8 Amazing Underrated European Christmas Markets

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Every year, people pack their bags and head to Europe for the festive season. With Christmas markets popping up all over the continent, it’s the perfect winter getaway. But don’t worry! If you’re looking for some off-the-beaten-path destinations this December, we have your back with these lesser-known European Christmas markets.

Ever since Christmas markets became popular in the 16th century, they have been a major part of European culture. And while you may be thinking about the traditional markets in cities like Prague, Vienna, and Cologne, there are so many hidden gems to explore around Europe. 

From Austria’s small towns to France’s Alsace region, these destinations are perfect for a winter getaway. Here are the 8 best lesser-known European Christmas markets. 

1. Bruges, Belgium

The market in Bruges is one of the best small-town Christmas markets in Europe. It takes place in the charming historic city centre.

The outdoor markets are decorated with traditional crafts like lace items, hand-made ornaments and miniature ‘Boschendal’ houses. These items make great souvenirs for your loved ones.

You’ll also have the chance to visit some of the wonderful attractions in Bruges. This includes the Belfry, the Gothic Halles and the 14th-century Gruuthuse museum. Not to mention tasting fresh delicious Belgian waffles.

The festivities in Bruges run from late November to early January. It’s also easily accessible from other cities in Belgium, like Brussels and Ghent.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Bruges

2. Salzburg, Austria

There’s no denying how magical Austria is, especially during the festive season. But, the majority of tourists flock to Vienna. So visiting the Salzburg Christmas market is a must-do if you’re looking for one of the best off-the-beaten-path European Christmas markets to visit.

Christmas seems to engulf the whole city. The Salzburg Christmas market takes over the large Residenzplatz and Domplatz in the city’s historic quarter. It also dominates the smaller festive areas popping up around the city.

There are almost 100 stalls in total, with food and drink, Christmas decorations, crafts and toys and so much more. So, you’re guaranteed to find a wonderful festive souvenir.

The market runs from mid-November to the end of December. The promise of snow makes the experience even more magical. Don’t miss the regular musical performances, children’s shows, nativity plays and choir performances in front of the cathedral.

You can enjoy the performances with a freshly made pretzel and a jug of Austrian Glühwein to keep you warm.

Take in the view of the huge Christmas Tree, the baroque architecture and the glittering lights from the balcony of the DomQuartier Museum looking over Residenzplatz.

The courtyard of Fortress Hohensalzburg offers incredible panoramic views of the city covered in snow and the mountain peaks beyond.

Getting there is also very easy. Just take the O-Bus lines from Salzburg airport which takes around 30 minutes.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Salzburg

3. Manezhnaya Square, St Petersburg, Russia

There are several Christmas markets across Saint Petersburg, Russia, but the largest of them opens on Manezhnaya Square.

Remember that Russians celebrate New Year and only then Christmas (Orthodox Christmas is on January 7). Thus, the market opens in the last week of December.

Manezhnaya Square is a square in the historical centre of St Petersburg. During the holidays, it is richly decorated with lights that sparkle in the dark.

Usually, each year, the decoration is dedicated to a particular theme. For instance, one winter was about the famous Russian ballet “The Nutcracker” — and there were Nutcracker princes and mice everywhere!

Each evening, there are open-air concerts of local musicians and dancers. Later, when it is already dark outside, there are 3D mapping shows.

You can also opt for a merry-go-round or a skating rink visit. Without a doubt, the New Year tree is the centrepiece of this fairytale. People come there to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

It is impossible to resist the temptation to try all those tasty things they sell at the market. You’ll find blini and tea from samovar, gingerbread, mulled wine, shashlik, etc. You will also find plenty of gifts and unique Russian delights.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in St. Petersburg

4. Tallinn, Estonia

Whether you have visited Europe in winter or not, everyone knows how stunning it is. The Christmas markets in France, Germany and Austria are often written about, photographed and a hot spot for tourists to visit.

But, have you considered visiting Estonia in December?

Estonia is a gorgeous country on the Baltic Sea. The capital city of Tallinn makes you feel as though you have stepped back into medieval times. The iron lamp posts and rustic stall carts line the cobblestone streets. When the snow falls the city feels like a medieval snow globe.

In the middle of the market square, you will find the prettiest market that you will ever see. The town square is one of the best-preserved medieval town squares in Europe and is filled to the brim with 50 market stalls.

One of the best things about the festivities in Tallinn is that they are open for such a long time. The markets open at the end of November and they are open every day until early January.

Wander the stalls and admire the handcrafted wooden decorations, ornate ceramics and of course, hand-knitted socks, but you will also find folk dancers and choirs on the weekends. Oh, and if you’re in town on a Sunday, don’t miss the advent candle is lit.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Tallinn

5. Strasbourg, France

One of the most beautiful and extensive lesser-known European Christmas markets is located in Strasbourg, France. This village on the border of France and Germany is a mix of both cultures. It even has an old French part and a more recent German part.

