THE BEST CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN CÓRDOBA 2025

Córdoba’s Christmas markets kick off on 15th November with the illumination ceremony at Las Tendillas and continue until 6th January with the final stalls at Paseo de la Victoria.

This 2025 features 6 confirmed markets across the historic centre and neighbourhoods, plus another 8 in nearby towns such as Rute, Puente Genil and Lucena. At the stalls you’ll discover handcrafted nativity figures, Estepa mantecados, Córdoba artisan goods and gourmet products at the gastronomic fair in Paseo de la Victoria.

For first-time visitors, the essential circuit covers three stops:

Plaza de las Tendillas Market (the largest, with over 20 stalls)
Plaza de la Corredera Market (local crafts with an ice-skating rink)
Paseo de la Victoria Market (gastronomic delights in historic gardens)

The lights switch on 15th November at 7pm starting from Las Tendillas. All of this pairs perfectly with Andalusia’s mild climate that allows you to stroll through the markets without heavy coats, making Córdoba one of Spain’s most comfortable Christmas destinations for outdoor festive enjoyment.

WHEN AND WHERE DO THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS START IN CÓRDOBA?

In Córdoba, the Christmas markets begin earlier than in most Andalusian cities. By 15th November, Las Tendillas is already in full swing, whilst other places wait until 30th November or 1st December.

The brilliant thing is that they’re all clustered within the historic centre. You can cover Tendillas, Corredera and Paseo de la Victoria in a single morning without needing a car. And if you happen upon the charity market at Patio de los Naranjos, all the better.

The illuminations switch on 15th November at 7pm starting from Las Tendillas. This combines perfectly with Andalusia’s mild climate that lets you wander through the markets without heavy coats, making Córdoba one of Spain’s most comfortable Christmas destinations for outdoor festive enjoyment.

Market	2025 dates	Opening hours	Area / Location	Price	Tips
Plaza de las Tendillas	15 Nov – 6 Jan	10:30–21:00 (Mon–Thu) / 10:30–23:00 (Fri–Sat) / 10:30–21:00 (Sun)	City centre, Plaza de las Tendillas	Free	Go early (11:00–12:00) to avoid crowds; 20+ stalls of nativity sets and sweets.
Plaza de la Corredera	3 Dec – 5 Jan	11:00–22:00	Historic centre, Plaza de la Corredera	Free	Combine with ice rink, local crafts and flamenco shows.
Paseo de la Victoria	1 Dec – 6 Jan	11:00–21:00	Gardens, Paseo de la Victoria	Free	Family-friendly; Iberian street food and wooden toys.
Patio de los Naranjos (charity)	14–15 Dec	11:00–20:00	Mosque–Cathedral, Patio de los Naranjos	Free	Bring cash to donate; charity craft products.
Jewish Quarter	1st Sun in Dec	11:00–19:00	Judería, historic squares	Free	Authentic vibe; great for unique gifts.
Plaza del Potro (crafts)	TBC	TBC	City centre, Plaza del Potro	Free	Local artisans only; traditional Cordoban techniques.

YOUR CHRISTMAS ROUTE THROUGH CÓRDOBA'S 6 MARKETS IN DECEMBER

1. Plaza de las Tendillas Christmas Market

Plaza de las Tendillas has been Córdoba’s Christmas epicentre for decades. Over 20 stalls set up around the central fountain, from mid-November through to after Twelfth Night. Half of Córdoba comes here to buy their nativity figures, and rightly so.

The sweet stalls are absolutely brilliant: Estepa mantecados that melt in your mouth, artisan polvorones and those wine-flavoured ring biscuits that only appear at Christmas. María Carmen’s stall (near El Corte Inglés) has been selling nativity figurines for 15 years and stocks pieces you won’t find anywhere else.

The Christmas decorations range from traditional baubles to modern LED garlands. There are also wooden toys, scarves for when the evening chill sets in, and that roasted chestnut stall whose aroma carries all the way to Conde de Gondomar.

Weekend afternoons buzz with families. Better to visit midweek or early when the vendors are more relaxed and happy to share stories.

