With one happening this weekend and then on several dates throughout Advent, Madrid plays host to a series of nuanced Christmas Bazaars that are enjoyed by foreigners and Spaniards alike. Check our favourite Bazaars in Madrid!
Sunday 18th November
The American Women’s Club of Madrid kicks off the pre-season preparations with their annual Holiday Bazaar where those of us who need to send gifts abroad can get wonderful ideas and interesting presents from the 60+ vendors who are selling handcrafted gifts, jewellery and accessories. There is American food and bakery, English language books and Santa has promised to pop by between 12:30pm and 2:30pm.
Where: Hotel Intercontinental, Paseo de la Castellana 49 (Metro Gregorio Marañon)
Time: 12pm – 7pm
Entry: 4 € (children under 12 years old go free)
Highlights of this bazaar: free face painting (2:30-4:30pm) and fabulous tombola prizes
Thursday 29th November
The Evangelical Church Friedenskirche hosts Adventsmarkt in its beautiful surroundings a stone’s throw from Colon. Expect sausages, beer, mulled wine and gingerbread. Children enjoy the joyous atmosphere and exciting sounds & smells.
Where: Friedenskirche, Paseo de la Castellana 6, 28046 (Metro Colon)
Time: 6pm to 10pm
Entry: free
Highlights of the bazaar: children love the hot dogs!
Saturday 1st December
Madrid Active School is hosting their annual Second Hand Market, open to the public and a real hit for children. With so many parents involved in the performing arts working behind the scenes at this school, this really is an event to pencil into the calendar. Don’t miss the fun Christmas-themed workshops for children of all ages. There will be storytelling (in Spanish), dance classes, face painting, games, children’s books, toys as well as nearly-new clothing too.
Where: Madrid Active School, calle Antonio Reig 6, 28035 Madrid (Metro Valdezarza or Antonio Machado)
Time: 11am to 6pm
Entry: free
Highlights of this bazaar: kids love watching their parents have fun as they try to learn how to do urban dance moves!
Sunday 2nd December
The British Ladies’ Association hosts their annual Charity Bazaar in aid of local Spanish charities. This is the best fair in town to find Christmas crackers, Christmas pudding, Cadbury’s chocolate tree decorations and mince pies. Tea and coffee on offer all day, with home baked
goodies too.
Where: Iglesia San Miguel de los Santos, Calle Lopez de Hoyos 39 (Metro Avda. America)
Time: 12pm to 6pm
Entry: 3 € (children from 3-10 years old, 1€)
Highlights of this bazaar: the nostalgia factor for all expat Brits and the excellent selection of stocking fillers
Saturday 15th December
St. George’s Anglican Church is celebrating their incredibly popular Christmas fair with delicious mulled wine, traditional bake sale and fun tombola among other delights. If you get there early you may be able to buy Christmas crackers, but they usually sell quickly. There will be several crafts stalls to choose Christmas gifts from. This is a uniquely Christmassy pop-up market for locals and visitors alike.
Where: St George’s Anglican Church, Calle Núnez de Balboa 43 (Metro Velazquez)
Time: 11am to 8pm
Entry: 2€ (children free)
Highlights of this bazaar: the raffle and the cakes
Friday 14th December until 29th Dec 2018
Provisional dates (please check website for more details)
Embassies and cultural associations based in Madrid from around the world gather together to showcase how Christmas is celebrated in their neck of the world at this unique Feria de las Culturas. This joyful fair takes place in the stunning Matadero arts complex and includes exhibitors from over 70 countries. The program (not available on the date of publishing this post) will include face painting, storytelling, live music and children’s theatre listings. Click here to find out more.
Where: Matadero, Paseo de la Chopera, 10, 28045 Madrid (Metro Legazpi)
Time: 12pm to 8pm
Entry: free
Highlights of this bazaar: this fair plans to win back and capture the children of Madrid with over free 300 events in a fortnight filled of toys and fun activities.
Check our blog for more upcoming activities in Madrid!