12 Secret Christmas Markets Around the World – Skip the Crowds, Keep the Magic
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The best hidden Christmas markets in the world offer festive travelers a magical escape from the bustling sights, sounds, and smells of the most iconic events. While there’s nothing necessarily wrong with the most famous Christmas markets, they can be overcrowded, overrated, and overpriced. That said, it’s time you visited some lesser-known Christmas markets.
Whether you want to do some last-minute shopping, drink mulled wine in peace, or enjoy a more quaint and romantic experience, the lesser-known markets have whatever you want. Here are 12 of the world’s secret Christmas markets to show you what’s on offer. Expect bright lights, family fun, and delicious festive food.
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Hallstatt Christmas Market, Hallstatt, Austria
In Hallstatt, a breathtaking Alpine town in Austria, you can enjoy one of the world’s best hidden gem Christmas markets. Surrounded by magnificent glacial lakes, snow-capped Alpine mountains, and traditional Austrian architecture, the Christmas market in Hallstatt is only small, but it packs a punch with fascinating local traditions, handmade gifts, and a charming atmosphere.
Situated in Market Square Hallstatt, known locally as Marktplatz Hallstatt, you’ll most likely spend your time at this market trying local cuisine, buying gifts and souvenirs for your family and friends, admiring the town’s beautiful decorations, and listening to live music. Once you’ve explored the market, make sure you spend time taking photographs of this Christmas city’s gorgeous natural beauty and architecture.
Read also: The Best Christmas Markets in Europe
Tallinn Christmas Market, Tallinn, Estonia
Every year, between late November and late December, Tallinn’s stunning medieval Old Town is transformed into a winter wonderland that few people know about. Bright lights and Christmas decorations illuminate centuries-old buildings, shop windows come to life with festive displays, and the cobblestone street at Town Hall Square is covered in rows of wooden market stands.
Meanwhile, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree takes center stage, and snow falls across the city. Wander the stalls and admire the handmade wooden decorations. Listen to the choir singing carols. Watch the folk dancers dance and indulge in festive treats.
Read also: Most Beautiful Cities Across the Globe
Caves of Valkenburg Christmas Market, Valkenburg, Netherlands
Valkenburg, a small town in the Southern Netherlands, is the go-to hidden gem Christmas market for festive travelers searching for a more unique experience. Valkenburg isn’t a hugely popular Christmas destination, but it should be because it hosts a fascinating Christmas market within the Caves of Valkenburg. Yes, you read that right, this Christmas market is underground.
While the town’s streets are lined with decorations and vibrant market stalls, the Caves of Valkenburg steal the show. Within the labyrinth of narrow corridors, you’ll find a winter wonderland jam-packed with bright lights, miniature villages, stalls, and more. You can meet Santa in his grotto, listen to stories, and buy unique gifts for your family and friends.
Read also: Best Christmas Markets in Europe
Český Krumlov Christmas Market, Český Krumlov Czech Republic
The small and enchanting fairytale town of Český Krumlov in the Czech Republic is home to one of the world’s most magical hidden gem Christmas markets. An excellent day trip from Prague and Vienna, this medieval destination holds a Christmas market that features arts and crafts stalls, food stalls, bars, and festive events.
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Meanwhile, the town’s UNESCO-listed medieval architecture and snowy cobblestone streets add to the allure of the market. You’ll likely spend most of your time perusing the stalls, sipping mulled wine, listening to carol singers, and admiring the beauty of Svornosti Square. You have to try the homemade gingerbread cookies during your visit.
Read also: Cities Across the Globe With Spectacular Winter Landscapes
Hay-on-Wye Christmas Fayre, Wales, United Kingdom
The Hay-on-Wye Christmas Fayre is one of the off-the-beaten-path Christmas markets in the United Kingdom for several reasons. First, this market is less popular than other Christmas markets in the UK, so you can expect smaller crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere. Second, this market is more authentic.
You won’t find tacky, overpriced gifts in Hay-on-Wye. Instead, you’ll find handcrafted gifts made by local artisans. This small town is gorgeous year-round, but it looks especially beautiful in winter when the quaint bookstores, cafes, and old buildings are covered in festive decorations. Once you’ve perused the market, buy a bratwurst and a mulled wine.
Read also: Best Christmas Markets in the World
Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market, Breitnau, Germany
The Ravenna Gorge Christmas Market takes place under a 131-foot (40-meter) tall arched stone viaduct in a lush snow-covered forest in Breitnau, Germany, making it one of Europe’s most unique Christmas markets. This gorgeous winter wonderland is a fantastic place to escape the hustle and bustle of Germany’s busier Christmas markets.