Where: Plaza de las Tendillas (Córdoba city centre)
When: 15th November – 6th January
Opening hours: 10:30-21:00 (Mon-Thu) / 10:30-23:00 (Fri-Sat) / 10:30-21:00 (Sun)

Head there at 6:30pm when the entire square’s lights illuminate. Antonio’s stall (corner with Cruz Conde) serves the city’s finest roasted chestnuts.

2. Plaza de la Corredera Christmas Market

Plaza de la Corredera transforms each December into something rather special: a Christmas market surrounded by 17th-century arcades. Whilst browsing Córdoba crafts, you have one of Andalusia’s most beautiful architectural ensembles as your backdrop.

Around 15 stalls sell local artisan goods, hand-carved nativity scenes and leather products crafted using traditional techniques. Paco Jiménez, at the stall near the arcades, creates nativity figures from local clay that make perfect gifts.

The highlight is the ice-skating rink they set up each year. Watching Córdoba children skating in 15-degree temperatures is quite a sight. Friday evenings feature flamenco performances that create magical atmosphere amongst the historic columns.

La Corredera car park sits directly beneath the square, so access is convenient. For free parking, the Vimcorsa facility at Ronda de los Tejares is a five-minute walk away.

Where: Plaza de la Corredera (historic centre)
When: 3rd December – 5th January
Opening hours: 11:00-22:00 daily

The best photographs come at 7pm when the arcade illuminations switch on. Ice-skating costs 4 euros for 30 minutes, skates included.

3. Paseo de la Victoria Christmas Market

Paseo de la Victoria hosts a Christmas market that combines shopping with one of Córdoba’s loveliest walks. Amongst century-old gardens with the Mezquita visible in the distance, around 25 stalls sell gastronomic delights from across the province whilst you listen to the gentle murmur of historic fountains.

Carmen Ruiz has spent years selling Iberian charcuterie and artisan cheeses from Los Pedroches, perfect for taking home. Miguel Ángel runs an extra virgin olive oil stall featuring Priego de Córdoba varieties that are proving hugely popular with visitors wanting something authentic.

The gardens connect directly to the centre, so you can visit this market then stroll down to Las Tendillas in ten minutes. There are shaded benches for resting between purchases, and several nearby bars where you can grab refreshments when the weather’s fine.

The area works perfectly for families as children can run around the gardens whilst parents shop. There’s also a playground five minutes away at Parque Cruz Conde.

Where: Paseo de la Victoria (historic gardens)
When: 1st December – 6th January
Opening hours: 11:00-21:00 daily

Visit at 5pm for the best atmosphere and natural light amongst the gardens. Carmen’s stall (near the main entrance) stocks the finest Los Pedroches ham.

4. Patio de los Naranjos Charity Market

The charity market at Patio de los Naranjos differs from all others because every euro you spend goes to worthy causes. The local charitable association organises this market just two days yearly, but it’s worth visiting simply for the atmosphere.

Stalls sell crafts made by volunteers: crocheted scarves, hand-painted bookmarks, ceramic Mezquita magnets, and those trendy macramé bracelets. There are also products donated by Córdoba businesses: perfumes, books, unopened toys.

Rosa López, a volunteer for three years, explains that they create the crafts throughout the year for this event. Each piece has its story, and you sense the love that went into making them.

The atmosphere is touching yet cheerful. Local choirs perform live, and people come not just to shop but to lend support. Prices remain symbolic considering everything funds social programmes.

Where: Patio de los Naranjos (Mezquita-Cathedral)
When: 14th-15th December only
Opening hours: 11:00-20:00

Arrive around 4pm when the musical performances begin. Rosa’s stall (near the entrance) features the best Christmas crafts.

5. Jewish Quarter Artisan Market

The Jewish Quarter market operates the first Sunday of each month, but December sees it dressed for Christmas and deserving a special visit. The narrow streets where Maimonides once lived fill with local artisans selling unique pieces: hand-painted ceramics, designer jewellery, illustrations of historic Córdoba and those popular amigurumi figures.

Laura Martín creates silver pendants shaped like the Mezquita and Roman Bridge that make perfect gifts. Paco Rueda has spent 25 years carving olive wood figures and his miniature nativity scenes are works of art.

