Europe is home to plenty of popular Christmas market locations including Vienna, Strasbourg and Cologne. Not only do the markets bring festive joy but also plenty to see and do.
However, low-cost airline Wizz Air has shared the most overrated and underrated Christmas markets to go and visit in Europe.
The airline has created a list of locations that are a hidden gem with fewer crowds.
Wizz Air analysed over 35 popular European markets from various sources to identify the most and least crowded Christmas markets.
They used a Keyword Tool to assess each destination’s popularity, focusing on searches for ‘[Destination] Christmas Market’ on Instagram, TikTok, and Google, along with Google searches for ‘flights to [Destination]. from October to December 2023.
András Rado, head of communications, government and public affairs at Wizz Air said: “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.”
The top 10 most overrated Christmas markets in Europe and the number of searches across TikTok, Instagram and Google:
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London, England – 1,552,300
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Edinburgh, Scotland – 1,436,600
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Birmingham, England – 1,165,900
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Prague, Czech Republic – 409,000
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Budapest – Hungary – 336,000
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Vienna – Austria – 325,600
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Krakow – Poland – 286,500
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Berlin – Germany 271,300
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Cologne, Germany – 204,700
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Brussels, Belgium – 200,500
Meanwhile, at the other end of the scale Saranda in Albania was rated the most underrated Christmas market in Europe.
Saranda Christmas Market is open from December 2024 to January 2 2025. With just 900 online searches, this Yuletide event has less than 1,500 times the searches of the most popular market in London.
While Albania is often celebrated as a summer paradise, its winter charm may surprise travellers. Saranda’s Christmas Market, though smaller than many of its more famous counterparts, offers a cosy atmosphere.
Next on the list, is the mediaeval town of Esslingen, Germany which is open to the public from November 26 to December 22 2024.
With online searches for this historic market low with just 3,470, travellers can get the best spot to marvel at skilled glass blowers and blacksmiths as they craft festive goods.
Rounding up the top three is Sibiu Christmas Market in Romania. The festivities take place from November 15 2024 to January 5 2025.
Set in the heart of Transylvania’s picturesque mountains, this festive celebration takes over the historic Great Square each year.
The top 10 underrated Christmas markets in Europe and the number of searches across TikTok, Instagram and Google:
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Saranda, Albania – 900
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Esslingen, Germany – 3,470
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Sibiu, Romania – 4,620
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Craiova, Romania – 6,000
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Gdańsk, Poland 20,840
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Poznan, Poland – 22,440
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Gothenburg, Sweden – 27,840
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Bratislava, Slovakia – 36,900
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Basel, Switzerland – 43,400
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Wroclaw, Poland – 53,300