Uncrowded Christmas Destinations in Europe – Kiwi.com
Nobody ever said no to Christmas vacation in Europe, but let’s be real: nowadays, everyone is heading away around this time of year. Whether it’s for the festive markets in Munich or weekend shopping trips to London to load up on gifts, all of the usual destinations are way too overcrowded once December shows up.
But Europe being the vast continent it is, there are many places you can slip away from the masses and experience that holiday spirit you’re after. Curious about where we’re talking about? Follow along as we take you to our handpicked, less-traveled European Christmas breaks.
Off Beat Travel Destinations for Christmas in Western and Central Europe
Graz, Austria
Nestled in the scenic region of Styria lies Graz, Austria’s second-largest city. Renowned for its breathtaking mountain vistas and stunning Gothic architecture, Graz has been a cultural hub since the 20th century. And when it comes to Christmas, this city truly knows how to celebrate in style!
From November 22nd until Christmas Eve, five unique markets pop up across Graz to begin the holiday countdown. At Hauptplatz Square, a big festive fair is held with wooden huts lining the streets, and huge trees decorated with ornaments and lights take center stage. The oldest market is Franziskanerviertel, where you can sample some of the tastiest mulled wine without having to spend half your evening lining up for it. On Saturdays during the build-up to the 24th, Winter Wonderland at Mariahilferplatz Square has live music that’s sure to put you in the seasonal mood. Don’t forget to stop by Aufsteirern market on Schlossberg Hill before you leave to feast on the tastiest of gourmet treats from Styria.
Ghent, Belgium
Often overshadowed by the more famous cities like Brussels and Bruges, Ghent is a bit of an outlier in Belgium at Christmas. For most of the year, this university city’s graffitied streets, like Werregarenstraat and quaint canals, command all the attention, but in December, it’s a different story.
December 5th marks the official Christmas celebrations in Ghent, with more than 150 timber-made cabins covering the Korenmarkt, Botermarkt, Klein Turkije, and Sint-Baafsplein. If you’re hoping to try the city’s favorite snack, ‘cuberdons,’ with a wintery twist and pick up some adorable handicrafts, this area is a must-visit.
Besides the markets, so much more is happening around Ghent at Christmas. Test your sleigh-flying skills on the merry-go-round near St. Bavo’s Cathedral or hit new heights on the Grand Soleil Ferris wheel. How are your skating skills? Put your gloves on, and get onto the roller rink (tickets €8.50) to show everyone what you’re made of.
Ghent is known particularly for its pop-up bar scene, which shows different portable boozers at different times of the year. In the winter months, the refreshing cocktails get switched up for some chest-burning Irish coffees at mobile lounges like Moosebar, Chez Babette, and Champagne and Oyster Bar.
Hidden Christmas Destinations in Southern Europe
Cabeça, Seia, Portugal
The chances are almost none of you have ever heard of the tiny village of Cabeça in central Portugal that sits in the heart of the Serra da Estrela Mountains. Apart of the municipality of Seia, Cabeça is a little hamlet tucked away at the edge of a summit that has got a lot of eyeballs in recent years for being the first-ever sustainable winter wonderland in Portugal.
As Christmas approaches, the roughly 170 residents of Cabeça come together to give their homes an all-out seasonal upgrade inside and out with an eco-focus. The insane thing is that all of their decorations are sourced locally with natural features like wool; they’re hung all over the settlement to create a warm, festive ambiance for visitors.
While you wander through the charming cobblestone alleyways of the mountain village, you’ll encounter traditional stone homes adorned with wonderful Christmas decorations crafted from the finest materials of the Serra da Estrela Mountains. If you’re fortunate, one of the warm-hearted locals might even invite you in to have a sneak peek of their decorated, humble abodes.
The dates for this fabulous display are December 7th to January 1st, but you’ll want to get there this year to see it in its most authentic form. I say this because, over the next few Christmases, its popularity is expected to explode. And for a place this small, you know that will take away from its charm and authenticity.
Bolzano, Italy
In a country where 74.5% of the population are Catholics, you can bet the Christmas season in Italy will have everyone buzzing with excitement. The major cities like Rome and Milan have their fair share of markets, but that’s as far as most visitors make it. Venture further north near the Austrian border, and you’ll get to experience the festive magic of Bolzano.
Bolzano is the capital of Trentino Alto Adige. It lies at the crossroads between the Mediterranean and Central Europe and is often visited by many wine enthusiasts due to the large concentration of wineries in the region. However, it’s actually the base for the largest Christmas market in Italy, which began in 1991, but most foreign tourists are largely unaware that it even exists.
Starting from November 29th until the 6th of January next year, 80 wooden chalets will take up the area of Piazza Walther and sell all kinds of wonderful trinkets and holiday keepsakes made with crafty South Tyrolean traditions. Are you hoping to pick up some last-minute decorations for your tree at home or want to try on some loden clothes? It’s all on offer for you here, as will be the classic foodie’ delights, including mouthwatering servings of strudel and sweet traditional breads like Zelten.
Where to Go At Christmas in Northern Europe?
