Christmas is just around the corner and with it comes one of the best times of the year to travel around Europe: cities lit up, aromas of spices in the air and Christmas markets that look like they came straight from them of a story.
There are places where winter is experienced in a special way, with lights that illuminate the cold nights, snowflakes falling and the comforting feeling of having a glass of mulled wine in your hands. Christmas markets are authentic epicenters of magic, where crafts, gastronomy and tradition combine in a warm atmosphere that invites us to forget daily stress.
Beyond the famous markets of Germany, France or Austria, there are less crowded and more affordable destinations that offer equally memorable experiences. If you’re looking to experience a different Christmas without breaking your budget too much, here are seven little-known European destinations that host charming Christmas markets.
Tallinn, Estonia
If you’ve always dreamed of walking through a Christmas market that seems straight out of a fairy tale, Tallinn is your destination. In the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, surrounded by perfectly preserved medieval buildings, there is a market that is pure magic.
Here you can enjoy the glogia mulled wine, as you stroll among the stalls selling local crafts and traditional treats such as piparkoogidtypical Estonian gingerbread cookies. In the center of the square stands a huge Christmas tree, a tradition which, according to legend, has been going on since 1441.
Tallinn is not just its market: its historic center, with its ramparts and medieval towers, is perfect for getting lost in its streets and discovering a totally different Christmas.
Bratislava, Slovakia
While Vienna fills with tourists at Christmas, nearby Bratislava offers an equally attractive, but much quieter, alternative. Its Christmas market is held on Hlavné Square, where you can smell the scent of local specialties, such as lokše (stuffed potato omelettes) and mulled wine fill the air. This is also where their enormous Christmas tree awaits us.
There is a stage with music on Františkánske Square and a Christmas forest on Primaciálne Square. The atmosphere is intimate and cozy, with fewer people and a feeling of closeness that makes it special. Additionally, Bratislava has a beautiful historic center lit up with thousands of lights and perfect for a Christmas stroll. If you have time, be sure to visit Bratislava Castle, which offers spectacular views of the Danube and the city.
Riga, Latvia
The capital of Latvia is known for being the place where the first Christmas tree was decorated, in the 16th century. This city, with its modernist architecture and cobblestone streets, is a perfect destination for those seeking an authentic atmosphere steeped in history.
The Riga Christmas Market takes place on the Cathedral Square, where wooden stalls sell traditional Baltic products, such as hand-woven woolen clothes, wooden Christmas decorations and delicious local treats, the all wrapped in an atmosphere that smells of ginger and cinnamon.
Besides the market, you can’t miss Riga’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its narrow streets full of lights and its impressive Orthodox Nativity Cathedral.
Gdansk, Poland
The Gdansk Christmas market combines the best of Polish and Scandinavian traditions in a charming setting. Located in the historic center of the city, this market offers live shows, an ice rink and a wide variety of international dishes, pierogi (the typical Polish ravioli) to Nordic-inspired cakes.
The atmosphere is complemented by handmade decorations, a traditional carousel and a windmill-shaped structure that lights up at night. Additionally, Gdansk is a city steeped in history, ideal for exploring its cobbled streets, visiting St. Mary’s Church, or strolling the harbor along the Motlawa River.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana stands out for its innovative approach to Christmas. The shores of Ljubljanica come alive with ornate stalls spread throughout the city, offering a variety of artisanal products, gifts, traditional food and drinks, accompanied by a program of cultural events taking place daily on the streets and nearby places.
There is no shortage of concerts and street shows which create a warm and festive atmosphere. Don’t forget to try the poetrya traditional cake filled with walnuts, but it can also be filled with hazelnuts, tarragon, poppy seeds or cheese.
The city itself is a gift to enjoy at this time of year, with its castle on the hill and historic pedestrian center that invites you to get lost among the streets decorated with lights and decorations.
Zagreb, Croatia
If there is one Christmas market that surprises everyone who visits it, it is the one in Zagreb. The capital of Croatia has been awarded several times as one of the best Christmas destinations in Europe. During Advent, the city is completely transformed with spectacular decorations, outdoor ice rinks and streets lined with wooden stalls selling everything from decorations to local treats.
Ban Jelačić Square hosts the market, with a large Christmas tree and a stage for concerts. But if there’s something you can’t stop trying here, it’s the strukli, a traditional Croatian pasta dish filled with cream cheese or other ingredients, perfect for beating the cold. Additionally, Zagreb has charming corners such as the Grič Tunnel, illuminated with Christmas lights and decorations, and a special tram decorated as if it were Santa’s workshop.
Strasbourg, France
Although not completely unknown, the Strasbourg Christmas market deserves a place on this list. Considered one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, it has been taking place since 1570 and has an authentic atmosphere that most large markets have lost.
The Christmas markets of the beautiful towns of French Alsace are so famous that it is difficult to walk through their streets, but in Strasbourg the atmosphere is different. On the Cathedral Square, surrounded by half-timbered Alsatian houses, stand traditional stalls where you can find local products, such as Alsatian wines, gingerbread and artisanal decorations.
With its mix of French and German culture, Strasbourg is an ideal destination for those looking for an authentic and quiet Christmas, far from the crowds of other major European cities.
