Unwrapping hidden gems: 15 of the most underrated Christmas markets to escape the crowds this festive season

From Edinburgh to Poland, Europe is abundant with spectacular Christmas markets offering magical feasts for all the senses. Become immersed in carols, colour, glistening lights and the delicious smells and tastes of aromatic foods and drinks.

These festive hotspots make the perfect winter getaway for romantic breaks, a cultural hit for solo travellers, and fun-filled trips for families and friends. But, due to their popularity and wonder, European Christmas markets can attract many tourists and become overcrowded.

So, at Wizz Air, we have unwrapped the most underrated and uncrowded Christmas destinations, where you can escape the overwhelmingly large crowds and have space to explore. Our curated list is full of destinations ready to put on your wishlist this holiday season.

15 of the most underrated Christmas market destinations in Europe

1. Saranda Christmas Market, Saranda, Albania - 6th December 2024 to 2nd January 2025

Our study revealed that the Saranda Christmas Market in Saranda, Albania, is Europe's most underrated festive market. With just 900 online searches, this Yuletide event has less than 1500 times the searches of the most popular Xmas markets in Europe.

Visitors to this hidden gem can look forward to a unique festive experience, blending traditional holiday cheer with Mediterranean charm. Its winter wonderland sits against the backdrop of the Ionian Sea and features 20 wooden huts with artisan jewellery, local produce and cuisine, as well as an ice rink, carousel, a programme of concerts, DJs, and a parade from Santa and his Elves!

While smaller than some of Europe's more well-known markets, Saranda is one of the cheapest Christmas markets in Europe and stands out for its intimate setting, showcasing the region's rich culture and warm hospitality.

With winter temperatures above 10°C, visitors can comfortably enjoy the festive atmosphere without the cold.

You can reach Saranda Christmas market with a flight to Tirana. From here, you can take a bus, taxi, or rent a car to reach Saranda. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours by road.

2. Esslingen Christmas and Medieval Market, Esslingen, Germany - 26th November to 22nd December 2024

The mediaeval town of Esslingen in Germany places second on our list of most underrated European Christmas markets. Visitors to this southern German town will take a step back in time, enjoying the wonders of local traditions with delicious warm stuffed pastries and refreshing beers.

With online searches for this historic market low, you can be sure to get the best spot to marvel at skilled glass blowers and blacksmiths as they craft festive goods. You can even take some of Germany back with you as a host of festive workshops will be taking place throughout.

All this can be enjoyed with the backdrop of stilt walkers, jugglers and fire-eaters performing daily!

Esslingen, Germany, is located in the state of Baden-Württemberg and is easily accessible by a flight to Stuttgart, where you can take a direct train or taxi to reach the town in approximately 20–30 minutes.

 3. Sibiu Christmas Market, Sibiu, Romania - 15th November 2024 to 5th January 2025

In third place is the Sibiu Christmas Market in Sibiu, Romania. Nestled in the heart of the mountainous and historic region of Transylvania, this festive hub is held annually in Sibiu's historic Great Square.

With cobblestone streets and well-preserved mediaeval architecture, this uncrowded Christmas destination could be plucked right off the pages of a fairytale. The picturesque Sibiu offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy several landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage site while savouring Romanian delicacies such as cozonac and kürtőskalács.

Those looking to escape into a whimsical Christmas scene will be glad to know that flights to Sibiu are available directly from most European cities.

4. Craiova Christmas Market, Craiova, Romania - 15th November 2024 to 5th January 2025

Craiova Christmas Market, located in Craiova, southwest Romania, ranks as our fourth most underrated Christmas Market in Europe.

With an electrifying light display featuring over one million LEDS, this event offers a modern twist on the traditional winter wonderland.

Held in the picturesque Mihai Viteazul Square, visitors can explore the illuminated streets, filled with seasonal hand-painted cottages, on foot or take in the view from the panoramic Ferris wheel. With plenty of rides, goods, and food to enjoy, this little-known market offers festive excitement for tourists.

Craiova is a major city in the southwestern part of the country, so it is very well-connected with direct flights to its nearest airport, Craiova International Airport (CRA). After taking a flight to Craiova, you can take a taxi or public transport to reach the city centre in around 10-15 minutes. 

5. Gdańsk Christmas Fair, Gdańsk, Poland - 22nd November to 23rd December 2024

Completing our top five most underrated Christmas markets in Europe is the Gdańsk Christmas Market in Gdańsk, Poland.

Located in the picturesque Targ Węglowy Square, the fair offers visitors a magical atmosphere with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and a towering Christmas tree. With atmospheric light illuminations, tasty treats, wintery crafts and live performances from actors and singers this market is an entertainment hotspot. Each corner of this Christmas getaway is filled with rides, gifts, art and characters to enjoy!

