As winter draws closer and the sun sets earlier, we prepare for brisk, long nights ahead. But why not add a little light and brighten up your entire month with a trip to one of Europe's alternative Christmas markets? Flocks of tourists head to Germany, Austria, and beyond to experience this joyful time of year, to sample mulled wine, and shop for unique gifts beneath the adorned trees. However, some beautiful Christmas markets in Europe don't attract the crowds, yet they boast a great deal of character during the festive season. Here are some of Europe's best-kept secrets.
1. Tallinn, Estonia
If you’re seeking a truly wintry wonderland experience, then Tallinn could be the perfect alternative destination. With its colourful medieval streets dusted in snow, the city feels as though it has stepped straight out of a storybook. At Christmas, Tallinn comes alive with an enchanting market in the heart of the Old Town, set against the backdrop of the beautifully preserved Town Hall Square. Wander through a maze of cosy wooden stalls and huddle around the magnificent Christmas tree, the heart of the market, which has stood proudly in this very square since 1441 and is believed to be one of the first public Christmas trees in Europe.
Take your time browsing the lovingly crafted gifts and decorations from across the region, each one offering a little glimpse into Estonia’s rich traditions. Follow the scent of festive treats through the square and sample some hot ‘verivorst’, a much-loved Christmas delicacy, or warm your hands with a cup of hot chocolate enhanced with a splash of Vana Tallinn rum. As you wander, let the sounds of traditional folk dancing and cheerful music performances wash over you, adding to the spellbinding atmosphere.
Tallinn’s Christmas market typically begins in the last week of November and lasts until the end of December, giving you plenty of time to soak up its charm. With its blend of history, culture, and fairy-tale festivity, Estonia might just become your next unforgettable winter wonderland.
2. Cascais, Portugal
Set along Portugal’s sun-kissed Atlantic coast, Cascais offers a wonderfully refreshing take on the traditional European Christmas market. Once a humble fishing village and now a sophisticated yet relaxed seaside town, Cascais transforms each December into a festive wonderland filled with colour, charm and coastal magic. Rather than snowy rooftops or frosty cobblestones, visitors are greeted by palm-lined promenades wrapped in twinkling lights and the gentle scent of the ocean drifting in from the bay. The heart of the celebrations centres around Cascais Christmas Village, a joyful seasonal attraction that brings the town to life with its inviting blend of traditions, performances and family-friendly entertainment.
Set in the atmospheric grounds of Parque Marechal Carmona, the market features clusters of wooden chalets offering an array of handmade gifts, local crafts and artisanal treats. From fish-themed Portuguese ceramics to beautifully embroidered linens and festive decorations inspired by the region’s maritime heritage, the market offers numerous opportunities to discover unique souvenirs. Food stalls tempt visitors with Portuguese favourites such as freshly baked pastéis de nata, roasted chestnuts and warm bolo-rei, the country’s beloved king cake. For a warming drink, mulled wine and hot chocolate flow generously, perfect for enjoying as you wander through the illuminated pathways.
Cascais embraces Christmas with a sense of playful wonder. The village usually features a traditional nativity scene, an ice-skating rink, a charming carousel and even Santa’s house, making it a delightful destination for families and couples alike. Choirs, street performances and festive parades add to the lively atmosphere, ensuring there is always something to see or savour.
Usually running from early December until early January, Cascais’ Christmas celebrations offer a blend of coastal beauty and seasonal spirit, ideal for those seeking festive magic in a milder, more leisurely setting.
3. Craiova, Romania
Nestled in the southwest corner of Romania, Craiova is a little-heard-of town with a lot of character. With its ornate architecture and vast parks, this vibrant town is an unexpectedly charming place to experience the Christmas spirit in one of Romania’s most beautiful regions. Surrounded by mountains with a relaxed, unhurried pace, Craiova offers visitors a wonderful setting for Christmas shopping, far from the hustle found in more well-known European cities, yet its market is poised to become the largest Christmas market in Europe.
Each year, the market transforms under a brand-new theme, bringing with it a sense of wonder. In 2025, Craiova will come alive with a theme inspired by The Nutcracker, turning the city centre into a festive fairytale. Visitors can stroll through sparkling displays and elaborately decorated pavilions while discovering exquisite crafts from across Romania. Expect stalls overflowing with hand-carved ornaments, traditional pottery, embroidered textiles, and other artisanal treasures unique to the region.
