CamperDays offers a selection of national and European Christmas markets, combining tradition, gastronomy and cultural experiences so you can enjoy the season with complete freedom and flexibility.
Christmas is one of the most special times of the year in Spain and every year it mobilises millions of people across the country. Markets, lights, traditional cuisine and cultural activities fill the squares and streets of cities and towns, and between November and December millions of people travel to experience the season and enjoy the traditions. This year, the DGT (Spanish Traffic Authority) expects more than 20 million road trips between 20 December and 6 January, while airports managed by Aena will operate 97,420 flights, showing how Christmas moves Spaniards and boosts activity throughout the country.
In this context, CamperDays has selected the most iconic Christmas markets in Spain and some of Europe, designed for those who want to combine tradition, gastronomy and cultural experiences in their getaways. ‘Christmas brings millions of people together across the country and Europe, and travelling on wheels allows you to enjoy the markets with freedom, flexibility and closer to each city or town,’ explains Adriana Neves, marketing manager at CamperDays.
Travelling during Christmas offers the opportunity to discover markets, taste local products and immerse yourself in the magic of each city or town. Doing so on wheels also allows you to adapt to the pace of each destination, alternating visits to historic squares, walks among lights and stops in lesser-known corners, combining tradition, gastronomy and cultural experiences in a flexible and authentic way.
Plaza Mayor in Madrid: the classic heart of Spanish Christmas
From 29 November to 31 December 2025, Madrid’s Plaza Mayor is transformed into a fairytale setting with over two hundred stalls filled with nativity scene figures, decorations, toys and traditional sweets. Baroque architecture, warm lights and the aroma of roasted chestnuts envelop the square, while the stalls offer churros, nougat and marzipan, inviting visitors to savour Christmas. Due to its central location and low-emission zone, it is recommended to use public transport to avoid congestion, although those travelling by car can find public car parks in the streets near the historic centre.
Fira de Santa Llúcia: Barcelona's oldest tradition
In the heart of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, opposite the Cathedral, the Fira de Santa Llúcia will open its doors from 28 November to 23 December 2025, filling the streets with history and Christmas spirit. Founded in 1786, it is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Spain, with more than 280 stalls displaying nativity scene figures, handmade decorations and the iconic ‘caganer’ and ‘Caga Tió’. Visitors can easily access the market by public transport—metro L3, Liceu or Catalunya stations, and city buses—and those travelling by car have nearby underground car parks. Among its delicacies are traditional Catalan nougat and sweets, which accompany the magical atmosphere of its cobbled streets.
Plaza del Pilar Christmas Market: Zaragoza's grand festive stage
From 30 November 2025 to 6 January 2026, Zaragoza’s Plaza del Pilar is transformed into a veritable Christmas village, with a giant nativity scene, ice rink, Ferris wheel and dozens of stalls selling local food and crafts. This market, considered the largest in Spain, combines tradition, entertainment and flavour, highlighting Aragonese pastries, Graus sausage and spiced mulled wine. Zaragoza has set up a specific area for motorhomes in the Actur neighbourhood, from where you can reach the city centre by tram or city bus, avoiding the traffic restrictions in the low-emission zone of the historic centre during the festive season.
San Sebastián Christmas Market: elegance and charm next to the Urumea River
Between 1 December 2025 and 6 January 2026, San Sebastián lights up to welcome its Christmas market in Plaza de Santa Catalina, next to the Urumea River. Recognised as the ‘Best Small Christmas Market in Europe’ in 2022, it combines design, Basque tradition and a carefully maintained natural environment. The market offers local cheeses, traditional sweets and txakoli, which can be enjoyed in an elegant and welcoming atmosphere. The location is within walking distance from the city centre or accessible by city bus, and there are public car parks nearby for those travelling by car.
Seville Christmas Market: the light of the south
From 5 December 2025 to 5 January 2026, Seville hosts its Christmas market on Paseo de Cristina and Plaza Nueva, surrounded by palm trees and historic monuments. This open-air market combines artisan crafts, Sevillian nativity scenes and live music with traditional flavours such as pestiños, mantecados and chocolate with churros, adding a sweet touch to your visit. The city has several public car parks in the centre and an efficient urban transport system, allowing you to enjoy the market without any mobility issues.
Christmas market in Colmar, France
Just a two-hour drive from where you pick up the motorhome is the picturesque town of Colmar, one of France’s best-known cities for its fairytale appearance and spectacular Christmas lights. From 23 November until the end of December 2025, the historic centre is filled with lights that flood the main squares, such as Place des Dominicains and Place Jeanne d’Arc, with colour. Beyond their decorations, these spaces stand out for their gastronomic delights and their range of artisan products, making them a must-see for those seeking the perfect combination of lights, flavour and tradition.
The charms of little Switzerland: Basel and Bern
With dreamlike snow-covered landscapes and the Alps as a backdrop, Switzerland ranks as one of Europe’s most attractive Christmas destinations. Just an hour’s drive from Colmar is the Basel Christmas market, considered the most charming in the country. This market is spread across two locations, Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, so we recommend spending a night at one of the campsites in the area and spending half a day exploring each square. The next day, just an hour and 20 minutes away by car, is the Berner Sternenmarkt, literally the Bernese Star Market, in the city of Bern. Open from the end of November until the end of December 2025, it is ideal to spend a whole morning browsing its craft stalls, sampling hot drinks and designer products, and enjoying typical activities such as merry-go-rounds, storytelling and Christmas music.
Cologne, Germany: six Christmas markets along the Rhine
Cologne, home to CamperDays’ headquarters, hosts a circuit of six compact and connected Christmas markets every Advent, perfect for exploring by motorhome over a weekend. From 14 November to 28 December 2025, visitors can enjoy a festive atmosphere amid lights, the scent of spices and the imposing view of Cologne Cathedral. The city offers local cuisine, quality crafts and activities for all ages. Among the most notable markets are Weihnachtsmarkt am Dom (Cathedral), the icon of the complex with its large tree and crafts; Heinzels Wintermärchen (Alter Markt and Heumarkt), the ‘village of elves’ with an ice rink and family activities; Markt der Engel (Neumarkt), with white lights and romantic decorations; Nikolausdorf (Rudolfplatz), with alpine cottages and a family atmosphere; Stadtgarten (Belgian Quarter), with design, crafts and local cuisine; and Hafen-Weihnachtsmarkt (Chocolate Museum), with a maritime theme and views of the Rhine.
With CamperDays, visiting Christmas markets becomes a flexible and safe experience, allowing you to discover each city or town at your own pace. Travelling on wheels offers the freedom to explore lesser-known corners and enjoy the season in complete comfort and autonomy.
What is CamperDays?
Launched in Germany in 2013, CamperDays is Europe’s leading motorhome tour operator, working with 150 partners at over 1,000 stations worldwide.
CamperDays provides access to over 40,000 vehicles available for hire in 35 countries around the world, including destinations such as Spain, Europe, Australia, the United States, Canada and South Africa. The platform allows customers to choose from a selection of trusted providers worldwide through a simple three-step booking process, with rentals available from just £80 per day.
Since its launch, CamperDays customers have booked more than 1,000,000 nights in vehicles rented through the site. CamperDays offers access to a wide selection of motorhomes and caravans for all types of travellers, with transparent pricing and no additional costs. All vehicles come with insurance, so renters can enjoy a worry-free holiday. For more information or to make a booking, visit the website: https://www.camperdays.es/
Source: ATREVIA Communication