The other Christmas markets
Beyond Santa Llúcia, December fills the city's squares with smaller fairs, each with a narrower focus and a much more local crowd.
Fira de Reis
The toy and gift fair on Gran Via, running from late December through to 5 January. It is the most family-oriented of the lot and the place to see what children are asking the Kings for.
Craft fairs
Several squares in the old city and in Gràcia host artisan markets in the weeks before Christmas, with ceramics, textiles and food from small producers.
The satellite fairs
Smaller versions of the cathedral market appear near the Sagrada Familia and in outlying districts, and they are far easier to browse than the main event.