Lesser known European Christmas markets

Prague's Christmas markets

Many European towns and cities offer special outdoor Christmas markets during the festive season. 

These run from mid/late November to early January and have stalls selling handmade crafts and gifts with mulled wine,food and live music. 

Prague, Czech Republic 

Prague's Christmas markets are found around the Old Town Square, which is festooned with seasonal decorations and Christmas tree that dominates the centre of the square. 

While in the city, there's the chance to walk over Charles Bridge and up to the castle for views of the city.

www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US/Things-toDo/Places/Experiences/Entertainment/s-praguewinter-fun 

Brno, Czech Republic 

The festive season in the Czech Republic's second city of Brno finds its cobblestone streets and colourful architecture inits city squares lined with decorations and Christmas markets. 

Zelný Trh, the Vegetable Market focuses on hand made crafts and traditional products. 

The square itself has a Baroque fountain, cathedral’s spires and historic buildings. 

Dominican Square has the city’s nativity scene, while Moravian Square has a large, heated marquee, ferris wheel, and outdoor skating rink. 

www.visitczechrepublic.com/enUS/News/2019/11/n-advent-czech-cities

Radol’ca Market Christmas

Radovljica, Julian Alps, Slovenia  

The northern Slovenian town of Radovljica has architecture dating back to the 16th and 17th century. 

Its festive celebrations start on St. Nicholas Weekend, in December, with the lighting of Linhart Square and the Radol’ca Market. 

www.book.julianalps.com/en/destinations/radovljica and 

www.julian-alps.com/en/p/julianaskitour/62466923/ 

Morzine, France 

Located in the Portes du Soleil with 650km of ski tracks, Morzine is part of the largest ski areas in the world. 

With snow guaranteed, the Christmas lights are switched on early December and, throughout the festive period there are firework displays and live music in the streets. 

www.seemorzine.com 

Kaunas Christmas

Kaunas, Lithuania 

Kaunas is located in south-central Lithuania, at the confluence of the Neris and Nemunas rivers. 

Kaunas Castle is a medieval fortress and near to the old town is the Kaunas Cathedral Basilica and the Gothic spires of the Hanseatic House of Perkūnas. 

The festive market celebrations in Kaunas take place in the two main streets of Laisves al and Vilniaus g. 

www.visit.kaunas.lt/en, www.kaunas2022.eu and www.kultura.kaunas.lt/en/events/view/istorijufestivalis-langas-i-zydu-gyvenima-kaune-ikiholokausto/6670 

Portimão, Portugal 

Portimão is a port city in the Algarve region of southern Portugal, known for its old quarter, the 17th century old church Igreja de Colégio, marina and proximity to many beaches. It also stages the Mercadinho de Natal, its Christmas fair. 

www.travel-in-portugal.com/portimao

Kraków, Poland 

The Kraków Christmas Market, located at Main Square, is a festive tradition in what was the former capital of Poland. 

The city offers well preserved, medieval architecture is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

www.poland.travel/en/travelinspirations/best-christmas-markets-inpoland 

Wrocław Christmas Market

Wrocław, Poland 

Wrocław is a city on the banks of the Oder River, in the southwest province of Lower Silesia. 

It has been influenced by Czech, German, and Polish culture. 

The Wrocław Christmas Market takes ove the four main areas of Market Square, Salt Square, Świdnicka Street, and Oławska Street.

www.poland.travel/en/cities/wroclaw and 

www.poland.travel/en/travel-inspirations/theamazing-winter-land

Leia Gill at Leia@welcometoama.com