As has been the case for the last couple of decades, the Plaza Mayor in Madrid is now the location for the traditional Christmas market. It started on November 23 and it will end on December 31. You will be able to find lots of different items at the stalls, like costumes and nativity scenes, other decorations and funny gifts.
It must be said that the Christmas decorations at the market are unique, because besides enjoying the market in thousands of Christmas lights, there is an exhibition of handmade nativity scenes and there are decoration workshops.
Today, this article by ShMadrid will tell you more on Madrid’s Plaza Mayor during the Holiday Season.
Related article: Christmas with Children in Madrid
Lesser known information on Madrid’s Plaza Mayor at Christmas
Photo via Pixabay
The Christmas market at Plaza Mayor (in the neighbourhood of Sol) began at the end of November, but there are still a couple of days left to visit it. On weekends the market is open from 10.00 to 22.00.
If you plan on visiting the market, you will be surprised by more than 100 colourful stalls all over the square. You can buy all kinds of decorative items, if you still need those.
And if you are looking for a new nativity scene, there is a wide variety of figurines and other elements available here. Of course, other traditional classics, such as zambombas and tambourines (musical instruments), can also be discovered at this market.
On December 28 the Day of the Holy Innocents will be celebrated, and many of the market’s stands have a large selection of articles for you to play jokes and pranks.
The market at Plaza Mayor has become one of the city’s main traditional events of the season, and the market is organised by the Asociación del Mercado Tradicional Navideño de la Plaza Mayor. The association takes care of the many vendors that offer typical Christmas products and other funny gifts.
Related article: Madrid’s Christmas Calendar
Photo via Pixabay
Something you may not yet know, is that Plaza de Santa Cruz was the square that had a Christmas market in the 17th century. This used to be the place to buy gifts and decorations, but you could also get fruit and vegetables here.
Then in the 19th century they changed the markets, which meant that Plaza de Santa Cruz from that moment on sold toys, funny gifts, Christmas instruments and figurines for nativity scenes, while Plaza Mayor was the place to be if you wanted to get nougat, candy and turkeys.
This year, Plaza Mayor will surprise you with six illuminated nativity scenes at the different entrances. If you plan on visiting the market with your children, it will result in many magical moments.
The famous Christmas market has been taking place at Plaza Mayor for three centuries now, and it will be here for many more Christmas Seasons to come. And all of this is due to the popular market at Plaza de Santa Cruz, because if this market hadn’t been so successful at its location, Madrid would never have needed another location for its merchants.
Do you know other interesting facts about Madrid’s Plaza Mayor during the Holiday Season?