The atmosphere feels more bohemian than other markets, with fewer tourists and more neighbourhood locals seeking something special. Prices reflect fair value for quality artisan work, and many artists explain how they create their pieces.

The Jewish Quarter has several Córdoba patios open where you can grab refreshments after shopping. Casa Pepe de la Judería is two minutes away for traditional fare, or Bodegas Campos for more elaborate tapas.

Where: Jewish Quarter (historic streets)
When: First Sunday in December plus special dates
Opening hours: 11:00-19:00

Arrive at 11:15am to secure the best unique pieces. Ana Cerámica’s stall (Calle Judíos) stocks Córdoba’s finest personalised tiles.

6. Plaza del Potro Craft Fair

Plaza del Potro’s craft fair is the most specialised of all. Only Córdoba’s most recognised artisans participate, selling pieces you won’t find anywhere else: traditional embossed leather, metallic lustre ceramics, and those filigree jewellery pieces crafted identically for centuries.

Antonio Morales sets up his leather workshop outdoors and demonstrates embossing techniques whilst you wait. Carmen Jiménez brings her Mudéjar-technique ceramics and explains why each piece is irreplaceable.

The atmosphere differs from other markets: here come Córdoba residents who understand craftsmanship, collectors seeking unique pieces, and visitors wanting something authentically Córdoba. Prices exceed normal markets, but the quality is incomparable.

For something special or a gift with history, this fair is perfect. Certain products like filigree jewellery or lustre ceramics are exclusive to here.

Where: Plaza del Potro (historic centre)
When: Awaiting confirmation (historically December)
Opening hours: Awaiting confirmation

Visit at noon when artisans begin their demonstrations. Antonio’s workshop (corner with the inn) features the finest embossed leather pieces.

10 CHRISTMAS MARKETS WITHIN AN HOUR OF CÓRDOBA

Córdoba province hosts some of Andalusia’s most authentic Christmas markets, particularly in towns like Rute the confectionery capital and Puente Genil famous for its illuminations. Most lie within 45 minutes’ drive from Córdoba city and combine perfectly with a day trip.

Rute sets up its market at Plaza de la Constitución from 20th November until 5th January, renowned for its Chocolate Nativity Scene created by Galleros Artesanos using over 1,600 kilos of chocolate. Children remain mesmerised watching the world’s largest nativity scene made entirely of chocolate, whilst adults can visit the Anise Museum and Mantecado Museum during the same trip.
Carmen Jiménez has run her artisan mantecado stall for 12 years and creates wine ring biscuits using century-old family recipes. The market operates 10am to 1pm then 3pm to 7pm daily.
Puente Genil becomes Spain’s first town to switch on Christmas lights and stages a light and sound spectacular at Paseo del Romeral called Celestial Forest featuring eight luminous 17-metre tree trunks. The market runs at Parque de los Pinos from 20th November until 5th January, with over 30 stalls selling everything from nativity figures to local gastronomic specialities.
Miguel Ríos runs a stall of seasoned olives and pickles that taste absolutely brilliant, and the atmosphere remains very family-friendly with keener prices than the capital. Weekdays open 5pm to 9pm, whilst weekends and holidays operate noon to 3pm and 4:30pm to 9:30pm.
Lucena begins its Christmas illumination on 5th December with a new light and sound show, known as one of the finest Christmas shopping destinations thanks to local traders’ dedication. The Christmas market runs 13th to 15th December at El Coso, with artificial snowfall on 19th December at Paseo de Rojas.
Antonio Morales sets up his Iberian ham stall and slices portions to order whilst explaining differences between various acorn-fed varieties. They also host Winter Fest with concerts and musical tributes between the Municipal Pavilion and Rocío venue. Opens 7pm to 8:30pm weekdays, Fridays and Saturdays until 9:30pm, and Sundays until 8:30pm.

