Top Lesser Known Christmas Markets in Europe (Hidden Gems Christmas Markets)
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Top Lesser-Known Christmas Markets in Europe
Every year in late November until end December, Europe hosts the best Christmas markets in the world.
No wonder Europe has the best and most authentic Christmas markets. Afterall, the oldest Christmas market was hosted for the first time in history, in Dresden, Germany back in the 15th century.
Top Hidden Gems Christmas Markets in Europe
Today, if you are travelling across Europe during the festive season, you are guaranteed to enjoy the magical Christmas vibes.
In almost every country in Europe, you will encounter Christmas Markets, some big, some small, some attract millions of visitors and some are just for locals. If you are like me, enjoy celebrating the festive season in lesser-known Christmas Markets, the Hidden Gems ones, join me for majestic holidays journey.
#1: Verona Christmas Market, Italy
I know that this comes with a surprise to many! Listing the romantic city of Verona as one of the best lesser-known Christmas market in Europe. Trust me, it is one of my favourite ones packed with magical feelings.
Verona Christmas Market Dates
Every year, starting from mid-November and until 26th December, Verona dresses up in magical lights, turning this romantic Romeo and Juliette city into the perfect romantic destination during Christmas.
Verona Christmas Market Location
The Christmas market is located mainly in Piazza Erbe and 2 main small Piazzas that are connected to Piazza Erbe, their names are Piazza Dante and the courtyard of Mercato Vecchio.
Top Reasons to Visit Verona Christmas Market
Historic and Romantic City Centre Attractions
Other than it is the city of love and the city of Romeo and Joliette, Verona is filled with historic cities, such as Verona Arena, Piazza Bra, the Castel and much more to see and visit.
Eating the Famous Pandoro Cake
Trying the famous Veronese Christmas cake, called, Pandoro Cake that was created in Verona in 1894.
Pandoro Cake is a light sponge vanilla cake dusted with powdered sugar, shaped like a Pyramid, it is so yummy, light, and a must try when you are in Verona.
Pro Tip: You can buy it from any Pastry Shop, supermarket or a mini market for less than 7 euros that feeds more than 10 if you buy the large size.
Authentic and Traditional Artisans
Unlike the major Christmas markets where you may find many of unauthentic Christmas gifts, at Verona Christmas market, you are guaranteed to find precious handmade gifts from clothing, wood, glass and much more.
The best Strawberry with Nutella Treats!
Here comes my favourite part of visiting Verona Christmas Market! Honestly, I tried so many treats during my visits to other Christmas markets, and nothing beats the Veronese ones! They are the best, sweet and delicious and a must try when you are in Verona.
Top Unique Stays in Verona Christmas Market
- VISTA Verona, 5 stars Palace Hotel
- Relais Colle San Pietro Hotel
- Relais Balcone di Giulietta, direct view of Juliette’s Balcony
# 2: Tallinn Christmas Market, Estonia
Going further North of European continent and for those who want to indulge in a white Christmas market vibe, Tallinn Christmas Market is the market that guarantees a white and snowy Christmas.
Tallinn Christmas Market Dates
Tallinn Christmas Market starts on 22nd November and lasts until 26th December of every year.
Tallinn Christmas Market Location
This fairytale Christmas market is located at the Townhall square in Raekoja plats – Raekoja plats, Kesklinna linnaosa, Tallinn, Harju maakond.
Top Reasons to Visit Tallinn Christmas Market
Tallinn Townhall Christmas Tree
The Tallinn Christmas market tree has significance importance to Tallinn and Estonian, the decorated tree has been a tradition for Tallinn Christmas market dating back to 1441, making the Tallinn Christmas market tree, the oldest Christmas tree in Europe, and therefore, it is a must see.
Guaranteed White Christmas Market!
If you enjoy White Christmas and want to indulge in a a snowy and cosy Christmas vibes, you are almost guaranteed to celebrate the festive season with the magical snowy grounds in Tallinn.
Named the Best Christmas Market in Europe
In 2019, Tallinn Christmas market was named the best Christmas market in Europe and for the years to follow, it is still topping the charts with its authenticity and magical vibes.
Indulging in the Hearty Estonian Foods
Estonia offers the best hearty foods to enjoy during the frosty and festive season, why not trying roasted potatoes with meats, black pudding, pickled pumpkin and for sweet tooth people, try the lingonberry jam and the crispy gingerbread cookies.
Visiting the Open Air Museum
The Estonian Open-Air Museum, every year on 17-18th December, they showcase the Estonian Traditional Christmas from all the rural places of Estonia, it is the perfect activity for both adults and children to immerse with the Estonian Christmas Tradition.