The market has 40 traditional wooden stalls selling handcrafted decorations, souvenirs, gifts, food, and beverages. The combination of traditional Bavarian decorations, warm, bright lights, and beautiful natural scenery help create a magical atmosphere you don’t want to miss.
We recommend exploring the market with a cup of mulled wine to keep you warm. Oh, and don’t forget to buy a bratwurst for lunch or dinner.
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Read also: Winter Sun Destinations in the World
Rothenburger Reiterlesmarkt, Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany
Another of Germany’s best hidden Christmas markets is in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, a fairytale destination famed for its medieval architecture and rich culture. This charming town transforms into a festive wonderland in winter with an exciting Christmas market called the Rothenburger Reiterlesmarkt, open daily from late November until December 23rd.
The town’s stunning architecture and laid-back atmosphere make it the perfect setting for a the festive period. The traditional market stalls are an excellent place to grab something yummy to eat and pick up a last-minute present for a loved one. Besides the many stalls and colorful decorations, the market also features a brass band, the annual Advent window, and a Santa meet-and-greet.
Read also: Must-Visit Cities Around the World
Santurantikuy Christmas Market, Cusco, Peru
If you find yourself in Cusco, Peru, on Christmas Eve, you could attend the Santurantikuy Christmas Market, one of the world’s most unique, hidden gem Christmas markets. This annual event has occurred in the ancient city of Cusco in the Peruvian Andes on December 24th since the 16th century. Santurantikuy translates to saints for sale.
Every year, it completely overtakes the city’s historic Plaza de Armas, with hundreds of artisans from across Southern Peru taking over the sidewalks and steps with their handcrafted gifts and souvenirs. Meanwhile, renditions of traditional Peruvian songs ring out, and local restaurants and cafes serve delicious Peruvian treats. Most traders at the market sell handcrafted figurines and artwork.
Read also: Most Beautiful Cities in the World
The Stellenbosch Kersmark, Stellenbosch, South Africa
The Stellenbosch Kersmark is one of the world’s underrated Christmas markets for festive travelers who seek something slightly different. You won’t find Bavarian-style wooden stalls at this unique Christmas market, bright lights, towering Christmas trees, and snow. Instead, you’ll find simple stalls selling festive gifts, sunny skies, and a relaxed atmosphere.
The Stellenbosch Kersmark occurs over ten days between November 27th and December 7th in Uniepark. It features over 200 stalls run by independent artisans and craftsmen, many of which serve delicious homemade foods. Admittedly, there isn’t much else to do at the market, but it’s an excellent place to eat, drink, and pick up presents for your family and friends.
Read also: European Christmas Destinations
Wroclaw Christmas Market, Wroclaw, Poland
Wroclaw Christmas Market might be one of the world’s lesser-known Christmas markets, but that doesn’t stop it from being one of the biggest in Europe. It stretches across both sides of the Market Square and is open daily from late November to early January. There are so many stalls to explore that the market usually spills onto Oławska and Świdnicka.
Better yet, a smaller market also takes place steps away in Plac Solny. You’ll admire the vibrant architecture, explore unique market stalls, drink mulled wine, and eat delicious food. That’s not all, as the market also hosts a Christmas parade with Santa Claus, live performances, and a carol-singing parade.
Read also: World Bucket List of Experiences
Strasbourg Christmas Market, Strasbourg, France
Most people planning a trip to France for the Christmas markets choose Paris when, in reality, it’s Strasbourg you want to visit. Strasbourg isn’t everyone’s first choice, but it’s home to the oldest Christmas market in France, making it one of the world’s best hidden gem Christmas market destinations.
Straight out of your favorite Disney fairytale, Strasbourg is a stunning city with impressive medieval architecture. This medieval setting is perfect for the festive season. Strasbourg Christmas Market dates back to the 1570s, so it’s fair to say the city knows how it’s done. You can expect over 300 wooden stalls selling Christmas gifts, decorations, food, light shows, nativity scenes, and festive events.
Read more: Best Things To Do in Paris
Christmas Village, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
At the Christmas Village in Baltimore, Maryland, you can avoid the long queues and big crowds associated with America’s most famous Christmas markets and enjoy a more relaxed and festive experience at one of the world’s undiscovered Christmas markets. Baltimore’s Christmas Village is one of the East Coast’s largest Christmas markets, but it’s much quieter than the New York markets.
This market started as a way for the city to celebrate its German heritage. It is inspired by Nuremberg’s historic 16th-century Christkindlesmarkt. Therefore, you can expect German Glühwein (mulled wine), a traditional Glühwein pyramid, and people dressed in Lederhosen.
The market is located at West Shore Park’s Inner Harbor and is one of the best Christmas markets in the US. Follow the bright lights and Christmas trees, and you’ll soon find it.
Read also: US Destinations for Christmas Holiday
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