The spirit of the New Year, eagerly awaited each year, has begun to be felt with the opening of Christmas markets in various parts of the world. From giant Christmas trees to glittering city decorations, traditional gifts to regional flavors, the time to experience a city in its most authentic form has finally arrived. The delightful Christmas markets in Eastern and Central Europe, which start in mid-November and continue until the end of December, allow you to discover cities you’ve never seen in their vibrant states and present familiar cities in a new light. In addition to shopping, the Christmas markets, where traditional entertainment and city culture are also experienced, are important in reflecting the culture and entertainment understanding of the countries.
Turkey’s popular online travel application, Obilet, has compiled Christmas markets for travelers that start in mid-November and continue until January. From Europe’s oldest Christmas markets to cities in Eastern Europe that can be visited without a visa, don’t make your decision without checking out the most enjoyable events. Through the Obilet app, whether the destinations require a visa or not, you can purchase your plane tickets at advantageous prices and join the New Year’s festivities in Europe!
Iconic Christmas Markets in Vienna
Vienna, where some of Europe’s oldest Christmas markets are set up, transforms into a giant market place from mid-November, enveloping the whole city in the Christmas spirit. From Schönbrunn to St. Stephen’s Square, from Karlsplatz to Belvedere, and from Maria-Theresien-Platz to Hirschstetten, the entire city is brightened with markets. Most of these markets open from November 15 and welcome visitors until December 25. In recent years, considering the tourists coming to the city, some markets have extended their dates until January 6. Wintermarkt am Riesenradplatz and Schönbrunn are among them. Rathausplatz and Stephansplatz last until December 26, while the Weihnachtsdorf at Belvedere and Maria-Theresien-Platz are open until December 31. Don’t leave Vienna without dropping by a Mozart and Strauss concert and soaking in the authentic Viennese atmosphere!
Non-stop Fun in Berlin
Germany’s capital, Berlin, embraces a full festival atmosphere with its Christmas markets starting in November. Officially opening from November 27 and lasting until December 31, the Christmas markets are now opening from the beginning of November to serve both tourists and locals longer. Potsdamer Platz, hosting one of the city’s largest markets, opened from November 1. Every year, the market guarantees enjoyable moments with its 12-meter-high giant sledding slope. Enjoy your hot drink, potatoes, and sweet waffles there.
Berlin’s light artist Christopher Bauder illuminates the city with a light show using more than 100,000 lights, offering a different experience among fir trees this year. At Uber Platz, Christmas meals and hot drinks, historic Christmas market shows on Revaler Street, fire shows, light and art installations, ice skating and sledding in Grünau are all waiting for you in Berlin.
The Capital of Christmas: Strasbourg
One of France’s most delightful cities, Strasbourg shines brightly with the Strasbourg Christmas Market held from November 25 to December 24 each year. One of the oldest Christmas markets in both France and Europe, this event offers more than just shopping and a light festival; it allows you to witness the city’s rich cultural past and cuisine. Known as “The Capital of Christmas” and established since 1570, the city’s largest Christmas market, Christkindelsmärik, promises a true Christmas market experience with its gigantic Christmas tree, mulled wine, local Flammekueche, and Alsatian sweets.
Visa-free Christmas Markets
The Star of Eastern Europe: Belgrade
Serbia’s capital, Belgrade, sets up its Christmas Market from November 20 to January 6, offering a warm atmosphere to both city dwellers and visitors. Easily accessible without a visa, and thus seeing a high demand from Turkey in recent years, Belgrade offers a perfect opportunity to explore the charm of Eastern Europe. The most distinctive feature of the Christmas market set up in the Novi Sad area of the city is that it is the country’s oldest. Enjoy local foods and gifts under a giant Christmas tree accompanied by a choir singing Christmas carols. If you decide to visit one of Eastern Europe’s coldest cities, don’t forget to dress warmly.
A Sparkling Podgorica
Montenegro’s capital, Podgorica, becomes a hotspot for many visitors from our country due to its visa-free access, unique nature, and culture. This delightful city takes on a different atmosphere as the New Year approaches. The market, open from December 1 to January 6, keeps you warm with its cozy atmosphere despite the cold weather of December. With advantageous priced plane tickets from Obilet, you can experience Montenegro at its most radiant during the holiday season.
Another Side of Eastern Europe: Skopje
If you haven’t had the chance to see Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, the Christmas markets provide a great opportunity to see the city in its most colorful state. The city’s largest Christmas market, set up every December and open until December 31, offers you the chance to shop for New Year’s gifts while exploring this beautiful city. Leading the list of visa-free Christmas markets, the Skopje Christmas market lets you discover Macedonian traditional crafts and cuisine. Witness the city’s best view on the bridges over the Vardar River, wander through the Archaeology Museum, explore the most bohemian places in the Debar Maalo area, relax in the somewhat quieter Karposh area, and if you want to visit the Turkish Bazaar in the city center, you can see traditional meals served in Turkish and Balkan restaurants, Ottoman-era inns, bathhouses, and caravanserais.
The Longest Christmas Celebration in Tbilisi
Unlike other Eastern European cities where Christmas starts late and is celebrated for a long time, Georgia’s capital Tbilisi begins its festivities at the beginning of December, combining them with other religious holidays in the country and continuing until the end of January. Following the Julian calendar and officially celebrating Christmas on January 7, Tbilisians host one of Eastern Europe’s largest celebrations on December 31. The glittering atmosphere of Tbilisi’s Freedom Square starts with the traditional Christmas tree setup and lighting on December 13 and continues until the end of January with rich tastes of Georgian cuisine, handmade gifts, and warm drinks.