Top Unique Stays in Tallinn
- Schlössle Hotel – The Leading Hotels of the World, 5 Stars luxury Hotel
- AirHome – Sulevimägi Apartment, 3 bedroom modern and cosy apartment
- Hotel Telegraaf, Autograph Collection, 5 Stars Hotel with Spa and indoor pool
#3: Krakow Christmas Market, Poland
Poland is a very underrated country to visit in Europe, I visited Poland on a few occasions, during summertime and during the festive season, and let me tell you this, Poland is a stunning country that you should add to your travel bucket list NOW!
Krakow city, located south of Poland, feels like a fairy-tale city during the festive season, dusted with a snow cover transforming this city into one of the Disney movies! If you are looking for an authentic and almost no tourists Christmas market, Krakow Christmas Market is yours.
Krakow Christmas Market Dates
Krakow Christmas Market starts on 24th November 2024 and lasts until 1st January 2025.
Krakow Christmas Market Location
You will Krakow Christmas market sitting at the heart of Krakow City centre, at the main market square.
Top Reasons to Visit Krakow Christmas Market
One of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe
Krakow Christmas market dates to the 15th century, shortly after Dresden Christmas market started.
Most Authentic Christmas Market in Europe
At Krakow Christmas market you will find lots of merchants selling unique Christmas handmade gifts made of wool, silk, wood and other materials
Kraków’s Rynek Główny – Roofed all Year Round Market
Probably you are asking yourself what Kraków Rynek Główny is? Kraków’s Rynek Główny is located at the main square of Krakow city centre and it is a roofed market where merchants sell their products that ranges from clothing, gems, jewellery and much more.
Pro Tip: It is highly recommended to get enough cash when visiting Krakow Christmas market as most merchants do not have card machines and the nearest ATM machine is over 10 minute.
Polish Food and Drinks!
Krakow is your destination to taste the local Vodka and Mead alcoholic drinks, I recommend booking a walking food and drinks tour to indulge with the Polish hearty dishes during cold winters, such as the Polish Pierogi (Stuffed dumplings) and the Polish famous Vodka!
Cosy Places to Stay in Krakow
- Hotel H15 Francuski Old Town – Destigo Hotels
- Bachleda Luxury Hotel Krakow MGallery Hotel Collection, Luxury 5 Stars Hotel with Spa and indoors pool
- The Bonerowski Palace, a luxury and cosy palace at the heart of Krakow
#4: Dresden Christmas Market, Germany
The oldest Christmas Market in the world started in Dresden, Germany back in the early 15th Century. It is one of the must visit Christmas Market in the world if you are looking to where Christmas markets started back in the time.
Dresden Christmas Market Dates
Dresden Christmas Market starts on 27th November and lasts until 24th December of 2024.
Dresden Christmas Market Location
Dresden Christmas Market is located at the main square of Dresden city centre and it branches to a smaller markets across the historic centre and by the river.
Top Reasons to Visit Dresden Christmas Market
Dresden Christmas Market is the Oldest Christmas Market
Dresden hosts the oldest Christmas Market in the world, which started in 1434.
Since 2012 the main market is called the “Winter lights of Dresden” and it is indeed full of lights and beautiful decorations that captures the hearts of the youngsters and adults alike.
Dresden Christmas Market is FUN
Because of the immense decorations Dresden markets have, each hut at the market is decorated differently in the most magical way, prepare your camera to capture those twinkly lights, moving elves, Santa’s home, Gingerbread making and lots more of activities around this magical town.
Dresden Christmas Treats
From finding the most authentic Stollen cakes (look for the ones with the gold stamp on the wrap, as these stamps certifies authenticity), to traditional hotdogs (nowadays they offer vegetarian options), to German chocolate cakes, yummy crepes, hot chocolates with marshmallows and lots and lots of yumminess.
Pro Tip: To maximise your Dresden Market experience, it is recommended going with an empty stomach to indulge with the endless savoury and salty treats!
Unique Handmade Christmas Gifts
Oh my God! Do not let me start on this one, I already been twice to Dresden Christmas Market because it is so GOOD! Honestly, most of my Christmas home decorations are bought from Dresden market.
At Dresden Christmas market, the sellers sell unique handmade gifts from glass, wood, wool and others, that makes it the best market for gifting special Christmas gifts.
Dresden Hotels Near Christmas Market
#5: Edinburgh Christmas Market, United Kingdom
When people think about the UK Christmas market, people’s minds jump to London’s Hyde Park market and Regents Street angelic lights, which both are beautiful and a must add to your Christmas Bucket travel list.
However, if you ask me, I recommend taking the train or a flight to Scotland and explore Edinburgh’s Christmas market, it is so much fun and packed with activities and art performances.
