Man and child holding ornaments on a tree at a market (jackf (123RF))
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.
Innsbruck, Austria
Nov. 15, 2024 to Jan. 6, 2025
Stroll across six different markets featuring 200 stalls to find all of your favorite market items, including those unique mugs at the Innsbruck Mountain Christmas. Get in the winter spirit as you feast and shop with the gorgeous mountain background. The conglomerate of markets is home to Austria’s oldest and largest Christmas market at the foot of the Golden Roof.
Enjoy live storytelling and puppet theater, marvel at the 14-meter-tall Christmas tree and pet the animals at the petting zoo. The six different markets have a variety of opening and closing times and dates. Only the Maria-Theresien-Street and Hungerburg markets are open through Jan. 6. To ensure you get to visit every market you want to on these mountains, visit www.tyrol.com/things-to-do/.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Nov. 18, 2024 to Jan. 5, 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.
Woman and child looking at items at a stand (jackf (123RF))
Warsaw, Poland
Nov. 25, 2023 to Jan. 6, 2024
Holiday lights and a local craft fair spill out of the Barbican area next to the old defensive walls, with a Christmas tree that boasts thousands of lights and is known as one of the “most beautiful in Europe.” Beginning at the adjacent bright red Royal Castle, the scenic Royal Route walking trail takes you past festively lit royal gardens, scenic cathedrals and impressive palaces.
You can also shop for woolen sweaters and Polish pottery, or try ice skating, at another colorful market in the Old Town Square. The Soviet-era Palace of Culture and Science also hosts an ice skating rink and small market with a Ferris wheel out front of its 1950s Art Deco tower. Take a ride up to the 30th floor terrace for a panoramic view over wintry Warsaw. Find information at www.warsawtour.pl.
Dolomite Region, Italy
Nov. 15, 2024 to Jan. 6, 2025
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 dolomiti.it/en/christmas-markets for travel information in the Dolomite region.
Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen, Denmark
Nov. 15, 2024 to Jan. 5, 2025
If you read about hygge in our latest Stripes Europe magazine, then you know that Demark prides itself in all things cozy, comfy and relaxation. The Tivoli Gardens’ Christmas Market is the perfect place to experience this. The area is illuminated by the lights on the many Christmas trees and performers provide a symphonic soundtrack for your experience.
Try not to fall on the skating rink, say “hej” to Santa Claus, shop the many vendors and fill up on the many Danish Christmas treats at your disposal. To learn more and buy your tickets go to www.tivoli.dk.
Man and woman looking at decorations hanging at a stall (erix2005 (123RF))
Bruges, Belgium
Nov. 22, 2024 to Jan. 5, 2025
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 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.
Prague, Czechia
Dec. 2, 2024 to Jan. 6, 2025
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.
