Madrid’s Christmas markets suit all tastes
As Spain’s capital, Madrid is filled with places to shop. However, during the Christmas season, shoppers’ choices triple with its diverse and colorful Christmas street markets everywhere. Enjoying the city while wandering among the stands is a popular tourist pastime.
Though there are many to choose from, some of Madrid‘s Christmas markets deserve an obligatory visit due to their traditions, history and renown. And none other tops the list than the Mercado de Navidad de la Plaza Mayor (Main Square Christmas market). Undoubtedly being the most famous, this emblematic square hosts from the 25th November until the 31st December dozens of stands offering a wide variety of items, especially Nativity figurines, musical instruments, toys and quirky gag items.
The Feria Mercado de Artesanía de la Comunidad de Madrid (Madrid Artisanal Market Fair) is another well-known Christmas market which has taken place every December for the last thirty-six years on the Paseo de Recoletos. As its name indicates, the more than 150 stands set up between Colón (Columbus Square) and Cibeles fountain offer mostly handicraft items.
Christmas Market stalls in Plaza Mayor. | Shutterstock
While only celebrating its third year, La Navideña is obviously not one of the aforementioned traditional street markets. It being however in Plaza de España (Spain Square) along with a skating rink makes this one a must-visit destination. Some other notable holiday markets that should be at the top of anyone’s list are the Madrid Rio street market, El Corte Inglés market (held in the car park opposite the Castellana Boulevard, and the Mercado de Motores (Motor Market Christmas Edition).
The term ‘pop-up’, among its many meanings like ‘an opening window on a computer browser’, also refers to a temporary commercial space with an expiration date clearly in mind. And many businesses and big name brands will employ this model to promote their products. Some repeat year after year.
The Mercadillo del Gato (The Cat’s Flea Market), the best known of this last category, opens its doors each Christmas season offering all kinds of products, from fashion items to handicrafts and decorative objects. Usually held indoors, this year (2022), it will be taking place at the historic and luxurious Westin Palace hotel between the 2nd and 9th of December.
Mercadillo del Gato on Gran Via. | Shutterstock
Another of Madrid’s must-see pop-up Christmas markets is the one organized by the Mercado de Diseño (Design Market). The 2022 edition will be held under the name Navidad en Azca (Christmas in Azca) and will take place between 16th December and 8th January, selling unique, one-off designer products. In the Salamanca neighborhood, this sales format usually takes the form of Pop Up Chic.
Although most of Madrid’s Christmas markets are located in the city centre, there are also some that are held in the outskirts of the city. The Vallecas market, taking place between 1st December and 7th January, offers all kinds of products from around twenty stalls.
Further out are the traditional Christmas markets of Torrelodones and Boadilla del Monte. The first of these to be held from 10th to 11th December is the renowned Mercado de las Conchas (Seashell Market). It is held every year in what is known as La Casa Verde (Green House), a beautifully renovated two-storey house which contains, in addition to the products for sale, an indoor garden and a pond.
The other, commonly known as Mercado de Los Pérez (Pérez´s Market), is found between the municipalities of Majadahonda and Boadilla del Monte. “Craft, design and gourmet delicacy are the central focus of what we offer at this traditional Christmas market”, according to their own website. The Tenth Annual Mercado de Los Pérez will be held between 17th and 18th December.
As we know, Madrid is not only home to Madrileños, but also to many other people from other places and nationalities, so it is not surprising for there to be options that cater to the tastes of other cultures, such as the Mercadillo Navideño Británico (British Christmas Market), held at Saint George’s Church, selling traditional British products.
There is also the Iglesia Evangélica Alemana (German Evangelical Church) flea market, which sells German specialities, advent wreaths and other seasonal products. The 2022 edition will take place the last weekend of November and the first Sunday of December. As one can see, Madrid’s Christmas markets aim to please all tastes and are a sure way to find that gift you are looking for but have not yet found.
