Where are the least crowded Christmas markets in Europe: where to go for the holidays

It is impossible to imagine December in Europe without Christmas markets. They create an atmosphere of celebration and belief in miracles. For many, going to a Christmas Eve market on the weekend is an annual family tradition. There, you can enjoy delicious food and drinks, buy holiday souvenirs, and enjoy the beautiful, colorful decorations.

Fairs in large popular cities are usually incredibly crowded and have long lines. Europe also has a lot to offer in the way of quieter, underrated markets without the noisy crowds of tourists. Wizz Air has prepared a list of the least crowded Christmas markets in Europe, perfect for a holiday vacation.

To determine the most popular and most underrated Christmas markets, Wizz Air experts analyzed more than 35 destinations. They used a keyword research tool to assess the popularity of each destination, focusing on searches for "[Destination] Christmas Market" on Instagram, TikTok, and Google, as well as Google searches for "flights to Destination" from October to December 2023.

Andras Rado, Head of Communications, commented on the results: "When people think of Christmas markets, cities like Prague, Munich, and Vienna often come to mind. However, Wizz Air wants to help travelers discover Europe's lesser-known winter gems. There are countless unique places where you can truly immerse yourself in the holiday spirit without suffering from lines or noisy crowds."

Top 10 underrated Christmas markets in Europe

• Saranda, Albania;
• Esslingen, Germany;
• Sibiu, Romania;
• Craiova, Romania;
• Gdansk, Poland;
• Poznan, Poland;
• Gothenburg, Sweden;
• Bratislava, Slovakia;
• Basel, Switzerland;
• Wroclaw, Poland.

A study has found that the Christmas market in Saranda, Albania, is the most underrated in Europe. Although Albania is often referred to as a summer paradise, its winter charm may surprise you. The Saranda Christmas Market, though smaller than many of its well-known counterparts, offers a cozy atmosphere that highlights the region's rich culture and warm hospitality. The fair runs from December 6, 2024, to January 2, 2025.

Next on the list is the medieval city of Esslingen in Germany. Given the low number of searches (only 3470), you can be sure to find the best place to marvel at the skillful glassblowers and blacksmiths who make holiday goods. During the holiday period, which will last from November 26 to December 22, there will be many holiday workshops.

The third place goes to the Christmas market in Sibiu, Romania. The city is located in the heart of the picturesque mountains of Transylvania. The Sibiu Christmas Market, which runs from November 15 to January 5, offers an extended holiday season, giving you plenty of time to experience its charm.

In fourth place is another Romanian Christmas market, this time in the city of Craiova. This market, known for its stunning light displays and festive atmosphere, transforms the city's central square into a winter fairy tale from November 15, 2024, to January 5, 2025.

Gdansk, Poland, took fifth place. Located on the picturesque Targ Węgłowy Square, the fair offers visitors a magical atmosphere with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and a tall Christmas tree from November 22 to December 23, 2024.

Top 10 most popular Christmas markets in Europe

Experts also released a rating of the most popular Christmas markets:

1. London, England;
2. Edinburgh, Scotland;
3. Birmingham, England;
4. Prague, Czech Republic;
5. Budapest, Hungary;
6. Vienna, Austria;
7. Krakow, Poland;
8. Berlin, Germany;
9. Cologne, Germany;
10. Brussels, Belgium.

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