With a new Christmas season upon us, more and more people dread the idea of spending time and money at big, multinational department stores. Who wants to stand in long lines to buy mediocre products and put more money into the pockets of big corporations? No thanks. Besides, most big stores and manufacturers disrespect the planet and humankind.
There’s a better way
Many people gift services or activities instead of objects. Who isn’t excited to receive a massage, a month of yoga classes or a weekend getaway? Count me in!
If you prefer to give a gift that can be wrapped and put under the tree, make it a handmade Christmas in Barcelona! And if you don’t feel crafty, you can buy something handmade by a local artisan. You’re supporting the local economy and a local artist.
The shopping process is fun, as most of the markets and events include live music, street food, performance art and other activities. Not to mention that receiving a unique and handmade gift is so much more meaningful.
If you’re in Barcelona this Christmas season then you’re in luck. There is a growing number of artisans living and working here and the number of events to showcase their work is expanding as well.
Here is a list of markets to celebrate your Handmade Christmas in Barcelona
Nov 24th:
Fira de Santa Llúcia – The city’s official Christmas market takes place in front of the Cathedral. You can find nativity scenes and figures, trees, wreaths, and mistletoe, handmade products and accessories, clothes, jewellery, decorative objects, gifts and much more. The fair runs through December 23rd. Learn more >
Nov 25th:
Bazar de Navidad Escandinavo – The artisans of the bazaar offer Christmas decorations, greeting cards, advent calendars, woolen socks and other knitwear, costume jewelry, bags and more. For lovers of Nordic flavors we have hot salmon salts, jams, juices, bread, pastries, biscuits, cookies, sweets and other delicacies. Free entry. Learn more >
Dec 2nd:
Collaboration Station 11th Edition – This is one of Barcelona’s most jam packed and versatile events to support the arts. Artists of all genres such as photographers, performers, live music, live art, fashion, food and much more! Located in Poblenou and entrance is 7 euros. Learn more >
All Those Food Market – a festival of everything gastronomic in Barcelona. The Christmas edition takes place at the Maritime Museum of Barcelona with more than 80 projects: cheeses, jams, sausages, knives, ceramics, artisan beer, natural wines, kombucha, and much more. Entrance is 2€. Learn more >
Give Print a Chance 2017. 4th Edition of the Silkscreen Market – In this edition, more than 35 artist will take part, a real who is who of screen printing in Barcelona, including some European and Latin American guest stars besides the best of the local scene from Barcelona. Runs through dec 3rd. Free entry. Learn more >
Dec 3rd:
Mercantic Vintage Fest – XMAS Edition – Mercantic is a large weekly market occurring every Sunday just outside of Barcelona, in the town of Sant Cugat. It’s very easy to reach by train and you will find a little bit of everything here, including furniture and antiques. Free entry. Learn more >
Market & Street Food – Happy Market arrives at the Bostik Ship with crafts, music and street food. We will have 30 exhibitors of fashion and art of different styles and disciplines, fashion, jewelry, accessories, illustrators. Pets are welcome. Free entry. Learn more >
Dec 8 – 9th:
Art & Fashion Xmas Market – Together with our friends and partners, we are happy to invite you to our creative space ArteriaBCN for the “Art & Fashion Christmas Market” which will open its doors from 6pm on December 8th until 10pm on December 9th. In the friendly and creative environment you can: Enjoy the true Christmas experience with music, food and drinks; View and buy the works of the best designers from all over the world who live in Catalonia; Participate in gastronomic and artistic performances and competitions; Know new friends and share your own creativity; and more. Learn more >
Dec 15th:
137° Artistic Studio Christmas Exhibition -On December 15th we open the doors at the 137° Artistic Studio in Poblenou to present our latest artwork for sale. You will find unique ceramic and porcelain pieces that make a perfect gift for your loved ones. Join us for a traditional glass of Glühwein, beautiful art, good company and more Christmas surprises! Learn more >
El Torn de Barcelona Christmas Market -This year we will host a Christmas exhibition of our ceramic artists at ElTornBarcelona. There will be many beautiful and handmade pieces of ceramics for sale, if you want to buy something unique for your loved ones. We invite you to come along, meet the artists and bring your friends! Runs through the weekend. Free entry. Learn more >
Dec 16th:
Art Lover Ground – the International Art Event gathers artists, including photographers, painters, illustrators and musicians, from all around the world, to showcase their talent. Attendees can enjoy a live Music set, art performance and art exhibition. Tickets can be bought at the door for €6, or online: Super Early Bird for €4 or Early Bird for €5. Learn more >
Festivalet -an independent fair of handmade or manufactured small-scale products that is celebrated every December in Barcelona and that is already a benchmark in the sector. In this 10th edition we will have four different sections: Product area, Gastronomic area, Material area and Publications area. Runs through December 17th. Entrance is 2€. Learn more >
Feria de Arte “Regalart” – Art Fair gives the possibility of acquiring art at a very affordable price and at a very opportune moment of the year, in which we all seek a different and distinctive option to give away. Do not forget if you can bring a didactic toy for children up to 14 years old and thus collaborate with the collection campaign that we are doing together with the Red Cross. Free entry. Lean more >
Sexy Things Market Navideño – a new market focused on exposing designers and artists with their productions. Space of exhibition and sale of original products and works, which treat from multiple points of view the art of capturing sexuality in objects. Illustration, photography, fashion, jewelry, objects and much more. Free entry. Learn more >
Mercat Nadal – Mercantic is a large weekly market occurring every Sunday just outside of Barcelona, in the town of Sant Cugat. It’s very easy to reach by train and you will find a little bit of everything here, including furniture and antiques. Free entry. Learn more >
Dec 22nd – 23rd
Dress your wall – Mercado de obra gráfica – 6ª Edición – The first market in Barcelona dedicated exclusively to ARTISTAS EMERGENTES GRAPHIC WORK, returns full of news to celebrate its 6th edition. Designed to spread emerging art, supporting the talent and creativity of illustrators and designers while offering work at affordable prices and for all audiences. Learn more >
You can find more year-round artisan markets here!
Image from Oh-Barcelona on Flickr November 24, 2017.
