It might not be freezing cold outside, but Valencia’s Christmas markets are every bit as magical as their German counterparts… with a Spanish twist, of course!
Selling everything from handmade gifts to delicious treats, Christmas markets in Valencia are a cultural experience for the whole family and a wonderful opportunity to discover Valencia’s rich traditions.
So grab a cup of hot chocolate and let’s take a closer look at what Valencia’s Christmas markets have to offer and why they should be at the top of your list for holiday activities.
In This Article
Map of the best Christmas Markets in Valencia
1. Plaza de la Reina Christmas Craft Fair
Dates: From November 25th to January 9th
Address: Plaza de la Reina, 46003, Valencia
Opening hours: 10:30am – 2pm and 4:30pm – 9pm. December 24th & 31st opened only in the morning. January 5th opened until midnight
What to buy: Nativity scene figurines and handmade traditional crafts
What to eat: No food stall inside the market but plenty of cafés nearby. Don’t miss the churros and chocolate from Chocolatería Valor and the buñuelos from Horchatería Fabian
The newly remodelled and pedestrianised Plaza de la Reina hosts one of the most magical Christmas markets in Valencia. A couple dozen stalls, sell anything from handmade jewellery and fans to wooden sculptures with religious motifs.
The most popular stall by far, however, is the one selling nativity scene figurines, including the cheeky Caganer.
This humorous figure of a peasant pooping is one of the strangest Christmas traditions in this part of Spain. He’s likely a fertility symbol, although no one knows exactly how he made it into the nativity scenes. What’s certain is that he always makes people burst into laughter, no matter their age.
2. Colón Market Craft Show
Dates: From December 13th to January 5th
Address: Mercado de Colón, 46004, Valencia
Opening hours: 11am – 2pm and 4:30pm – 9pm
What to buy: Handcrafted ceramics and jewellery
What to eat: Pasteles de boniato from El Pan de Estellés bakery just outside the market
The Colón Market hosts a craft show several times a year, but the Christmas edition is always my favorite. Set against the backdrop of a beautiful Modernista market, the Colón Market Craft Show is the best place to go Chrismas shopping in Valencia at a leisurely pace.
A couple dozen stalls sell anything from handmade ceramics, soap and jewellery to prints and tote bags. A life size nativity scene is displayed by the main entrance and a huge Christmas tree is placed at the opposite end.
The best part is that you can combine Christmas shopping with a coffee break at one of the fancy cafés in the market. Or have a meal at one of the restaurants. This is one of the nicest markets in Valencia, so it would be a pity not to indulge a little.
3. The City of Arts and Sciences Christmas Market
Dates: From December 16th to January 8th
Address: L’Umbracle, City of Arts and Sciences, 46013, Valencia
Opening hours: 11am – 3pm and 5pm – 10pm. December 24th & 31st opened only in the morning. December 25th & January 1st opened only in the afternoon
What to buy: Toys and handmade jewellery
What to eat: Mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, grilled corn on a cob, paella, and more
In my opinion, the Christmas market organized at the foot of L’Umbracle in the City of Arts and Sciences is the best Christmas market in Valencia. It’s also the closest you will get to a typical German Christmas market in Valencia.
While this is probably the only Christmas market in Valencia where you can drink mulled wine and eat wurst, don’t expect an authentic German Christmas market altogether.
The City of Arts and Sciences Christmas market actually has three sections – an arts and crafts section where you can buy locally made gifts and toys, a food truck section where you can stuff your face with anything from burgers to paella and a play area.
What makes this market even more special is that it’s set against the magical backdrop of the City of Arts and Sciences. If you visit in late afternoon, you might even catch a spectacular sunset as a bonus.
4. Mercado de Tapineria Christmas Market
Dates: From December 22nd to January 5th
Address: Mercado de Tapineria, 46001, Valencia
Opening hours: 11am – 2pm and 5pm – 8pm
What to buy: Handmade jewellery and candles
What to eat: Italian pasta and pizza at Santa Rita, one of the coziest restaurants in Valencia
Mercado de Tapineria is a pop-up market organized around two lively squares in the Old Town. While the offers change every fortnight or so, the Ho, Ho, Ho Christmas market organized every year is the most festive of them all.
