When it comes to Europe, the first Christmas markets that come to mind are usually the classic ones in places like Nuremberg in Germany, Vienna in Austria, or Strasbourg in France. These markets continue to attract thousands of visitors with their enchanting lights, traditional stalls, and the scent of mulled wine. However, each year more people are turning to alternative destinations to experience a more unique and authentic Christmas spirit away from the crowds.
These alternative Christmas markets stand out for being less well-known and for their intimate atmospheres that reflect local traditions. Set in fairy-tale towns, historic castles, or snow-covered mountain villages, these markets offer a rich Christmas experience filled with handmade gifts, local delicacies, and cultural activities. These hidden gems scattered across Europe offer unique opportunities for those seeking an unforgettable holiday during the Christmas season.
1. Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market – Germany
The Christmas Market set up in the Ravenna Gorge (Ravennaschlucht) near Breitnau in Germany’s Black Forest is one of Europe’s most enchanting winter events. Located beneath the 40-meter-high Höllental Railway Viaduct, the market resembles a fairytale land with its stone arches lit up by lights and snow-covered trees. Around 40 wooden huts welcome visitors with handmade gifts, traditional Black Forest delicacies, and iconic treats like mulled wine. The market is usually open only on weekends from late November to mid-December, and entry is regulated with timed tickets purchased in advance.
The Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market offers not only shopping but also a cultural and nature-immersed experience. Visitors can reach the market with a roughly 45-minute torch-lit walk starting from Hinterzarten, which adds a special touch to the event. Activities such as a Christmas Post Office for children and an informative Nativity Trail are also available. Transportation to the market is provided by shuttle buses from nearby towns like Freiburg, Titisee, and Hinterzarten. However, it’s important to note that due to limited capacity, tickets may sell out quickly.
2. Zagreb Christmas Market – Croatia
The Zagreb Christmas Market is considered one of the most enchanting winter events in Europe and was voted “Best Christmas Market in Europe” three years in a row in 2016, 2017, and 2018. The 2025 edition of the event will run from November 30, 2025, to January 7, 2026. During this period, the city transforms into a winter fairytale filled with lights, music, and delicious food. The event begins with the lighting of the first Advent candle at Ban Jelačić Square and continues in various locations such as Zrinjevac Park, European Square, Strossmayer Square, and King Tomislav Square.
The Christmas market in Zagreb offers not only shopping but also a cultural and gastronomic experience. Visitors can try traditional Croatian specialties such as “štrukli” (cheese-filled pastry), “fritule” (small fried sweets), and mulled wine known as “kuhano vino.” The ice-skating rink at King Tomislav Square provides fun for both children and adults. In the Grič Tunnel, visitors can take a walk through icy North Pole-like scenes. Throughout the event, the city hosts various concerts, art exhibitions, and workshops for children.
The Zagreb Christmas Market offers visitors not just shopping, but also a warm and welcoming atmosphere where unforgettable memories can be made. This event is a perfect reason to visit Croatia’s capital during the winter season.
3. Gengenbach Advent Calendar Market – Germany
The Gengenbach Advent Calendar Market is a charming Christmas event held in the town of Gengenbach, located in Germany’s Black Forest region. The most striking feature of this market is the transformation of the town’s 18th-century Baroque-style town hall (Rathaus) into the world’s largest Advent calendar. Each evening from November 30 to December 23 at 6:00 PM, one of the 24 windows of the town hall is opened to reveal artworks by renowned artists. In the past, works by artists such as Andy Warhol and Marc Chagall have been displayed. This tradition began in the 1990s to attract more visitors to the town during the winter months.
The Christmas market is set in Gengenbach’s historic town center, surrounded by narrow streets and half-timbered houses. Around 50 wooden stalls offer handmade gifts, traditional Black Forest treats, and iconic delights such as hot mulled wine (Glühwein). There are also fun activities for children, including a carousel. The market is typically open only on weekends from late November to mid-December, with entry managed through timed tickets purchased in advance.
The Gengenbach Advent Calendar Market offers visitors not just shopping, but also a warm and memorable atmosphere. It’s a perfect opportunity to experience the Black Forest region of Germany during the winter season.
4. Colmar Christmas Market – France
The Colmar Christmas Market is held in the city of Colmar in France’s Alsace region and is considered one of the most enchanting Christmas markets in Europe. In 2025, the market will be open to visitors from November 25 to December 29. During this period, Colmar transforms into a Christmas fairytale with its historic half-timbered houses, narrow streets, and the canal-side area known as “Little Venice” (Petite Venise). Six different themed markets set up across the city offer handmade gifts, local delicacies, and traditional Alsatian products.
Highlights of the Colmar Christmas Market include the Place des Dominicains Market next to the 14th-century Dominican Church, the Place Jeanne d’Arc Market which reflects the atmosphere of an Alsatian village, and the Place de l’Ancienne Douane Market near the Schwendi Fountain. Additionally, the Petite Venise area, with special activities for children, is ideal for families. Food lovers can enjoy specialties of Alsatian cuisine, including kougelhopf (a brioche-like cake), bredele (small cookies), pain d’épices (gingerbread), and mulled wine.
