Christmas is just around the corner and with it comes one of the best times of the year to travel through Europe: illuminated cities, the aroma of spices in the air and Christmas markets that seem straight out 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 are combined in a cozy atmosphere that invites us to forget about everyday 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 are looking to experience a different Christmas without breaking your budget too much, here are seven not-so-known European destinations that host Christmas markets full of charm.
Tallinn, Estonia
If you’ve ever 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 stalls selling local crafts and traditional sweets such as piparkoogidthe typical Estonian gingerbread cookies. In the center of the square stands a huge Christmas tree, a tradition that, according to legend, has been maintained since 1441.
Tallinn is not just its market: its historic center, with medieval walls and 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 the aroma of local specialties, such as lokše (stuffed potato omelettes) and mulled wine fill the air. Right there, in addition, is 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 crowds and a feeling of proximity that makes it special. In addition, Bratislava has a beautiful historic center that is illuminated with thousands of lights and is perfect for a Christmas walk. 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 as the place where the first Christmas tree was decorated, back in the 16th century. This city, with its modernist architecture and cobbled streets, is a perfect destination for those looking for an authentic atmosphere full of history.
The Riga Christmas Market takes place on Cathedral Square, where wooden stalls offer traditional Baltic products, such as hand-woven woolen clothes, wooden Christmas decorations and delicious local sweets, all wrapped in an atmosphere that smells of ginger and cinnamon.
In addition to the market, you can’t miss Riga’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its narrow streets full of lights and its striking 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, a skating rink and a wide variety of international food, from pierogi (the typical Polish dumplings) to Nordic-inspired cakes.
The atmosphere is completed with handmade decorations, a traditional carousel and a mill-shaped structure that lights up at night. In addition, Gdansk is a city with a lot of history, ideal for exploring its cobblestone streets, visiting St. Mary’s Church or strolling through the port along the Motlawa River.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Ljubljana is distinguished by its innovative approach to Christmas. The banks of the Ljubljanica come to life with ornate stalls spread throughout the city, offering a variety of artisan products, gifts, traditional food and drinks, accompanied by a program of cultural events taking place daily in the streets and squares. nearby.
There is no shortage of live music and street performances that create a cozy and festive atmosphere. Don’t forget to try the poetrya traditional cake filled with walnuts, although it can also be filled with hazelnuts, tarragon, poppy or cheese.
The city itself is a gift to enjoy this time of year, with its castle on the hill and a historic pedestrian center that invites you to get lost among streets decorated with lights and decorations.
Zagreb, Croatia
If there is a 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 skating rinks and streets lined with wooden stalls selling everything from decorations to local sweets.
Ban Jelačić Square hosts the market, with a large Christmas tree and a stage for live music. But if there is something that you cannot stop trying here, it is the strukli, a traditional Croatian pasta dish filled with fresh cheese or other ingredients that is perfect to combat the cold. In addition, Zagreb has charming corners such as the Grič tunnel, which is illuminated with Christmas lights and decorations, and a special tram decorated as if it were Santa’s workshop.
Strasbourg, France
Although not entirely unknown, the Strasbourg Christmas market deserves a place on this list. Considered one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe, it has been held since 1570 and has an authentic feel that many of the large markets have lost.
The Christmas markets in 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. In the Cathedral Square, surrounded by Alsatian half-timbered buildings, stand traditional stalls where you can find local products, such as Alsatian wines, gingerbreads and handmade decorations.
With its mix of French and German culture, Strasbourg is an ideal destination for those looking for an authentic and quiet Christmas, away from the crowds of other major European cities.
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