It’s time to list the Best Christmas Markets in Europe! One of the most important Christmas traditions everywhere around the Old Continent is to gather together with friends or family and head over to the city centre for some proper Christmas atmosphere and food.
I will offer you 5 Christmas Markets that are unconventional, ones that you wouldn’t even consider. After all, this is the Outlandish Blog, so we keep things extraordinary here ;) I can personally recommend these markets instead of their well known neighbours for various reasons.
One of the biggest reasons being the absolutely awful size of the crowds in popular markets. Also, gentrification is a problem: no local authenticity in sight anymore. If you wish to experience the true European Christmas Vibes, you’ll do better checking out these options:
To avoid confusion; the images in this article are from the Tallinn Christmas Market.
1. GDANSK Christmas Market instead of Stockholm
- Starts: Friday 20th November 2026
- Ends: Monday 23rd December 2026
- Where: Main square Targ Węglowy and along the Nowa Motlawa river
- Entry fee: Free
Gdansk is a Northern Polish city located right by the sea and, to be completely honest, it’s much more worth seeing than Stockholm any given day or season. And obviously a lot cheaper than the Scandinavian equivalents.
It’s no coincidence I’m naming this city as the number 1 on my Best Christmas Markets in Europe list: Gdansk is one of my favourite cities in Europe! It’s a smaller version of Copenhagen but the vibes are even better.
As such, I would absolutely recommend the Gdansk Christmas Market over the Scandinavian alternatives! There you can find a great mix of Polish and international foods and drinks, plenty of handicrafts and an amazing atmosphere.
And all of the above without the unjustifiably high prices and privacy-invading crowds. Some of the food stalls are run by local restaurants so you can get the authentic local food experience instead of the gentrified = tasteless burgers. This market was also named the “Best Christmas Market” in 2025 by Europe’s Best Destinations voters.
2. TALLINN Christmas Market instead of Helsinki
- Starts: Friday 20th November 2026
- Ends: Thursday 6th January 2027
- Where: Central square Raekoja Platz
- Entry fee: Free
Broadening from Scandinavia to the Nordics, I can whole-heartedly recommend skipping the Helsinki Christmas Market! Over-priced food that’s not worth the money, “handicrafts” shipped in from China and no alcohol allowed. Now, glögi is the traditional Christmas drink in Northern Europe, and for adults it always includes a drop of alcohol. Except in Finland!
So, if you want the authentic seasonal market experience, I highly recommend opting for the Tallinn Christmas Market instead! It’s only a 2-hour cruise from Helsinki, so if you accidentally ended up there, no worries. Just hop on a boat! The cruise is an experience in itself.
The Christmas Tree Tradition in Tallinn’s main square (Raekoja Platz) dates back to 1441, which makes it the oldest public Christmas tree tradition in Europe. Tallinn Christmas market was also tipped to be the Best Christmas Market in Europe according to Lonely Planet.
Here are just a couple reasons why:
- Plenty of good food
- Very strong glög (seriously, be careful with it!)
- Local artisans and handicrafts
- Joyrides for children
- Music and dance performances.
More on the topic: Best Restaurants in Tallinn – Your Expert Guide
3. BRATISLAVA Christmas Market instead of Vienna
- Starts: Thursday 26th November 2026
- Ends: Thursday 3rd January 2027
- Where: All over Bratislava Old Town
- Entry fee: Free
As someone who has lived in Slovakia I confess having been surprised by many things there, but especially the Bratislava Christmas Market. Bratislava may be a small city compared to Vienna close by but it certainly puts up a great Christmas Market!
And having visited the Vienna Christmas Market a couple times, I really can’t recommend it. Quite gentrified, way too expensive and the crowds are way too much, you can’t even move. Whereas Bratislava flies under the radar:
As the Best Christmas Markets in Europe go, it’s one of my favourites! The market stalls snake around the Old Town instead of focusing on just one square. There’s so much food and drink, music, performances, local products, like wine and art, and the vibes! This year you can also explore a Children’s Christmas Forest.
Slovak people are some of the best I’ve ever encountered and they ensure that the atmosphere there is always high. Just go and see for yourself!
4. WROCLAW Christmas Market instead of Berlin
- Starts: Friday 20th November 2026
- Ends: Friday 7th January 2027
- Where: Market Square Rynek
- Entry fee: Free
Poland has everything you could ever look for in all the Central European countries in one place, cheaper and with nicer people. Which is why I’ve featured this country twice on this Best Christmas Markets in Europe list.
Wroclaw is a beautiful city with a long and colourful history located on the Western flank of the country. As such the Wroclaw Christmas market is a brilliant option for the over-crowded one in Berlin. This time round the fairytale-like market is open until 7th January 2027 for the first time ever!
Enjoy the German markets’ atmosphere but with less crowds and cheaper prices, what’s not to like?! Plenty of food and drinks on offer, of course, with seasonal lights and entertainment as well as unbeatable vibes.
5. ZAGREB Christmas Market instead of Budapest
- Starts: Saturday 28th November 2026
- Ends: Friday 7th January 2027
- Where: 25 markets all around the city
Instead of heading to another popular and as such uncomfortably crowded Christmas market in Budapest, how about going a little bit South? Croatia is often only thought about as a summer vacation destination, but the capital Zagreb will surprise as a brilliant Christmas destination as well!
This Christmas market isn’t just focused into one square but is instead spread around the city. There are over 20 different markets you can visit in parks, squares and even in a wartime tunnel.
The Zagreb Christmas Market is open all the way through the first week of January offering local foods and drinks, amazing atmosphere, handicrafts, local wine and so much more! As a less touristy market you can get the proper local experience here.
6. LJUBLJANA Christmas Market instead of Venice?
- Starts: Friday 27th November 2026
- Ends: Thursday 3rd January 2027
- Where: Old Town area on both sides of the river
- Entry fee: Free
Ljubljana is the capital of one of my favourite countries: Slovenia. It’s an unknown gem often left in the shadow of its more popular neighbours like Italy and Austria. Which is such a shame because this country is incredible!
And as such, also the Ljubljana Christmas Market is worth noting on this Best Christmas Markets in Europe list! This beautiful market is spread along the banks of the Ljubljanica river. You can experience the festive atmosphere in for example in Breg, Prešeren Square, Congress Square, and the Ljubljana Castle.
Try the local delicacies and drinks, shop local crafts and produce, and enjoy an atmosphere that you won’t get in other over-crowded markets. Free concerts and performances take the experience to another level.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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