Tartu, Estonia
Christmas in the European Capital of Culture of 2024, surely it must be fun! Tartu is a city in Eastern Estonia that knocks it out of the park for the holiday period. On the first advent Sunday, the compact old town turns into a snow-covered fairytale like you’d see in the movies and remains until January 5th. Don’t hold me to the snow part because the first flakes may not fall until later in the month, depending on the conditions at the time, but I’ll cross my fingers for you.
Your winter adventure around Tartu has to start at Town Hall Square to check out the famous chandelier crafted from festive lights; it’s unbelievably photogenic. Nearby, you can pop into the fair on Küüni Tänav, which welcomes nearly 200 vendors selling the usual decorative pieces and souvenirs. But the food here is what makes it stand out: wood-smoke cuts of your favorite succulent meats, sugary confections that your dentist will hate, and oven-baked pies; be prepared to be stuffed by the time you leave.
Similar to a lot of cities, Tartu will open its ice skating rink, but instead of shutting up shop when the holidays are over, it will stay open for business until March. It’s absolutely huge, spanning just under 1,000 square meters, and it will be at the Town Hall Square, just by the Kissing Students Fountain. All visitors are allowed to skate for free, but you’ll need to rent a pair of skates for €5 to enter the rink unless you bring your own (for the pros out there).
Turku, Finland
Rather than following everyone to Lapland, head to Finland’s oldest city, Turku. Of course, you’ll find fantastic Christmas markets here, just like in many other places, including the one at Old Great Square. One cool attraction is the new design market; now, this isn’t your traditional collection of stalls. Upwards of 70 big-name labels across Finland set up shop in Logomo on the 8th of December to trade various products made in-country while well-known DJs take the stage to provide music.
What I like about Turku is that there’s much more going on around the city than just holiday fairs. Seek out Turku’s Path of Light, an enchanting light art exhibition with all kinds of charming illuminations that celebrate the legacy of Turku and those who reside in the city. On December 12th, Ecumenical Christmas will kick off at Turku Cathedral; this is a call for collective peace, which has been held every year since 1998 to honor the country’s custom of proclaiming peace at Christmas.
What Are the Least Crowded Places in Eastern Europe Over Christmas?
Novi Sad, Serbia
Novi Sad is Serbia’s vibrant, artsy hub on the banks of the Danube. When I first visited, I couldn’t believe how full of life and character the place was. Austro-Hungarian architecture blends seamlessly with classic Balkan-style structures. Yet, all this allure becomes even more fascinating when the Christmas season arrives.
From the moment you land at Liberty Square, you’ll feel the holiday cheer with the twinkling lights, the sound of carolers, and the sweet scent of freshly baked cakes tempting you at every turn. At Danube Park, don’t miss the Ice Forest, the city’s ice rink, where you can glide around and see if you have it in you to complete a figure eight like the local kids can.
Music is an essential part of Novi Sad’s Christmas activities, with live performances taking place from December 14th to 26th. Most of them are held at the Synagogue, where a wide array of acts will hit the stage, including the Savaria Baroque Orchestra, the Beltango Quintet, and many more.
Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Deemed as Transylvania’s unspoken capital, the quirky city of Cluj-Napoca in Romania puts most locations in Eastern Europe to shame at Christmas time. The festivities here start much earlier than most places, with the first vendors setting up their stalls as early as November 18th.
The heart of the action in Cluj-Napoca is Unirii Square, where the stunning Roman Catholic Cathedral, St. Michael’s Church, acts as the backdrop for more than a month of celebrations until December 31st. The first thing you’ll notice as you approach the square is the towering Christmas tree adorned with icy white lights and glowing decorations. All you’ll be able to hear in the background will be the sound of laughter and excitement as the Ferris wheel at the fair spins slowly. Be sure to also stop by the main stage to enjoy some live performances by Romanian acts, playing throughout the season and up until the day the big guy touches down.
Traveling with your little ones? You have to take them to Santa’s Grotto, where they can write and send their letters to the jolly man himself so he can decide if they’ve been naughty or nice (prices are unannounced).
What Is the Cheapest Place to Visit During Christmas?
Luckily, most of the destinations listed in this article are more affordable than the typical tourist hotspots. However, the places in Eastern Europe we’ve mentioned, like Novi Sad and Cluj-Napoca, are notoriously cheaper than the options for the other regions.
It’s widely known that Eastern Europe is the most budget-friendly region on the continent, and when compared to the Nordic countries, it’s significantly cheaper. The holiday season does lead to a spike in demand for flights and accommodations, which can drive up prices slightly. But remember, high prices in places like Finland or Portugal are totally different from places like Serbia and Romania, so you’ll need to factor that into your decision.
Plan Your Christmas Vacation to Some of These Uncrowded Christmas Destinations in Europe
Christmas brings out the best in everyone but also sparks that inner tourist in a lot of us, especially when we see adverts for lively holiday fairs in busy cities across Europe. It just makes you want to book some flights somewhere to see it with your own eyes, doesn’t it?
Instead of following where everyone else is going to the typical locations that have become almost too popular, check out one of these lesser-known places that still put on a seasonal celebration without the crowds.
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