In Valencia in December, the city’s squares and streets transform with festive decorations. This Spanish city is known for its modern architecture and historic treasures.
From the end of November until early January, the city welcomes locals and visitors to the Valencia Christmas Market, along with a craft market and pop-up events highlighting Valencian brands.
In this guide, I list essential information such as the 2023 dates, opening times, locations, and the local delicacies you can expect.
In Valencia, December brings a festive atmosphere that covers the city from its historic centre to the modern districts.
You’ll find traditional nativity scenes displayed prominently and locals celebrating with family gatherings, feasts, and music.
Valencia Christmas Market 2023
You’ll find a variety of Christmas markets in Valencia, each catering to different interests.
Plaza de la Reina hosts the main Christmas market, primarily featuring crafts and artisan products. This is the best market if you only have time to visit one.
For an alternative gastronomic experience and unique exhibitions, the City of Arts and Sciences is your destination. Here, food trucks serve an array of dishes while traditional artisans like glassmakers and potters showcase their skills.
The Tapinería Market provides offbeat gifts, while Mercado de Reyes near Mercado del Cabanyal focuses on local produce.
El Saler City Hall Garden transforms into a magical space, offering interactive activities such as family yoga and dance.
In addition to the other markets, don’t miss Hello Christmas, a unique pop-up market featuring exclusively Valencian brands. Located on Calle Conde Salvatierra, this market spotlights local fashion trends, special accessories, home decor, and complementary activities like Santa visits and live music.
Dates and Locations
Valencia Christmas Market dates: Likely dates: 24th November 2023 to 8th January 2024.
Location: Plaza de la Reina.
Opening times: 10:30am to 2pm and 4.30pm to 9pm.
Christmas Eve: 10:30am to 2pm.
New Year’s Eve: 10:30am to 2pm.
Christmas Day: Closed.
New Year’s Day: Closed.
Admission: Free, no tickets required.
Christmas lights: No switch on date.
Santa: Yes.
Ice skating: Yes, at Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Vegetarian: Yes, plenty of options.
Vegan: Yes, plenty of options.
Gluten free: Yes, but limited.
Accessible: Yes.
Pet-friendly: Yes, but not recommended during busy periods.
Parking: Please take public transport to help limit congestion.
Reason to visit: Handmade crafts; Valencia’s artisanal heritage; regional delicacies like turron; blend of unique traditions.
Recommended tour: This popular Old Town tour with tapas and wine has a perfect rating.
Specialities: Turron; marzipan sweets; roasted chestnuts; traditional pastries; horchata with fartons; local wines; spiced churros.
Where to stay: The Valentia Corretgería is a beautiful hotel, located across from the Christmas market.
Hotels near Valencia Christmas Market
For proximity to the Christmas market at Plaza de la Reina, you’ll want to stay in Ciutat Vella, which is Valencia’s historic district. It places you at the heart of Valencia’s festive celebrations and rich heritage.
I’d suggest staying at Valentia Corretgería as it’s highly rated and conveniently situated near the Christmas market.
Location of Valencia Christmas Market
Recommended Walking and Food Tours
A city tour of Valencia is an excellent way to delve into the city’s rich history and cultural tapestry. With its iconic City of Arts and Sciences, ancient cathedrals and modern flair, Valencia warrants a visit any time of the year.
I recommend this city tour of Valencia, as it’s an incredibly unique experience. You get a tour of the Old Town, followed by tapas and wine in a historic 11th-century monument.
On a city tour, you’ll come across Valencia’s most famous landmarks and attractions, including the historic La Lonja, the impressive Valencia Cathedral, and the futuristic Palau de les Arts Reina Sofia.
For an informed look at Spain’s best Christmas markets, I recommend checking out my detailed guide on where to go.
Christmas in Valencia
In the video below, you’ll see the essence of Valencia’s Christmas Market. It provides a clear view of what you can expect when visiting this festive event.
Christmas Specialties in Valencia
Turron: A traditional Spanish nougat made primarily of honey, sugar, and egg white. Often mixed with almonds, it’s a typical treat you’ll find in Valencia during the festive season. Turron is integral to Christmas celebrations in the region, available in both hard and soft varieties.
Marzipan sweets: Moulded into various shapes and sometimes filled with sweet fruit pastes, these almond and sugar confections have a soft, chewy texture. While marzipan is enjoyed across Europe, Valencia has its own unique versions.
Roasted chestnuts: A common sight at Spanish Christmas markets, vendors often roast these nuts over open fires. Their warm, nutty aroma fills the air, making them an irresistible snack to enjoy as you wander through the stalls.
Horchata with Fartons: A classic Valencian drink, Horchata is a sweet, milky beverage made from nuts. It’s traditionally served cold with long, sugary pastries called Fartons. Though enjoyed all year round, it gains special significance during festivities.
Spiced churros: These deep-fried dough pastries are often sprinkled with sugar and spices, similar to doughnuts but elongated. Dipping them in a cup of thick hot chocolate is a local favourite.
Empanadas: Pockets of pastry filled with a variety of ingredients. While meat fillings are common, there are vegetarian versions available, often filled with vegetables or cheese.
Gluhwein: Borrowed from German Christmas markets, this spiced mulled wine is served hot. The warming blend of red wine, spices, and citrus fruits is especially welcome on cooler evenings.
