Events, Festivals and Exhibitions
Set between colourful townhouses and baroque monuments, Banská Bystrica’s markets occupy two adjoining squares in the pedestrianised centre. Expect Slovak crafts and food, festive concerts and a welcoming, small‑city vibe
The Brussels Christmas Market is no doubt one of the best in Europe for food and atmosphere. Winter Wonders – as the market is dubbed – runs over two kilometres through the Belgian
Lisbon Portugal is set to dazzle this festive season, with Wonderland Lisboa at the centre of its winter celebrations. From late November to early January, the city transforms into a
The much‑loved Village de Noël de Liège takes over Place Saint‑Lambert and Place du Marché with around 200 chalets from November. The city embraces the theme with its own festive
The lakeside promenade in Bled becomes a postcard‑perfect festive market, with wooden huts, local delicacies and hot drinks served against a backdrop of the island church and cliff‑top castle. Bled’s
Within Óbidos’ castle grounds, Vila Natal creates a family‑focused wonderland of shows, rides and seasonal fun. Expect colourful light installations, Santa’s house and themed play areas, alongside food kiosks and
Andorra la Vella’s Christmas Village, the ‘Poblet de Nadal’, turns the capital into a festive playground with wooden stalls, family shows and glittering installations. Centred on Plaça del Poble and
Merano pairs alpine scenery with belle‑époque elegance, and its Christmas Market makes the most of both. Rows of cosy huts line the Passer river, with warming mulled wine, Südtiroler specialities,
Bressanone’s Christmas Market unfolds beneath the cathedral towers on Piazza Duomo, with wooden huts selling artisan gifts, tree decorations and regional delicacies. Expect choirs, brass bands and a leisurely, family‑friendly
Set on a sunny terrace above the Rhine Valley, Triesenberg’s Bäärger Advent Market or Triesen Christmas Market is a charming way to start the festive season. For one day only
In Hans Christian Andersen’s hometown, Christmas weekends feel storybook. On 29–30 November, 6–7 and 13–14 December 2025, the cobbles around Sortebrødre Torv host parades, carols and stalls run by costumed
Porvoo, one of Finland’s prettiest wooden towns, strings a festive ‘Christmas Path’ through the centre on weekends from 29th November to 21st December 2025. Expect cosy stalls, carousels and mulled
Tampere’s Joulutori fills Central Square with wooden cottages, crafts and daily entertainment from 29th November to 22nd December 2025. Arrive a week earlier for the pre‑market atmosphere, then return for
Kilkenny’s Yulefest brings a welcoming, small‑city vibe to Christmas with a market on The Parade against the backdrop of Kilkenny Castle. Weekend stalls showcase Irish makers, seasonal bakes and warming
Dating back to 1786, the Fira de Santa Llúcia spreads out before Barcelona Cathedral with rows of stalls selling trees, decorations and Catalan traditions like caganers and Tió de Nadal.
If you are thinking of a slightly alternative Christmas market in Europe away from Vienna, Salzburg and Dresden you would do far worse that considering the Vilnius Christmas market. Vilnius
Set against the monumental backdrop of the Palace of Parliament, the Bucharest Christmas market turns one of the city’s largest open spaces into a festive hub of winter excitement. With
Riga’s Old Town hosts one of the Baltics’ most atmospheric Christmas markets, centred on Dome Square beneath the towers of Riga Cathedral. Expect artisan gifts, woollens and wooden toys, along
Few places feel as cinematic at Christmas as Dubrovnik’s Old Town. The Winter Festival strings lights along Stradun, the polished limestone promenade, and scatters wooden kiosks and performance stages through
Calais runs two festive hubs rather than one long linear market. The Village de Noël takes over the covered hall on Place d’Armes with a seasonal ice‑rink (30‑minute sessions), a