Edinburgh Christmas Market Dates
Edinburgh Christmas Market starts on 15th November and lasts until 4th January 2025.
Edinburgh Christmas Market Location
Edinburgh Christmas Market is located at the city centre on Princes Street.
Top Reasons to Visit Edinburgh Christmas Market
The Castle of Light – Edinburgh Castle
It is the perfect place to start your visit to Edinburgh’s most magical castles and enjoy the twinkling lights experience at Edinburgh’s castle.
Torch Light Procession
On the 29th December of every year and to kick off the “Hogmanay New Years Celebrations” at the Scottish capital, the Torch Light Procession starts at the Meadows weaving through the historic centre of Edinburgh streets.
The streets will turn up as a big live outdoor performance theatre, with fire shows, art performances and much more.
Hogmanay New Year’s Celebration
If you want to celebrate starting a new year in a different and unique way, Hogmanay New Years Eve celebration is the way to go!
The city centre streets of Edinburgh will turn into massive open-air theatres and starting from the hour 21:00 and onwards hourly until midnight, you will witness a huge fireworks display sparkling the skies of Edinburgh. But when the clock Strick 24:00 the Firework show will go on an epic level, welcoming the New Year!
Pro Tip: Hogmanay Event tickets sell out very early every year, make sure to set a reminder from September to ensure you saved a spot on this spectacular New Years Eve event, also do not forget to book the sub-events and performances you wish to attend.
St Andrew Square Winter Garden
Over 450 trees are illuminated with lights, St Andrew Square Winter Garden is the host of one of the UK’s biggest illuminated tree maze gardens, a must-do activity when visiting Edinburgh at Christmas!
Ice Rink
If you enjoy sliding over the ice, head to George Street West and Castle Street to show off your ice-skating skills and once you finish skating, head to the Polar Ice Bar and sip the yummiest festive season cocktails.
Funfair and Ferries Wheel
Located at West Princes Street Gardens, everyone will enjoy a well-curated funfair activities suitable for all ages in addition to the biggest Ferries Wheel where you will get the chance to view sparkling Edinburgh and Edinburgh’s castle from the Top.
Christmas Shopping & Gifts
At East Princess Street, you will find over 70 Christmas stalls to shop locally made products and gifts.
Quirky Hotels Edinburgh City Centre
- The Witchery by the Castle, 5 Stars Luxury Hotel with stunning views
- The Balmoral Hotel, with Spa and famous Bar for trying differet types of Scottich Whisky
- The Edinburgh Rooftop Terrace, a perfect 2 bedroom apartment at the heart of Edinburgh
#6: Locorotondo Christmas Market, Puglia, Italy
Located in South Italy, in the Apulia region, a small town called Locorotondo attracts thousands of visitors each Christmas, I know what you are thinking! South of Italy, Christmas Market! How come?!
As unusual is this Christmas location is especially that this small town is not that cold during December, why on earth you are adding it to this list!
The answer is because of the Christmas Decorations this little town dresses up every year! I kid you not, the entire Locorotondo city centre is illuminated and decorated to the nines! You would think, it’s much more festive than the famous Oxford street in the UK!
Locorotondo Christmas Market Dates
Locorotondo Christmas Market runs from 14th November and lasts until 12th January 2025.
It is worth noting that Locorotondo does not have a market like the usual ones in Northern Europe, the decorations, however, is why people flock to this town during the Christmas season.
Locorotondo Christmas Market Location
Locorotondo Christmas Market is located at the city centre of the town.
Top Reasons to Visit Locorotondo Christmas Market
Town Turns into Christmas Fairy-Tale Village
Locorotondo city centre turns into a Christmas fairy-tale village with lots a lights, Christmas decorations, each home owner competes to display the best festive decoration.
A very Instagram-able place to take photos and witness festive vibes in Southern Italy.
Eating Pugliese Treats
From delicious local wines, Christmas treats, hearty pasta dishes that can be found in the little town, such as the Orecchiette Pasta that is made from Flour and water only, freshly baked Focaccias with tomatoes, onions and olives, and Chestnuts.
Visiting the Cute Town Alberobello
Alberobello the hometown of the Trulli (cone shaped) houses, a postcard town that is only 20 minutes drive from Locorotondo, a must visit town if you are in Puglia.
The best part, because you are visiting Puglia in the low season, you get to enjoy sightseeing without the crowds in a nice mild weather temperatures and sunny days.
Cute Places to Stay in Locorotondo
Merry Christmas and Happy Festive Season
To explore more of my top Christmas Markets in Europe and many other winter destinations, my blog offers the perfect hidden gems escape to wander in the historical European lands in winter.
