Each year as Christmas rolls around, Madrid’s main square turns into a sprawling market featuring 104 stalls filled with nativity scene figures, musical instruments, toys and joke items. From November to 31 December 2023.

Organised by the Plaza Mayor Christmas Market Association, this hundred-year-old fair is one of the city’s most beloved traditions. The 104 stalls run by individual vendors sell Christmas favourites: figurines to make your own nativity scenes, Christmas decorations and gag gifts.

Back in the 17th century, stalls selling fruit and vegetables as well as decorations and presents would pop up around Christmas in the neighbouring Plaza de Santa Cruz. Two hundred years later, an ordinance was approved to legalise the market, and it became the place to go if to you were looking for nativity scene figures, Christmas decorations or toys. If, however, it was sweets or a turkey you were after, then you would head to the market on Plaza Mayor.

Nowadays, all Christmas paraphernalia are sold in the century-old market in Plaza Mayor, in stalls that were renovated in 1980s, taking on the shape of small huts. In Plaza de Santa Cruz you’ll find a vintage carrousel that runs till the beginning of January.