jewelry, decorations. But there’s also an outdoor ice rink open until January 10th, with DJ sessions and a vintage-style carousel for the little ones. This is one of the main Christmas markets that you can find in the Salamanca district.
Where: Plaza de Salvador Dalí
When: December 5th – January 5th
Mercadillo de la Plaza de Salvador Dalí (Felipe II)
Once again this year the Christmas market located in the Salvador de Dalí square opens its doors with various stalls selling gifts, Christmas decorations and toys among other items. This is the second Christmas market that you can find in the Salamanca district.
Where: Plaza de Salvador Dalí
When: December 5th – January 5th
Mercadillo del Gato
One of the most diverse Christmas markets in Madrid is the Mercadillo del Gato – another must stop if you’re looking for that special unique gift this Christmas.
This cool pop-up market is the place to come if you want to find something less bauble-related and more stylish. The stalls are populated by young, local designers selling everything from clothes, jewelry, one-of-a-kind trinkets, accessories, art, games and vintage homewares.
Where: Calle de la Gran Vía, 13
When: December 16th – January 5th
Adventsbasar German market
To bring the atmosphere of the German markets (called Weihnachtsmarkts) to Madrid, the community of the German Evangelical Church sets up this market at the end of November for three days and an extra day in early December.
This is an authentic German market with crafts, advent crowns, raffle, German food and Glüwein (hot, spiced wine). You can toast with mulled wine and beer, buy ornaments, and browse through their market. Don’t forget to purchase your tickets for the Adventsbasar German market in advance!
Where: Paseo de la Castellana, 6
When: November 25th (16:00-22:00), November 26th (14:00-22:00), November 27th (12:00-15:00), and December 4th (12:00-15:00).
This article is part of a complete tutorial about Christmas in Madrid where you can read all the information you need to enjoy the best Christmas holidays in Madrid.
Here is a complete summary of all the guide:
1. Spend an unforgettable Christmas in Madrid
2. 10 things to do in Madrid at Christmas
3. 6 awesome things to do on New Year’s Eve in Madrid
4. How to celebrate Three Kings’ Day in Madrid
5. The best Christmas markets in Madrid
6. 10 unique Christmas gift ideas from Madrid
7. My favorite 5 Spanish Christmas sweets in Madrid
8. Enjoy the Madrid Christmas lights walk