New Year's holidays are coming soon, so Ukrainians are choosing where to go on holiday. If you prefer to relax with New Year's shopping, Christmas markets are an ideal option. Find out in which countries they are the most affordable, where and when they will be held, and what they offer visitors in the material by Visit Ukraine

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Traditional Christmas markets are held before and during the Christmas holidays. This tradition dates back to the Holy Roman Empire, and the most common are the fairs in German-speaking countries. A Christmas market is traditionally set up in a traditional way: several rows of wooden houses in the city centre selling various delicacies and Christmas decorations and paraphernalia. There is also a cultural programme with the participation of Santa Claus. So there is plenty of entertainment for every taste. However, you will need to spend a lot of money. Read about which Christmas markets in Europe are the most budget-friendly, when they will be held, and what they offer visitors on the Visit Ukraine portal.

Christmas market in Poznan (Poland)

The Poznan Christmas Market (or Poznan Bethlehem, as it is also called) has already started its work on 16 November. It takes place in two locations: on the Freedom Square (open until 6 January) and at the Poznan International Fair (open until 31 December).

The Christmas parade is traditional for Poznan - unfortunately, this year it has been cancelled. However, in all other respects - entertainment, sweets and decorations - the fair will be no different from previous ones.

Particular attention should be paid to the 17th International Ice Sculpture Festival, which will take place on the Old Market from 6 to 8 December. For three days, the world's best ice carvers will be competing in the art of ice carving, and on 8 December, they will hold a masterclass for everyone.

And dance fans can attend a quiet disco that takes place every Thursday on Freedom Square. From 17:00 to 21:00 every fourth day of the week, you can get wireless headphones, each connected to three different channels, where three different DJs play different music - you choose what you want to dance to!

And also for you:

- family environment;

- elves' workshop;

- Christmas performances;

- Christmas wheel of fortune;

- winter fire show ‘Lord of Time’ and much more.

Photo: Łukasz / Pinterest

Christmas market in Prague (Czech Republic)

The Czech Republic, in addition to its unique architecture and traditional cuisine (let's mention the Czech hot wine Svarzak, which has no analogues in the world), offers a variety of Christmas markets for the most demanding visitors:

- The market on the Old Town Square is the largest Christmas market in the Czech Republic, and it is also home to the main Christmas tree. It will be lit very soon - on 30 November. The market will run from 30 November to 6 January.

- The Christmas market on Wenceslas Square will also be open from 30 November to 6 January; unlike in previous years, the fair will only occupy the lower part of the square, as the rest is currently undergoing renovation.

- The fair on Republic Square will offer visitors a real nativity scene! The fair starts on 25 November and will run until 30 December.

- The Christmas market in Prague Castle will run from 23 November to 6 January.

- Christmas Market on Peace Square - from 20 November to 24 December.

- Christmas Market on Tylov Square - from 26 November to 24 December.

- Christmas market on Ande - from 24 November to 24 December.

Photo: Helena / Pinterest

Find more Christmas market locations in Europe on Visit World.

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Christmas market in Riga (Latvia)

Latvia's main Christmas tree and Christmas market are located on Dome Square in the old town. The main products here are warm hats and mittens, sweets and hot mulled wine.

If you are a fan of gastronomy, be sure to visit the old lady's ‘biscuit house’, where she has been selling piparkukas - spicy and fragrant Scandinavian gingerbread - for 15 years.

The Christmas market will run from 29 November to 2 January.

Photo: Samanta Van De Poll / Pinterest

Christmas market in Saranda (Albania)

The Christmas market in Saranda is ideal for those who do not like large crowds. In fact, it is considered the most underrated of all European fairs. Although Saranda doesn't offer the same scale as Prague, Riga or Poznan, it may still surprise you.

From 6 December to 2 January, you can enjoy the cosy atmosphere and ancient Albanian Christmas traditions, meet the locals and admire the uniqueness of this place.

Christmas market in Craiova (Romania)

The Christmas market in Craiova has already started (15 November) and will last until 5 January 2025. The locations are William Shakespeare Square, Mihai Vitiuzul Square, the Old Town and Doliana.

Every year in Krajowa is themed, so today you can admire a hundred adaptations of the story of the Snow Queen (yes, it is this year's favourite). For everyone, there will be home-made goodies, ethnic decorations, a skating rink, carousels, master classes, concerts, and even a Ferris wheel brought from the Netherlands!

More information about the dates and prices of the best Christmas markets in Europe can be found in the Visit Ukraine material.

Just a reminder! Earlier, we named 6 cosy locations in Ukraine where you should definitely go for Christmas with your family.

Photo: Kyle Amador / Pinterest

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