Ah, Christmas. The family time, the memories, the food—the holiday season is sure to put a smile on your face, whether you celebrate Christmas or not. If you’re trying to get into the festive spirit through travel, or you want to explore more of your backyard, there’s no better place than an Eastern European Christmas market! These markets, many of them having been around for decades (or longer!), encompass everything great about the holiday season: the tradition, the togetherness, and, perhaps most importantly, the mulled wine. If you want to explore some Eastern European Christmas markets over Christmas and new year this year, don’t start packing until you’ve consulted our guide!
Poland
Krakow Christmas Market
Open from early in the morning until late at night, the Krakow Christmas Market is the biggest in Poland. Located in Krakow’s old town, the Market Square dates back to the 13th century, and the market makes every effort to hark back to those days in its every detail. Rynek Glowny, this market is located in Europe’s largest square, which means you’ll never run out of things to do, treats to sample, and presents to buy! The Christmas Market is open from the last week of November until after Christmas.
Romania
Sibiu Christmas Market (aka Targul de Craciun)
What started as a pilot project for this Eastern European country has now become a decade-long tradition that kicks off Romania’s Christmas market season. Hosted in partnership with Romania’s Austrian Embassy, the market boasts a skating rink, a small amusement park, nativity scenes, and countless market stalls with an Austrian influence. The market, open from November 17 to December 31, is located in the Grand Square of Sibiu, surrounded by Baroque architecture and colorful lights.
Croatia
Advent in Zagreb
Heralded as one of the most popular Christmas markets in Europe, the Zagreb Christmas Market is not to be missed. Located in Ban Josip Jelačić Square, this market is a celebration of light, from the massive Christmas tree to the open-air stage to the light display twinkling against the square’s fountain. You’ll find other festive experiences, such as the Ice Park, around the Croatian capital, so make sure to step outside the market as well! The Christmas market runs from the end of November to the first week of January.
The Czech Republic
Prague Christmas Market
You’ll find several Christmas markets spread across the Czech capital, but the two main ones are located centrally in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, just a five minute walk from each other. Visitors are treated to hundreds of stalls selling handmade gifts, delicious treats, and, of course, Czech beer! At 4:30pm every evening, the huge Christmas tree in Old Town Square is lit, to much fanfare, and then the celebrations truly kick off. While the tree is large enough to be seen from most spots in the Old Town Square market, arrive early for the best view! Prague‘s Christmas markets welcome visitors from December 2 to January 6.
Hungary
Budapest Christmas Fair and Winter Festival
Located in front of the Gerbeaud Coffee House in the heart of the city, the most enchanting and popular Budapest Christmas market is a treat for all ages. Enjoy traditional treats, such as honey cookies, and other freshly-baked Hungarian delights, such as lángos (deep fried flatbread). Featuring live shows, a children’s program, and beautiful stalls selling a variety of goods, the market is a highlight of the Hungarian capital’s winter scene, and not one you’ll want to miss out on! You can visit Budapest’s magical festive markets from mid-November to the end of December.
Nothing gets you into the Christmas spirit quite like a Christmas market. Between the scent of mulled wine and the twinkling lights, a visit to one of these Eastern European Christmas markets is the perfect remedy for the winter blues.