There’s still time to book your trip to Gdańsk with flights available direct from most European cities.

The most popular Christmas market destinations in Europe

1. Winter Wonderland, London, England - 24th November 2024 to 3rd January 2025

Held in the iconic Hyde Park, Winter Wonderland is Europe's most searched Christmas Market, with over 1.5 million searches across Google, Instagram and TikTok between October and December 2023!

Spanning over 2 million sparkling lights, the event features endless attractions, including a funky Xmas market with wooden chalets selling handcrafted gifts, seasonal treats, and mulled wine. Thrill-seekers can enjoy rides such as roller coasters, while families can explore the enchanting ice skating rink surrounded by festive decorations. Live entertainment, including circus shows, musical performances, and a huge Bavarian Village, adds to the magic of the experience. With the magical setup, it’s undeniable that London has the best European Christmas markets.

A firm favourite among influencers, festive pics from this market are sprinkled throughout social media timelines every winter. Winter Wonderland is easily accessible through cheap flights to London, with Gatwick and Luton airports as popular options.

2. Edinburgh Christmas Market, Edinburgh, Scotland - 17th November 2024 – 6th January 2025

Our research revealed that Edinburgh Christmas Market is the second most popular Christmas market in Europe, with over 1.4 million searches between October and December 2023!

Located in East Princes Street Gardens, beneath the iconic Edinburgh Castle, the market offers a stunning backdrop to its bustling stalls and holiday activities. The market also features rides, including a charming carousel and the iconic Big Wheel, as well as an ice-skating rink.

3. Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market, Birmingham, England - 1st November to 24th December 2024

The third most popular on our list is Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market, which holds the title of the largest authentic German Christmas market outside of Germany or Austria.

Held yearly in Birmingham, England, this market had a whopping 1.1 million searches in the Christmas period last year, not surprising given its popular German food offering. With a large range of warm pretzels, bratwursts, roasted almonds, rich hot chocolate and beers, this Christmas escape offers a taste of Deutschland without stepping on a plane.

The market’s festive atmosphere is enhanced by twinkling lights, live entertainment, and a bustling crowd, making it a perfect destination for families and friends looking to soak in the holiday spirit. Plan your trip now with Wizz Air

4. Prague Christmas Market, Prague, Czech Republic - 30th November 30 2024 to 6th January 2025

Coming in as the fourth most popular Christmas market in Europe is Prague’s Old Town Christmas Market.

The biggest in the Czech Republic, this traditional market is also one of the most Christmassy places in Europe that has dozens of wooden stools selling local crafts, sizzling skewered foods and melt-in-the-mouth gingerbreads, all set in the cobbled streets of the gothic old town. With a strong cultural offering, Prague’s Christmas Market offers festivity and sightseeing.

Plan your trip in advance with the best flight offer to Prague. You can even track and get the most beneficial price for flight deals with Wizz Air’s Fare Finder. Don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy the best Christmas time on a budget.

5. Advent Basilica, Budapest, Hungary - 17th November 17 2024 to 1st January 2025

Completing our top five most popular Christmas markets in Europe is Advent Basilica in Budapest, Hungary.

Set in front of the stunning St. Stephen's Basilica, Budapest’s annual Christmas market features nearly eighty skilled craftspeople selling handcrafted leather goods, jewellery, art and textiles. Tourists can also get a taste of the city with gourmet spreads of local delicacies, including indulgent chocolates, honey cakes and savoury street foods.

Perhaps the most notable experience of Advent Basilica is the magical advent after-dawn projection that immerses viewers into a festive scene.

The Christmas market locations where it is most likely to snow

Our research also looked at the locations of Christmas markets where it is most likely to snow for those dreaming of a white Christmas.

Ranking first is Estonian medieval town Tallinn’s Christmas market, where there is a 23% chance of snow during the Yuletide festivities. Do you know that you can find flights from London to Tallinn in December for just £37*? It is likely that your Christmas in Europe can start planning from now on.

Second place goes to the Riga Christmas market in Latvia, where there is a nearly 15% chance of snow. Followed by the Norweigan capital, Oslo, which comes in third with an almost 14% chance of snow.

As one of the best European Christmas markets, Prague is probably also the best Christmas market in Europe with snow, giving you that dreamy and joyful holiday spirit.

András Rado, Head of Communications at Wizz Air, states, “While many of us may be reluctant to part with the sun, sand, and sea, winter city breaks—especially those centred around Christmas markets—are incredibly popular. When thinking of these markets, cities like Prague, Munich, and Vienna often come to mind. However, Wizz Air aims to help travellers discover Europe’s lesser-known winter treasures. From the charming stalls of a quaint market in Romania to the festive ambience of a hidden market in Poland, there are countless unique Christmas experiences where you can truly immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, away from the bustling crowds."