Christmas Market at the Sagrada Familia

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Hit up the Christmas market at the Sagrada Familia if you want to enjoy the ambiance of aromatic Christmas trees, Nativity scene figurines, authentic local gifts, and a pleasing view of the Sagrada Familia. I make sure to visit the holiday market to jumpstart the Christmas-y vibe every Nadal (Christmas in Catalan). Read on to see what you’ll find at the Sagrada Familia Christmas market!

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What is the Sagrada Familia Christmas market?

The Fira de Nadal de La Sagrada Familia is a festive Christmas market of holiday ornaments, Christmas trees, caga tiós, caganers, Nativity scenes, artisan crafts, and savory food. The stands run mostly along the perimeter of the gardens across from the Passion facade of the Sagrada Familia. It has been running since 1962 and has hundreds of stalls. This year, the market is from November 27 to December 23, 2022.

At dusk, visitors can also enjoy the beautiful architecture of Sagrada Familia, which will be lit up at night.

What can you do at the Sagrada Familia Christmas market?

A good plan is to walk the market and look at the decorations around the perimeter. The inside usually sells gifts like posters, wooden toys, handmade slippers and scarves, and more.

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Many Christmas trees here are sold inside a pot (instead of using a tree stand like in the US). Some vendors plant a special tree for a family to take home and love it.

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While Santa Claus isn’t the rock star gift giver (the Three Kings are), he’s still a popular guy. His red and white ensemble waits to be purchased.

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 A quaint little food stand prepares their grill to roast castañas (chestnuts). They’re divine when they’re warm and its flesh is steeeeaming…

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I can’t forget to add a few chirpy caga tiós here, right? If you don’t know what it is, it’s a log that poops presents on Christmas Eve. Read more about the tió de nadal here!

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Bags of pebbles of every color, green moss, and all the textures you need for a Nativity scene.
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And even miniature garden tools, wicker baskets, and kitchenware to add to your teeny historical Christmas landscape.IMG_7603

Eau de Christmas. I’m craving some hot cinnamon, cocoa, baking cookies and real pine tree smell to fill up the house. Who wants to come over and do that in mine?

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For food, they usually have crepes, churros with hot chocolate and small sandwiches.

Holiday entertainment and activities

They also hold special events like theater, face painting, shows, and music performances. They also have storytelling and crafts for the kids. All free! See the schedule here.

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This classy-looking gegant arrived to amuse the Christmas crowds, accompanied with music and dancing. Want to see the gegants on display? Learn about the Casa de Entremesos in this post!

Tips for visiting the Sagrada Familia Christmas market

  • Be prepared for crowds at prime time like 12pm or 6pm on a weekend. If you want a calm experience, come early in the morning. It’s a great time to take photographs!
  • Parents, the Christmas market is also great place to bring the kids because  they can take advantage of the playground inside the park.
  • Buy a caganer or a tió de nadal for an authentic Catalan souvenir to take home!

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Dates and location of the Sagrada Familia Christmas Market

Dates: from November 27 to December 23, 2022

Hours: from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Location: Plaça de la Sagrada Família, 08025 Barcelona

Metro: L2 and L5 Sagrada Família stops

Bus: H10, V21, BCTE i 19, D50, N1, N7


Have you been to the Sagrada Familia Christmas market? Did you enjoy it? Let me know in the comments. I read all of them!

By Justine Ancheta

California native, churro aficionado, and mom of 3, Justine Ancheta writes fervently about Barcelona and Spain. Since 2008, she's been eating burnt onions (calçots) and tripping on cobblestones in the Gothic Quarter. She shares tips on popular attractions, exposes offbeat non-touristy spots, and gives insight on exploring Barcelona with kids. Her next Catalan culture challenge: top level of a human castle (castellers).

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