Of course, no visit would be complete without sampling a few festive treats. Indulge in a slice of warm cozonac, Romania’s beloved sweet Christmas bread, rich with cocoa, walnuts and pair it with a glass of local red wine as you stroll through the market’s glowing winter landscape. With live performances, children’s attractions, and countless opportunities to soak up the festive atmosphere, it’s easy to linger long after sunset.
Craiova’s market begins in mid-November and lasts until the new year, providing visitors with ample time to enjoy its charm. Why not experience the enchantment of Craiova this winter and discover one of Europe’s most delightful emerging Christmas destinations?
4. Kraków, Poland
Kraków, a well-known destination in Poland, is home to one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. While Germany and Austria often steal the spotlight when it comes to festive traditions, Kraków is quickly gaining well-deserved recognition for its own enchanting market. Located near the snow-capped Tatra Mountains, the city is one of the most likely places in Poland to enjoy a sprinkling of snow at this time of year, making a winter visit feel all the more magical.
The bustling Christmas market invites visitors to stroll along the cobbled streets, taking in the magnificent architecture that forms the heart of the city set against the backdrop of Rynek Główny, the largest medieval market square in Europe. The festive stalls glow beneath strings of lights, creating an irresistible atmosphere. As you wander, you’ll find an array of beautifully crafted Christmas gifts, from hand-painted baubles and woollen accessories to intricate wooden toys and regional handicrafts made by local artisans.
Food is at the heart of Kraków’s festive experience, and the aromas alone are enough to tempt you from one stall to the next. Sample steaming plates of pierogi, hearty kielbasa fresh off the grill, and oscypek, the beloved smoked mountain cheese, which is often served warm with local cranberry or lingonberry preserves. Pair your treats with a cup of mulled wine, a popular choice in Poland during the winter.
Typically, the Christmas market begins in the last week of November and continues through January; however, it’s often said that many of the traditional Christmas festivities taper off after the 26th, with the market gradually shifting its focus towards New Year’s celebrations. Whether you come for the food, the crafts, or simply the festive charm that fills every corner of the Old Town, Kraków offers a magical winter experience that lingers long after you’ve left.
5. Las Palmas, Gran Canaria
For a Christmas market with a genuinely unexpected twist, Las Palmas in Gran Canaria offers a festive experience unlike any other in Europe. Rather than snowy streets and frosty air, visitors are greeted by golden sands, warm sunshine and a relaxed island atmosphere that makes winter feel wonderfully different. Set throughout the historic district of Las Palmas and along the bustling promenades that follow the coast, the Christmas market brings together a vibrant mix of seasonal stalls, illuminated palm trees and charming decorations that reflect both Canarian culture and classic Christmas traditions. You will find pockets of pop-up market stalls throughout the city, making for a great trail or afternoon walk.
As you wander through the market, you’ll discover a wide range of handmade crafts, from colourful ceramics and traditional textiles to locally produced aloe and volcanic-stone jewellery, making a perfect Christmas gift. The scent of festive treats fills the air, tempting you to try truchas de batata, sweet pastries filled with spiced sweet potato, or freshly baked turrón, a popular holiday confection across Spain. Enjoy a cup of barraquito, the island’s signature layered coffee, as local musicians perform seasonal songs beneath the glow of fairy lights.
Usually opening in early December and running until early January, the Christmas market in Las Palmas offers an enchanting blend of sunshine, culture and festive spirit, ideal for those seeking a winter celebration with a touch of island magic.
A big atmosphere with small crowds
Whether you dream of snow-covered cobbled streets or prefer festive cheer under swaying palm trees, Europe’s Christmas markets offer something truly magical for every type of traveller. From the medieval charm of Tallinn to the emerging splendour of Craiova, the Celtic Christmas in Brest to the timeless elegance of Kraków and the sun-kissed celebrations of Las Palmas, each destination brings its own unique twist to the season.
These markets offer a unique way to experience Christmas away from the crowds. They invite you to slow down, sip something warm, savour regional delicacies and enjoy moments of simple joy amid beautifully crafted decorations and twinkling lights.
As winter approaches, perhaps it’s time to venture somewhere new, embrace a different kind of festive magic and discover the charm that only a Christmas market can offer.
