Our guide on the most Underrated Christmas Markets for your next trip to Europe.
While many travelers flock to the famous Christmas markets in cities like Vienna, Munich, and Prague, Europe is brimming with lesser-known but equally magical holiday markets that offer unique experiences, festive charm, and fewer crowds.
While the bigger and more famous markets often steal the spotlight, these underrated Christmas markets offer just as much magic, charm, and holiday spirit — but with fewer crowds and more unique experiences. From sampling traditional treats to exploring medieval towns lit up for the season, these hidden gems provide unforgettable winter memories.
Here’s a travel guide to some of Europe’s most underrated Christmas markets, along with recommendations on what to do, eat, and enjoy at each destination.
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Most Underrated Christmas Markets to Visit
1. Colmar, France
Why It’s Special:
Colmar, with its fairy-tale setting of half-timbered houses and canals, transforms into an enchanting Christmas wonderland.
The city’s Old Town is adorned with festive lights, and the market is spread across six different squares, each with its own theme.
What to Do:
Explore the Market Squares: Visit each of the six Christmas markets around Colmar, from the cozy Place des Dominicains to the artisanal market in Koïfhus.
Boat Rides Along the Canals: Take a winter boat ride through Little Venice, where the buildings are illuminated with Christmas lights.
Christmas Carols in Saint-Martin Cathedral: Enjoy holiday concerts in the stunning Gothic cathedral.
What to Eat:
Pain d’épices: Traditional spiced gingerbread, often made with honey.
Flammekueche: A thin Alsatian pizza topped with cream, onions, and bacon.
Vin Chaud: Warm mulled wine spiced with cinnamon and cloves, perfect for keeping the cold at bay.
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2. Ljubljana, Slovenia
Why It’s Special:
Ljubljana’s Christmas market is an intimate, magical experience set along the Ljubljanica River. Known for its eco-friendly and sustainable initiatives, this market offers a variety of local, handmade goods, and the city’s natural beauty enhances the holiday atmosphere.
What to Do:
Explore Prešeren Square: This central square hosts the largest Christmas tree and is the heart of the market.
Festive River Cruise: Take a boat ride along the river, illuminated with twinkling holiday lights.
Ice Skating: Glide on the ice rink at Kongresni Trg (Congress Square).
What to Eat:
Potica: A traditional Slovenian sweet bread roll filled with nuts, poppy seeds, or dried fruits.
Klobasa: Grilled sausages served with sauerkraut and mustard.
Kuhano Vino: Slovenia’s version of mulled wine, served steaming hot from the stalls.
3. Tallinn, Estonia
Why It’s Special:
Tallinn’s Christmas market is set in the UNESCO-listed Old Town, surrounded by medieval architecture. With snow-dusted streets, festive lights, and a giant Christmas tree in the town square, Tallinn’s market feels like stepping into a winter fairy tale.
What to Do:
Explore Town Hall Square: Admire the market stalls set against the backdrop of Tallinn’s Town Hall, which dates back to the 13th century.
Visit the Craft Market: Shop for hand-knitted woolen socks, hats, and mittens made by local artisans.
Christmas Performances: Enjoy traditional Estonian folk dances and carol singing around the Christmas tree.
What to Eat:
Piparkoogid: Estonian gingerbread cookies, spiced with cloves, cinnamon, and ginger.
Blood Sausage (Verivorst): A traditional Estonian holiday dish served with lingonberry sauce and sauerkraut.
Glogg: Warm mulled wine, often served with raisins and almonds.
4. Zagreb, Croatia
Why It’s Special:
Zagreb has gained a reputation for its fantastic Advent celebrations, and it has been named one of the best Christmas markets in Europe. The city comes alive with holiday spirit, yet it still flies under the radar for many tourists.
What to Do:
Strossmayer Promenade: Visit this magical, elevated walkway lined with Christmas lights, offering panoramic views of the city.
Visit Zrinjevac Park: Stroll through this beautifully decorated park, with Christmas lights strung between century-old trees.
Live Music and Ice Skating: Enjoy live performances at the King Tomislav Square ice skating rink.
What to Eat:
Fritule: Mini fried doughnuts sprinkled with powdered sugar or drizzled with chocolate.
Kobasice: Croatian sausages, usually served with mustard and bread.
Rakija: A local fruit brandy, perfect for warming up on a cold winter’s night.
5. Basel, Switzerland
Why It’s Special:
Basel’s Christmas market is Switzerland’s largest, yet it remains relatively underrated compared to Zurich or Lucerne. Set along the historic Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz, this market boasts a magical medieval atmosphere.
What to Do:
Explore the Festive Old Town: Wander through the beautifully decorated streets of Basel’s Old Town, stopping by the many artisan stalls selling handmade gifts.
Visit the Johann Wanner Christmas Shop: Explore this world-famous shop filled with traditional Christmas decorations.
Christmas Tree at Münsterplatz: Admire the beautifully decorated tree and listen to the festive music performances in this picturesque square.
What to Eat:
Raclette: Melted Swiss cheese served over potatoes, pickles, and onions.
Basler Läckerli: A spiced, honey-based gingerbread cookie that originates from Basel.
Glühwein: Swiss-style mulled wine, often served with cinnamon sticks and star anise.
6. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Why It’s Special:
Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a medieval town that feels like it was made for Christmas. Its Christmas market, called the Reiterlesmarkt, is a hidden gem, less crowded than the famous markets in Nuremberg or Munich but equally charming.
What to Do:
Visit the German Christmas Museum: Learn about the history of Christmas traditions and decorations.
Take a Night Watchman’s Tour: Discover Rothenburg’s medieval history with a guided tour of the town led by a traditional night watchman.
Explore the Christmas Village: Walk through the beautifully decorated streets and enjoy live performances of Christmas carols and local folk music.
What to Eat:
Schneeballen: Fried dough balls dusted with powdered sugar, a Rothenburg specialty.
Bratwurst: German sausages served in a bun with mustard.
Heißer Apfelwein: Hot spiced apple wine, perfect for a cold evening.
7. Sibiu, Romania
Why It’s Special:
Sibiu, in Transylvania, offers a stunning Christmas market with the backdrop of medieval architecture and snowy mountains. It’s one of Romania’s best-kept secrets, offering an authentic holiday experience.
What to Do:
Explore the Grand Square (Piața Mare): The market is set in the heart of the city, with a giant Christmas tree and beautifully lit stalls.
Ice Skating: Enjoy ice skating in the central square, surrounded by historical buildings.
Crafts and Gifts: Shop for handcrafted wooden toys, traditional Romanian textiles, and ornaments.
What to Eat:
Cozonac: A traditional Romanian sweet bread filled with nuts, cocoa, and raisins.
Mititei: Grilled minced meat rolls served with mustard, a local favorite.
Țuică: A strong Romanian plum brandy, perfect for keeping warm in the cold.
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.