We all know about and certainly love the grand Christmas markets in major European cities like Paris, Rome, Budapest, Prague and Berlin. They’re always worth the crowds and the cold to pick out presents, enjoy typical local treats and drinks and admire the festive lights and magical looking scenery. Christmas Markets are a timeless tradition all throughout Europe though and while some are famous for good reason, we should not forget that we have options. Smaller and lesser known cities can be particularly charming during the holiday season, and can sometimes provide a more fantasy-like atmosphere than the popular cities we see every day whether we’re there or not.
Whether you have been to the big ones and are looking for something new to you, or something less touristic, or maybe your bucket list reaches a bit farther than the usual destinations, here are some lesser known European Christmas Markets that you absolutely cannot miss!
1. Sibiu, Romania
When: November 20 – December 26
Where: Great Square
Photo via Sebastian Marcovici
2. Bordeaux, France
When: November 27 – December 27
Where: Allées de Tourny
Photo via Flickr/Charles Hutchins
3. Brno, Czech Republic
When: November 28 – December 23
Where: Freedom Square
Photo via Flickr/EadaoinFlynn
4. Tallinn, Estonia
When: November 20 – January 8
Where: Town Hall Square
Photo via Flickr/Anita
5. Lübeck, Germany
When: November 23 – December 30
Where: Rathausmarkt, Koberg Square and Breite Strasse to name a few
Photo via Flickr/traveljunction
6. Ljubljana, Slovenia
When: November 27 – January 3
Where: Prešeren Square and city centre
Photo via Flickr/Thibault Deckers
7. York, England
When: November 19 – December 23
Where: Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square
Photo via Flickr/Keith Laverack
8. Bolzano, Italy
When: November 26 – December 23
Where: Piazza Walther
Photo via Flickr/sergejf
9. Tampere, Finland
When: December 4 – December 22
Where: Tampere Central Square and Kuninkaankatu
Photo via Flickr/Miia Sample
10. Bratislava, Slovakia
When: November 21 – December 23
Where: Hlavné Square
Photo via Flickr/Miroslav Petrasko