Other Christmas markets across the province you must visit

Cabra
Magical Town 2025 featuring Let’s Dance Christmas spectacular and Multimedia Living Nativity

Montilla
40 Christmas events, Playmobil exhibition and flamenco zambomba performances through the streets

Montoro
Christmas market on 21st December with sweet-making workshops and the famous La Logroñesa marzipan factory

Iznájar
Christmas Village beside Andalusia’s largest reservoir with Living Nativity on 22nd December

Almodóvar del Río
Market 17th to 19th December at Plaza de la Constitución

Luque
Market 4th to 6th December at Plaza de España

La Carlota
Market 17th to 19th December at the Boulevard and Plaza de Abastos

THE NATIVITY SCENE ROUTE YOU CAN'T MISS IN CÓRDOBA

Córdoba boasts a nativity tradition extending far beyond typical church displays. The Córdoba Cultural Nativity Association organises an annual route encompassing everything from hotels to hairdressing salons, including hospitals and brotherhoods. This year features over 30 confirmed nativity scenes across the city.

The essential route includes three must-see stops:

The Municipal Nativity at San Felipe Neri Oratory proves most spectacular, created by the City Council with figures that change annually according to the chosen theme. Open 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 6pm throughout December.
The Reina Sofía Hospital Nativity surprises by occupying the main hospital foyer with displays combining tradition and modernity, visible 24 hours daily.
The Provincial Council Nativity sits in the interior courtyard of Palacio de la Merced featuring traditional Andalusian figures.

Other nativity scenes worth visiting:

Parador Nacional de Córdoba Traditional nativity in the former convent cloister
Hotel Exe Las Adelfas Modern display with changing themes each year
Real Colegiata de San Hipólito Historic nativity with 18th-century figures
Hermandad de la Esperanza Neapolitan nativity with designer figures
Casa de Sevilla en Córdoba Sevillian interpretation of the nativity
Peluquería El Guapo Habla The most curious nativity, set amongst mirrors and salon chairs
Centro Cultural San Hipólito Interactive nativity with light and sound

You can complete the entire route in one morning by car, or during a leisurely afternoon strolling through the historic centre. Most open 11am to 2pm and 5pm to 8pm.

Download the interactive map from the Nativity Association website to avoid missing any displays. Brotherhood and parish nativities typically close Mondays for maintenance.

MAP WITH CÓRDOBA CHRISTMAS MARKET ROUTES

Córdoba’s historic centre forms a perfect triangle for Christmas market hopping. Tendillas at the northern point, Corredera towards the east and Paseo de la Victoria closing the southern end. Everything lies within easy reach.

The morning route Start at Tendillas at 11am when they open, head down Cruz Conde to Corredera for the artisan market and finish at Paseo de la Victoria for gastronomic delights. Just 20 minutes’ walking in total and you can stop for refreshments at any bar along the way.

Where to park according to your plans For city centre markets only, La Corredera car park proves most convenient though charges apply. For a full day including monuments, park free at El Arcángel and catch the urban bus to Tendillas for 1.30 euros.

The villages require a car Rute sits 35 minutes via the A-45, Puente Genil 40 minutes on the same motorway. Both offer free parking beside their markets, so no worries there. Lucena lies slightly further but proves worthwhile if you catch their market from 13th to 15th December.

The quietest markets for families are Paseo de la Victoria and Patio de los Naranjos thanks to more spacious layouts. Tendillas and Corredera become crowded Saturday afternoons, better to visit midweek if possible.

Urban buses run until 11pm, perfect for returning from the centre after dinner.
The city centre blue zone becomes free after 8pm and all day Sundays.

WHAT TO DO AFTER CÓRDOBA'S CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Córdoba’s Christmas markets sit within the city’s tourist heart. Make the most of being there by completing a perfect day combining Christmas shopping with Córdoba’s essential sights if you haven’t visited before.

The Mezquita lies just 3 minutes’ walk from the charity market at Patio de los Naranjos. You can enter free from 8:30am to 9:30am for morning worship then spend the morning at Christmas markets. Or reverse it: markets in the morning and Mezquita in the afternoon when there are fewer visitors.

The San Basilio neighbourhood, home to the most famous patios, sits between the Jewish Quarter market and Paseo de la Victoria. Many patios open weekends in December with Christmas decorations, creating a unique experience you’ll only find in Córdoba.

Tours that combine with the markets: