Lesser known European Christmas markets in 9 amazing cities
Europe’s Christmas markets are so well organized that many of its major markets have a reputation across borders and oceans, attracting international crowds every winter. Think of Nuremberg in Germany, Strasbourg in France or Edinburgh in Scotland. While the big, famous markets are definitely worth a visit, there are also many others that you may not have heard of. If you hike, you’re less likely to be surrounded by tourists while enjoying your mulled wine.
Especially in continental Europe, Germany and further east, Christmas markets can be found in every major city and even smaller towns. Traditional markets are a big deal here and are part of the cultural heritage and traditions, offering stalls of traditional food and drink, local crafts and events for the whole family at Christmas time.
I’ve listed some great places to visit during the holiday season, where you can enjoy great Christmas markets in cities or even countries you might never have thought to visit.
Krakow Christmas Market
Photo: Polish Tourist Office
1. Krakow, Poland
City Krakow, as well as the country of Poland, are two often overlooked destinations that are worth a visit. I want to mention Krakow Christmas Market over the Warsaw market because it is a lesser known market and the capital always gets more visitors than any other city. The magnificent main square at Rynek Główny, surrounded by magnificent architecture, is the leading Christmas market. Not only can you buy plenty of traditional and handmade Christmas cribs and nurseries originating from Krakow, you can also try many traditional foods here. You won’t be hungry from mulled wine to pierogi dumplings, from a wonderful poppy seed cake to borscht soup.
Pro tip: Get the pieces of meat before Christmas, because in Poland the Christmas meal is traditionally meatless in memory of the animals that were in the manger of baby Jesus.
![Helsinki harbor at Christmas](https://upload.travelawaits.com/ta/uploads/2022/11/Helsinki-Harbor-819x1024.jpg)
Helsinki harbor at Christmas
Photo: Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey
2. Helsinki, Finland
Finland has always been associated with Christmas because Santa’s villagebut few think Helsinki for a Christmas city break. Finland’s capital is magical at Christmas time: twinkling lights everywhere, ships in the harbor decorated and markets in every corner. The largest market is located on Senate Square in front of the Helsinki Cathedral. Featuring a huge Christmas tree, small stalls selling local arts and crafts, lots of reindeer, reindeer memorabilia and food featuring reindeer and elk. It is worth overcoming all kinds of irritability, because reindeer is wonderful, low-fat, tasty and durable meat. There are small stalls next to the harbor basin, and the nearby historic indoor market is also all decorated for Christmas.
Pro tip: Find two of my favorite Christmas items in one wash by jumping on the ferry From Helsinki to Tallinn. In a little over a couple of hours, you’ll be there. With good luck, the Baltic Sea is frozen and offers wonderful views.
![Prague Christmas Market](https://upload.travelawaits.com/ta/uploads/2022/11/Prague-1024x683.jpg)
Prague Christmas Market
Photo: Tourist Office of the Czech Republic
3. Prague, Czech Republic
For some reason, most people seem to go Prague in the summer when it’s too hot and too crowded to really appreciate the city. In the winter, yes, you might need to dress a little warmer to enjoy a drink on the terraces, but if you make it into mulled wine or indeed a warm, flavored beer, you’re on to a winner. There are plenty of them christmas market on two sides of the city, but the most beautiful can be found in the Old Town Square, which is festively decorated and lit with a large Christmas tree standing proudly in the middle of the square. Also head to Wenceslas Square, where Prague’s second largest market takes place.
Pro tip: Don’t forget to catch a quick glimpse of King Wenceslaus riding upside down on his horse in the Lucerna Passage just off the square. This is a fun installation by local artist David Černý.
![Christmas tree in Tbilisi](https://upload.travelawaits.com/ta/uploads/2022/11/Tbilisi-887x1024.jpg)
Christmas tree in Tbilisi
Photo: Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey
4. Tbilisi, Georgia
Last year I was in Tbilisi looking for a little holiday fix, and not only that the city is simply wonderful, but it also allows you to enjoy Christmas twice. Georgians celebrate Christmas on January 7 because of the Georgian Orthodox Church, but non-Orthodox celebrate on December 25. The main Christmas market starts on December 25th and is open until January 14th. So you can easily spend Christmas at home, or elsewhere, and then join the Georgian party for a boost. The the main Christmas market is located along the wonderful Rustaveli Avenue, and the sidewalk is full of lights, stalls, performances and lots of fun. Definitely worth a visit.
Pro tip: Stay inside Tbilisi Marriott Hotel More decorations on Rustaveli Avenue. Even if you don’t stay there, make sure you come and enjoy the hot chocolate.
![Tallinn Christmas market](https://upload.travelawaits.com/ta/uploads/2022/11/Tallinn-1024x768.jpg)
Tallinn Christmas market
Photo: Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey
5. Tallinn, Estonia
Tallinn, just across the Baltic Sea from Helsinki, is one of my favorite places to visit for Christmas cheer. The old town is full of pig-shaped houses and cobbled streets. It usually snows. The town hall square is so charming in all seasons and its unusually simple church, but is especially charming when it is full of little cottages. Unlike other European Christmas markets that open at the end of November and close either just before Christmas or shortly after, Tallinn Christmas market starts on the 25ththon Christmas Day, and runs until the first week of the New Year, making it perfect for the post-Christmas break.
Pro tip: Buy yourself some cute little Christmas elves for sale all over Tallinn at Christmas. They are known for their big, round noses and red, pointy hats. They are lovely and always take pride of place in my home at Christmas.
![Brno at Christmas](https://upload.travelawaits.com/ta/uploads/2022/11/Brno-1024x625.png)
Brno at Christmas
Photo: Tourist Office of the Czech Republic
6. Brno, Czech Republic
Brno is the second city in the Czech Republic, but not on everyone’s radar. Yet here you will find wonderful old and colorful architecture, cobbled streets and inner city squares decorated with lights and decorations and filled with stalls, cottages and trees. The main square, Vapauten aukio, is not only the largest christmas market but is also a place for special events, performances, concerts and a fairground. The Cabbage Market focuses on handmade crafts and traditional local products, while Dominican Square has a life-size nativity scene, and Moravian Square has a large, heated tent, a flashing Ferris wheel, and a popular outdoor skating rink.
Pro tip: If you’re an architecture lover, don’t miss a visit to architects Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich at Villa Tugendhat, just north of the city center.
![Wroclaw Christmas Market](https://upload.travelawaits.com/ta/uploads/2022/11/Wroclaw-1024x1024.jpg)
Wroclaw Christmas Market
Photo: Polish Tourist Office
7. Wrocław, Poland
Wrocław, who by the way utters something like that vrot chip, is a city on the banks of the Oder River in southwestern Poland. For centuries, influences from the nearby Czech, German and own Polish culture Wrocław Christmas Market is delightful and a must-see for Christmas market enthusiasts. My favorite part of the main square is the giant stepped pyramid, a replica of the traditionally candle-powered rotating carousel pyramids that most Germans have as part of their Christmas decorations.
Pro tip: Try the famous Oscypek, a traditional Wroclaw smoked cheese that you won’t find anywhere else.
![Lights in York, England](https://upload.travelawaits.com/ta/uploads/2022/11/York-1024x684.jpg)
Lights in York
Image credit: Visit York
8. York, Great Britain
York at Christmas time may not be as well-known, but it’s still a city off the beaten track for winter visits to the UK, and most people enjoy the great decorations and lights of London. I don’t want to stop anyone from staying in London for Christmas. The lights, especially on Regents Street, are my all time favourites. However, while you’re there, why not hop on board train from King’s Cross? In less than two hours you will be in the center of York and you can start getting it a real Christmas spirit which is often missing in big cities. Head to the wooden cottages of St Nicholas Market, which line Parliament Street and fill St. Sampson’s Square and spill out into small side streets. There is plenty of food, from hot cinnamon donuts to German sausages, pulled pork with cranberry sauce and much more. It is a feast for the eyes and the stomach.
Pro tip: Make sure you stop Bettys Tearooms and eat cinnamon toast. Clear sky.
![Radovljica, Slovenia, in the snow](https://upload.travelawaits.com/ta/uploads/2022/11/Radovljica-1024x680.jpg)
Radovljica, Slovenia, in the snow
Photo: Slovenia Tourist Board
9. Radovljica, Slovenia
In northern Slovenia, in the Julian Alps, small, medieval and overly beautiful Radovljica is full of buildings dating back to the 16th century and turns into a magical Christmas wonderland in December. Usually covered by a blanket of snow the party begins On the weekend of St. Nicholas, around December 6, when the Christmas lights were lit in Linhart Square and the main Christmas stalls in Radol’ca Square. The party will continue until December 29.
Pro tip: To get a sense of the true spirit of Christmas, head to Mary’s Basilica Help Christianswhich is not only a beautiful Renaissance church, but also a pilgrimage site and home to the Nativity Museum.
For more information about the Christmas market, see these articles: