The Christmas market in Madrid starts on 28th November with an official opening on 5th December in the Plaza Mayor. The market is open from 10 am until 9 pm every day right through until early January. The atmosphere of Christmas is highlighted by the twinkling lights and the wonderful nativity scenes in all of the museums and churches, with the most extravagant being the 18th century Neapolitan display in the Royal Palace. Madrid’s Christmas market has been going since 1860 and many of the stall holders still sell the traditional Belén nativity figures alongside fancy dress costumes, joke items and tinsel wigs ready for Fools' Day on 28 December. More information can be found at www.whatsonwhen.com.

Barcelona’s Santa Lucia Christmas market begins on December 13th until Christmas Eve in the Plaza de la Catedral and spreads onto the Placa Nova. There are some impressive nativity scenes dotted around the square and stallholders sell hand carved nativity figures. Another item often seen in Barcelona’s Christmas market are the piñatas in the shape of yuletide logs filled with goodies like sweets and small presents. The city is decorated with lights and ornaments at this time. More information can be found at www.barcelona-tourist-guide.com.