Europe’s dreamiest Christmas markets for a crowd-free festive escape

From cave-lit grottos to lantern-lined old towns, these under-the-radar European Christmas markets capture the season’s magic without the crush of peak-season crowds

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and Europeans manage to create even more wonder with magical Christmas markets that sparkle like a storybook scene.

Across the continent, the scent of cinnamon and pine wafts through cobblestone squares and lantern-lit lanes while revellers wander, taking in the Christmas spirit and admiring the talents of local market vendors.

But not all Christmas cheer gathers in marquee destinations. Away from the tourist rush, there are gems to be found that capture the season’s magic without the Christmas chaos.

Rovinj, Croatia

The seaside town of Rovinj, Croatia gives Christmas wrapped in coastal charm.

Running until mid-January, Rovinj Advent is an invitation to enjoy the seasonal traditions of the Istrian peninsula. Advent huts brim with local delights – think moreish truffle cheeses, prosciutto-like pršut, sugar-coated fritule (fritters) and winter cocktails – while an entertainment program brings Old Town to life with music and family-friendly performances. The ice-skating rink adds another sparkle to the wintry scene.

Rovinj’s batana (traditional wooden flatboats) are the central motif of Advent, festooned with twinkling lights, under the spire of St Euphemia, creating magical moments by the sea.

rovinjadvent.com

Vilnius, Lithuania

Christmas in Vilnius, Lithuania’s cobblestoned capital, comprises two market setups: one located in Cathedral Square and the other outside Town Hall.

The former glows under a towering tree festooned with thousands upon thousands of dazzling lights. At ground level, the two-storey carousel and ice rink bring Yuletide joy to kids and adults alike, while wooden stalls brim with handmade candles, amber jewellery, knitted woollens and spiced treats. At Town Hall, market stalls are shaped like glass igloos, adding to the romance of the city’s cobbled streets and Gothic rooftops.

All aboard the Christmas train, which weaves its way between the two market locations. The route is also easily walkable.

kaledossostineje.lt/en

Valkenburg, Netherlands

In Valkenburg, Christmas ventures underground. The Dutch hill town transforms its ancient marlstone caves into atmospheric grottos glowing with light displays, market stalls and intricate sculptures carved into the stone walls. The distinct aromas of mulled wine and spiced pastries swirl around the musty-scented caves, creating a unique holiday experience.

The winter wonderland continues outside with the twice-weekly Christmas Parade, a spectacle of floats, dancers and twinkling costumes that weaves through Valkenburg’s historic streets.

christmastownvalkenburg.com

Port Hercule, Monaco

For Christmas with a glamorous twist, head to Monaco for a luminous backdrop of luxury yachts and the deep blue Mediterranean in Monaco.

The Christmas Village at Port Hercule is the region’s showpiece, where Monaco turns up the volume on its famed glitz. Sitting against the glistening habour, this quaint winter wonderland is lined with elegant wooden chalets filled with festive trinkets, artisanal foods and hand-crafted gifts. There are children’s rides and ice skating by the water, while the city’s world-class restaurants, luxe boutiques and cultural venues engage in the holiday cheer through a very merry winter program.

https://www.mairie.mc/le-village-de-noel

Český Krumlov, Czech Republic

Wrap your mittened hands around a steaming cup of svařák (mulled wine) and stroll through Svornosti Square, where the medieval town of Český Krumlov hosts its glittering Christmas market.

Traditional wooden stalls gather in the shadow of pastel-coloured townhouses, their rooftops dusted with frost, while local artisans, who still carve, stitch or bake by hand, share their wares with locals and visitors, transforming the space into a gentle swirl of chatter and Christmas cheer.

Small enough to feel intimate, yet full of personality, this charm-filled event, tucked beside the Vltava River, is a hushed version of the jolly frenzy in Prague but just as picturesque.

ckrumlov.info/en/events-18086-christmas-market

Ravenna Gorge, Germany

To visit the markets at the Raveen Gorge is to step into a fairytale. Unlike anywhere else in the world, this spellbinding market is tucked under the 40-metre-high Höllental Railway viaduct in the Black Forest.

Last-minute Christmas gifts abound, with spirited vendors showcasing all manner of other arts, crafts and accessories, including exquisite wood carvings, beautiful textiles, handmade dolls (not the creepy kind) and unique jewellery.

Be sure to sniff out the ‘Nikolausi’. The hot baked-apple liqueur, topped with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkling of cinnamon, is this market’s cult beverage.

hochschwarzwald.de/en/christmas-market-in-the-ravenna-gorge

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Luxembourg City turns its grand squares and clifftop lanes into a radiant patchwork during Winterlights, the capital’s month-long Christmas celebration. With its elegant Belle Époque façades, Place d’Armes is the heart of it all, where wooden chalets serve steaming drinks, handmade ornaments and sweet pastries.

A short stroll to Place de la Constitution, where a shimmering ferris wheel spins above the Petrusse Valley, a cluster of stalls dish up hearty Luxembourgish fare – think grilled sausages, crispy Gromperekichelcher (potato fritters) and spiced desserts. In the Old Town, smaller markets and illuminated pathways bring a softer charm, inviting visitors to drift and bask in the seasonal atmosphere.

https://www.vdl.lu/en/visiting/leisure-and-recreation/festivals-fairs-and-events/winterlights-0