Tapineria market is a mere couple hundred meters from Plaza de la Reina, so no excuses there. Plus if you go through the passage next to American Twizz, you’ll discover some of the cutest little streets in Valencia, including the magical Plaza Miracle del Mocadoret.
From vintage home decor items, prints and fashion to handmade jewellery and candles, this Christmas market packs several dozen vendors under one (two actually) roof. Being set indoors, it’s also a great opportunity to warm up a little, in case temperatures drop in late afternoon.
5. Luis Vives Three Kings Market
Dates: From December 23rd to January 6th
Address: Luis Vives High School courtyard, in front of the North Train Station, 46002, Valencia
Opening hours: 11am – 22pm
What to buy: Toys, handmade jewellery, ceramics and soaps
What to eat: Cotton candy and caramelized nuts
Another traditional Christmas market in Valencia, the Mercadillo de Reyes de Luis Vives opens its doors a bit later than you’d expect – usually around December 23rd. That’s because this cute market hosted in a schoolyard across the street from the North Train Station, caters to people looking for regalos para Reyes (gifts for the Three Kings Day).
In Valencia, just like anywhere else in Spain, the holiday season lasts until January 6, when the Three Wise Man or Three Kings come bearing gifts. Years ago, Santa Claus was pretty much skipping Spain, and kids had to wait until Epiphany day to get their gifts. These days, however, most kids receive gifts from both Santa Claus and the Three Kings.
Whether you’re a Santa Claus or Reyes Magos fan, the Luis Vives Three Kings Market is a nice place to visit. Besides buying handmade gifts, here you can also play chess and enjoy the smell of cotton candy and caramelised nuts. They also organize fun activities for kids.
6. Conde de Salvatierra pop-up Christmas Market
Dates: From November 25th to January 9th
Address: Calle Conde de Salvatierra, 12, 46004, Valencia
Opening hours: 10:30am – 20:30pm
What to buy: Chic knitwear, accessories and jewellery
What to eat: No food sold inside the market. For a coffee break, check out La Más Bonita pastry shop nearby
The Cool Market organized inside a commercial unit on Conde de Salvatierra Street, is the place to go if you are looking to buy pretty knitwear. This Christmas market is just a few meters down the street from Mercado de Colón, so if you’re in the area, you should pop in and browse their stuff.
This Christmas market has a couple dozen stalls. In this case, it’s not the artists that are behind the counter but various shops from around the city. While this might sound less appealing, the market has a unique charm due to the beautifully curated items.
Besides fashion items and accessories, this Christmas market also has live music and kid friendly activities. The only thing is that you’ll have to check the schedule with them in advance, or you might end up visiting a very quiet place (nothings wrong with that!).
7. Cabanyal Three Kings Market
Dates: From January 3rd to January 6th
Address: Just outside Mercado de Cabanyal along Avenida del Mediterráneo, 46011, Valencia
Opening hours: 10am – 9pm. January 5th opened until past midnight
What to buy: Leather bags, toys and affordable fashion
What to eat: Colorful candy and coal shaped sweets
This Christmas market is organized on the streets near Mercado Municipal de Cabanyal. It’s the least fancy of Valencia’s Christmas markets, but it’s the largest one, with some 200 stalls.
Here you’ll find affordable (yet mass produced) gifts, such as warm sweaters, socks, leather bags, scarves and toys.
Food wise, you will find all kinds of sweets, from gummy bears and candies to carbón dulce (sweet coal). Traditionally, the Three Kings give this coal shaped sweets to the naughty kids. Unfortunately, the vendors are not allowed to sell any other kinds of food.
The Cabanyal Christmas market gets really busy in late afternoon, especially on the last day when it stays open until the wee small hours of the morning.
Are there any Christmas markets in Valencia where I can buy new clothes at reasonable prices?
Yes, the Cabanyal Three Kings Market has many vendors selling brand new clothes at affordable prices.