{"id":7432,"date":"2023-10-30T08:21:34","date_gmt":"2023-10-30T00:21:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rearviewmirror.ruqa4eh2-liquidwebsites.com\/?p=7432"},"modified":"2024-01-22T17:41:10","modified_gmt":"2024-01-22T09:41:10","slug":"alternative-christmas-markets-in-europe","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rearviewmirror.tv\/alternative-christmas-markets-in-europe\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Unique Alternative Christmas Markets in Europe in 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

With snow set to fall on many of Europe’s Christmas markets, you might think you’d be better off getting cosy indoors rather than heading out to socialise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But snow just adds to the atmosphere and festive mood. Don’t forget that the cold gives you a perfect excuse to warm up with a classic mulled wine or hot toddy. It’s a win-win.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Christmas<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

No matter the weather, the most popular winter markets will be teaming with visitors. I\u2019ve previously written about the best European Christmas markets<\/a>, which are generally the most popular. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might also look into creating a Christmas market tour by combining a few stops or following this Christmas road trip<\/a> itinerary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alternative Christmas Markets 2023<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the usual Christmas cities and towns, markets in less-visited European cities are also worth attention. They provide a unique experience, fewer crowds and often lower prices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, if you’re starting your planning and are looking to spend Christmas where there is snow in December or just want to visit somewhere different this winter break, consider one of these destinations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Gdansk, Poland<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Gdansk,<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Poland isn\u2019t known for their Christmas markets, but they have grown in recent years. If you\u2019re thinking of visiting one of the Polish Christmas Markets<\/a>, Krakow, Warsaw and Wroclaw each have popular markets, but I recommend Gdansk as an alternative. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As Poland\u2019s major port and the largest city in the north, Gdansk is one of Poland’s most underrated cities. The city has vibrant laneways, many artisan stores, and a beautiful waterfront precinct. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several markets in the Old Town, one at Coal Market, with handicraft and regional delicacies, and the Christmas Art Fair at the Grand Armoury. Gdansk is easy to get to, relatively budget-friendly and fun for a weekend away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more:<\/strong> Weekend Break in Gdansk<\/a>.
Gdansk Christmas Market Dates<\/strong>: 17th November to 23rd December 2023.
Where to Stay:<\/strong> Read my guide to where to stay in Gdansk<\/a> for ideas for all budgets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ljubljana, Slovenia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You don’t get much more beautiful than Ljubljana at Christmas<\/a>. The city is home to Europe’s most sustainable Christmas market, although the events have been scaled down in recent years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year, the city is focused on its light show and trees and decorations in the city centre around Preseren Square. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Head over to Lake Bled or Piran if you have time for some of the best scenery in the country. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more:<\/strong> Lake Bled Day Trip<\/a>.
Ljubljana Christmas Market Dates<\/strong>: Likely dates: 1st December 2023 to 2nd January 2024.
Where to Stay:<\/strong> Stay in one of these boutique hotels in Ljubljana. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Sibiu, Romania<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most cities in Southeastern Europe have relatively low-key Christmas events, but like elsewhere, these destinations are taking advantage of the growing interest in festive markets and creating their own. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Romania, you\u2019ll find the best Christmas markets in Transylvania and of course in the capital Bucharest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sibiu is located in the heart of Romania and is one of the most beautiful cities in the country. The market is in the Grand Square (Piata Mare), a huge UNESCO-listed square in the historic Upper Town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more:<\/strong> The Ultimate Romanian Road Trip<\/a>.
Sibiu Christmas Market Dates:<\/strong> 17th November 2023 to 2nd January 2024.
Where to Stay:<\/strong> Goldsmith<\/a> is fairly priced, has exceptional reviews and is located in a unique 17th-century building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Rostock, Germany<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Snow<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

In far north Germany, just inland from the Baltic Sea, is the former Hanseatic League city Rostock. The market is at Neuer Markt, the main square lined with colourful gabled houses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Christmas Fair has 30 fairground rides and the Gourmet Mile, a Historical Christmas Market and Artisan Market. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t forget to hop on the train to Warnemuende, a pretty seaside fishing town where you might get to see snow on the sandy Baltic beach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more:<\/strong> Rostock Day Trip<\/a>.
Rostock Christmas Market Dates:<\/strong> 27th November to 22nd December 2023.
How to Get There:<\/strong> Rostock is 2 hours by train from Hamburg or 3 hours from Berlin.
Where to Stay:<\/strong> I stayed at the Pentahotel Rostock<\/a>, which is located in the very centre of Rostock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Bologna, Italy<\/h3>\n\n\n
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\"Christmas<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Bologna’s Fiera di Santa Lucia is one of the oldest Christmas markets in Italy and Bologna is one of the best foodie destinations in Europe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don\u2019t know much about Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, here’s a quick summary of the outstanding cuisine which originates from there: <\/p>\n\n\n\n