Edinburgh winter festival ()
While many holiday markets dwindle after Christmas, outside traditional Germanic regions they can last longer. Here are some European markets worth visiting after the winter holidays and into the New Year.
Bruges, Belgium
Nov. 24, 2023 to Jan. 7, 2024
Winter Glow in Bruges is more than just a Christmas market. It is a modern winter festival that extends throughout the city. There is a light experience trail to eight light installations, including a laser show at the BMCC convention center, glowing trees at the Old Water House and holograms across Capuchin’s’ Square. An artificial ice rink floats on the Minnewater Lake for all those skating fanatics, while others can enjoy drinks and snacks at the cozy Winter Bar next door.
As for markets, the large Grote Markt Square hosts traditional vendors. Two blocks away, the smaller Simon Stevinplein market focuses on local produce and handmade crafts. All attractions are open for the length of the market, but hours are shortened on holidays. See visitbruges.be/en/winter-glow for detailed planning.
Tallinn, Estonia
Dec. 1, 2023 to Jan. 7, 2024
Wandering the snowy medieval streets of the old walled Vanalinn district of Tallinn is a magical step back in time. Add a quaint Christmas market, and you have the recipe for a memory-making holiday. The market is held in the scenic Town Hall Square where a massive Christmas tree is on display. Plentiful food and drink vendors sell local dishes and a variety of glöggs, or Nordic mulled wine.
The feel of the Tallinn market is locally focused. Handiworks are for sale, and a special house of crafts is set up where visitors can learn creative techniques from local artisans. On the weekend, afternoons and evenings are filled with folk groups performing on the cultural stage. Food and beverages stalls continue sales two hours past merchant stalls closing. Visit christmasmarket.ee/en for more details.
Dolomite Region, Italy
Nov. 24, 2023 to Jan. 6, 2024
Christmas in Italy is traditionally celebrated until Epiphany on January 6, and in the mountains of Tirol that means Christmas markets are often open into the New Year. You will find some of the most magical mountain villages in the snowy Dolomite region. Start in the valley city of Bolzano (Bozen) whose market is situated in the central Piazza Walther. The 80 colorful stalls make up the oldest and largest Christmas market in Italy.
Take a drive high into the mountain villages where picturesque local Christmas markets sparkle below magnificent peaks. In Bressanone (Brixon) the market is shadowed by a beautiful cathedral and the nativity scene display is an 800-year-old tradition. The tiny ski towns of Val Gardena and Ortisei host cute markets perfect for an evening après ski. In Brunico (Bruneck) you can wander a few Christmas markets through the old town lanes below the castle. Visit www.dolomiti.it/en for travel information in the Dolomite region.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Nov. 17, 2023 to Jan. 6, 2024
For something off the charts, book tickets for the wild and crazy New Year’s Eve celebration that is Hogmanay in Edinburgh, Scotland. Or visit the calmer, free, and family-friendly Sprogmanay events on New Year’s Day. After that, the Christmas season continues for another week at the sprawling Christmas markets.
The markets are located below Edinburgh’s famous castle along the Princes Street Gardens and its adjacent roads in the heart of the historic old town. In addition to shopping at the numerous stalls, eating delicious street food and imbibing a warm beverage, there are other fun activities like an ice-skating rink, a Christmas tree maze and rides. Visit www.edinburgh-christmas.com or www.edinburghshogmanay.com for information.
Prague, Czechia
Dec. 3, 2023 to Jan. 6, 2024
Surround yourself with beauty and history in Prague, where many markets dot the city. Three of these Christmas markets stay open after the new year. The largest market is hosted in Old Town Square where numerous stalls are nestled between the oldest working astronomical clock in the world and a turreted 14th-century gothic church. A second large market occupies Wenceslas Square where a statue of St. Wenceslas, who is buried in Prague, watches over a large selection of stalls selling food, drinks and local crafts.
To truly get the historical atmosphere, trek over the river and up the hill to Prague Castle where the Christmas market features 70 selected vendors offering holiday gifts and local Czech food. Be sure to wander out the southern gate for a magnificent view of the city. See www.prague.org/prague-christmas-market for details.
