Barcelona Christmas Markets

Christmas in Barcelona is an understated affair with Mediterranean flourishes tossed in for good measure. Unlike in some northern European countries, Barcelona has only a few Christmas markets and they pop-up less frequently. Here are two separate Christmas markets in Barcelona that were held on opposite ends of town.

The first was held at a small monastery tucked into the far corner of the city on two different weekends in the run up to Christmas. These markets featured homemade decorations and desserts. Many of the proceeds of the sales went to local charities.

Thinly sliced cured ham (or jamón) is a fairly common snack or appetizer in Barcelona. As seen above it is sometimes served in paper shaped cones and can be found at the markets in Barcelona throughout the year. Below, you'll also see a banner sporting the words, "Bon Nadal", or Merry Christmas in Catalan.

The second market is more centrally located in Barcelona, right on the northern end of Passeig de Gracia. These little pop-up Christmas huts are more typical of European Christmas markets. Here they sell wine, olive oil, chocolates and higher end goods. These markets are small, but remain open throughout most of December.

Here we will leave you with one of those Spanish Mediterranean flourishes: an orange tree along the sidewalk covered in Christmas lights, seemingly strange, but not an uncommon sight in Barcelona.