Each year in December, the old town is transformed into a sort of winter wonderland. Strasbourg is even called the ‘Capital of Christmas’.

On many different squares throughout the city, you’ll find locals selling crafts, typical snacks, and all kinds of decorations you can imagine. Take your time to stroll through all the little streets because they are all magnificently decorated.

Also, don’t forget to visit the other beautiful places Strasbourg has to offer. While walking around the city you’ll pass by the Gothic-style Cathedral. This is, without doubt, the most impressive building in the entire city. Make sure to visit Grande Île and Barrage Vauban as well. 

Strasbourg is probably easiest to reach by car, although parking won’t be cheap. It’s also perfectly possible to reach Strasbourg by train. The train station is not too far from the city centre. Strasbourg also has its own airport where you can arrive.

The old city can be done on foot. But for the newer parts of the city, you might want to use the tram.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Strasbourg

6. Valkenburg, Netherlands

Valkenburg has one of the most underrated Christmas markets, namely in a cave. The city is at the southernmost point of the Netherlands. It’s near Maastricht and the Belgium border. 

For years marl has been removed from quarries. This has resulted in a series of caves. The Christmas markets in Valkenburg are inside 4 of these caves: the Fluweelengrot (Velvet cave), the Gemeente grot, Mergelrijk and Wilhelminagrot.

Valkenburg can be reached by either public transport or car. From Maastricht, it’s 15 minutes by train. By car follow the A2 towards Maastricht, just before Maastricht takes the exit Valkenburg.

For sale are ornaments and other festive items. Next to that food is for sale at the stalls in the caves. Unique are the nativity scenes and caves made from marl. The Fluweelengrot is in the corridors of a castle ruin, which can also be visited. In Mergelrijk is a 25-meter-long Christmas story in miniature on display.

In the Wilhelminagrot is Winter Wonderland. This is next to an underground Christmas market that offers a ride on a cable lift, a slide on a toboggan run, and an adventure mini-golf course.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Valkenburg

7. Ravennaschlucht, Germany

If you are looking for a truly magnificent, unique holiday experience, look no further than the amazing Ravennaschlucht. This is one of the best lesser-known European Christmas markets in Europe and is located just out of Freiburg, Germany.

This amazing event is held in the forest under a 40-meter arched bridge. When the sun goes down and it becomes dark the bridge is lit up by ever-changing lights. It changes the way the bridge looks and highlights the forest around it.

Plus, it’s also just as beautiful as the colours change and a train crosses the bridge. It is a sight to see not only the people on the ground at the market but also the passengers of the train.

Although held in the forest the market has a distinct family-friendly vibe about it. You will find a path through the woods beside the stream that depicts a Christmas story.

You’ll find families wandering the trail enjoying the story as well as anyone else who wants to brave the cooler temperatures away from the market.

The stalls that are there sell traditional Gluhwein (mulled wine) ready and hot to keep you warm. There are fires throughout the market to also give extra warmth and give you a chance to chat with other people attending. Food is in abundance.

There are a small number of places to sit and eat, mainly on wooden chairs and tables.

This market is one of the best things to do in Freiburg in the winter. But, you must remember to book your tickets. Yes, you have to have a ticket to enter this market. You also have to book your parking if you are arriving by car. 

Layers are also wonderful if you plan to leave the heat of the fires to walk through the forest to experience the Christmas story.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Freiburg

8. Colmar, France

Colmar is home to one of the best Christmas markets in Alsace. It’s often listed as one of the top lesser-known European Christmas markets. It is located in the historic region of Alsace, in Eastern France, not far from the city of Strasbourg. 

Because of its good train connections to Paris and Strasbourg, Colmar is a great place for a weekend getaway all year round. But, it is especially popular at Christmas time because of the market.

In the city, there are different locations for the wooden chalets, each dedicated to a specific theme, and a light path connects them all, creating a magical itinerary.

Depending on where you are, you can see arts and crafts, twinkling lights, decorations, local delicacies, clothes, or toys. There are also chalets dedicated to food and drinks. You’ll want to try the pretzels, tarte flambée, mannele (gingerbread men), local beers, and the must vin-chaud (mulled wine).

Apart from the Christmas market, Colmar is a beautiful city to explore, with colourful half-timbered houses and pretty squares.

If you are also into museums, don’t miss the Bartholdi Museum (the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty) and the Unterlinden Museum, with unique artworks.

✅ Discover the best places to stay in Colmar

Final Thoughts on the Best Underrated European Christmas Markets

Overall, Christmas is one of the best times of year to visit Europe. There’s so much to see and so many wonderful markets popping up all over the continent. But these markets, especially the more popular ones, can be incredibly busy.

If you’re looking to experience the charm of Europa at Christmas without the crowds, these underrated European Christmas markets are a great way to do both.

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