Ajoblanco: A cold soup made from almonds, garlic, and bread. This Andalusian and Extremaduran delicacy can also be found in Valencia and provides a refreshing vegetarian option amidst the richer festive fare.
Polvorones: Crumbly almond cookies that melt in the mouth are typically made with lard, but many stalls offer vegetarian and vegan versions using vegetable fats instead.
Flao: A dessert that originates from the Balearic Islands but can be found in Valencia. It’s a sweet pastry filled with cheese, often flavoured with anise and mint.
Pestiños: Deep-fried pastries glazed with honey or sugar. Though they can be found throughout Spain during Christmas, each region, including Valencia, has its own slight variation.
Sangria: While more commonly associated with summer, many stalls serve a festive version of this wine-based drink infused with seasonal fruits and spices. It’s a refreshing counterpoint to some of the richer festive foods.
Hot chocolate: Thick and creamy, this beverage is perfect for dipping churros into. Its velvety consistency sets it apart from the usual cocoa drinks you might be accustomed to.
Christmas Gifts and Stocking Fillers
Valencian Ceramics: Valencia is renowned for its ceramic tradition, and the market is no exception. You can find beautifully crafted pieces, from decorative plates to intricate figurines, each reflecting the region’s artistic prowess. Many of these items carry traditional designs, making them authentic souvenirs.
Silk scarves: Valencia has a deep-rooted history in silk production, dating back to the 15th century. At the market, you’ll come across silk scarves in various designs, a nod to the city’s past and a luxurious gift choice.
Lladro porcelain figurines: Originating from Valencia, these high-quality porcelain statues are sought after worldwide. They range from delicate angels to intricate nativity scenes, making them ideal gifts or additions to one’s collection.
Orange-based products: Valencia, famous for its oranges, incorporates this fruit in various forms for the market. Expect to find marmalades, scented candles, and even beauty products enriched with the refreshing citrus scent.
Wooden toys: Local artisans display a range of handcrafted wooden toys. These often include traditional Spanish playthings, ensuring children receive a piece of Valencia’s cultural legacy.
Lace and embroidery: Delicate works of art, the lace and embroidered items at the market stand as a testament to the region’s skilled artisans. These pieces, often crafted by hand, range from tablecloths to apparel.
Saffron: While more commonly associated with regions like La Mancha, some stalls offer saffron due to its significance in Spanish cuisine. It’s packed in decorative tins or boxes, perfect for those who love to cook.
Wrought iron crafts: These items, which include wall hangings, trivets, and decorative hooks, showcase the metalwork skills of the region. Crafted with precision, they make for durable and aesthetic gifts.
Baskets: Handwoven and often incorporating designs unique to the area, these baskets come in various sizes. They’re as functional as they are beautiful, ideal for home décor or market shopping.
Musical instruments: Miniature traditional Spanish musical instruments, like castanets or tambourines, can be found at select stalls. Not only do they serve as charming gifts, but they also introduce recipients to the region’s musical heritage.
Things to Do in Winter
For a thorough rundown of winter activities and current events in the city, I suggest checking out the Visit Valencia website. For example, this is a useful guide if you only have 3 days to visit the city.
Sustainable Christmas Tips
Here are a few tips on how we can travel more responsibly in Valencia at Christmas.
Eco-friendly accommodation: Valencia is home to a growing number of hotels committed to sustainability. Opt for those harnessing renewable energy sources. This way, your stay contributes less to the city’s carbon footprint and supports local green initiatives.
Reduce food waste at markets: While indulging in the Christmas market specialties, order portions you can finish. If you’re unfamiliar with a dish, perhaps share it with a companion first. Minimising food waste will help reduce the strain on Valencia’s waste management during the busy festive season.
Ethical consumption: The Christmas markets in Valencia overflow with tempting products. Before purchasing, consider if you truly need the item or if it will be of use. This approach minimises clutter in your home and reduces the demand for mass-produced goods.
Sustainable diets: Valencia boasts a rich agricultural heritage, from its renowned oranges to fresh vegetables. Choose plant-based or locally sourced dishes when dining, as these typically have a lower environmental impact. Plus, you’ll get to experience the true taste of the region.
Sustainable transport: Valencia is known for its compact and walkable city centre, especially the Ciutat Vella or old town. Instead of taxis or cars, use the city’s extensive cycling lanes or opt for public transport. For instance, the city’s tram system connects key tourist spots, making it both convenient and eco-friendly.
FAQ
The Valencia Christmas Market dates are from 24th November 2023 to 8th January 2024.
The main Christmas Market in Valencia is located at Plaza de la Reina in the historic Ciutat Vella district.
The main Christmas market in Valencia is open 10:30am to 2pm and 4.30pm to 9pm. Christmas Eve: 10:30am to 2pm. New Year’s Eve: 10:30am to 2pm. Christmas Day: Closed. New Year’s Day: Closed.
While Valencia experiences milder winters compared to many northern Spanish cities, it’s advisable to pack some warm clothing as temperatures can drop, especially in the evenings.
If you would like to leave a review of Valencia Xmas Market, comment below.
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Recommendations are independently chosen based on personal travel experiences and extensive research. This post contains affiliate links to hotels and tours in Valencia, Spain. This means I get a small commission from any bookings at no extra cost to you.
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