Barcelona's Christmas Fair

Barcelona's annual Christmas market, the Fira de Santa Llúcia, is held in the main Cathedral Square as well as the streets that run behind the Cathedral. This historic fair dating from 1786 features over 250 stalls selling seasonal decorations, Christmas trees, crafts and gifts. This year, the fair is running from the last week of November and is a fun option for an after-dark outing to get the family in the Christmas mood. Nativity scenes are a strong tradition in Catalunya and at this time of year, you can also take the kids to see Pessebre exhibitions at churches and museums in the city.

You will also be able to find yourself this year's tree at the market which come in a range of sizes to choose from.

If "Caganers" are your passion, then head along for a wide selection of these small defecating figurines and a chance to boost your collection! The small characters, that are usually included in nativity scenes, are thought to fertilise the earth and therefore bring prosperity for the new year.

Nativity scenes themselves or Pessebres are hugely popular in Catalunya and an incredible 100 stalls are dedicated purely to characters and decorations for your own Christmas crib.

Another annual resident at the Fira de Santa Llúcia is children's favourite the Caga Tío. This jolly log character is part of every Catalan child's Christmas tradition as he poops out presents to little ones on the 24th December having been fed and kept warm over the days leading up to Christmas!

For details of Nativity scene (Pessebre) exhibitions - visit http://en.firadesantallucia.cat/exposicions_pessebres.php

Fira de Santa Llúcia - Daily from the 25th November until 23d December 2012.

From 10.30am to 8.30pm (and until 9.30pm on holidays and weekends).

Location: Av. de la Catedral and Av. de Francesc Cambó.

For further information visit http://en.firadesantallucia.cat/