The Colmar Christmas Market is enriched not only with shopping but also with cultural and artistic events. Children’s choirs singing carols from boats on the river, concerts held throughout the city, and light displays offer visitors unforgettable moments. Nearby villages such as Riquewihr, Eguisheim, and Kaysersberg also host their own Christmas markets, making for perfect day trips from Colmar.
Getting to Colmar is quite easy; the city is about 45 minutes from Strasbourg Airport and about 45 minutes from EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg. It can also be reached by train from Paris in approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.
With its historic charm, unique atmosphere, and rich programming, the Colmar Christmas Market is one of the most special destinations to visit in Europe during the winter season.
5. Tallinn Christmas Market – Estonia
The Tallinn Christmas Market is a magical winter event held annually in the historic Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats) of Estonia’s capital, Tallinn. In 2025, the market will be open to visitors from November 21 to December 27. During this time, Tallinn’s medieval Old Town—listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site—transforms into a Christmas fairytale with wooden stalls adorned with lights, traditional foods, and cultural activities.
At the heart of the market stands a giant Christmas tree, which has been set up every year since 1441 and is known as the first publicly displayed Christmas tree in Europe. Visitors can enjoy handmade gifts, hot mulled wine (glögi), gingerbread cookies, and traditional Estonian dishes such as blood sausage and sauerkraut. There are also fun attractions for children, including a carousel and Santa’s cottage.
The Tallinn Christmas Market is enriched not only with shopping but also with cultural and artistic events. Weekend live music performances, dance shows, and other activities create unforgettable moments for visitors. Additionally, the ice-skating rink located in Tallinn’s Old Town offers a wonderful winter experience.
With its historic setting, unique atmosphere, and diverse activities, the Tallinn Christmas Market is one of the most special winter destinations in Europe. This event is a perfect opportunity to visit Estonia’s capital during the colder months.
6. Kingdom of Govone Christmas Market – Italy
The Kingdom of Govone Christmas Market is a magical event held in the town of Govone in Italy’s Piedmont region, known as “Il Magico Paese di Natale” (The Magical Christmas Land). Taking place each year from mid-November to the end of December—mainly on weekends—this expansive event spans the towns of Govone, Asti, and San Damiano d’Asti. The Royal Castle of Govone serves as the central venue, transformed into Santa Claus’s house. Visitors can experience the Christmas atmosphere of the 19th century through theatrical performances held in the palace rooms.
During the event, over 100 wooden stalls offer handmade gifts, local delicacies, and traditional products from Piedmont. The Christmas market in Asti, featuring more than 130 stalls, is one of the largest in Italy and is ranked among the best in Europe. In San Damiano d’Asti, visitors can enjoy live nativity scene performances. The Govone Christmas Market is considered one of the most romantic in Europe and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
The nearest airport to Govone is in Turin, from which the town can be reached in about one hour by car.
7. Seiffen Toy Market – Germany
The Seiffen Toy Market is a charming Christmas event held in the town of Seiffen, located in the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) region of Saxony, Germany. Known as the “Spielzeugdorf” (Toy Village), the market is famous for its traditional handmade wooden toys and craftsmanship. Visitors will find wooden stalls set up around the historic Seiffen Church, offering handmade gifts, local delicacies, and traditional Erzgebirge products. In addition, events and workshops held throughout the town provide an unforgettable Christmas experience.
The Christmas market in Seiffen is enriched not only with shopping but also with cultural and artistic activities. Visitors can watch wooden toy-making demonstrations, learn how handcrafted products are created, and even have the opportunity to make their own toys. Concerts, dance performances, and other events held at various locations in the town offer memorable moments for visitors. With its historical charm, unique atmosphere, and rich program of activities, the Seiffen Toy Market is one of the most special destinations to visit in Europe during the winter season.
In 2025, the Seiffen Toy Market will be open from November 28 to December 21, Monday to Friday from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and Sunday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
8. Montreux Christmas Market – Switzerland
The Montreux Christmas Market (Montreux Noël) is held along the shores of Lake Geneva in Switzerland, against the stunning backdrop of the Alps, and is considered one of the most impressive Christmas markets in Europe. In 2025, the market will run from November 20 to December 24, offering visitors an unforgettable experience with around 170 wooden chalets selling handmade gifts, local delicacies, and traditional Swiss products.
The Montreux Christmas Market is enriched not only with shopping but also with cultural and artistic events. Every day at 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM, and 7:00 PM (with an additional show at 4:00 PM on Saturdays), Santa Claus glides through the sky in his sleigh, creating magical moments for visitors. The Elf Village on Caux Mountain and the “Medieval Magic” events at Chillon Castle offer unique experiences for children and families.
Reaching Montreux is very easy; the town can be accessed by train in about one hour from Geneva Airport.
Beyond Europe’s classic and well-known Christmas markets, this list presents wonderful alternatives for those seeking less crowded yet equally enchanting destinations. From the fairytale-like viaduct of Ravenna Gorge to the nostalgic toys of Seiffen, from the medieval charm of Tallinn to Santa flying across the skies of Montreux, each one turns winter into an unforgettable experience.
These markets are not only places for shopping but also crossroads of culture, flavor, history, and light. For those looking for a more intimate, authentic Christmas spirit away from the crowds, these alternative destinations offer a profound sense of Europe’s winter magic and bring a whole new dimension to the New Year celebration.