Top 10 Alternative Christmas Market Destinations

Alpha Holiday Lettings has announced their annual list of unusual Christmas market destinations to help shoppers and travelers find more adventurous destinations this Christmas.

Traditional Christmas markets such as Berlin, Munich, Vienna and Prague are facing stiff competition from lesser known but perhaps equally as delightful Christmas market venues.

1. Zagreb, Croatia

Zagreb city’s central Jelačić Square and surrounding streets are transformed into an entertainment stage while vibrant market stalls sell local produce and traditional Croatian gifts.

2. Manchester, UK

Little known outside of the UK, this award-winning Christmas market is one of the largest in the country, spreading across 6 areas in the city.

3. St Petersburg, Russia

The picturesque St Petersburg markets offer a Christmas experience with an international flavour. Market stalls showcase traditional Russian entertainment and gifts, as well as a variety of arts and crafts from countries abroad.

4. Chicago, USA

Inspired by the Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, Europe comes to the heart of the Windy City.

5. Melbourne, Australia

December falls squarely in the middle of the balmy Australian summer, making the twilight Christmas markets by Melbourne Harbour ideal for holiday makers looking to escape the winter chill.

6. Tallinn, Estonia

This Baltic capital features a massive, wonderfully decorated Christmas tree in the center square, surrounded by cabins and stalls selling traditional Christmas gifts and delicacies.

7. Singapore

The famous Orchard Road shopping district is transformed into a Christmas extravaganza, with twinkling lights adorning the whole boulevard and surrounding buildings.

8. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai may seem like a rather unusual Christmas shopping destination but their annual Christmas Festival has a lot to offer, including a wide variety of top designer brands at discounted prices.

9. Krakow, Poland

Krakow’s enchanting Rynek Glowny is widely praised as one of the most beautiful squares in Europe and is home to an impressive array of Christmas market stalls throughout December.

10. Dijon, France

Families will flock to the ice skating rink while bargain-hungry shoppers browse colourful stalls selling local produce, ranging from Dijon mustard to foie gras, arts and crafts.